Samsung reveals a 1.2μm 50MP ISOCELL GN1 camera sensor that pledges faster autofocus alongside 8K video recording. The 1/1.3-inch sensor offers the dual-pixel autofocus and the Tetracell pixel binning. The Tetracell technology can be leveraged in order to upscale the default 1.2μm pixel size up to 2.4μm for low-light astronomical images.
The new ISOCELL GN1 sensor has 100 million focus units, each pixel comprising two agents, ensuring smooth and fast autofocus even in the low-light. Each pixel has two photodiodes kept aside from each other that receive light coming from several angles for later use in the phase-detection.
Similarly, the sensor can take 12.5MP stationary photos at 2.4μm in pixel-binning mode resulting in enhanced low-light photography. Samsung claims it to snap a 100MP photo using the 50MP sensor. It also brings a Smart ISO for optimal ISO, an EIS based on the gyro, a real-time HDR for capturing multiple exposures simultaneously, and an 8K video recording at 30fps. It offers 1080p video recording at 240fps and 400fps with and without autofocus respectively.
The Executive Vice President of Sensor Business at Samsung Electronics, Yongin Park on the release stated, “With innovative pixel technologies, Samsung has been at the forefront of offering high-performance image sensors that closely cater to increasingly diversifying market needs. The ISOCELL GN1 is part of that commitment to deliver stunning images to consumers in any environment. We will continue to introduce image sensor solutions at the cutting-edge that will lead the next trends in mobile photography.”
Samsung is shipping out the new ISOCELL GN1 camera sensor for a mass production towards the end of May 2020 competing with the likes of Sony IMX689 and IMX700 that offer quite similar features. The company could use it in smartphones anytime soon.
