The Imaging Source DFK 21BU04 Review: Specs & Lifecycle
Updated: 7 days ago
DFK 21BU04 is a legacy color camera from The Imaging Source, listed by Rochester Imaging Technology in the supplied catalog. Its documented image is 640 × 480 through USB 2.0. Current manufacturer lifecycle information identifies discontinuation. Price: Request a quote.
The camera should be selected as part of an imaging system rather than evaluated from one headline specification. The useful result is an image that reveals the required feature at the right time, followed by a reliable inspection or measurement decision. This review considers the documented acquisition package, optical implications and practical purchasing scope for DFK 21BU04.
Quick Verdict
DFK 21BU04 is most relevant when documenting or maintaining an existing acquisition system and planning a validated replacement. Its VGA color image and older USB interface should be assessed against the required feature detail and current software environment. For a new machine, compare a current supported alternative before choosing legacy stock.
DFK 21BU04 Technical Specifications
Specification | Value or configuration |
Product | The Imaging Source DFK 21BU04 |
Image format | 640 × 480 |
Acquisition | Global Electronic Ccd Acquisition |
Interface | USB 2.0 |
Capture rate | Up to 60 fps in cited legacy specification |
Sensor | Sony ICX098BQ CCD |
Optical format | 1/4-inch |
Image information | Color |
Optics | Documented C/CS lens compatibility with adapter arrangement |
Lifecycle | Discontinued; supplier availability and support to be confirmed |
Listed successor | DFK 37BUX287 |
Price | Request a quote |
Design and Optical Requirements
Select optics for the 1/4-inch sensor and intended object field. Verify the C/CS adapter and final working distance before reusing an existing lens. The VGA grid limits how widely the scene can be viewed while retaining enough samples for a small feature. Include normal target height and placement variation in the optical trial.
Acquisition Speed and Integration
The legacy sheet lists up to 60 fps through USB 2.0. USB 2.0 is a different acquisition arrangement from USB3 Vision; do not infer interchangeability from a newer USB connector. Validate the actual receiving hardware, supported output and full acquisition-to-decision timing.
Programming and Image Processing
The legacy supplier material identifies acquisition software and integration support for its original platforms. Verify which current driver and application environment can operate the installed camera. Preserve the exact exposure, output, trigger and inspection settings with the machine. When migrating, validate command behavior, pixel interpretation and error handling rather than assuming that a previous software recipe transfers unchanged.
Image Data and Host Capacity
As an engineering estimate, a 640 × 480 frame represented as one uncompressed 8-bit value per pixel contains about 0.31 MB of pixel data, using decimal megabytes. This excludes transport overhead and metadata. It is a sizing example, not a measured camera transfer rate; other output representations change the data volume. Multiply the selected frame size by the planned acquisition rate when budgeting host memory, processing and storage, then validate the complete pipeline under realistic load.
DFK 21BU04 Applications and Use Cases
Existing color inspection or instrument imaging can merit a documented maintenance and migration trial. Use the original normal, faulty and borderline samples where available. Confirm that exposure, field and software interpretation reproduce the required decision. A replacement image that looks similar to an operator can still change the inspection threshold or timing.
Building a Useful Acceptance Trial
Prepare representative parts or scenes that include the smallest required feature, normal production variation and realistic faults. Confirm the field of view and exposure before tuning the inspection. Record wrong accepts, wrong rejects, missing frames and the complete trigger-to-decision timing. A trial should also show what happens when the expected image is absent or unusable. This connects camera selection to the station's actual acceptance requirement rather than relying on a sharp reference picture.
DFK 21BU04 Price and Value
Price: Request a quote. Ask for the complete DFK 21BU04 ordering code and an itemized scope covering the camera, suitable optics, receiving hardware, cables, power and commissioning. Compare quotations for the same image format, acquisition mode and integration scope. The cost of a camera component is different from the cost of a working inspection station. Evaluate any financial return with the plant's actual labor, defect, rework and maintenance data; no universal payback period follows from these specifications.
Comparison and Selection
Compare DFK 21BU04 with its listed successor DFK 37BUX287 on the actual optical field, shutter, synchronization and supported software. A newer camera is not automatically a drop-in replacement. Retain the original acceptance samples and validate the migration before changing the production recipe.
Ordering, Environment and Lifecycle
The current manufacturer discontinued-products list identifies this model and its listed successor. The supplier recommends DFK 37BUX287 as a replacement in the applicable lifecycle information. Confirm the current successor, stock, repair terms and supported software directly before purchase. A downloadable legacy factsheet is not evidence that the old model remains in production.
Pros and Cons
Pros
A documented legacy image format supports existing-system analysis.
Manufacturer lifecycle information identifies a replacement path.
A controlled migration trial can preserve the required inspection behavior.
Cons
The model is discontinued.
Replacement optics, timing and software require validation.
The old acquisition arrangement should not be assumed compatible with a current camera.
Who Should Buy DFK 21BU04?
Evaluate DFK 21BU04 when maintaining a legacy installation and a documented supply and support arrangement meets the requirement. For a new system or planned migration, compare the current recommended successor and other supported options using the actual acceptance samples.
DFK 21BU04 FAQ
What legacy image is documented?
640 × 480 color pixels in the cited model sheet.
Which sensor architecture is described?
Sony ICX098BQ CCD; the sheet identifies global-shutter CCD acquisition.
What interface is required?
USB 2.0. Confirm the supported receiver and software for the installed revision.
What frame rate is listed?
Up to 60 fps in the legacy specification; verify the actual output mode and complete workload.
Is this a current-production recommendation?
The manufacturer identifies the model as discontinued. Confirm stock and support before considering it.
What replacement is listed?
DFK 37BUX287 in the applicable manufacturer lifecycle information; verify current migration suitability.
What is the price?
Price: Request a quote, including the supply or replacement and migration scope.
What should a migration trial verify?
Verify optics, shutter and trigger behavior, pixel interpretation, error handling and the actual inspection result.
Price: Request a quote. Final configuration, pricing, availability and support terms depend on the supplier's current quotation.
