Sony Semiconductor Solutions to Release 4K Image Sensor for Security Cameras with the Industry's Smallest 1.45 µm LOFIC Pixels
Contributing to improved recognition precision with high image quality in high-contrast environments and dark scenes
ATSUGI, Japan, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (Sony) today announced the upcoming release of the IMX908, a 4K CMOS image sensor for security cameras with the industry's smallest*1 1.45 µm LOFIC*2 pixels.
The new sensor uses the newly developed LOFIC pixels to achieve 96 dB high dynamic range imaging at 4K resolution with a single exposure. Building on this, improved low-light performance delivers high-quality imaging with reduced highlight blowout, loss of shadow detail, and noise in both high contrast environments and dark locations compared to conventional products.
The new sensor will expand SSS's lineup of products with both high-resolution and high dynamic range for security camera applications, which require high-precision image recognition in a wide range of indoor and outdoor environments, thereby contributing to a safer and more secure society.
*1 Among CMOS image sensors for security camera applications. According to Sony research (as of announcement on March 17, 2026). |
*2 Lateral overflow integration capacitor (LOFIC). |
Model name |
Sample shipment date |
IMX908 1/2.8-type (6.42 mm diagonal) |
End of March 2026 |
*3 Based on the image sensor effective pixel specification method. |
Main Features
■ Compact design and 4K resolution thanks to the industry's smallest*1 1.45 µm LOFIC pixels
The new sensor is equipped with newly developed LOFIC pixels. The LOFIC structure offers more efficient charge accumulation and voltage conversion than conventional products, contributing to increased sensor saturation charge and improved low-light performance. The structure also enables the industry's smallest*1 1.45 µm single pixels, delivering 4K resolution imaging on a compact 1/2.8-type sensor.
■ High image quality in high-contrast environments and dark locations made possible by a high dynamic range of 96 dB
By expanding the amount of saturated charge to nearly 20x that of conventional products,*4 the new sensor can accumulate more charge, enabling reduced highlight blowout when shooting under strong light sources. It can also convert voltage from less light, with an approximately 27% improvement in low-light performance*5 compared to conventional, *4 reducing loss of shadow details and suppressing noise when shooting in dark locations. These improvements expand the single exposure dynamic range to 96 dB, enabling high-quality and high-sensitivity imaging even in high-contrast and dark environments.
*4 Compared to the IMX778 1/2.8-type, 8.45-effective-megapixel image sensor for security cameras. |
*5 Based on SNR1s, Sony's proprietary low light image quality index for security camera CMOS image sensors. |
■ High-definition imaging with fewer artifacts thanks to the single exposure method
The new sensor achieves a high dynamic range with the single exposure method. Unlike the multiple exposure method, which composites multiple images captured at different exposure settings, the single exposure method reduces artifacts and supports high–speed output. This results in stable, high-definition imaging with less outline and color shifting, which tend to hinder AI image recognition, thereby contributing to improved recognition accuracy, even of moving subjects. This product can also support output image data generated with different conversion efficiency levels, offering more flexible options in camera design.
Related Links
IMX908 product page
https://www.sony-semicon.com/en/products/is/security/security/IMX908.html
Sony security camera image sensor technology STARVIS™ information
https://www.sony-semicon.com/en/technology/security/index.html
Note: STARVIS, STARVIS 3, and their logos are the registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Group Corporation or its affiliated companies.
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