- Samsung informed that this sensor comes equipped with 100 million phase detection auto-focus (PDAF) agents
- The image sensor supports video recording at up to 8K resolution at 30 frames-per-second
Samsung Electronics has introduced Samsung ISOCELL GN1, a new 50-megapixel (Mp) image sensor with large 1.2μm-sized pixels. The ISOCELL GN1, as the company informed, is Samsung’s first image sensor to offer both dual pixel and tetracell technologies.
“With innovative pixel technologies, Samsung has been at the forefront of offering high-performance image sensors that closely cater to increasingly diversifying market needs. The ISOCELL GN1 is part of that commitment to deliver stunning images to consumers in any environment. We will continue to introduce image sensor solutions at the cutting-edge that will lead the next trends in mobile photography,” said Yongin Park, executive vice president of sensor business at Samsung Electronics.
Interestingly camera quality and sensor size in MPs is one of the most influencing factors for smartphone buyers. The company said that it has start mass producing these sensors starting the current month.
100 million phase detection auto-focus (PDAF) agents
The GN1 brings auto-focusing with 100 million phase detection auto-focus (PDAF) agents. Samsung’s Dual Pixel technology places two photodiodes side-by-side within a single pixel that can receive light from different angles for phase detection. The company also provides a software algorithm that takes light information from each photodiode to produce image resolutions comparable to 100Mp.
For low-light photography, the GN1 adopts Tetracell technology, a pixel-merging technique that, as per Samsung, improves the pixels’ capacity to capture and process more light. By binning four pixel signals into one, Tetracell doubles the image sensor’s pixel size to 2.4μm and quadruples the light sensitivity to take brighter 12.5Mp photographs.
“Creating desirable images is an indispensable element for today’s smartphone users who are well accustomed to visually grasping and cherishing special moments, wherever they are. To address various imaging preferences of the users, some smartphone makers put more emphasis on extremely detailed images with ultra-high resolutions, while some choose bigger pixels for bright results in low-light environments. The new Samsung ISOCELL GN1 fulfills these multiple needs at once with Dual Pixel and Tetracell technologies,” read Samsung’s official statement.
It continued, “In addition to Dual Pixel and Tetracell technologies, the GN1 comes with Smart-ISO that intelligently selects the optimal ISO, real-time HDR that captures the scene in multiple exposures simultaneously, and gyro-based electronic image stabilization (EIS) that takes sharp images and video even when in motion. For premium video quality, the image sensor supports video recording at up to 8K resolution at 30 frames-per-second (fps).”
