When a network camera captures an image, the light passes across the lens and impinges on the image sensor. In addition, the image sensor also contains picture elements known as pixels which record the amount of light that falls on them. These pixels transform the received light into a relevant number of electrons. The intensity of the light is proportional to the number of electrons generated. These electrons are converted into voltage and subsequently transformed into numbers through an A/D-converter. Consequently, the signal created by the numbers is processed through electronic circuits within the camera.

Overview of image sensors:

The original argument a decade ago for the renewal of CMOS image sensors as a competitor to CCD technology was generally based on several ideas: 1- Lithography and operation control in CMOS fabrication had reached tiers that soon would allow CMOS sensor image quality to rival CCDs. 2 – Integration of companion functions on the same die as the image sensor, creating camera-on-a-chip or SoC (system-on-a-chip) capabilities. 3 – Reduced power consumption. 4 – Decreased imaging system size because of integration and reduced power consumption. 5 – Using the identical CMOS production lines as mainstream logic and memory device fabrication, delivering economies of scale for CMOS imager manufacturing. Currently, two key technologies are prevalent for the image sensor in a camera. They are CMOS (Complementary Metal-oxide Semiconductor) and CCD (Charge-coupled Device). The following sections explain their design and varied strengths and weaknesses.

Color filtering:

Image sensors record the amount of light from the bright to the dark region with no color information. Because CCD and CMOS image sensors are ‘color blind,’ a filter at the front of the sensor enables the sensor to allocate color tones to every pixel. In this context, two widespread color registration techniques are CMYG (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Green) and RGB (Red, Green, and Blue). Red, green, and blue are the primary colors, which, when combined in varied combinations, can generate the majority of the colors visible to the human eye. The Bayer array represents the alternating rows of green-blue and red-green filters. It is the ubiquitous RGB color filter. Because the human eye is more sensitive to green color compared to the other two colors, the Bayer array features twice as many green color filters. It implies that when using the Bayer array, the human eye can sense more detail than when all the three colors were used in identical measures in the filter. An alternate method to filter or record color is to use complementary colors, i.e., cyan, magenta, and yellow. Frequently, the complementary color filters on sensors are merged with green filters to create a CMYG color array. Generally, the CMYG system provides higher pixel signals owing to its broader spectral bandpass. But, the signals should be subsequently transformed into RGB because this is used in the final image. The conversion indicates added noise and more processing. The outcome is that the initial gain in the signal-to-noise is decreased. Note that the CMYG system is not so efficient at accurately presenting colors. Usually, the CMYG color array is used in interlaced CCD image sensors. On the other hand, the RGB system is prominently used in progressive scan image sensors.

CCD technology:

In a CCD sensor, the light impinges on the sensor’s pixels and is conveyed from the chip via one output node or merely a few output nodes. These charges are then transformed into voltage levels, buffered, and delivered as an analog signal. The particular signal is finally amplified and converted to numbers through an A/D-converter exterior to the sensor. Specifically, the CCD technology was developed to be used in cameras. For over 30 years, the CCD sensors have been utilized. Conventionally, these sensors offered some benefits compared to the CMOS sensors, including less noise and improved light sensitivity. However, these differences have vanished in recent years. The limitations of CCD sensors are that analog components need more electronic circuitry exterior to the sensor. Also, their production is costly and can consume up to 100 times more power than CMOS sensors. Due to the increased power consumption, there can be heat concerns in the camera. This not only influences image quality negatively but also raises the cost and environmental effect of the product. Also, CCD sensors need a higher data rate because everything has to pass through only one output amplifier or some output amplifiers.

CMOS technology:

In the beginning, ordinary CMOS chips were deployed for imaging purposes. But the output showed poor image quality because of their inferior light sensitivity. The contemporary CMOS sensors implement a more dedicated technology. Moreover, the light sensitivity and quality of the sensors have quickly augmented in recent years. CMOS chips provide various advantages. Contrasting the CCD sensor, the CMOS chip includes A/D-converters and amplifiers, reducing the camera expense because it comprises all the logic required to generate an image. All CMOS pixel comprises conversion electronics. Compared to CCD sensors, CMOS sensors feature better integration possibilities and more functionality. But, this inclusion of circuitry within the chip poses a risk of more structured noise like stripes and other patterns. Moreover, CMOS sensors come with higher noise immunity, lower power consumption, a faster readout, and a smaller system size. Calibrating a CMOS sensor in production (if needed) can be more challenging than calibrating a CCD sensor. However, technological advancement has made CMOS sensors easier to calibrate. Some of them are currently self-calibrating too. It is allowed to read individual pixels from a CMOS sensor. This enables ‘windowing,’ which suggests that it is possible to read out the parts of the sensor area rather than the whole sensor area at once. Consequently, a higher frame rate can be conveyed from a restricted part of the sensor; digital PTZ (pan/tilt/zoom) functionalities can also be used. With a CMOS sensor, it is also possible to obtain multi-view streaming that enables various cropped view areas to be simultaneously streamed from the sensor, ultimately simulating some ‘virtual cameras.’

HDTV and megapixel sensors:

HDTV and Megapixel technology allows network cameras to deliver higher resolution video images compared to analog CCTV cameras. This aspect implies that they expand the possibility of observing details and recognizing objects and people. This is a major consideration in video surveillance applications. An HDTV or megapixel network camera provides a minimum of twice as high a resolution as a conventional, analog CCTV camera. Megapixel sensors are fundamental components in HDTV, megapixel, and multi-megapixel cameras. They can be used to present very detailed images as well as multi-view streaming. Megapixel CMOS sensors are extensively available and usually less expensive compared to megapixel CCD sensors. However, there are myriad examples of costly CMOS sensors. It is tough to create a fast-megapixel CCD sensor. It is a disadvantage and increases the complexity of developing a multi-megapixel camera through CCD technology. Many megapixel camera sensors are usually identical in size to the VGA sensors, with a resolution of 640×480 pixels. A megapixel sensor includes more pixels than a VGA sensor. Therefore, the size of every pixel in a megapixel sensor converts smaller than that in a VGA sensor. Consequently, a megapixel sensor is usually less light sensitive per pixel than a VGA sensor. The reason is the pixel size is smaller, and the light reflected from an object spreads to more pixels. But, this technology is swiftly enhancing megapixel sensors. Furthermore, the performance in context to light sensitivity is continuously improving.

Key differences:

A CMOS sensor includes A/D-converters, amplifiers, and circuitry for extra processing. On the other hand, in a camera equipped with a CCD sensor, several signal processing functions are carried out exterior to the sensor. A CMOS sensor permits multi-view streaming and windowing, which can’t be accomplished with a CCD sensor. Generally, a CCD sensor has one charge-to-voltage converter in each sensor. On the other hand, a CMOS sensor has one charge-to-voltage converter in each pixel. Due to the faster readout, a CMOS sensor is more suitable for use in multi-megapixel cameras. The latest technology advancements have eliminated the difference in light sensitivity between a CMOS and CCD sensor at a specified price point.

Detailed Comparison of CCD and CMOS sensors:

i. System Integration:

Being an old technology with a CCD sensor, it is impossible to integrate peripheral components like ADC and timers into the primary sensor. Hence, additional circuitry is required, increasing the CCD sensors’ overall size. Furthermore, specialized fabrication techniques are used in making CCD sensors, so it is expensive technology. The camera can be incorporated into the chip or system in CMOS sensors. Hence, the CMOS sensors are very compact.

ii. Power Consumption:

CCD sensors feature higher power consumption compared to CMOS sensors due to the capacitive architecture. Various types of power supplies are required for the varied timing clocks. The typical voltage for the CCD sensors falls in the range of 7 V to 10 V. CMOS sensors offer low power consumption compared to CCD sensors because it needs a single power supply. The range of typical voltage is usually 3.3 V to 5 V. So, for the application wherein power consumption is the key criterion, the CMOS sensor is preferable to the CCD sensor. Since CMOS sensors feature a lower power consumption compared to CCD image sensors, the temperature within the camera can be maintained lower. Moreover, heat issues with CCD sensors can enhance interference. On the other hand, CMOS sensors can have higher structured noise.

iii. Processing Speed:

CCD sensor always needs to read out the entire image, resulting in less processing speed. It is possible to increase it using the multiple shift registers. However, this will demand additional hardware. In the CMOS sensor, the readout for the particular area of an image is possible; therefore, its speed is higher than the CCD sensor. This speed can be further increased by utilizing the multiple column select lines. Note that the dynamic range of the CCD sensor is considerably higher than the CMOS sensor.

iv. Image distortion:

A blooming effect is visible when a CCD sensor is exposed for an extended period. With the anti-blooming technique, this blooming effect can be reduced. In a CCD sensor, all the pixels are exposed at once. Hence, if you intend to eliminate the rolling shutter effect, all the pixels must be exposed at the same time. This is called the global shutter effect. So, these days, the CMOS sensors are equipped with global sensors. Since the entire frame is captured at once, there are no wobble, skew, smear, or partial exposure effects. The most common kind of distortion in CMOS sensors is the rolling shutter. This is because, in the CMOS sensor, the pixels are read line by line. Hence, whenever any quickly moving object gets captured by this CMOS sensor, the rolling shutter effect becomes significantly noticeable. All portions of a frame are not captured at a time but separately. Subsequently, all parts are showcased at once. As a result, it may add a time lag in frames. So, the images may wobble or undergo a skew effect. But, the high-end CMOS cameras contain more efficient sensors.

v. Noise and Sensitivity:

CMOS sensors have more noise owing to the higher dark currents. The reason is the charge to voltage converter circuit and amplification circuit is incorporated into the same pixel. Hence, the overall fill factor of the CMOS sensor is lesser than the CCD sensor. Consequently, the sensitivity of the CMOS sensor will be lesser than that of the CCD sensor. In the CMOS sensor, the amplifiers used in every pixel are different. Due to that, we will notice the non-uniform amplification, which would behave as additional noise. However, the technology of this CMOS sensor has progressed so much that the sensitivity and noise of this CMOS sensor are identical to the CCD sensor.

vi. Construction:

CCD chips register the pixels (whenever light strikes) on the chip and subsequently send these pixels one by one. Hence, the time required for transmitting the pixels for one image increases. Because of continuous fetching and sending activities, the chip consumes a lot of power. In CMOS sensor chips, the sensors themselves have plenty of inbuilt circuitry. This allows reading the pixels at the photo sensor level itself. The detailed data is sent all at once. Hence, there is no time lag, and less energy will be consumed due to this activity.

vii. Vertical Streaking:

When the CCD sensor-based cameras are used in video or live mode, they demonstrate vertical streaking. In these images, a bright vertical line is formed. Because plenty of analog sensors exist in a row, the current that overflows one of the sensors will leak to the entire row. Hence, it creates a vertical line. But, in other modes, CCD sensors don’t exhibit such characteristics. There are no such concerns in CMOS sensors because every circuit is completely isolated from the remaining circuits on the chip.

viii. Image quality:

CCD sensors boast lower noise levels since their layout enables more pixels to be recorded over their surface. Therefore, the colors of the captured images are more vibrant. As a result, it enhances the image quality. Conversely, due to their layout, CMOS sensors can’t accommodate more pixels over their surface. Hence, images will have low resolution, which negatively influences image quality. Because the CCD technology is more advanced than the CMOS technology, the image quality is better. But the drawback of the technology is its higher power consumption and streaking issues.

ix. Application:

CCD sensors are widely used in DSLR cameras. Conversely, due to lower cost and longer battery life, CMOS sensors are extensively used in mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, etc.

CCD vs CMOS Sensor:

Conclusion:

CCD and CMOS sensors feature unique benefits. Both these technologies are rapidly evolving. The best suitable strategy for a camera manufacturer is to assess and test sensors for every camera being developed constantly. Subsequently, whether a selected sensor is based on CMOS or CCD becomes irrelevant. So, the only focus is the sensor that can be utilized to build a network camera that conveys the expected image quality and meets the customers’ video surveillance needs. You can use a CCD sensor to benefit from better image quality and lower cost. You can use a CMOS sensor to help from faster readout speed, low power consumption, lower noise, longer battery life, and no time lag.

The launch of the new Sony 800 series sensors has ushered in a new range of flagship devices. The new 50 MP sensor from Sony, the IMX866, has been considered a game-changer in more ways than one. In today’s post, we will check the differences and similarities between the Sony IMX866 and Sony IMX766 image sensors.

Also Read: ISOCELL HMX vs IMX686

The Sony IMX866 – The Sneak Peek

A few recent leaks have indicated that the new IMX 800 series image sensors are bound to grace the new-age flagship devices. The next generation 50 MP sensor should provide you access to one of the unique experiences in getting access to a great experience par excellence. It is the upgraded version of the IMX766 sensor and provides access to an RGBW pixel-matrix instead of RGGB as in the 766. The sensor comes with a 50-megapixel RGBW large bottom primary camera. The native format offered by the sensor is 16:11, and the sensor size reads 1/1.49-inches. The best point or factor in its favor would be it offers you a dual-frame sensor functionality. You would get a 16:11 format with a sensor size of 1/1.49-inch, while a 4:3 crop is 1/1.56-inch. It is an RGBW sensor, and thus the intake of light would be much more significant. That should make it a massive upgrade by several counts.

The Sony IMX766 sensor – An Overview

The Sony IMX766 sensor has been one of the excellent options for providing you with one of the incredible experiences on the OnePlus Nord 2. The sensor was one of the unique options for enjoying a genuinely formidable photography experience on the flagship devices. The camera sensor from Sony is expected to capture the light to up to 56 percent. This can go a long way in helping you improve the colors, sharpness, and shooting in low light conditions. The sensor is equipped with a 50 MP sensor which is optically stabilized. The sensor size reads 1 / 1.56 inches large and comes with 1.0 μm pixels.

The phones equipped with Sony IMX866

The Sony IMX866 is the newest sensor from the Japanese manufacturer and is set to provide you access to a great degree of experience on flagship devices. However, you would not find many devices equipped with the sensor. As things stand now, the Sony IMX866 will only be available on the Vivo X80. The sensor on the Vivo smartphone can be efficient and helpful in helping you capture more light and is supported by a custom image processing algorithm on the V1+ chip. The manufacturer has gone on record that the smartphone will be a great option for one of the excellent experiences in terms of advanced technological advancements in the camera department.

The Phones with Sony IMX766

The Sony IMX766 predates the IMX866 sensors. That would mean you would find that the sensor is available on a wide range of devices. Some of the smartphones that come equipped with the sensor would include

• Oppo Reno5 Pro+
• OnePlus Nord 2
• Realme GT Neo 3
• OnePlus 10R
• Oppo K10 Pro
• OnePlus Ace
• Realme GT 2 Pro
• Xiaomi 12X
• Xiaomi 12
• Vivo X70t
• Oppo Find N
• OnePlus 9RT
• Oppo Reno 7 Pro
• Huawei Nova 9
• Huawei Nova 9 Pro
• Vivo X70 Pro
• Vivo X70
• Oppo Reno 6 Pro
• Honor Magic 3
• Vivo iQOO 8 Pro
• Realme GT Flash
• OnePlus Nord 2
• Realme GT Master Explorer Edition
• Oppo Find X3 Pro
• Oppo Reno 6 Pro+
• Oppo Find X3
• Oppo Find X3 Neo
• Honor V40

The specifications for the Sony IMX866 and Sony IMX766 image sensors

Having checked out the best options available on the Sony IMX866 and Sony IMX766 sensors, let us now have a comparison table for the two sensors so that you can get a fair idea of what you will likely get.

The Concluding Thoughts

The Sony IMX766 and IMX866 image sensors come with their plus points. The IMX866 is one of the excellent options with the latest developments and enhancements. You would find it gracing the new flagships you would come up with in the coming days. Of course, as final consumers, we do not have a choice in picking the IMX866 or IMX766 as our preferred image sensor. The decision is left to the smartphone manufacturers, and the information contained here should be an excellent choice to gain good knowledge.

More in Image Sensors:

• Samsung ISOCELL JN1 vs GN1 vs GN5
• Comparing ISOCELL GN5 vs OmniVision OV50A
• OV48C vs IMX586 vs IMX686

Suppose you are looking for the best outdoor security camera for protecting your home or office.

Also Read: Best security Cameras with Battery in-built – 4G LTE

The most suitable home security cameras can provide a bit extra peace of mind by giving you a separate set of eyes both in and outside your house. These cameras work both day and night and transmit you an alert on your phone when they detect somebody or something. However, there are a bunch of cameras on the market, so picking the best for your objectives can be tricky. In today’s post, we will compare the security cameras from EzViz, i.e., Ezviz c8c, c8c Lite, and c3n.

Ezviz C8C vs C8C Lite vs C3N – Comparison Table

EzViz C8C – A Concise review

The affordable and weather-resistant options offered by the Ezviz C8C Outdoor Pan/Tilt Camera should be the right choice for protecting your home or office. The support for mechanical pan and tilt controls would give you better control over your camera performance. It can work seamlessly with smart home devices and provides a sharp recording. However, the camera lacks two-way communication, which can be bothersome. The camera also provides you with a round, black-and-white IP65 weather-resistant enclosure. The mounting bracket is what would make it an excellent option to install on a wall or even an overhang. The camera can swivel up to 352 degrees and tilt it up to 95 degrees. Some features of the security camera include adjustable Wi-Fi antennas, a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi radio, and a weather-protected MicroSD card slot. The app used for the Ezviz C8C camera remains the same as the one used for Ezviz DB1C Wi-Fi Video Doorbell and the Ezviz C3X Outdoor Camera. Installing and setting up the camera is quite simple and easy. As soon as you install and set up the camera, you will begin enjoying a detailed 1080p video. The videos during the day are in color and are pretty vibrant and saturated. The night pictures, which are in black and white, are crisp enough and quite bright enough. The motion alerts and mechanical pan and tilt operations are pretty responsive. Pros

• A very reasonable and affordable price
• A sharper HD quality video
• Responsive mechanical pan and tilt operations

Cons

• No two-way audio feature
• Cannot stream to smart audio devices

Ezviz C8C Lite – A Sneak Peek

There is not much difference between the Ezviz C8C and C8C Lite, and the two come with almost similar features. The 360-degree security camera can be an excellent option in providing you with outstanding performance excellence. The motorized pan and tilt for the 360-degree coverage are what would provide you with one of the most excellent functions. The AI-powered human figure detection is what you would find unique in several ways. The flexible pan and tilt design should distinguish it from the rest. The camera provides you with a 1080p video quality. The storage support with a microSD card for up to 256 GB can make it a good choice for crystal clear images and videos. The audio pick feature on the camera is yet another good option for the security camera. The camera offers you a 352-degree horizontal and 95-degree vertical tilt, and pan operations can give you a good performance. The super night vision of up to 30 meters (100 feet) is set to provide precise details of what is around you. The elegant and durable design gives you a round and compact design. The stylish design makes it look great irrespective of where you have installed them. The weatherproof design can protect entirely from wind, rain, or snow.

Ezviz C3N – An overview

The Ezviz C3N is a budget Wi-Fi outdoor security camera, and you would find it offering you one of the most decent security camera alternatives. The excellent night vision provided by the camera can further make it a formidable choice. Despite being a camera worthy of being the best in its class, it offers you bargain-worthy pricing. The full HD camera with waterproof functionality should make it a prime choice. The base functionality and connectivity provided by the camera are pretty exciting and powerful. Installation is simple and easy, and you can also be assured that it is pretty intense when you look at the build quality. The black and night vision offered by the camera is unique. You would find lower levels of grains in the footage, and the IR LEDs can be strong enough to provide crystal clear imagery. The motion detection has an automatic mode wherein the night vision switches to color as soon as it detects a motion. The IP66 waterproof design is a bit above the other security cameras in a similar genre. The camera also offers you a 110-degree viewing angle and a 1080p video capture capability. The built-in noise-canceling microphone provides you with clearer audio of up to 16 feet, even in a noisy environment. The two infrared LEDs offer you 100 feet of automatically activated night vision. The camera provides you with intelligent motion-detection zones and notification options. The camera also comes with multiple storage options. You can use a microSD card of up to 256 GB or opt for EZVIZ NVR (network video recorder, sold separately for $230). Pros

• Excellent video and audio quality
• Customizable motion detection capability
• Ease of installation.
• Handles all the light levels efficiently.

Cons

• Software may not be up to the mark
• Wired power supply only

The Concluding Thoughts

The three security cameras from the brand Ezviz have been quite effective in providing a great experience dealing with robust security for your home and office environments. The comparison between Ezviz C8C, C8C Lite, and C3N, as outlined in this post, should help you pick the right choices per your individual preferences. All three Ezviz cameras have their plus points, and you can choose the ones per your need-based requirements.

The image sensors from Samsung are well-known for outstanding camera performance with advanced autofocus technology. Samsung released three of the best image sensors in this regard. They are ISOCELL JN1, GN1, and GN5. Let’s go through the details of each of these image sensors and then look at their comparison: Also Read: Comparing ISOCELL GN5 vs OmniVision OV50A

 ISOCELL combines 3D-BSI with Front-side, Full-depth, Deep-Trench Isolation (F-DTI), and Vertical Transfer Gate (VTG). This provides increased light sensitivity and higher color fidelity even in inadequate lighting situations.

Samsung ISOCELL JN1:

ISOCELL JN1 is Samsung’s first image sensor that features 0.64μm pixels and packs in 50 MP resolution. It comes in an ultra-slim package for portability. You will observe unique details and vivid colors in every photo you capture.

Features:

• Implemented with the ISOCELL 2.0, an advanced pixel isolation technology, this sensor provides enhanced color fidelity and light sensitivity.
• Whether it’s daytime or nighttime, this sensor captures crystal-clear images and videos due to the Tetrapixel technology.
• Especially in dim light environments, it can collect sufficient light from conveying clear and crisp night shots. With the Double Super PD, this sensor quickly focuses even in dark backgrounds. Therefore, you can easily capture swift-moving subjects.
• With the perfect balance of highlights and shadows, the HDR technology ensures your photos appear lifelike.
• There is the use of inter-scene HDR, which is the latest HDR technology that conveys enhanced dynamic range.
• With the high frame rate recordings, this sensor preserves every detail.
• The cinematic 4K video recording supports a 60-fps frame rate that allows the sensor to capture your favorite moments in stunning detail.

Samsung ISOCELL GN1:

With the best-in-class Dual Pixel technology, Samsung’s ISOCELL GN1 conveys supreme autofocus performance. This results in detailed and accurate images. With the Tetrapixel technology, this 50 MP image sensor can capture outstanding photos anywhere, anytime. This sensor accepts light information from every photodiode to generate a 100 MP resolution image through a software algorithm. It can immediately lock in on an object or area and develop sharp photos. The 1.2 μm sized pixels are implemented with exceptional light sensitivity. They generate true-to-life photographs.

Features:

• Dual Pixel technology increases the speed and improves the accuracy of the autofocus capabilities. So, users can quickly get crisp and clear pictures.
• Every pixel in this sensor contains two photodiodes. This feature allows the component to implement ultra-fast autofocus and capture moving objects irrespective of whether they are covered in the frame.
• Tetrapixel technology lets the sensor maximize the benefits of huge pixels. It blends four adjacent pixels into a single 2.4 μm sized pixel. So, the light sensitivity increases by four times. Due to bigger pixels, the sensor can capture blur-free images in a dimly lit environment.
• ISOCELL Plus implements a cutting-edge material to maximize the partition of individual pixels. During that, it optimizes their light absorption abilities via the micro-lens.
• With minimum light reflection and optical loss, this sensor conveys significant improvements in light sensitivity and color reproduction. So, the high-resolution photography features naturalistic tones and shades.
• Native-ISO decides how much sensitivity the sensor is to light. The high native ISO is more suitable for low-lit settings, whereas the low native ISO is more suitable for bright environments.
• The Smart-ISO technology enables automatic shooting with the low native-ISO in bright settings. It switches to high native-ISO when you shoot in darker environments. Hence, photos will always feature optimal dynamic range in dark and colorful backgrounds, with reduced noise.
• Real-time HDR enables the sensor to rapidly generate stunning images and videos with a high dynamic range. This technology lets the sensor preview and capture scenes in dim light environments in several exposures simultaneously. Ultimately, it produces HDR images in real-time.

Samsung ISOCELL GN5:

With the ultra-fast autofocus technology of the ISOCELL GN5 sensor, you are guaranteed stunning photographs. This super-slim 50MP sensor is the industry’s first 1.0 μm image sensor to implement Dual Pixel Pro technology. With this technology, this sensor always preserves every detail of your memories. It is an all-directional autofocusing technology that significantly enhances autofocusing abilities. You can effortlessly create blur-free, detailed images of swift-moving objects with fast, accurate autofocus.

Features:

• Two photodiodes are placed in every 1.0 μm pixel. They are placed vertically or horizontally to identify pattern changes in every direction.
• The one million phase-detecting type multi-directional photodiodes encompass all areas of the sensor. So, autofocusing instantly conveys sharper images irrespective of the lighting conditions.
• Samsung’s proprietary pixel technology applies Front Deep Trench Isolation (FDTI) (applied on a Dual Pixel product for the first time in the industry).
• Although the photodiode size is microscopic, FDTI allows every photodiode to absorb and embrace more light information. So, it improves the full-well capacity (FWC) of photodiodes and reduces crosstalk in the pixel.

Comparison of Samsung ISOCELL JN1 vs GN1 vs GN5:

Concluding Note:

The ISOCELL JN1 sensor can be considered when you want fine details, vivid colors, and excellent light sensitivity in the captured images and videos. When it comes to reduced noise, perfect color reproduction, and decent light sensitivity irrespective of the light condition, you can consider ISOCELL GN1. The ISOCELL GN5 offers fast, accurate autofocus. It helps you capture lifelike images and videos of steady and fast-moving objects.

Canon Inc, a Japanese multinational specializes in optical, imaging, and industrial products, such as camera lenses, DSLRs, medical equipment, optical scanners, printers, and semi-conductor manufacturing equipment. Canon is not a company that shies away from exploring and experimenting with new-age technology. One such case in point should be the Dual Gain Output image sensor or the DGO image sensor launched with the C70 and other cinema cameras. Wondering what the new technology is all about? Let us explore the concept in finer detail. The new technology – abbreviated DGO by Canon, was launched with the EOS C300 Mark III. The technology is relatively new and now is the time would explore the working of this technology and find how it improves your shooting experience. The technology has now been introduced on the Canon C70. For those wondering what all the fuss about the Dual Gain Output Image sensor is, Canon has published a white paper that should help you understand the technical aspets.

The Super 35mm 4K Image Sensor ensures high-quality HDR imaging.

The Canon Cinema EOS (Cinema Electro-Optical System) autofocus digital photographic and cinematographic SLR and mirrorless switchable lens camera system was presented in late 2011 with the Canon EOS C300 and followed by the Canon EOS C500 and Canon EOS 1D C in 2012. At the same time, the 35 mm format has been what has remained a strong option in moviemaking. Canon found the right combination of the two, and that is where the new digital cinematography lens-camera systems made an appearance. Canon has gained years of experience in the Cinema EOS system of lenses, making them come with the new range of Dual Gain Output sensors. The full-frame EOS C500 Mark II improved the Modularity, convertibility, and connectivity of the camera, making it one of the most unique options. The EOS C300 Mark III camera was further brought ahead of the technology. The EOS C300 Mark III camera is almost identical to the EOS C500 Mark II. Still, it introduces the best performance with the new Super 35mm CMOS image sensor developed by Canon – the Dual Gain Output (DGO) sensor. You would find the sensor taking ahead of the best features available on the CMOS sensors. The white paper also mentions the 15-stop dynamic range of the recent Cinema EOS cameras, which has been extended to 16 stops system in the latest EOS C300 Mark III camera.

The Dual Gain Output Sensor – An overview

Image Source: Canon

Canon introduced the first Cinema EOS camera in 2011, and the technology has grown manifold. The first Cinema camera was based on Canon-developed 4K single CMOS image sensor with a Bayer color filter array, and the camera that introduced the concept was the EOS C300. The sensor’s design strategy focused much on High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging. The sensor has 8-megapixel photosites utilizing two separate photodiodes designed to speed up the capture of the electrons. This effectively improves the effective dynamic range of the photosite.

The way the dual gain output sensor is achieving its 16 plus stops of total dynamic range is by reading out each photodiode.

The design of the photosites has been retained all through all the Cinema EOS cameras. This includes the 4K Super 35mm and the 5.9K full-frame systems. The new sensor developed for the EOS C300 Mark III camera has other technology. First, you would have an extended dynamic range. You would find an analog amplifier within each of the multiple-column readout circuitries. Since it is a narrow bandwidth amplifier, you would find it has a very negligible inherent noise. This will help enhance the electronic signal above the noise sources, and thus you get a better signal-to-noise advantage.

Canon states that the most dynamic range (16+ stops) can be accomplished when shooting at 800 ISO in Canon Log 2. If you shoot in Canon Log 3 then the dynamic range falls to 14 stops.

The DGO or Dual Gain Output sensor applies two distinct gain level settings to each photodiode signal output. This is further followed by exposure adjustment. The blend of the two signals will thus produce a final signal output with fully protected highlights, and noise enhanced lower region.

What new technologies lie under the 4K Super 35mm Image Sensor Dual Gain Output (DGO) Image Sensor?

The sensor is being deployed for an enhanced and improved new 4K cinematography camera technology. It utilizes two photodiodes that are deployed in a very strategic manner. Each of the photodiodes can have the ability to expand the dynamic range efficiently, and the additional processing adds up to a further extension. This goes a long way in further promoting the dynamic range. This explains why the technology is called the Dual Gain Output (DGO) system.

Saturation prioritization

As seen in the case of the above image, you would find the noise sources positioned on either side of the column amplifier. The column amplifier has a very narrow bandwidth. This will ensure that it does not have any thermal noise. As indicated in the image above, the total noise output is called Saturation prioritizing gain setting. In addition, an attempt is made on the sensor to recover the digital representation of the full dynamic range signal output from the image sensor.

Noise Prioritisation

The image above indicates the final noise output with the two sequential signal level adjustments. You would notice an elevation of the column amplifier to a high gain setting xG. Attenuation of signal and noise follows this by a factor of xG in the digital domain. You will find that the noise sources are not amplified. That would mean you will find that high gain elevation allows the signal to effectively “step over” the N2 noise sources. This phenomenon is termed as noise prioritizing gain setting.

How are Dual Gain Settings implemented on Each Photodiode Output?

The signals are sampled row by row in parallel column readout architectures when using the sensor. This is clearly shown in the following image.

The image would not need any further explanation. You would find that the process of dual gain is achieved through a time-multiplexed sequence. The two signals are observed to move through the analog to digital conversion. This is done along with the exposure adjustment process. This will produce a replica of the input signal with higher signal-to-noise performance. The final output would be the best HDR product of the Dual Gain Output (DGO) process. That way, you would find that all your highlights are detailed, but there is a considerable noise lowering. That would mean you would get access to better HDR performance even in the darker scenes. It can also effectively minimize the visibility of those low-level readout artifacts.

The Concluding Thoughts

Canon has had a great experience in n HDR motion imaging. With that background knowledge, it has applied high-end technology by extending the exposure latitude in both regions above and below the reference 18% grey exposure.