Skip to main content

Canon develops CMOS sensor with approx. 250 megapixels


A camera prototype equipped
with the newly-developed
CMOS sensor (shown with an
EF 35mm f1.4 USM lens

Canon Inc. is developing an APS-H-size (approx. 29.2 x 20.2 mm) CMOS sensor incorporating approximately 250 million pixels (19,580 x 12,600 pixels). This is the world’s highest number of pixels (as of 7 September 2015, based on a Canon survey) for a CMOS sensor smaller than the size of a 35 mm full-frame sensor.

When installed in a camera, the newly-developed sensor was able to capture images enabling the distinguishing of lettering on the side of an airplane flying at a distance of approximately 18 km from the shooting location. This image capture employed a combination of optical and digital zooming while distinguishing of image content was realised through the magnification of an approximately 1/40,000th-sized area of the captured image. 

With CMOS sensors, increases in pixel counts result in increased signal volume, which can cause such problems as signal delays and slight discrepancies in timing. The new Canon-developed CMOS sensor, however, despite its exceptionally high pixel count, achieves an ultra-high signal readout speed of 1.25 billion pixels per second, made possible through such advancements as circuit miniaturisation and enhanced signal-processing technology. Accordingly, the sensor enables the capture of ultra-high-pixel-count video at a speed of five frames per second. 

Additionally Canon applied its sensor technologies cultivated over many years to realise an architecture adapted for miniaturised pixels that delivers high-sensitivity, low-noise imaging performance.

Video footage captured by the camera using the sensor achieved a level of resolution that was approximately 125 times that of Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) video and approximately 30 times that of 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) video. The exceptionally high definition made possible by the sensor lets users crop and magnify video images without sacrificing image resolution and clarity.

Canon is considering the application of this technology in specialised surveillance and crime prevention tools, ultra-high-resolution measuring instruments and other industrial equipment, and the field of visual expression.


Popular posts from this blog

More EOS firmware updates

Canon released a number of firmware updates in March 2024, as follows: EOS R3 – version 1.7.1 1. Enables servo zooming to be remotely controlled from EOS Utility or Camera Connect when Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E2/PZ-E2B is attached to a compatible lens. 2. Enables up to 2 TB to be used on CFexpress cards larger than 2 TB. 3. Fixes an issue that may cause the camera, in rare instances, to stop functioning when using GPS. 4. Fixes an issue that may display Error Code 70 when performing anti-flicker shooting at a shutter speed of 1 second or higher. 5. Enhances security for FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Security) connections. 6. Fixes an issue in which Mobile File Transfer may not function when connecting the camera to an iPhone compatible with USB 3.0 and higher. 7. Fixes an issue that, under specific circumstances, may prevent the image from being displayed in the viewfinder or on the screen causing the camera to stop operating, or Error Code 70 may be displayed. 8. Fixes minor issues. EOS ...

Canon announces development of flagship EOS R1

Canon Inc. has announced today that it is currently developing the EOS R1, a full-frame mirrorless camera, as the first flagship model for the EOS R system.  Whilst there is no timeline given for launch as yet, Canon has released hints of what's to come in terms of technology. It will use a newly developed processor, called DIGIC Accelerator, alongside the existing DIGIC X found in other R-series cameras plus a newly developed image sensor, which will enable a large volume of data to be processed at high speeds, and which will also deliver advances in autofocus (AF) and other functions as yet unspecified. The Deep learning technology – first found in the current flagship EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR camera – will be embedded in the new EOS R1. Canon also mentions a new AF 'Action Priority' function, which " further recognises subject movement by rapidly analysing the subject's status ". This AI-based programming promises to predict the key activity in a match, there...

Canon announces EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II as next R system evolution

Canon has today launched two new cameras for the EOS R system – the EOS R1, a new flagship model to take over from the EOS-1D X Mark III, and the EOS R5 Mark II, the next iteration of the ever-popular 5-series. The two camera share much more than just a launch date. They herald the arrival of the next generation of Canon's sensor-based focusing system – Dual Pixel Intelligent AF – as well as offering a raft of improvements over previous R-series cameras. The new features and the improvements alike are powered by a duo of DIGIC processors, one DIGIC X and one DIGIC Accelerator – and by Deep Learning, with the introduction of Action Priority AF for team-based sports. Both cameras sport brand new, purpose-made back illuminated stacked (BSI) sensors; the EOS R1 offers 24.2MP and the EOS R5 Mark II offers 45MP. Rolling shutter effect is reduced, significantly so on the EOS R1. In-camera there's also an up-scaling feature, giving users of both cameras the opportunity to increase res...