In essence, the 1394 TA Digital Camera Specification (DCAM Spec) defines the standard features and characteristics of an industrial camera that is capable of operating on an IEEE 1394 bus. The specification maintains flexibility by giving manufacturers the ability to add "special features" within a framework defined by the specification. The trade association also periodically refines the specification to meet current and future user needs.

Advantages

Users of industrial cameras compliant with the DCAM Spec will realize a number of benefits. First, since the cameras comply with a common standard, they are essentially plug and play. Many of the integration issues normally associated with using cameras from different manufacturers are avoided. Second, since the connectors, cables, and hubs used on the 1394 bus are all standardized, they are widely available from a number of manufacturers and are inexpensive. Finally, a simple, inexpensive interface board is used to interface the camera with the host PC. This eliminates the need for an elaborate frame grabber and does away with the problems often associated with integrating a camera and a frame grabber.

IEEE-1394b
1394b technology builds on the strengths of 1394a and adds critical new capabilities, notably; added bandwidth – to 800 Megabits/second all the way, eventually, to 3.2 Gigabits/second. It incorporates networking capabilities over distances of 100 meters over CAT-5 and plastic optical fiber. It also improves overall network efficiency. These new features have been created with 1394a compatibility in mind, while maintaining the vital architectural characteristics of plug and play (PnP), peer-to-peer connectivity, and isochronous channels. This will keep 1394 in line with bandwidth demands currently required by CE, PC and peripheral applications, and ahead of competing standards.