Samsung Electronics has introduced ISOCELL GN2, a new 50-megapixel (MP) image sensor with large 1.4-micrometer (μm)-sized pixels. Its latest smartphone camera sensor comes with a new feature called Dual Pixel Pro that promises faster and more accurate autofocus. With enhancements to its predecessor, the ISOCELL GN1, the GN2 sensor will likely come to Samsung’s next-generation Galaxy smartphones and other devices.
The 1/1.12-inch sensor can simulate a larger 2.8μm-pixel with four-pixel-binning technology to absorb more light, delivering brighter and sharper images. The sensor also offers an option to capture images in 100MP resolution, using a technology in which the colored pixels are rearranged using an intelligent re-mosaic algorithm. In this case, the re-mosaic algorithm creates three separate layers of 50-megapixel frames of green, red, and blue colors and then scales them up to the final 100-megapixel image.
GN2 is also the first Samsung sensor to feature Dual Pixel Pro, which uses 100 million phase detection agents for ultra-fast auto-focusing. Samsung said the technology provides all-direction focusing by separating the pixels vertically and horizontally, resulting in faster focusing in low light and better tracking of moving objects.
HDR performance has also been improved. The new image sensor is capable of capturing high-contrast scenes with the increased dynamic range using staggered-HDR. This function takes multiple shots at high, medium, and long shutter speeds using a rolling shutter and then combines them into a perfect shot with the most balanced highlights and shadows.
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Another notable feature of the sensor is Smart ISO Pro, which “uses an intra-scene double-conversion gain (iDCG) solution, takes readouts from both high and low ISO to instantly create high dynamic range images with less motion-artifacts.” ISOCELL GN2 is capable of recording full-HD videos at 480 frames-per-second (fps) or 4K at 120fps, enabling wider possibilities for mobile video-shooting.
“ISOCELL image sensors and its technologies have made vast improvements to deliver the quality and performance one would expect from top-tier prograde cameras,” said Duckhyun Chang, executive vice president of sensor business at Samsung Electronics. “Our new ISOCELL GN2 features Dual Pixel Pro, an innovative all-direction auto-focusing solution that elevates the agility to capture moments as they unfold. Adding on Smart ISO Pro and a variety of advanced pixel technologies, pictures from GN2 are more true-to-life than ever.“
Samsung says the new ISOCELL GN2 sensor is already in mass production, although it makes no reference to when it will make its debut in consumer smartphones.
