Sony Announces a Super Fast Smartphone Sensor

The recently announced Sony Exmor RS IMX230, packs a whopping 192 AF points to a 21MP 1/2.4-inch stacked cellphone sensor. The sheer number of autofocus points, in addition to the fact the sensor will allow for phase detection means that blazing fast AF is all but a guarantee for phones using these sensors. As far as number of AF points go, this is the maximum that we have seen in a camera sensor today. The Sony A6000 and A5100 come close with 179 AF points. Despite being able to shoot 21MP files, the sensor is supposed to be capable of shooting  full resolution images at an impressive 24fps. With the new sensor, realtime HDR will now be supported while shooting still images too. Older versions allowed realtime HDR only while shooting video.

sony packs 192 AF points, realtime hDR for photographs and improved 4k support in a 1/2.4-inch sensor.

This support has also been extended to 4k (4096 x 2160) for improved quality especially in backlit conditions. The sensor can capture 1080p60 video and HD at 120fps. Given the relatively large size of the sensor for a cellphone, improvements to the Xperia’s low light capabilities is to be expected as well (current Xperia phones use a 1/3.2-inch sensor). While the IMX320 will begin shipping by April 2015, Sony has planned to release a 16MP variant as well. Whether the Sony Xperia Z4, rumoured to be announced on 5 January 2015, will utilise the same sensor remains to be seen.