The component choices available in the architecture and configuration of machine vision inspection solutions are more numerous than ever. From smart sensors to smart cameras to complex automated application-specific devices, the machine vision market offers a wide variety of selection. While there is no single inspection system, component, or tool that will be appropriate for every application, the implementation of digital cameras interfacing with a PC (sometimes called “tethered” cameras and “PC-based” systems) potentially makes for one of the most flexible, powerful, and high-speed systems available to the machine vision integrator. This article will discuss the basics of selecting and using digital cameras, and will reveal some useful tips about real-world integration issues in industrial on-line applications.