Considering the problem that the image of surface mounting component captured from automated optical inspection system exists parallel motion and circumrotatory error, a method for capturing accurate image based on subpixel location is proposed. Combined with Canny edge detection, based on the subpixel location of reference position, the accurate image of surface mounting component is captured. It overcomes the position error and manufacturing error of other circuit boards and improves the accuracy of detection for automated optical inspection system. The experiment proves that the image of component can be captured with high accuracy and robustness, which can reach the requirement of measurement precision.