09U2
See more detail in less light—and fit the camera where others cannot. The Watec WAT-09U2 brings Full HD monochrome imaging to a body measuring only 20.5 × 20.5 × 19.5 mm, making it an exceptional choice for surveillance, machine vision, medical imaging, and embedded systems where both sensitivity and installation space are critical.
Its 1/2.8-inch CMOS sensor provides 1945 × 1097 effective pixels and selectable output up to 1920 × 1080 at 30 fps, with frame rates up to 60 fps at supported lower-resolution settings. Minimum illumination is 0.004 lx at F2.0 with AGC at 36 dB and the shutter off, extending to 0.001 lx with a 1/7.5-second shutter. A 3.6 mm miniature lens, adjustable focus, high-speed USB 2.0, and USB bus power create a compact, integration-ready solution for demanding low-light imaging.
The Watec WAT-09U2 is an ultra-compact Full HD monochrome USB 2.0 camera designed for installations where camera size, sensitivity, and system depth are important. Its 1/2.8-inch CMOS sensor provides 1945 × 1097 effective pixels, progressive scanning, and selectable output up to 1920 × 1080 at 30 fps.
The compact 20.5 × 20.5 mm camera body, specially designed USB connector, adjustable miniature lens, and USB bus power support surveillance and embedded-camera applications.
High-Sensitivity Monochrome Imaging
The monochrome imaging system provides horizontal resolution exceeding 800 TV lines at the center of the image. Minimum illumination is 0.004 lx at F2.0 with AGC at 36 dB and the shutter off.
Minimum illumination extends to 0.001 lx at F2.0 with AGC at 36 dB and a 1/7.5-second shutter. Automatic gain control provides adjustment from 0 to 36 dB, while manual gain control extends from 0 to 72 dB in 1 dB steps.
Full HD and High-Frame-Rate Output
Available output resolutions include 1920 × 1080, 1280 × 720, 640 × 480, and 320 × 240. Full HD output is available at 30 fps, and the camera provides a maximum frame rate of 60 fps at supported lower-resolution settings.
MJPG and YUY2 video compression formats are supported through USB Video Class operation.
USB Video and Bus Power
The WAT-09U2 connects through a high-speed USB 2.0 interface and receives 5 VDC power through the USB connection. Power consumption is approximately 0.75 W at 150 mA.
Imaging and Exposure Controls
Available imaging controls include adjustable gamma, backlight compensation, sharpness adjustment, automatic and fixed exposure, automatic and manual gain, and resolution-dependent digital zoom.
Digital zoom settings are 1×, 1.38×, and 2.25× at 640 × 480, and 1×, 1.2×, and 1.5× at 1280 × 720.
Compact Lens Integration
The M12 lens mount includes a lens-fixing ring that helps prevent focus misalignment. The standard WAT-09U2 (G3.6) configuration uses the M3620BC-12 miniature lens with a 3.6 mm focal length and F2.0 aperture. Additional compatible miniature lenses provide alternative optical configurations.
Ultra-Compact Construction
The camera body measures 20.5 mm wide, 20.5 mm high, and 19.5 mm deep, excluding the lens and external projections. Camera weight is approximately 18 grams. A 1.0-meter USB cable and M12 lens-fixing ring are included.
Downloads
Specifications
| Specification | WAT-09U2 |
|---|---|
| Camera Type | Ultra-compact Full HD monochrome USB 2.0 camera |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.8-inch CMOS |
| Effective Pixels | 1945 (H) × 1097 (V) |
| Unit Cell Size | 2.9 µm (H) × 2.9 µm (V) |
| Imaging | Monochrome |
| Synchronization | Internal |
| Scanning System | Progressive |
| Output Resolutions | 1920 × 1080, 1280 × 720, 640 × 480, and 320 × 240 |
| Full HD Frame Rate | 30 fps |
| Maximum Frame Rate | 60 fps |
| Video Compression | MJPG and YUY2 |
| Video Output | USB Video Class |
| Horizontal Resolution | More than 800 TV lines at image center |
| Minimum Illumination | 0.004 lx at F2.0, AGC 36 dB, shutter off |
| Extended Low-Light Performance | 0.001 lx at F2.0, AGC 36 dB, 1/7.5-second shutter |
| Camera Settings | Camera Viewer |
| Fixed Shutter Speeds | 1/15, 1/7.5, 1/4, 1/30, 1/60, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000, and 1/8000 second |
| Electronic Iris | 1/30 to 1/8000 second; extended range of 1/7.5 to 1/8000 second |
| Automatic Gain Control | 0 to 36 dB |
| Manual Gain Control | 0 to 72 dB in 1 dB steps |
| Gamma | User adjustable |
| Backlight Compensation | BLC |
| Sharpness | Level adjustable |
| Digital Zoom at 640 × 480 | 1×, 1.38×, and 2.25× |
| Digital Zoom at 1280 × 720 | 1×, 1.2×, and 1.5× |
| Interface | High-speed USB |
| Power Supply | USB 5 VDC |
| Power Consumption | Approximately 0.75 W / 150 mA |
| Lens Mount | M12, P=0.5 |
| Standard Lens | M3620BC-12, 3.6 mm, F2.0 |
| Optional Lenses | M2520BC-12, M2920BC-12, M0620BC-12, and M1625BC-12 |
| Cable Length | 1.0 m; maximum 3.0 m |
| Dimensions | 20.5 (W) × 20.5 (H) × 19.5 (D) mm, excluding lens and external projections |
| Weight | Approximately 18 g |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to +50°C |
| Storage Temperature | -30°C to +70°C |
| Operating and Storage Humidity | 95% RH or less, without condensation |
| Included Accessories | 1.0 m USB 2.0 Standard-A cable and M12 lens-fixing ring |
| Optional Accessories | B005 camera bracket and MS50 stand |
| Recommended Processor | Intel Core i-series |
| Recommended Memory | 2 GB or more |
| Additional System Requirements | USB 2.0 port and display resolution of 1920 × 1080 or higher |
| Operation-Confirmed Systems | Windows 10, 32-bit and 64-bit; Windows 11; Android 4.0 or newer |
| CE and FCC Certification | No |
FAQ
What is the WAT-09U2?
The WAT-09U2 is an ultra-compact Full HD monochrome USB 2.0 camera with a 1/2.8-inch CMOS sensor, an M12 lens mount, and selectable output up to 1920 × 1080.
What is the maximum output resolution?
The maximum output resolution is 1920 × 1080. The camera also supports 1280 × 720, 640 × 480, and 320 × 240.
What frame rates does the WAT-09U2 provide?
The WAT-09U2 provides Full HD output at 30 fps and a maximum frame rate of 60 fps at supported lower-resolution settings.
How sensitive is the WAT-09U2 in low light?
Minimum illumination is 0.004 lx at F2.0 with AGC at 36 dB and the shutter off. It extends to 0.001 lx at F2.0 with AGC at 36 dB and a 1/7.5-second shutter.
Does the WAT-09U2 produce color video?
No. The WAT-09U2 is a monochrome camera and produces black-and-white video.
What lens is supplied with the camera?
The WAT-09U2 (G3.6) includes the M3620BC-12 miniature lens with a 3.6 mm focal length and F2.0 aperture.
Can other lenses be used?
Yes. The M12 lens mount supports compatible miniature lenses, including the M2520BC-12, M2920BC-12, M0620BC-12, and M1625BC-12.
How is the WAT-09U2 powered?
The camera receives 5 VDC power through its USB connection and consumes approximately 0.75 W at 150 mA.
What are the camera’s dimensions and weight?
The camera body measures 20.5 × 20.5 × 19.5 mm, excluding the lens and external projections, and weighs approximately 18 grams.
Which operating systems have confirmed operation?
Operation has been confirmed with 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Android 4.0 or newer.

