Sony Pregius imaging sensors with a newly advanced pixel design provide unsurpassed high dynamic range, quantum efficiency and excellent signal to noise (SNR) ratios. With a Dynamic range of 73 dB and a quantum efficiency of 76% (@ 525nm), this sensor will become a major work horse in the industrial imaging market. Comparing these data points however can be mind boggling and leave you asking, “What’s the end result?” 1st Vision put the CMOSIS CMV2000 and new Sony Pregius IMX174 into the ring to battle it out! From the specification standpoint, the IMX174 provides better values across the board. (Refer to the SonyPregius Sensor page for detailed information on the terms)
Comparison Data:
Round 1: Saturation Capacity & Dynamic Range
Saturation Capacity or “well depth” is analogous to a bucket of water, however in lieu of water, we have electrons. Given a larger bucket, we can pour more water in the bucket without it overflowing. The water overflowing is analogous to “saturation”. In turn, a sensor that has a larger saturation capacity (bigger bucket) can hold more electrons (water) without saturating (overflowing). This would relate to the sensors overall dynamic range in that it will not saturate quickly in a given image, allowing us to see darker and lighter areas.
The example below shows images comparing the CMV2000 and IMX174. These were captured with the same lens, camera manufacturer and set at the identical exposures.
Looking at these images, which one is the better sensor? We would want to quickly say, “The brighter one!”, however brighter does not always mean better!
On the left CMOSIS image, we see a noticeable difference as it is starting to saturate especially on the lower right corner. The colors are reaching peak levels in which they are close to saturating (brighter image). For this given light level, our small “buckets” are getting full!
On the right IMX174 image, we can see similar brightness levels in the upper left corners, but the bottom right part of the image is NOT saturating, as well as the markers are not reaching peak values. In essence, we have a small bucket with the CMV2000 and will overflow much faster than the larger bucket with the IMX174. Relating back to our values in the chart, saturation capacity and dynamic range are much greater on the IMX174 and can be visibly seen in the images! Sony Pregius wins round 1.
(Knowing this.. the brighter image does not always mean its a better sensor! )
Round 2: Quantum Efficiency (Sensitivity)
In comparing the Quantum Efficiency values, we see the IMX174 is 13% higher. This relates to the conversion of photons to electrons and in turn providing a higher numeric value in our image. The images below were taken in very low light with a 10uS exposure. The IMX174 provides a brighter image due to this added efficiency.
Sony Pregius IMX174 wins round 2 with a Knock Out!
The Sony Pregius pixel architecture is being expanded into many resolutions and will implemented into many industrial cameras.
For a complete list of cameras with Sony Pregius sensors click HERE. Keep an eye on this link as it continues to expand. Need more technical information on the Sony Pregius sensors? Click HERE
Contact us for a quote on cameras with the Sony Pregius sensors and to discuss your application! 1st Vision can provide a complete solution including lenses, cables and lighting.
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