Average Good budget VNIR hyperspectral imaging camera

We acquired a Resonon Pika XC2 hyperspectral imaging camera (visible to near infrared —VNIR) for my PhD project, in 2014 2015, following months of struggling with outdated hyperspectral imaging cameras prone to overheating and frequent malfunctions. This line scan (pushbroom) camera made my life easier: it was fast compared to the old cameras and reliable. Remarkably, nearly a decade later, it continues to operate reliably.

Featuring 1600 pixels per line and a fine pixel size, it captures data across ca. 462 wavelengths spanning from just below 400 nm to around 1005 nm (400 1000 nm), approximately 1.3 nm spectral sampling. However, the resultant file sizes are excessively large owing to the high spatial and spectral resolution. Depending on the number of lines scanned, managing these files can be daunting for saving, transferring, and processing.

Our experience with the camera’s hardware has been virtually trouble free. It consistently springs to action with a simple USB connection to the computer and activation of the lighting system.

The camera operates seamlessly with the Spectronon Pro software package, available for download at no cost from the Resonon website, requiring registration. This software facilitates camera control, stage movement, and occasional image processing tasks, which prove beneficial. The only issue is that light and dark images are taken before the imaging process starts and these are used for all the following images that can be a source of inaccuracy if one forgets to retake the images when scanning many samples.

The camera’s moving stage, measuring a modest 25 cm x 20 cm, and its lighting system (the older version in our possession) featuring four round halogen lights, present minor challenges. The lights tend to loosen easily and are difficult to adjust, although newer models now feature a linear lighting system (for a relatively higher price).

The camera’s smile and keystone are high according to what Resonon had reported (could not find it anymore to validate) and are bigger than the pixel size.

Considering its features and performance, the camera’s price is reasonable and competitive with Specim rival models. However, I do not have firsthand experience with Specim cameras to provide a direct comparison of quality.