Sony this week announced the imminent commercial availability of the Exmor RS™ IMX230, a 1/2.4-inch 21 megapixel stacked CMOS image sensor for smartphone cameras and other devices requiring similarly sophisticated image capture capabilities.
The Exmor RS features higher image quality, and improved functionality in a compact size. Adding to the value is the industry’s first CMOS image sensor to have onboard image plane phase detection AF signal processing aided by 192 autofocus points. In English, this means that the autofocus will be able to track and stay with fast moving subjects pretty darn well.[image:blog_post:54905]
The sensor’s High Dynamic Range (HDR) function now supports high-resolution still images and 4K video recording, with the promise of capturing both backgrounds and subjects clearly, even in high contrast scenes such as those with strong back lighting. The HDR function is compatible with 4K shooting as well.
Sony has a long tradition of providing sensors to other camera manufacturers, including mobile sensors to top tier cameras such as that found in the iPhone 6. Their latest flagship, the Xperia Z3 is currently capable of 4K video and sports a 1/2.3 20.7 MP CMOS sensor.
Sony’s new Exmor RS CMOS image sensor will ship in April 2015, so we’ll hopefully see it appearing in flagship phones from a number of manufacturers shortly thereafter.[image:blog_post:54904]
Shot anything 4K on a smartphone? We want to see it! Post links in the comments section below or to twitter @videomaker
