Experts estimate the resolution of the human eye in comparison with a smartphone camera at about 500 megapixels – much more than that of any modern gadget. But soon the situation may change in favor of “numbers” – Samsung intends to release a sensor with a record resolution for the industry. Samsung representatives officially announced the development of a 600-megapixel camera sensor. This is more than the resolution of the human eye, which scientists estimate is 500 megapixels. Now the first details about such a sensor have appeared on the network.
Yongin Pak, executive head of System LSI Business at Samsung Electronics, said the company plans to develop 600-megapixel camera sensors. Striking a balance between resolution and pixel size is challenging, he says, as reducing the latter can reduce image quality. To improve the situation, the manufacturer will refine the proprietary technology for combining neighboring pixels. It allows you to increase light absorption and reduce noise when shooting in low light conditions.
It is expected that the first 600-megapixel sensors will be received not by smartphones, but by drones, smart cars, and some IoT devices. In addition, the company plans to release sensors that are sensitive to the ultraviolet range: they can be used, among other things, for diagnosing skin cancer. In turn, infrared camera sensors can assist in quality control in industrial plants.
As far as smartphones are concerned, the next Samsung flagships are rumored to have 150MP Nonacell camera sensors. The date of the announcement and the estimated price of the 600-megapixel solutions are unknown.
Details of the sensor were provided by the well-known Ice universe insider. In this case, we are talking more about assumptions based on the information currently available. All calculations were carried out taking into account the fact that the 600-megapixel sensor will receive pixels of 0.8 microns – as in the current 108-megapixel sensors. In this case, the sensor size will be 1 / 0.57 “, which is more than double the size of 108-megapixel counterparts (1 / 1.3”).
For a sensor this large, you will need an appropriate lens. As a result, the camera unit should protrude from the smartphone body with a thickness of 8.8 mm by about 13 mm. It is possible that to solve this problem Samsung may resort to using a retractable lens, as in “large” cameras. A similar technology was recently demonstrated by Xiaomi. In addition, the camera alone with this size will occupy about 12% of the back cover area.
So far, there is no confirmation of the words of insiders. Perhaps Samsung will find a solution to all of the above problems and still be able to fit a 600-megapixel sensor into the body of a smartphone. It is also worth noting that initially, such a camera may appear in drones and smart cars, and only then get to mobile technology.
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