Here are the results of research on selected available camera sensors. For lenses, the varifocal 5-50mm lens with an 8 to 80 degree field of view provides the widest range. A 2.8-12mm lens with 28 to 130 degree field of view is another option.
For comparison, the human eye has a 2.97mm focal length with a 128 degree field of view.
Sony produces the IMX sensors. ON Semiconductor (formerly Aptina Research) produces the AR sensors. OmniVision produces the OV sensors.
Best low light sensitivity in mv/lux-sec:
AR0130: 5600mv color, 6500mv black & white.
IMX322; 5000mv
OV7725: 3800mv
OV2710: 3700mv
AR0330: 2000mv
IMX291: 1300mv
IMX179: 650mv
OV5640: 600mv
Highest supported frame rates in fps:
OV2710: 240
AR0330: 215
OV5640: 120
IMX291: 120
AR0130: 60
OV7725: 60
IMX322: 30
IMX179: 30
Best resolution:
IMX179: 8mp with 1/3.2″ sensor (3264 x 2448)
OV5640: 5mp with 1/4″ sensor (2592 x 1944)
AR0330: 3mp with 1/3″ sensor (2048 x 1536)
IMX322: 2mp with 1/2.9″ sensor (1920 x 1080)
IMX291: 2mp with 1/2.8″ sensor (1920 x 1080)
OV2710: 2mp with 1/2.7″ sensor (1920 x 1080)
AR0130: 1.2mp with 1/3″ sensor (1280 x 960)
OV7725: .3mp with 1/4″ sensor, (640 x 480)
Great list. I see OV2710 products are slightly cheaper then IMX322, but still in $50-$60 range. I am looking at the dome shaped, lots of IR LEDs items on Amazon.