OmniVision announces 48MP sensor with 1.2um pixels, 2.4um with binning

OmniVision unveiled a large 1/1.3” sensor for flagship smartphone cameras. The OV48C is the same size as Samsung’s 108MP sensor, but keeps the resolution at 48MP – this makes for large 1.2µm pixels, compared to the 0.8µm pixels of the Samsung sensor.

The OmniVision sensor has a 4-cell color filter (i.e. Quad Bayer) and hardware remosaicing, which can either output full resolution 48MP images or a use pixel binning for 12MP images with effective 2.4µm pixels.

Video modes include 8K output without binning and 4K/60fps video with binning. Slow motion modes are supported too, 240fps at 1080p and 360fps at 720p.

The sensor also features PureCel Plus technology, which seems to be OmniVision’s equivalent of ISOCELL – as if those enormous 2.4µm pixels weren’t enough. On-chip dual conversion gain HDR further increases the signal-to-noise ratio. Staggered HDR is also supported in hardware (that’s multi-shot HDR).

The OmniVision OV48C features “half shield” phase detection autofocus and digital zoom with 12MP output.

Samples of the sensor are available today. There’s no answer to the question on everyone's mind, however – when the first phones with the OV48C will hit the market.

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