Samsung Electronics today announced the launch of its latest 200-megapixel (200MP) image sensor ISOCELL HP2, providing an ultra-high resolution experience for flagship smartphones.
The ISOCELL HP2 has a 0.6 micron (μm) sensor size in a 1/1.3-inch optical format that can accommodate 200 million pixels.
With Samsung’s pixel merging technology, Tetra²pixel (Sixteen-in-One Pixel Technology), the HP2 can simulate different pixel sizes to accommodate different light levels, making the camera useful in more scenarios, Samsung said. In low light conditions, the HP2 converts the sensor to a 1.2-micron (μm) 50-megapixel (50MP) or 2.4-micron (μm) 12.5-megapixel (12.5MP) image sensor by merging four to 16 adjacent pixels.
If one wishes to shoot full 8K video at approximately 33 megapixels (33 MP) pixels, the HP2 will switch to 1.2 microns 50-megapixel mode to facilitate minimizing frame loss and capturing more detail in the scene.
Thanks to Samsung’s new Dual Vertical Transmission Gate (D-VTG) technology, the HP2 is said to be able to reduce the problem of overexposure of photos in bright light conditions. A voltage transmission gate is set at the bottom of the photodiode within each pixel to transfer electrons from the pixel to the logic layer. d-VTG also adds a second transmission gate in the pixel exactly, increasing the pixel’s full well capacity by more than 33%. By absorbing more electrons and efficient signaling, this approach reduces overexposure and enhances color reproduction.
Samsung notes that the Super QPD (Super QPD Autofocus Solution) solution allows the HP2 to fully engage 200 million pixels for focusing in low-light conditions. In addition, the HP2 uses four adjacent pixels to recognize horizontal and vertical pattern changes. Even in dim conditions down to 1 lux (lux), the new HP2 sensor can recall pattern data and reference points to quickly autofocus on a target subject.
With a frame rate of 15 frames per second (fps), the HP2 can support ultra-high resolution photos from mobile devices with less shutter lag than Samsung’s predecessor.
To take advantage of HDR (High Dynamic Range) performance, Samsung has introduced a DSG function in the 50-megapixel (50MP) mode, which applies two separate conversion values to analog signals received at the pixel level. In addition, the HDR solution Smart ISO Pro, which can combine two high, medium and low ISO readings from a single exposure, allows the camera to capture 12.5-megapixel images and 60fps 4K video in HDR.
Currently, Samsung ISOCELL HP2 is in the process of mass production.
