A ToF camera selection starts with the scene your software needs to measure. Define the nearest and farthest targets, the area to cover and the smallest feature that matters. Then choose the camera, host connection and processing arrangement that can supply useful depth data within those conditions.
DOMI offers ToF camera modules, USB RGB-D cameras and single-point ranging sensors. These formats serve different integration tasks. A finished USB camera connects to a host for depth acquisition, while an embedded module brings optical, electrical and software decisions into the product design.
Define the measurement before comparing cameras
Describe the object and the decision your application will make from its depth. Locating a pallet opening, measuring a parcel and detecting a nearby hand need different spatial detail and response times. Include the target's material, angle and possible movement in that description.
| Project question | What it changes in the selection |
|---|---|
| What is the nearest object the camera must measure? | Minimum working distance and mounting position |
| How far away is the weakest expected target? | Useful range under the actual reflectivity and light conditions |
| How wide and tall is the required scene? | Horizontal and vertical field of view at the working distance |
| What is the smallest relevant object or gap? | Spatial sampling and the depth quality needed at its edges |
| How quickly can the scene change? | Acquisition timing, usable update rate and end-to-end latency |
| Which host and power source are available? | Interface, processing location, software and thermal design |
For an application that needs only one distance, start with a ToF sensor selection. A depth camera becomes useful when the position and shape of several surfaces across the scene affect the decision.
Match the working range to the target
Compare minimum and maximum range under the conditions that matter to your project. A bright, flat reference target can give a different result from dark packaging, angled metal or a small object against a distant background. Record how often valid depth is returned as well as the distance error.
A project seeking a 5 meter ToF camera needs a model whose specified operating range covers that distance, followed by evaluation with the intended target and light level. The maximum number in a range specification applies to its stated configuration and conditions. Camera range, field of view, exposure and update rate should therefore be reviewed together.
For sunlight, temperature and mounting questions, use the outdoor ToF selection guide. For a repeatable measurement procedure, see ToF camera accuracy testing.
Choose field of view and resolution together
Field of view determines the area visible from the mounting position. At a greater distance, the same angular field covers a larger area. Each depth pixel then represents a larger part of the scene. Check whether the object or opening still occupies enough useful samples at the farthest working position.
A wider view can cover a larger robot corridor or parcel area, while a narrower view concentrates the available samples on a smaller region. The choice also affects illumination coverage, mounting clearance and the amount of irrelevant background in the data.
Resolution alone does not establish accuracy or range. Pixel design, optics, illumination, exposure and processing also affect the measurement. The VGA and QVGA comparison explains how to compare spatial detail without treating pixel count as a complete performance ranking.
Calculate coverage and target sampling at the working distance
For a rectilinear pinhole view of a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, coverage width is W = 2Z × tan(HFOV / 2). Z is the plane’s distance along the optical axis and HFOV is horizontal field of view. Use the vertical field of view for height; a diagonal FOV cannot be substituted for HFOV.
With hypothetical inputs of 60° HFOV and Z = 2 m, W is about 2.31 m. Across 640 depth columns, a 20 mm feature spans about 5.5 sample positions; at the same FOV across 320 columns it spans about 2.8. These are geometric calculations, not detection guarantees or DOMI camera specifications.
Use the actual camera calibration for distorted optics, a tilted target plane or precise edge positions. Then inspect valid depth on the feature, including foreground-background boundaries. A target can fit inside the nominal coverage yet still provide too few usable samples for the algorithm. The VGA and QVGA data-rate example helps connect this sampling choice to the host budget.
Review the optical cover and the installation
The receiver field of view and illumination footprint need to suit the same measurement area. For an embedded design, include lens clearance, emitter placement and alignment in the mechanical review. A cover window introduces surfaces that can reflect light back into the receiver; evaluate the final window, coatings, spacing and enclosure.
Choose the illumination wavelength with the receiver sensitivity, filtering and ambient light environment. A wavelength label by itself does not establish outdoor suitability. Power and thermal requirements belong to the complete module and its operating mode, including the illumination driver and host processing where applicable.
A receiver's optical bandpass filter passes a selected wavelength region while reducing unwanted light outside that region. Its transmission needs to match the emitter and the range of angles reaching the receiver. Lens aperture affects light collection, while the complete lens design also needs suitable image quality and coverage. These are reasons to review the optical assembly together rather than choosing a filter or lens from one number.
These optical components influence how much useful return reaches the receiver. They also explain why a module tested on an open bench can behave differently after installation behind a protective window.
Decide where depth processing runs
Check whether the device supplies raw sensor samples, calculated depth, IR images or other documented outputs. A host that receives raw samples needs a different processing and software arrangement from a host receiving calculated depth frames.
USB, Ethernet, MIPI and other interfaces describe connections with different electrical and integration requirements. Match the exact module to the host, available software and data path. Include startup behavior, frame timing, calibration storage and how invalid measurements are represented in the integration review.
For applications using geometry in more than one view or combining depth with color, read the RGB-D calibration and validation guide. Color and depth alignment is a separate requirement from simply receiving both streams.
Start with the relevant DOMI product format
| Measurement and integration task | DOMI starting point | Next decision |
|---|---|---|
| One distance for an MCU-based device | DM0301 | Target, working range, sampling and I2C integration |
| Array dToF sensing for spatial ranging | DMAS2M001 | Required scene coverage, target detail and host data path |
| VGA ToF depth with RGB over USB | DM-RGBD5002A and DM-RGBD5003A | Model-specific range, fields of view and software requirements |
| Depth sensing integrated into an embedded host | DMOM2508CL | MIPI connection, processing and mechanical design |
These are starting points for evaluation. Use each product's technical specifications for the configuration you are comparing. We can help narrow the ToF camera module options around your target, installation and host platform.
FAQs
What specifications matter most when choosing a ToF camera?
Begin with useful working range, scene coverage and spatial detail. Then compare acquisition timing, error under representative conditions, output data, host interface, power and installation requirements. Each specification should describe the same operating mode.
How should I evaluate a camera for measurements at 5 meters?
Select a model with an appropriate stated range, then measure the actual target at the required distance and light level. Record distance error and valid-return behavior using the same exposure, frame mode and mounting arrangement planned for the application.
What are the advantages and limitations of a ToF camera?
A ToF camera supplies spatial distance information using active illumination. This helps software work with surfaces, occupancy regions and object geometry, including in low visible light. The usable data still depends on the target, ambient light, optical layout and acquisition settings; compare these conditions for the chosen model.
What should I send DOMI for a camera recommendation?
Send the application task, target materials and size, nearest and farthest distances, required scene coverage, movement speed and host platform. Photos or a sketch of the mounting area help us discuss a suitable product and evaluation setup through our contact page.
