The firm which developed the image sensor for the Leica M has announced its latest creation, a 48-megapixel CMOS sensor with a global shutter. CMOSIS says its new CMV50000 can also support 8K resolutions at 30 frames per second (fps), and boasts advanced noise-reduction features.
The headline news about the CMV50000 is the combination of a high 48-megapixel resolution (7920 x 6004 effective pixels) with a global shutter. This allows detailed images of fast-moving objects to be captured without the distortion which all too often plagues CMOS sensors using traditional rolling shutters. Global shutter sensors capture information over an entire frame at the same time, instead of scanning across it.
The sensor, which measures 36.43 x 27.62 mm (making it slightly larger than those used in 35-mm full frame cameras such as the Sony A99 II, but not as big as those in medium format cameras like the Hasselblad X1D), has been designed to deliver a fast output, and uses 22 12-bit sub-LVDS data outputs. This results in it being able to deliver a 30 fps frame rate at full resolution, which is enough for 8K video. There's also the option of outputting 60 fps with pixel subsampling to 4K resolution.
Other features of the sensor include a HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode which is supported by an odd/even row dual-exposure operation. A black level clamping feature, combined with a high dynamic range, is also said to help the CMV50000 deliver advanced noise-reduction.
CMOSIS says the new sensor is suitable for use in TV broadcasting and video cameras, as well as things like high-speed machine-vision systems such as automated optical inspection units at consumer product assembly plants. Obviously we'd also like to see the tech make its way to consumer cameras, too.
A monochrome version of the CMV50000 sensor is available to camera manufacturers for sampling now, priced at €3,450 (around US$3,800). A color option is due to join it by the end of the year for the same price.
Product page: CMOSIS CMV50000
