Sony to Release Two Types of 4K-Resolution CMOS Image Sensors for Security Cameras: IMX415 and IMX485

Sony today has announced two types of 4K CMOS image sensors for security cameras: the IMX415 type 1/2.8 4K-resolution stacked CMOS image sensor, which is the smallest of its kind in the world; and the IMX485 type 1/1.2 4K-resolution back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, which delivers outstanding low-light performance approximately 3.3 times that of conventional.

Press release:

Tokyo, Japan — Sony Corporation today announced the upcoming release of two new models of CMOS image sensors: the IMX415 type 1/2.8 4K-resolution stacked CMOS image sensor, which is the smallest of its kind in the world※1; and the IMX485 type 1/1.2 4K-resolution back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, which delivers outstanding low-light performance approximately 3.3 times that of conventional.※2 Sony has designed these two new sensors for security cameras for the growing smart city market and to meet the rapidly expanding need for security cameras in a variety of monitoring applications such as anti-theft, disaster alert, and traffic monitoring systems or commercial complexes.

There is an increasing demand for security cameras for use in a variety of places, and with that comes greater demand than ever for compact cameras that can be installed just about anywhere and have a higher level of image recognition and detection performance. Going forward, significant growth is also expected in demand for cameras for image recognition in anomaly detection and behavioral analysis using AI.

Addressing this need, Sony offers a lineup of compact 4K-resolution CMOS image sensors that deliver superior image recognition and detection performance and excellent low-light performance at the same time—which had been difficult to achieve with conventional technologies. The expanded sensor lineup makes it possible to obtain high-quality images for various scenes, thereby expanding the range of applications for security cameras.

• ※1:Among 4K-resolution CMOS image sensors for security camera applications
• ※2:Compared to Sony’s IMX334, type 1/1.8, 8.42M effective pixels CMOS image sensor

• ※3:Based on image sensor effective pixel specification method

In general, as pixel miniaturization progresses, the light collection efficiency per pixel deteriorates and sensitivity decreases. Sony’s newly developed IMX415 stacked CMOS image sensor employs proprietary high-sensitivity, low-noise technology to miniaturize the pixel size to 1.45 square μm, which is approximately 80% smaller than conventional.※4 The result is the world’s smallest※1 type 1/2.8 4K-resolution stacked CMOS image sensor yet with superior low-light performance.

Sony is also releasing the IMX485, a back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with even better low-light performance. By employing the latest pixel technology for low-noise capabilities, this sensor achieves an outstanding low-light performance 3.3 times higher than conventional※2 for a 4K-resolution sensor. This enables superior image recognition and detection performance even in dark environments, making it an optimal solution for high-end 4K security cameras.

Sony expects that these newly developed CMOS image sensors will be used for a variety of applications, and that this, in turn, will promote the adoption of 4K security cameras, thereby contributing to the expansion of the market.

• ※4:Compared to Sony’s IMX274 type1/2.5, 8.51M effective pixels CMOS image sensor.

Main Features

IMX415: World’s smallest※1 type 1/2.8 4K-resolution stacked CMOS image sensor for security cameras

Sony developed this type 1/2.8 4K-resolution CMOS image sensor, the smallest of its kind in the world,※1 for security camera applications. It employs proprietary high-sensitivity, low-noise technology to miniaturize the pixel size to 1.45 square μm, approximately 80% smaller than conventional.※4 This makes for a compact 1/2.8 sensor size, while still achieving superior low-light performance 1.5 times better than that of conventional CMOS image sensors.※4 In addition, by employing a stacked structure with a low-noise circuit, Sony has made it possible to capture clear images even in dark scenes. The 1/2.8 sensors are in high demand for security cameras since they are compact and can fit just about anywhere.

IMX485: type 1/1.2 4K-resolution back-illuminated CMOS image sensor that delivers an outstanding low-light performance

Sony developed the IMX485 type 1/1.2 4K-resolution CMOS image sensor which delivers outstanding low-light performance. With its ample 2.9 square μm pixel size, 2.1 times larger than conventional,※2 coupled with the latest pixel technology for low-noise capabilities, the new sensor dramatically improves the low-light performance to 3.3 times that of conventional CMOS image sensors for security cameras.※2 This makes it possible to accurately detect and capture objects even in dark scenes. Sony proposes this new 1/1.2 image sensor format for high-end 4K security cameras.

Key Specifications