New Sony sensor for smartphones supports 192 af-points, HDR and 4k video

Sony will come next year with a new bsi-cmos processor with a capacity of 21 megapixels and 192 integrated autofocus points. The 1/2.4-inch IMX230 sensor is designed for smartphones and is suitable for 4k video and HDR photo and video capture.

According to Sony itself, the new Exmor RS sensor is the first stacked cmos sensor with 192 integrated phase-detection autofocus points spread across its surface. The sensor would therefore be very suitable for following moving subjects, such as children playing or athletes. The phase-detection diodes can calculate the distance to the subject, which means that the focus can be determined more quickly than with contrast detection alone. This technique is also widely used in recent system cameras. Instead of a traditional bsi cmos design, the Exmor RS uses a chip consisting of signal processing circuitry, topped with a layer of back-illuminated pixels.

The sensor is also capable of generating high dynamic range, HDR, images. This is achieved by using two different lighting conditions and tailoring the signal processing to the actual conditions. This ensures that highlights and shadows in high-contrast situations are captured with more visible detail, i.e. a higher dynamic range. This HDR function can be used for both photos and videos. The video resolution is 4096×2160 pixels at 30fps, or 4k. In 1080p, a maximum of 60 frames per second can be recorded and in 720p that is at 120fps.

The Exmor RS IMX230 bsi cmos sensor will be on the market for manufacturers in April 2015 for a price of 2100 yen, converted 14.46 euros. A 16-megapixel version with similar specifications would also follow later.

HDR image processing with an old IMX135 sensor on the left and the IMX230 on the right.