Canon Japan has released a full-size ultra-sensitive CMOS sensor called “35MMFHDXSCA”. It can capture color moving images under the low-light environment of 0.001 lux * 1 or less, which is difficult to recognize subjects with the naked eye . By utilizing this product, we can respond to a wide range of needs of super high sensitivity shooting such as astronomical observation, monitoring of natural disaster, industrial use etc.
Capture of color moving images under low illumination environment of 0.001 lux or less
Ultra high sensitivity is realized by a large pixel of 19 μm side. In addition, Canon’s proprietary technology reduces the noise that tends to increase as the pixel size increases, thereby achieving both super high sensitivity and low noise. In this way, it is possible to capture color moving images under the low illuminance environment of 0.001 lux or less where it is difficult to discriminate the subject with the naked eye, so it is possible to shoot moving images such as shooting stars.
It corresponds to the aspect ratio required for special purpose
Since this product can read out 2160 × 1280 pixels which is wider than full HD (1920 × 1080), it is suitable not only for astronomical observation applications where wide range imaging is required but also for special aspect ratio It also supports monitoring for industrial applications with high pixel image needs * 2 . Moreover, it is possible to increase the frame rate by decreasing the number of readout lines by the readout position control function * 3 which reads only the necessary pixel portion, so it can be applied to monitoring applications in the nighttime highway .
- * 2There is a need for an aspect ratio of 6: 4 for monitoring applications and 1: 1 for industrial applications.
- * 3Only cutting in the vertical direction is possible.
Reduction of dark current noise during long exposure time
Generally, in astronomical observation, in order to suppress the occurrence of dark current noise * 4 which make it difficult to observe stars with slight brightness during long exposure, use the camera while cooling. By devising the driving method of the peripheral circuit, this product realizes reduction of dark current noise that still occurs even in low temperature condition. This makes it possible to use it for astronomical observation of a star with a slight brightness on the order of 10 stars and so on.
- * 4Signal generated by thermal noise.
Market trend of CMOS sensor
Along with the progress of AI and IoT, demand for high-performance CMOS sensors for image analysis at various monitoring and observation sites has increased, further market expansion is expected. High-sensitivity sensors are also applicable in industrial fields such as factories, bioscience fields such as weak light observation of microorganisms, and medical field such as observation of sites where as little light irradiation is required. Also in the field of surveillance, there is a growing need for color images taken at high sensitivity regardless of day and night, as it will lead to improved security. (Canon survey)
via: Canon Japan