Canon's world's largest CMOS image sensor

Canon succeeds in developing world's largest CMOS image sensor, with ultra-high sensitivity

TOKYO, August 31, 2010—Canon Inc. announced today that it has successfully developed the world's largest*1 CMOS image sensor, with a chip size measuring 202 x 205 mm. Because its expanded size enables greater light-gathering capability, the sensor is capable of capturing images in one one-hundredth the amount of light required by a professional-model digital SLR camera.

At 202 x 205 mm, the newly developed CMOS sensor is among the largest chips that can be produced from a 12-inch (300 mm) wafer, and is approximately 40 times the size of Canon's largest commercial CMOS sensor.*2

In the past, enlarging the size of the sensor resulted in an increase in the amount of time required between the receiving and transmission of data signals, which posed a challenge to achieving high-speed readout. Canon, however, solved this problem through an innovative circuit design, making possible the realization of a massive video-compatible CMOS sensor. Additionally, by ensuring the cleanest of cleanroom environments during the production process, the sensor minimizes image imperfections and dust.

Because the increased size of the new CMOS sensor allows more light to be gathered, it enables shooting in low-light environments. The sensor makes possible the image capture in one one-hundredth the amount of light required by a 35 mm full-frame CMOS sensor, facilitating the shooting of 60 frame-per-second video with a mere 0.3 lux of illumination.

Potential applications for the new high-sensitivity CMOS sensor include the video recording of stars in the night sky and nocturnal animal behavior.

Through the further development of distinctive CMOS image sensors, Canon will break new ground in the world of new image expression, in the area of still images as well as video.

*1 As of August 27, 2010. Based on a Canon study.
*2 The approximately 21.1 megapixel 35 mm full-frame CMOS sensor employed in the company's EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR cameras.
*3 Approximately one-half the brightness of a moonlit night.

The full article can be read at - http://www.canon.com/news/2010/aug31e.html

Amazing development. This is going to revolutionise photography as well as understanding of animal behaviour. It is like watching the behaviour of animals in the night through the eyes of a tiger. You can record nearly everything without using a flash. I am sure this will cost a bomb, as the size of such a large sensor is going to cost a lot. Still, I am absolutely excited by the sheer possibilities.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

Some news about Canon's huge sensor that was announced last year. It is said that this sensor is being used in the Kiso observatory in the Schmidt Telescope at University of Tokyo, Japan.

Apart from this there has not been any news of commercial use of this sensor, though spinoffs from this technology are likely to make through to the Video and DSLR cameras.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

Sorry for the noob question, but w.r.t to nightvision cameras, is it just the filters on the lenses that make a difference or do they have special type of sensors?

Bala,
Night vision is done through infra red. The infra red light is amplified to create an image. There are certain changes that need to be done to your DSLR camera including the aliasing filter. In earlier days, with film cameras, one needed to put an IR film. Lenses remain the same. Actually the focussing point changes when you are shooting for IR.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi