Sony has a lot of matrices for smartphone cameras in its arsenal, the range is constantly updated. Along with radically new solutions (like the IMX400, which supports shooting video at a speed of 960 FPS), matrices are also being produced, which are modified (improved or cheaper) versions of previous models. One of them was the Sony Exmor RS IMX386, which is actually an updated variation of the IMX286, released six months earlier.
Sony Exmor IMX386 is a photographic matrix located on the border of the middle and flagship price categories (closer to the flagships) in terms of marketing ranking. It has found application in smartphones priced at $250-500 released in late 2016 and early-mid 2017. The Sony Exmor IMX386 review will take you closer to the technical specifications and capabilities of this camera.
Specifications Sony Exmor IMX386
The basis of the Sony Exmor IMX386 is a CMOS-type matrix, made in 4:3 proportions, standard for photographic equipment. Its size is 1/2.9″, the physical diagonal is 6.2 mm. The full resolution of the sensor is 3968x2976 pixels or 11.8 megapixels. There is a phase autofocus system with selective placement of the corresponding sensors (there is no Dual Pixel technology).
Due to the increased diagonal (compared to the most popular 1 / 3.06 ″) and reduced resolution (against 13 MP), the camera has an increased pixel size. The dimensions of the pixel cell are 1.25x1.25 µm, which gives a 25% larger light-absorbing area than cameras with 1.12x1.12 µm: 1.56 µm2 versus 1.25 µm2. In theory, this should give better quality and detail in low-light conditions, but how it works in practice - we'll see later in the course of the review.
Not all camera modules based on Sony IMX386 are equipped with an image stabilization system. Flagships have it, and middle-class models are equipped with sensors enclosed in a simpler case. The optics of the cameras are also different: based on the Sony IMX386, modules are created, the lenses of which contain 5 or 6 lenses, with an aperture from F / 1.6 to F / 2.2. Therefore, the final quality of photos and videos may vary on different devices.
Video recording from the camera can be carried out in resolution up to 4K. The maximum frame rate when recording video in Slow-Mo, with a reduced resolution, can reach 240 FPS, but is limited by the capabilities of the chipset. Therefore, in existing smartphones with Sony IMX386, the recording speed of clips is usually lower.
Smartphones with Sony Exmor IMX386 camera
As of the end of August 2017, only the leading Chinese smartphone manufacturers were interested in the Sony IMX386 matrix. Companies from Japan, Korea, Taiwan have not yet released their devices with such a camera, but Xiaomi and Meizu liked this sensor. Firms have created a number of devices of the middle and top class with such matrices.
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Sony has a lot of matrices for smartphone cameras in its arsenal, the range is constantly updated. Along with radically new solutions (like the IMX400, which supports shooting video at a speed of 960 FPS), matrices are also being produced, which are modified (improved or cheaper) versions of previous models. One of them was the Sony Exmor RS IMX386, which is actually an updated variation of the IMX286, released six months earlier.
Sony Exmor IMX386 is a photographic matrix located on the border of the middle and flagship price categories (closer to the flagships) in terms of marketing ranking. It has found application in smartphones priced at $250-500 released in late 2016 and early-mid 2017. The Sony Exmor IMX386 review will take you closer to the technical specifications and capabilities of this camera.
Specifications Sony Exmor IMX386
The basis of the Sony Exmor IMX386 is a CMOS-type matrix, made in 4:3 proportions, standard for photographic equipment. Its size is 1 / 2.9", the physical diagonal is 6.2 mm. The full resolution of the sensor is 3968x2976 pixels or 11.8 megapixels. There is a phase autofocus system with selective placement of the corresponding sensors (there is no Dual Pixel technology).
Due to the increased diagonal (compared to the most popular 1 / 3.06 ") and reduced resolution (against 13 MP), the camera has an increased pixel size. The dimensions of the pixel cell are 1.25x1.25 microns, which gives a 25% larger light-absorbing area than cameras with 1.12x1.12 microns: 1.56 microns versus 1.25 microns 2. In theory, this should give better quality and detail in low-light conditions, but we'll see how it works in practice later in the review.
Not all camera modules based on Sony IMX386 are equipped with an image stabilization system. Flagships have it, and middle-class models are equipped with sensors enclosed in a simpler case. The optics of the cameras are also different: based on the Sony IMX386, modules are created, the lenses of which contain 5 or 6 lenses, with an aperture from F / 1.6 to F / 2.2. Therefore, the final quality of photos and videos may vary on different devices.
Video recording from the camera can be carried out in resolution up to 4K. The maximum frame rate when recording video in Slow-Mo, with a reduced resolution, can reach 240 FPS, but is limited by the capabilities of the chipset. Therefore, in existing smartphones with Sony IMX386, the recording speed of clips is usually lower.
Smartphones with Sony Exmor IMX386 camera
As of the end of August 2017, only the leading Chinese smartphone manufacturers were interested in the Sony IMX386 matrix. Companies from Japan, Korea, Taiwan have not yet released their devices with such a camera, but Xiaomi and Meizu liked this sensor. Firms have created a number of devices of the middle and top class with such matrices.
In, the flagship of 2017, the main camera is based on the Sony IMX386. It is made as part of a module with a 4-axis optical stabilization system and a six-lens lens. The lens aperture is F/1.8. In the middle class, Xiaomi equipped phablets and . The main camera of both differs from the flagship in a simplified module system and cheaper optics. These smartphones do not have optical stabilization, the lens consists of 5 lenses, and the relative diameter of its pupil is F / 2.2.
Meizu also did not bypass the Sony IMX386. The first device with this camera was released in the summer of 2016. In it, the matrix is made in a body without OIS, with optics with an aperture of F / 2. The same configuration is used in the fashion glass midrange Meizu M3X. But in Meizu Pro 6S and Pro 6 Plus, a more advanced configuration of the main camera is used. The lens aperture has not been improved, but the module received a 4-axis optical stabilization system and laser autofocus.
The latest Meizu devices with this camera are the flagships Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus. They use a dual camera based on color and black and white sensors Sony IMX386. Their optics has an aperture of F / 2, consists of 6 lenses.
Huawei and AGM have one device each with Sony IMX386 matrices. The first ones equipped it with a middle-class phablet, which is equipped with a dual camera. The main one of the pair is just the object of review. The module configuration is simple, without a stabilization system and five-lens optics with an aperture of F / 2.2.
The last presented smartphone equipped with Sony IMX386 is AGM X2. He has two of these matrices, color and black and white. The smartphone is not yet on mass sale, therefore there is still no detailed verified information about its cameras, but since the company is not the most famous, most likely, a simple module configuration is used, without OIS and improved optics.
Examples of photos from a camera based on Sony IMX386
To evaluate what the Sony IMX386 matrix is capable of in a mid-range smartphone and flagships, we offer a selection of photos taken from it. For shooting examples, Xiaomi Mi6 and Mi Max 2 equipped with this matrix were used. The photos were taken in approximately the same lighting conditions in order to be able to see and see how the quality and aperture ratio of the optics affect the quality of the pictures.
Flash shot on Xiaomi Mi6
Night, dark, flash photo (Mi MAX 2)
Daytime, overcast, shot in the shade of trees on Xiaomi Mi6 (1300 lx)
Daytime, overcast, shot in the shade of trees on Mi MAX 2 (1300 lx)
Daytime, overcast & Shot on Mi6 (2000 lux)
Day, cloudy. Mi MAX 2 (2000 lx)
Day, cloudy. Mi6 (5000 lux)
Day, cloudy. Mi MAX 2 (5000 lx)
As you can see, despite the identical IMX386 matrices, Xiaomi Mi6 slightly outperforms Mi MAX 2 in image quality. In addition to the matrix, an important role is played by the chipset, software, optics, and so on.
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The well-known Japanese company Sony has launched a new image sensor (in other words, a photosensitive matrix for video cameras) under the name STARVIS. It has unique capabilities in the field of capturing images in extremely low light conditions.
The new back-illuminated CMOS sensor is designed primarily for industrial and security applications such as CCTV cameras.
One of the first 2MP IP cameras with a Starvis matrix that appeared on the Russian market is a model from KENO.
The camera is made in all-weather design, has a varifocal lens with a focal length of 2.8 - 12 mm (there is also a model with a 6-22 mm lens), lightning protection and can be powered by PoE. The sensitivity of this camera is claimed to be 0.002 lux in color and 0.0002 lux in black and white, a record for 2MP surveillance cameras today!
Increased night vision capabilities are explained by the fact that Sony developers have expanded the sensitivity range of the matrix beyond the visible spectrum - towards the near infrared range. "Sensitivity reaches 2000 mV per square micrometer, image quality is high in the visible spectrum and near infrared", says Sony.
Compare how the iPhone 5s shoots in the dark and a camcorder with a STARVIS matrix:
This video is truly impressive. The camera can "see" in almost total darkness. We decided to see for ourselves and compare how 2 FULL HD IP cameras will show on the most sensitive matrices today (February 2017.).
For comparison, we took a camera with a 1 / 1.8 SONY IMX 185 matrix, camera model . The aforementioned camera acted as an instance with a SONY STARVIS matrix. In order to fully evaluate the sensitivity of the matrices, we turned off the IR illumination of the cameras. We took screenshots from both cameras at the same time. So we took the first shots at dusk:
As you can see, the cameras do an excellent job with the beginning of twilight. Both show clearly and in color.
We took the following screenshots after sunset:
This time the camera with SONY STARVIS matrix has already switched to black and white mode, and the IPEYE camera with 1/1.8 matrix still shows in color. But at the same time, her frame is somewhat lighter.
And we took the last shots in almost complete darkness, the parking lot was illuminated only by artificial light from the windows:
Both cameras have already switched to night b/w mode. Here we see the obvious advantage of the SONY IMX 185 matrix. The frame from this video camera turned out to be much brighter. Well, the miracle didn't happen again. The physical size of the matrix still plays a much more important role than any innovative technology.
Sony is a leading manufacturer of digital photographic equipment. In the world of smartphones, its matrices for cameras are supplied to many companies both in finished form (in a case) and in the form of a “semi-finished product” - the sensors themselves, the modules on the basis of which are assembled by another company (like O-Film). One of the flagship matrices of 2016 is the Sony Exmor IMX298, which was liked by several manufacturers and used by them in their top smartphones. To learn more about the capabilities of this sensor, its review will help.
Specifications Sony Exmor IMX298
The Sony Exmor IMX298 technical description for potential customers is in the public domain, so it was not difficult to get acquainted with the official characteristics of the matrix. According to the document, the Sony Exmor IMX298 is a CMOS sensor and belongs to the BSI (Back Illuminated) type. Matrices of this type are characterized by improved, in comparison with conventional CMOS, photosensitivity. The camera supports phase detection autofocus, but it's not a full-fledged DualPixel.
The total size of the matrix is 6.433x4.92 mm, the diagonal of the effective area is 1/2.8 vidicon inches, which is equivalent to 6.521 mm. This size is standard for 16 MP mobile matrices, so the pixels have the classic dimensions of 1.12x1.12 microns. The real resolution of the Sony Exmor IMX298 sensor is 4720x1600 pixels, that is, almost 17 MP. Some of them are used for official needs (like electronic image stabilization), so only resolution up to 4672x3520 pixels or 16.44 MP is available for shooting.
Since smartphone camera software is designed to shoot in two formats, with frame proportions of 4:3 and 16:9, the resolution of the received frames will be even lower. Video shooting in theory can be carried out by a matrix even in full resolution at a frequency of 30 FPS, and the bitrate of the camera's system bus reaches 1.5 Gb / s. But since the capabilities of the camera are the most common video format (16:9), only 4K resolution (up to 4096x2160) with the same 30 FPS is actually available for use. When using FullHD resolution, the maximum frame rate increases to 60 frames per second.
An interesting feature of the Sony Exmor IMX298 is support for dual-matrix synchronization. But despite its presence, dual cameras with this sensor inside are not currently on the market.
Smartphones with Sony Exmor IMX298 camera
Since the launch of the Sony Exmor IMX298 matrix, many smartphones have been equipped with it. One of the first was Huawei Mate 8, released in November 2015. Other well-known camera smartphones based on Sony Exmor IMX298 are Xiaomi Mi5, OnePlus 3 and 3T, ZTE Nubia Z11 in all modifications, Asus ZenFone 3 series smartphones, LeEco Le Pro 3 and the best-selling Chinese smartphone of 2016 – Oppo R9. Devices less known to us that use such a camera sensor are Vivo Xplay 5, Vivo X7.
One of the latest devices that uses the Sony Exmor IMX298 matrix is the LG V20. Some sources report IMX234 (as in LG G5), but this is not true: the specified matrix has wide aspect ratio and its shots are limited to 2988 pixels in height. Since the LG V20 is capable of taking photos with a height of 3492 points, there can be no IMX234 in it.
Most of these smartphones are equipped with a basic matrix variant manufactured by Sony. Therefore, they use optics with an aperture of F / 2, and the module has an optical stabilization mechanism. However, it seems that some Chinese decided to save money and used a simplified version of the matrix: there is no optical stabilizer in Vivo and LeEco devices.
The capabilities of the Sony Exmor IMX298 camera are determined (and sometimes limited) by the quality of software optimization. For example, LG V20 was rated by DXOMark experts at 85 points, Xiaomi Mi5 received 79 points, and ZTE Nubia Z11 - 78 points. If we consider the potential of the camera from the perspective of a simple user, then the Sony Exmor IMX298 is a high-quality flagship sensor that takes good photos. Only the flagships of Samsung or Apple can surpass it in terms of shooting quality.
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Sony has officially introduced the new Sony IMX318 sensor for high-end mobile devices, which has received a number of improvements and improvements compared to the one used in the Xperia Z5 series smartphones. The company's latest financial reports showed some decline and losses in the camera sensor business, which is justified by the general decline in the mobile device market and research costs. But the Japanese are not going to give way to the world leader in the production of matrices and present their new product at this difficult time.
And there really is something to be proud of. The new Sony IMX318 Exmor RS sensor at the time of release is the first sensor in the industry to feature 3-Axis Electronic Image Stabilization technology and a built-in super-fast Hybrid AF capable of focusing on an object in 0.03 seconds at proper conditions. Sony IMX318 has a 1/2.6-inch CMOS sensor with a resolution of 22.5 megapixels, supports 4K video recording, RAW format, HDR. Dry numbers show the huge potential of the sensor.
The matrix is very compact and can be used in thin flagships, without compromising the quality of the material being shot, on the contrary, increasing it several times. The pixel size of the 1/2.6-inch sensor is 1.0μm and shows high quality compared to the IMX230 (1/2.3″ and 1.12μm) especially in low light conditions (noise reduction and image and video enhancement). New production technologies have made it possible to achieve this. And it is the smallest single pixel size in the industry (1 micrometer) while achieving a compact size (1/2.3″) and realizing 22.5 million active pixels.
Also in its new sensor, Sony uses the already familiar HybridAF auto focus, which successfully debuted in the flagships Xperia Z5 and Xperia M5. Now, being at the heart of the sensor itself, hybrid autofocus technology will begin to spread to the mobile market. In photo mode, focusing time is just 0.03 seconds and 0.017 when shooting video at 60fps (the time to bring the subject into focus when the distance from the sensor to the subject decreases from 2 meters to 2 centimeters in high light). You can see an example of his work in the video below:
Three-axis electronic image stabilization technology (3-Axis Electronic Image Stabilization) is the result of a long work of the company's engineers to improve digital stabilization. Three-axis stabilization also works in 4K video recording mode, and the built-in gyroscope helps her in this. This new technology not only corrects for camera shake, but also for lens distortion. A big plus is that it is integrated into the hardware of the sensor itself, and is not processed by a separate processor in software. Here's what it looks like in action:
Also, the IMX318 is more energy efficient and has a higher data transfer rate between the sensor and the processor. The start of deliveries of the new sensor is scheduled for May 2016. I wonder if it will debut in the upcoming spring flagships of the company or will we see it only in the fall?
