Remember Panasonic’s future organic sensor that would give cameras better dynamic ranges and a global shutter? Well, the sensor just got a camera companion!
Panasonic, with the help of Fujifilm, has announced the possible release date for its first ever 8K organic sensor camera: the Panasonic AK-SHB810. That’s right! Panasonic says should be seeing the camera/sensor duo released sometime in fall 2019.
What benefits does an organic sensor have to offer?
For a quick refresher, an organic sensor has two layers instead of the regular single-layer design of CMOS sensors. One layer is an organic photoconductive film and the second layer is a separate circuit. Among the benefits of a two-layered sensor design is the ability to add high-speed noise cancellation in the circuit. Also, Panasonic can increase the light-gathering power in the organic light-sensing layer. This, in turn, improves dynamic range.
Plus, if the shutter is higher than 120th of a second, the sensor is read instantly — not line-by-line. DSLRs and mirrorless camera sensors are read line-by-line, often resulting in a dreadful rolling shutter effect. Organic sensors’ “global shutter” eliminates the rolling shutter effect.
What are the potential specs for the AK-SHB810?
While it’s still a ways away from a release date, the AK-SHB810’s specs have been teased. Here are a few potential features:
- 8K resolution
- 60 frames per second
- 450k saturation electrons
- Global shutter functions
- High-speed noise cancellation technology
- High saturation technology
- Wide dynamic range
- Electronic ND filter function
Pricing and availability
While we may not have a solid release date, it’s believed the Panasonic AK-SHB810 should be out in fall 2019. The price is still unknown. However, we can suspect that it’s going to cost a lot. This is going to be a high-end camera.
Certainly, keep an eye on this organic sensor. The technology may be new, but it’s surely going to be integrated into other camera systems. It could potentially be integrated into more consumer-friendly models eventually.
If you want to check out Panasonic’s AK-SHB810 press release, read it on panasonic.com. You will have to select to have it translated though.
