When purchasing infrared cameras, have you ever been confused by the model numbers? A string of letters and numbers can look like "hieroglyphics". But once you truly understand it, you'll find: it is essentially a hidden selection manual.

For example, this model:

MV-CI003-GL-N6

Today, let's take MV-CI003-GL-N6 as an example and break down the naming rules for Hikvision infrared cameras.

After reading this, when you encounter similar models, you won't just see a string of codes.

Instead, you can quickly determine:

What type of camera is it? What is the resolution? What interface does it use? Does it support temperature measurement? What is the lens focal length?

01

Don't be intimidated by the length; it actually has a fixed structure

The model naming convention for Hikvision infrared cameras can roughly be broken down as follows:：

MV - C I 003 - GL - N 6

It looks complicated, but each segment has a clear meaning.

Let's break it down one by one.

02

MV：This stands for Machine Vision products

The prefix MV comes from Machine Vision。

It indicates that the product is oriented towards industrial vision systems, rather than ordinary consumer-grade cameras.

In other words, right from the start of the model number, you can determine its application direction:

It is an industrial vision device.

03

C 和 I：Infrared series within industrial cameras

Next, look at the C。

C = Industrial Camera

It represents the hardware category of the product.

Then look at the following I。

I = Infrared Camera

That is, Infrared Camera.

This character is crucial.

It distinguishes infrared cameras from ordinary visible-light industrial cameras, indicating that the product focuses on thermal imaging applications.

Therefore, MV-CI together means:

An industrial infrared camera within the Machine Vision product line.

04

003：Resolution code, don't just look at the size of the number

The 003in the model represents the resolution code.

In this example:

003 = 300,000 pixels

Roughly corresponding to 640 × 480.

It should be noted that different product lines may have different numbering rules.

But from a selection perspective, this segment is usually related to image resolution.

Generally speaking, the larger the number, the higher the resolution tends to be.

05

GL：Interface and infrared type are both hidden here

Next is GL。

First, look at G。

G = GigE Vision Interface

That is, data transmission via a Gigabit Ethernet port.

Other common interface types include:

• U：USB interface

• C：CameraLink

• M：MIPI interface

Next, look at L。

L = Long-Wave Infrared

That is,Long-Wave Infrared。

It usually corresponds to the common 8~14 μm band, suitable for most thermal imaging applications.

Therefore, these two characters, GL, are actually very important.

One tells you how the data is transmitted. The other tells you what type of infrared band it is.

06

N or T：The key lies in whether it supports temperature measurement

Moving on, we have N。

This character is mainly used to distinguish whether temperature measurement is supported.

• N = Observation Only

• T = Supports Temperature Measurement

In other words:

If you only need to view thermal images or make observations, choosing the N type is sufficient.

If you need to read the temperature of objects, you must look for the T type.

This character often directly affects application selection.

Especially in scenarios such as temperature detection and abnormal heat judgment, it must not be overlooked.

07

The final 6：Lens Focal Length

The final number, 6, represents the lens focal length.

The unit is mm。

For example：

• 6 = 6mm lens

• 13 = 13mm lens

• 25 = 25mm lens

The longer the focal length, the narrower the field of view, and the farther it can see.

The shorter the focal length, the wider the field of view, making it more suitable for viewing nearby and large-area regions.

So this final character is not just a number.

It determines how large an area you can see on-site.

08

Take another look at MV-CI003-GL-N6

Now let's return to this model:

MV-CI003-GL-N6

After breaking it down segment by segment, its meaning is:

Doesn't it look much clearer now?

What originally seemed like a complex model number actually conveys selection information with every single character.

The model number is not code; it is selection clues.

In the selection process for industrial machine vision, many issues arise not because the products are difficult to understand, but because we haven't yet mastered their way of expression.

The model number is a "shorthand manual" written by the manufacturer for engineers.

Understanding the naming convention allows you to grasp the key points faster when selecting, debugging, and comparing solutions.

Next time you see a model like MV-CI003-GL-N6, you don't need to look up the parameter table from scratch.

Just break it down according to its structure:

Product type, series, resolution, interface, infrared type, temperature measurement capability, lens focal length.

The basic direction will already be clear.

True efficient selection is not about memorizing all model numbers.

It is about understanding the logic behind the model numbers.