Press text: Sony Develops a Stacked CMOS Global Shutter Image Sensor

Sony announced a new Global Shutter Image Sensor. I am wondering when we will see this one on APS-C and FF cameras! Hope soon!

Press text:

Sony Develops a Stacked CMOS Image Sensor Technology Using Sony’s Proprietary Global Shutter Function with Back-Illuminated Pixel Structure to Deliver Both High Imaging Performance and Miniaturization

Improves Productivity of Industrial Equipment for Smartification

Sony Corporation
Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation

Tokyo, Japan — Sony Corporation announced today that it has succeed in developing Pregius S, a stacked CMOS image sensor technology that employs Sony’s proprietary global shutter function with back-illuminated pixel structure to deliver both distortion-free, high imaging performance and miniaturization. The new sensor technology is intended for industrial equipment used in fields such as manufacturing, inspection, and logistics that require higher precision and higher processing speeds, in light of the trends in industrial advancement including factory smartification and automation.

Sony will introduce the new technology at Vision China Shanghai 2019 starting on March 20, 2019.

Conventional CMOS image sensors equipped with global shutter function temporarily store charge signals in the memory area located next to the photodiode to resolve image distortion (focal plane distortion) caused by the time shift due to the row-by-row readout. In front-illuminated CMOS image sensors, there is a wiring layer on the silicon substrate forming the photodiode, and with such a structure, the benefit is that it is easy to form a light shield for protecting the charge signal temporarily stored in the memory area from leaked light. For this reason, conventional CMOS image sensors with global shutter function have adopted a front-illuminated pixel structure. However, the wiring on top of the photodiode hinders the incident light, which creates an issue when attempting to miniaturize the pixels.

In response to this, Sony has developed a proprietary pixel structure that achieves the global shutter function on a back-illuminated structure that has superior sensitivity characteristics, thereby resolving the issue of miniaturization. Normally, when pixels are miniaturized, the sensitivity and saturation characteristics deteriorate, but the new Sony technology enables a reduction in pixel size to 2.74 μm while maintaining performance of those characteristic, thereby achieving about 1.7 times higher resolution than conventional front-illuminated CMOS image sensors.*1 This makes it possible to measure and inspect objects in a wider area and with higher accuracy in manufacturing, inspection, logistics and other applications. Moreover, thanks to the high degree of freedom of the wiring layout of back-illuminated pixel structures, a high speed of about 2.4 times that of conventional*1 can be achieved, thereby contributing to significant productivity improvement, including shorter measurement and inspection process times. In addition, the sensor’s stacked structure makes it possible to mount various signal processing circuits, whereby it is possible to realize smart functions such as signal processing only for the necessary part of the measurement and inspection images in a smaller size compared to conventional sensors.*1 That, in turn, makes it possible to reduce the load of the subsequent processing and reduce the amount of data to be held on to, thereby contributing to the realization of highly efficient, energy-saving systems.

Going forward, Sony will work to develop products equipped with this stacked CMOS image sensor employing its proprietary global shutter function with back-illuminated pixel structure for various industrial applications and intelligent transportation systems, including development of derivatives for signal processing circuits to be mounted. Sony plans to start shipping sample units in the summer of 2019 or later.

  • *1:Comparison of a 1.1-type sample using this technology with Sony’s IMX253 1.1-type 12 effective megapixels front-illuminated CMOS image sensor.

Schematic cross section of chip

Main Features

1) Proprietary global shutter function with back-illuminated pixel structure delivers both distortion-free high imaging performance and miniaturization

Sony developed a proprietary pixel structure that achieves a global shutter function on a back-illuminated structure that has superior sensitivity characteristics, delivering both high imaging performance and miniaturization. By miniaturizing the pixel size from the conventional*1 3.45 μm to 2.74 μm while maintaining sensitivity and saturation characteristics, Sony has achieved about 1.7 times higher resolution than the conventional front-illuminated 12 megapixels*2 CMOS image sensor,*1 thereby making it possible to perform measurement and inspection in a wider area and at a higher accuracy. Moreover, thanks to the high degree of freedom of the wiring layout of the back-illuminated pixel structure, it is possible to deliver high-speed performance of about 2.4 times that of the conventional technology*1, thereby contributing to significant productivity improvement such as shorter measurement and inspection process times.

  • *2:Based on image sensor effective pixel specification method
Image captured by image sensor with conventional structure*1 (conceptual image)
(12 megapixels × 3 frames)
Image captured by image sensor with new structure (conceptual image)
(20 megapixels × about 4 frames)
  • Imaging area: About 1.7 times greater (12 megapixels → 20 megapixels）
  • Number of frames: About 1.4 times more (3frames → about 4frames)
  • —————————————————————————————-
  • High speed (output data rate): about 2.4 times faster

2) Miniaturization and high functionality made possible with a stacked structure

The sensor’s stacked structure makes it possible to mount various signal processing circuits, thereby contributing to miniaturization and enhanced functions for CMOS image sensors. Incorporating the data optimization functions (smart ROI, self-trigger, compression processing, compositing, etc.) that extracts only necessary information from the image data, it is possible to reduce the load of the subsequent processing and reduce the amount of data to be held onto while achieving a smaller package compared to conventional sensors,*1 thereby contributing to the realization of highly efficient, energy-saving systems.

Going forward, Sony will leverage the technology of Pregius S to further enhance and expand functions for new industries, including development of derivatives for signal processing circuits to be mounted.

Imaging performance*1

  • Number of pixels:
    about 1.7 times more
  • Quantum efficiency (Peak QE):
    +20%
  • Saturation signal volume (per unit area):
    +44%
  • Dynamic range:
    +12%
  • Incident light angle dependence characteristic
    (sensitivity to light with an incident angle of 20°):

    about double
  • High speed (output data rate):
    about 2.4 times

Zenit officially announced the new 50mm f/0,95 E-mount lens!

Today Zenit announced this new 50mm f/0,95 manual focusing Full Frame lens. Zenit plans to launch more E-mount lenses in the future (all manual focus and weithout electronic contacts. The price will be 50k ruble which is around 680 euro or 772 $.

Press text:

Zenitar 0.95 / 50 (Zenitar 50mm f / 0.95) is the first lens of the line, equipped with an E attachment mount for mirrorless cameras, as well as a unique bokeh pattern. The ultra-high aperture ratio of F / 0.95 provides low-light shooting. Distinctive design detail has become a perfectly round diaphragm, provided with fourteen petals. The new Zenitar has a completely metal case and weighs very well – 1.1 kg. The optical design of the lens has 9 elements in 8 groups, the calculation of the scheme Bogdankov VA, design – Timireva A.A.

Creating the concept and design of the lens, the KMZ experts took into account the tasks posed by portrait photographers. It was important to create a device that allows you to shoot high-quality images in different conditions. Photographers have already appreciated the novelty, noting the quality of bokeh, brightness and clarity of the images taken.

“Zenitar 0.95 / 50 is a lens for thoughtful photography that will suit both professionals and amateurs. Thanks to new, improved optical calculations, the image is sharper. It is worth noting your own unusual drawing, which is especially appreciated in artistic photography. The quality of the product is not inferior to foreign counterparts, and an attractive price will allow you to successfully compete with them in both domestic and foreign markets. Of course, the new development brings the Zenitar line to a fundamentally new level, ”said KMZ General Director Vadim Kalyugin.

  

Some image samples can be see on Prophotos.ru!

This week SAR readers photos selection


Robert Chrenka‎
Kája
Sony A7iii + Samyang 135mm f/2 FE MF
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Sony Tidbits…


Sony a6400 ultimate setup guide

Sony 24mm F/1.4 visits Universal Studios and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Enthusiastphotoblog).
From Fisheye to Telephoto: A Variety of Lenses for the Wedding Photographer (Explora).
Nikon CP+ interview hints at possible Z5 launch this year… (Mirrorlessrumors).
Sony 135mm GM at the CP+ show (Capa).
Laowa 100mm f/2.8 images by Fengniao.

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Samyang 85mm f/1.4 FE autofocus lens officially announced

Samyang officially announced the new 85mm f/1.4 FE lens. The lens is priced at 699€. Here is the press text:

Optical performance, and photographs with emotional punch

Delivering sharpness with beautiful bokeh

E Mount AF Auto Focus Weather Sealing Ultra Multi Coating Linear Super sonic Motor Beautiful Bokeh 9 Aperture Blades HR Lens ED F1.4
The AF 85mm F1.4 FE cherishes Samyang’s world class optical technology while envisioning a new leap forward, with its quick and accurate autofocus performance and excellent resolution.
Its complex optical construction is comprised of 11 glass elements, among which are special High Refractive (HR) glass, which successfully allow both a compact size and high image resolution. The achromatic design, incorporating Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, effectively corrects chromatic aberrations and minimizes peripheral softness, creating lively images in vivid colors.

  • Exceptional rendering even at the brightest apertures

    The AF 85mm F1.4 FE’s optical design minimizes optical aberrations, while maximizing the image quality from corner to corner. Its detailed rendering results in exceptional image quality, even on the latest high-resolution full-frame cameras; and its bright maximum aperture means you can enjoy this excellent performance even when shooting indoors or in darker conditions.

  • Exceptional bokeh

    The lens’s attractive bokeh, created through precise lens polishing, adds a great feeling of depth and space in your photographs. Also, its aperture mechanism comprises 9 precisely-controlled iris blades, providing natural, circular, out-of-focus highlights at all apertures. With this smooth bokeh, achieved through various optical technologies, you can create images full of character in your portrait or subject photography.

  • Expressing a visual feeling of depth

    The short telephoto focal length, combined with the wide maximum aperture of f/1.4, enables photographers to achieve a dramatically shallow depth-of-field, setting your pictures apart from those taken with other lenses. This optic offers great creative freedom: it yields images with depth, while maintaining an appropriate distance from the subject; it separates subject and background naturally, providing an impressive visual feeling of depth.

  • Controlling chromatic aberration with ED glass

    The AF 85mm F1.4 FE features a total of 11 glass elements; the ED (Extra Low Dispersion) elements have been incorporated into its precise achromatic design. This design corrects chromatic aberrations, and creates quality results, with peripheral softness also being well-controlled.

  • Designing a complex optical system with High Refractive elements

    Four HR (High Refractive) elements, made of special materials with an outstanding refractive index, improve optical performance and enable a compact optical design. The AF 85mm F1.4 FE was designed from the ground-up with this technology, to lessen its users’ burden with a shorter length and smaller size.

  • Fast and efficient autofocus with DLSM Technology

    DLSM (Dual Linear Sonic Motor) works with ultrasonic vibrations, which cannot be heard by human ears, to successfully give a silent autofocus performance. The accurate high frequency signals, controlled with Samyang’s own protocols, precisely operate the DLSM. Specialists in optics, mechanical engineering, and electronics, have researched cooperatively to give these powerful results for a short telephoto lens. The introduction of DLSM technology on an 85mm lens means you can comfortably and silently capture the subjects you want, with quick efficiency.

  • Weather sealing design for protection from adverse conditions

    The aluminum body, designed with precision by mechanical engineering specialists, has only three spaces in its basic design. Weather sealing covers even these small spaces to effectively protect the lens from dust and rain. This protective design enables users to capture the moment outdoors in any environment, providing the dependability you need to keep shooting.

  • Outstanding contrast with Ultra Multi Coating (UMC) technology

    Samyang’s Ultra Multi Coating (UMC) technology is applied through a thorough cleaning process, followed by Ion-Beam Sputtering (IBS), which controls the spread of reflections while still enabling a high transmittance of light. This UMC technology reduces unwanted reflections and provides crystal clear image quality, minimizing flare and ghosting effects in high contrast environments, such as backlit pictures and nightscapes.


  • Its compact and lightweight design elevates it to the best in its class for an 85mm F1.4 lens

    The AF 85mm F1.4 FE is a medium-telephoto lens with a very bright aperture. Thanks to its compact optical design and aluminum construction, it can be contained within a small and lightweight body, enabling photographers to carry and handle a lens of this type with ease.