Abstract: A monitoring apparatus (8) for monitoring a moving web (5), especially for defects (F), using analyzed image data of the web (5) comprises at least two camera elements (14, 140) that may be positioned adjacent one another perpendicular to the direction of transport (T) of the web (5). Said device comprises a control and evaluating unit (20, 200) and at least one serial communication link (21, 22) that connects at least one camera element (14, 140) to the control and evaluating unit (20, 200). Each camera element (14) comprises an area scan element (15) for capturing raw data (BI). The monitoring apparatus (8) comprises at least one camera module (13, 130, 131) that contains at least one camera group (G1, G2) having at least two camera elements (14, 140) and a housing (17). The camera elements (14, 140) of a camera group (G1, G2) are connected to a serial communication link (21, 22).