Sony has unveiled the next generation of smartphones imaging sensor, the IMX586 CMOS sensor, which is capable of taking 48MP photographs. This is the highest megapixel count which we have ever seen in a smartphone beating the 41MP sensor of old Nokia Lumia 1020.
According to Sony, it is the world’s highest MegaPixel count sensor and it is also the world’s first ultra-compact pixel size of 0.8 ?m on a 1/2-type imaging sensor. Sony has also declared that the new sensor will cost 3,000 JPY (Roughly $27) to smartphone manufacturer and it will be available to them from September.
Sony has claimed that the 48MP sensor is at par with DSLR Level in terms of image quality, sharpness and colour reproduction. But one thing to notice that the pixel size is so small as compared to modern smartphone camera sensors that it may decrease the light collection efficiency, sensitivity and signal saturation volume.
Sony has also introduced the Quad Bayer colour filter arrangement in the sensor which allows 2 pixels of the same colour that are placed side-by-side can add up the signal from the adjacent pixels. It results in better light sensitivity which translates to less noise in low-light images.
The IMX586 also packs Sony’s signal processing functionality and exposure control technology, which is used to capture images with 400% higher dynamic range. It means we can get some high quality images without any loss in detail and highlight blowout.
We are most likely to see the Sony’s latest sensor inside the flagships of 2019, only then we can say is it really that good.
