The Imaging Source Europe
The Imaging Source Europe GmbH is a Bremen-based German manufacturer, founded in 1988, that designs and sells more than 100 industrial, board-level, and embedded machine vision cameras using Sony and onsemi sensors for OEMs and system integrators across 12 verticals including factory automation, logistics, medical imaging, and automotive.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1988
- HeadquartersBremen, Germany
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What The Imaging Source Europe does
The Imaging Source Europe GmbH is a German manufacturer of industrial, board-level, and embedded machine vision cameras, headquartered in Bremen and founded in 1988 by Rolf Bollhorst. The company offers more than 100 camera SKUs spanning USB 3.1, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and GigE Vision interfaces, built on Sony (Pregius, STARVIS, STARVIS 2, Polarsens) and onsemi CMOS sensors, alongside specialty variants for zoom/autofocus, polarization, microscopy, and harsh-environment IP67 use cases. Its technology stack includes proprietary IC Imaging Control (Windows) and tiscamera (Linux) SDKs, IC Barcode detection, GStreamer plugins, and certified reference designs for NVIDIA Jetson Orin, NXP i.MX 8, and Raspberry Pi 5 platforms, complemented by lenses, cables, video converters, and accessory ecosystem products.
The company monetizes primarily through hardware unit sales of cameras, lenses, and accessories, supplemented by bundled MVTec HALCON and MERLIC software licenses (as a certified Value Added Reseller), one-time software SDK licensing, and professional services for machine vision system design and HALCON training. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales with a global reseller/channel partner network and wholly-owned subsidiaries in the United States and Chinese Taipei, supported by quote-based pricing rather than public list pricing. Customers span 12 verticals including factory automation (primary), traffic and rail, microscopy, food and beverage, medical and life sciences, sports and entertainment, electronics, security and surveillance, warehouse and logistics, automotive, retail and banking, and agriculture. The company is TÜV SÜD ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certified and is currently led by Managing Director Günter Arztmiller following the February 2026 passing of founder Rolf Bollhorst.
The Imaging Source Europe firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Imaging Source Europe
- Legal name
- The Imaging Source Europe GmbH
- Website
- https://theimagingsource.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1988
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- The Imaging Source Europe GmbH is a Bremen-based German manufacturer, founded in 1988, that designs and sells more than 100 industrial, board-level, and embedded machine vision cameras using Sony and onsemi sensors for OEMs and system integrators across 12 verticals including factory automation, logistics, medical imaging, and automotive.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Imaging Source Europe industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Machine Vision Cameras
- NAICS
- Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (33431)
- SIC
- Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Photographic Equipment & Supplies (3861), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Machine Vision & Optical Sensing (Cameras, 3D vision, LiDAR, illumination) (IMAGAFAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Machine Vision & Industrial Imaging Systems (IMAHAHAE), Industrial Vision & Quality Inspection (HDAAAEAG)
Keywords
Where The Imaging Source Europe is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bremen
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
The Imaging Source Europe business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Industrial Cameras: Sale of industrial cameras including USB 3.1, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and GigE Vision cameras across multiple series (38U, 37U, 33U, 27U, 23U, Visus, 38G, 33G, 23G)
- Board-Level Cameras: Cost-optimized board-level cameras for high-volume embedded vision projects
- Embedded Vision Components: MIPI CSI-2, GMSL2, FPD-Link III cameras and platforms for AI and embedded applications
- Zoom and Autofocus Cameras: Specialized cameras with variable working distance capabilities including Z Series, Aptiris, and AFU Series
- Accessories: Cables (USB, GigE, MIPI CSI-2, GMSL2, FPD-Link III), optics, interface cards, and power supplies
- Software Licenses: SDKs (IC Imaging Control, tiscamera), IC Barcode library, and integration with MVTec HALCON and MERLIC machine vision software
- Professional Services: Consulting services for design and realization of machine vision systems, HALCON training
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Industrial cameras available across multiple series with varying sensor types, resolutions, and interface specifications |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
The Imaging Source Europe product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Imaging Source Europe manufactures industrial, board-level, and embedded vision cameras for machine vision applications across factory automation, quality inspection, microscopy, and AI/embedded systems. The portfolio spans over 100 camera models with USB, GigE, MIPI CSI-2, GMSL2, and FPD-Link III interfaces using Sony and onsemi sensors, complemented by proprietary SDKs (IC Imaging Control, tiscamera), IC Barcode library, optics, lenses, embedded carrier boards, and Value-Added Reseller distribution of MVTec HALCON and MERLIC machine vision software.
Product overview
The Imaging Source Europe is a manufacturer of industrial cameras and machine vision components founded in 1988. The product portfolio includes over 100 industrial cameras across USB 3.1 (38U, 37U), USB 3.0 (33U, 27U, 23U), USB 2.0 (32U, 2U), and GigE interfaces (Visus, Visus IP67, 38G, 33G, 23G). Board-level cameras (37U, 27U, 32U, 2U, 47G) serve cost-sensitive high-volume applications. Specialty cameras include Zoom/Autofocus (Z Series, Aptiris, AFU), Polarsens polarization cameras (33U, 33G), and Microscope cameras (38U, 33U, MKU). Video signal converters (DFG/USB2pro, DFG/USBtoHDMI, DFG/HDMI) enable legacy source integration. The software ecosystem includes IC Imaging Control SDK (Windows), tiscamera SDK (Linux), IC Barcode library, IC Capture end-user software, and GStreamer plugins. As a MVTec Value Added Reseller, they also offer HALCON and MERLIC machine vision software. Precision optics include C-Mount lenses (C-Pro, C-Ultra, Macro Series) and M12 S-Mount lenses (S-Pro, S-Ultra Series). Embedded vision products support MIPI CSI-2 (36S, 36A Series), GMSL2 (Acuva IP67), and FPD-Link III (36C Series) interfaces, integrated with NVIDIA Jetson Orin, NXP i.MX 8, and Raspberry Pi 5 platforms. Accessories include cables (USB, GigE, MIPI CSI-2, GMSL2, FPD-Link III), lens accessories, and interface cards.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- 38U Series Industrial Cameras USB 3.1 industrial cameras with advanced features and Sony Pregius/STARVIS sensors, offering high resolution and exceptional image quality for demanding factory automation and inspection applications.
- 37U Series Industrial Cameras Compact and cost-optimized USB 3.1 industrial cameras incorporating the latest Sony image sensors for machine vision applications.
- 42 MP Industrial Camera 42 megapixel industrial camera designed for quality inspection with exceptional image and color quality and automatic color correction.
- 33U Series Industrial Cameras Compact, fully featured USB 3.0 industrial cameras designed for machine vision applications across factory automation.
- 27U Series Industrial Cameras Single-board USB 3.0 industrial cameras using onsemi image sensors for compact machine vision systems.
- 23U Series Industrial Cameras Cost-optimized USB 3.0 industrial cameras for price-sensitive machine vision applications.
- 32U Series Industrial Cameras Robust, next-generation industrial cameras designed for lean machine vision applications.
- 2U Series Industrial Cameras Single-board USB 2.0 industrial cameras with low-cost onsemi sensors for basic machine vision.
- Visus GigE Industrial Cameras GigE industrial cameras with future-proof architecture, improved performance and cost-optimized design for machine vision across industrial applications.
- Visus IP67 Industrial Cameras The Imaging Source's first GigE IP67 industrial camera series featuring the latest Sony and onsemi sensors, designed for machine vision in demanding environments with dust, water, and vibration exposure.
- 38G Series Industrial Cameras Full feature GigE industrial cameras with the latest Sony sensors for high-performance machine vision applications.
- 33G Series Industrial Cameras Compact GigE industrial cameras with a broad sensor portfolio for flexible machine vision deployment.
- 23G Series Industrial Cameras Compact and robust GigE industrial cameras serving as predecessor to the 33 series.
- Board-Level Cameras Board-level cameras optimized for cost-sensitive, high-volume machine vision projects, delivering maximum flexibility with various sensor options.
- 47G Series Board-Level Cameras Single-board GigE board-level cameras offering an especially compact form factor with an angled RJ45 connector for embedded integration.
- Z Series Zoom Cameras GigE zoom cameras that maintain resolution when imaging objects of varying sizes and distances in machine vision applications.
- Aptiris Autofocus Cameras Compact USB-C autofocus cameras that maintain sharp, reliable imaging in dynamic machine vision applications with software-driven one-push autofocus and motorized M12 lens mount.
- AFU Series Autofocus Cameras USB 3.0 autofocus cameras designed for machine vision projects where consistent working distances are difficult to maintain.
- 33U Polarsens Cameras USB 3.0 cameras with Sony Polarsens sensors capturing multi-directional polarized images for specialized imaging requirements.
- 33G Polarsens Cameras GigE cameras with Sony Polarsens sensors capturing multi-directional polarized images for specialized imaging requirements.
- Microscope Cameras High-performance USB microscope cameras with the latest Sony global and rolling-shutter sensors for microscopy applications.
- DFG/USB2pro Video Converter Video-to-USB 2.0 converter (housed version) that converts analog video sources into USB data streams.
- DFG/USBtoHDMI Converter USB-to-HDMI converter enabling direct image display from USB3 industrial cameras (33U, 37U, 38U series) to an HDMI monitor.
- DFG/HDMI Converter HDMI-to-USB 3.1 converter that captures HD/4K HDMI signals via USB for image acquisition.
- IC Imaging Control SDK Image acquisition SDK for Windows providing an API for camera control and image capture, with support for GenTL Producer for third-party integration.
- IC Barcode Library Software library for 1D and 2D barcode detection integrated with IC Imaging Control for barcode-scanning machine vision applications.
- tiscamera SDK Open-source image acquisition SDK for Linux with GStreamer elements for machine vision camera control and image capture.
- IC Capture Software End-user image acquisition and measurement software for Windows enabling camera control and image capture.
- GStreamer Plugins GStreamer elements/plugins for machine vision applications on Linux platforms, enabling multimedia framework integration.
- MVTec HALCON Machine Vision Software Comprehensive standard machine vision software with an integrated development environment, sold and supported as a Value Added Reseller.
- MVTec MERLIC Machine Vision Software All-in-one no-code machine vision software for rapid machine vision application development, sold and supported as a Value Added Reseller.
- C-Pro Series Lenses High-quality C-mount lenses with resolutions from 6 MP to 20 MP delivering performance and value for space-constrained applications.
- C-Ultra Series Lenses High-performance C-mount lenses with low image distortion for highest data precision in demanding imaging applications.
- Macro Series Lenses Robust, low-distortion macro lenses designed for magnification within small fields of view in machine vision applications.
- S-Pro Series Lenses Shock and vibration resistant fixed-aperture M12 lenses delivering a cost-effective and robust imaging solution.
- S-Ultra Series Lenses Compact mechanical design M12 lenses with image distortion of less than 1% for demanding imaging applications.
- 36S Series MIPI CSI-2 Embedded Cameras 22-pin interface MIPI CSI-2 single-board modules delivering direct camera-to-processor connection with low latency and small hardware footprint for embedded vision.
- 36A Series MIPI CSI-2 Embedded Cameras 15-pin interface MIPI CSI-2 modules allowing rapid embedded prototyping with NVIDIA developer kits.
- Acuva GMSL2 IP67 Embedded Cameras Rugged GMSL2 IP67 cameras equipped with highly-sensitive, low-noise Sony Pregius global-shutter sensors for automotive, robotics, agriculture, and industrial vision applications.
- 36C Series FPD-Link III Embedded Cameras FPD-Link III board modules offering full MIPI CSI-2 functionality with cable lengths up to 15m between sensor and computer platform.
- NVIDIA Jetson Orin Reference Design 2- or 4-channel MIPI CSI-2 carrier board with NVIDIA Jetson Orin SoM for embedded vision applications.
- i.MX 8 Reference Design Embedded vision platform reference design supporting single and multi-camera embedded applications based on NXP i.MX 8 processors.
- Raspberry Pi 5 Embedded Vision Platform Low-cost embedded vision development platform using Raspberry Pi 5 with robust open-source libcamera software.
- 6-Channel FPD-Link III Carrier Board Carrier board compatible with NVIDIA Jetson Xavier SoM supporting up to six FPD-Link III cameras for embedded vision.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 100 industrial cameras in portfolio - one of the broadest in machine vision market
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use The Imaging Source Europe
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments12 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The Imaging Source Europe technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration8 records
AI capability2 records
Feature8 records
The Imaging Source Europe partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- ARGOminorARGO is The Imaging Source's partner for ROBODEX 2026 and ITE 2026 exhibitions in Japan, showcasing imaging products for robotics and automation.
- LINX SGminorLINX SG is The Imaging Source's partner for the ISPE 2026 Singapore exhibition and conference on pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- MVTeccoreMVTec is a leading machine vision software provider. The Imaging Source is a Value Added Reseller and Certified Training Partner for MVTec's HALCON and MERLIC software. HALCON is comprehensive machine vision software with IDE; MERLIC is no-code software for rapid application development. The partnership includes bundled offerings, training, and technical support.
- NVIDIAcoreThe Imaging Source is a member of the NVIDIA Partner Network and provides embedded vision solutions based on NVIDIA Jetson Orin platforms. They offer reference designs with 2 or 4-channel MIPI CSI-2 carrier boards and FPD-Link III solutions for Jetson platforms.
- NXP SemiconductorscoreThe Imaging Source provides i.MX 8 reference design for embedded vision applications, enabling single and multi-camera solutions on NXP platforms.
- Raspberry PicoreThe Imaging Source offers embedded camera solutions compatible with Raspberry Pi 5 platform, supporting low-cost embedded vision development with robust open-source libcamera software.
- Sony Semiconductor SolutionscoreThe Imaging Source incorporates Sony sensors including Pregius global shutter, STARVIS, STARVIS 2, and Polarsens polarization sensors across their industrial camera portfolio. Key sensor partners for high-quality imaging.
- onsemicoreThe Imaging Source uses onsemi image sensors including AR0521, AR2020, and other CMOS sensors in various camera series for industrial and embedded vision applications.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
The Imaging Source Europe competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Basler AG: Basler is a publicly listed German manufacturer of industrial cameras for machine vision with a comparable USB3 Vision and GigE Vision portfolio. It is the closest head-to-head competitor to The Imaging Source in the European industrial camera market.
- IDS Imaging Development Systems: IDS is a German privately held manufacturer of industrial cameras (uEye series) with USB 3, GigE, and 2D/3D offerings, directly overlapping with TIS's core industrial camera portfolio and serving the same European OEM customer base.
- Allied Vision: Allied Vision (owned by TKH Group) manufactures industrial cameras with GigE, USB3 Vision, and CoaXPress interfaces — a direct competitor in factory automation, traffic, and scientific imaging, with overlapping sensor partnerships (Sony Pregius, etc.).
- Stemmer Imaging: Stemmer Imaging is a European machine vision technology provider distributing cameras and software. It is comparable to TIS as both a camera distributor/integrator and software reseller (Common Vision Blox), competing in overlapping European OEM accounts.
- MVTec Software: MVTec develops HALCON and MERLIC machine vision software — TIS is a Value Added Reseller and Certified Training Partner for MVTec. While MVTec is also a partner, it competes indirectly through its growing camera-agnostic vision ecosystem that reduces differentiation for TIS's software bundle.
- FLIR Integrated Imaging Solutions (formerly Point Grey): Teledyne FLIR's machine vision camera division (formerly Point Grey Research) sells USB3 Vision, GigE, and 5GigE industrial cameras with comparable Sony sensor integrations — a direct portfolio competitor in factory automation and scientific imaging.
Broad incumbents
- Teledyne FLIR: Teledyne FLIR (now part of Teledyne Technologies) is a broad incumbent in machine vision and thermal imaging with much greater scale, serving many of the same industrial and embedded vision customers as TIS.
- Cognex Corporation: Cognex is a publicly listed leader in machine vision systems and industrial barcode readers. While more focused on vision software and smart cameras, it competes with TIS in factory automation inspection applications.
- Sony Semiconductor Solutions: Sony Semiconductor Solutions supplies the Pregius, STARVIS, and Polarsens sensors used across TIS's portfolio. While currently a supplier partner, Sony also competes with its own industrial camera modules, making it both a critical dependency and potential competitor.
Emerging players
- Lucid Vision Labs: Lucid Vision Labs is a North American industrial camera manufacturer with GigE Vision, USB3 Vision, and emerging Phoenix and Triton models. It competes with TIS in the embedded and OEM camera segment with a more digitally native GTM.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Imaging Source Europe social profiles
Digital presenceThe Imaging Source Europe compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
The Imaging Source Europe financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Imaging Source Europe leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
The Imaging Source Europe subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
The Imaging Source Europe funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Imaging Source Europe M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Imaging Source Europe
What does The Imaging Source Europe do?
The Imaging Source Europe manufactures industrial, board-level, and embedded vision cameras for machine vision applications across factory automation, quality inspection, microscopy, and AI/embedded systems. The portfolio spans over 100 camera models with USB, GigE, MIPI CSI-2, GMSL2, and FPD-Link III interfaces using Sony and onsemi sensors, complemented by proprietary SDKs (IC Imaging Control, tiscamera), IC Barcode library, optics, lenses, embedded carrier boards, and Value-Added Reseller distribution of MVTec HALCON and MERLIC machine vision software.
Is The Imaging Source Europe a public or private company?
The Imaging Source Europe is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was The Imaging Source Europe founded?
The Imaging Source Europe was founded in 1988. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is The Imaging Source Europe based?
The Imaging Source Europe is headquartered in Bremen, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does The Imaging Source Europe make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Industrial Cameras are the primary driver. The others are board-Level Cameras, embedded Vision Components, zoom and Autofocus Cameras, accessories, software Licenses and professional Services.
Who are The Imaging Source Europe's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Basler AG, IDS Imaging Development Systems, Allied Vision, Stemmer Imaging, MVTec Software and FLIR Integrated Imaging Solutions (formerly Point Grey). Broad incumbents are Teledyne FLIR, Cognex Corporation and Sony Semiconductor Solutions. Lucid Vision Labs is listed as an emerging player.
Does The Imaging Source Europe have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Imaging Source Europe.
What industry is The Imaging Source Europe in?
The Imaging Source Europe's product category is Industrial Machine Vision Cameras. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGAFAB, Machine Vision & Optical Sensing (Cameras, 3D vision, LiDAR, illumination), with a secondary code of IMAHAHAE, Machine Vision & Industrial Imaging Systems. Its NAICS code is 3345 and its SIC code is 3827.