Sony has announced a new image sensor which offer high resolutions and high data outputs. The new IMX928 is a 69 MP square sensor with a global shutter.
Square sensor
The new IMX928 sensor has been announced by Sony’s Semiconductor Solutions Group. It’s in the same product family as the highest resolution 105 MP IMX927 sensor that Sony launched last year. The IMX928 image sensor also features the same square design.
However, the new sensor has a smaller diagonal measurement of 1.26 inches (31.9 mm) which means that that it has around 65% the area of the size of the IMX927. It also has a lower resolution of 68.16 MP (8,256 pixels by 8,256 pixels).
Sensor size
These sesnor are designed for industrial applications in cameras capable of shooting various objects at high-speed and with high image quality. Therefore, photo and video sensor sizes such as full-frame and APS-C are not really relevant.
The IMX928 measures around 22.6 mm by 22.6 mm. For comparison, a full-frame sensor measures 36 mm wide by 24 mm high. This means that the IMX928 sensor is around the same height as a full frame sensor, but narrower. Alternatively, an APS-C sensor is around 23 mm by 15 mm, so the IMX928 is the same width, but taller.
Global shutter
The new IMX928 sensor has a global shutter. This means that all of the pixels on the sensor are captured at the same time, unlike the more common rolling shutter where the image is captured line by line. As a result, the IMX928 doesn’t suffer from any of the artifacts that occur with fast movement on a sensor with a rolling shutter sensor. These include the “Jello cam” look and slanted vertical lines.
Frame rates
The new IMX928 sensor supports faster maximum frame rates than the flagship IMX927. It can capture 8-bit images up to 138 fps, 10-bit images up to 126 fps, and 12-bit images up to 90 fps. These maximum frame rates are around 23% higher than those for the IMX927.
In addition, the sensors have a one-shot HDR function. This means that the sensor can expand the dynamic range while keeping the current frame rate and resolution settings.
What we think
Sony’s new range of global shutter sensors are a tempting taste of what might be to come. While the IMX928 and IMX927 are going to be used for industrial cameras, the technology contained in them could make its way into sensors for video and photography cameras. An Sony Alpha series or Cinema Line camera with a high-resolution global shutter that supports high frame rates and HDR images is a very exciting prospect. Hopefully, those cameras will make their way onto the market in the next year or two. If so, Sony will have a winning formula for sure.
