Sony today announced the development of two CMOS image sensor models designed for use in smartphones and other devices. They are equipped with Sony’s unique RGBW Coding function which allows images to be captured with low noise and high picture quality even in low-light conditions. They also contain Sony’s HDR (High Dynamic Range) Movie function which allows brilliant color to be captured even in bright settings. Sony has also developed a model with built-in signal processing functionality, an element that usually requires external embedment.
Sony has successfully developed new stacked CMOS image sensor technology that realizes higher image quality and superior functionality in a more compact size. The three newly developed next-generation back-illuminated CMOS image sensor models will be the first to utilize this technology. Samples will begin to successively ship starting March 2012. The new models are also able to output signals through the conventional RGB method, thus there is no need to change the signal processing adopted in existing devices. The built-in RGBW Coding function which adds W (White) pixels to the conventional range of RGB (Red-Green-Blue) pixels has realized higher sensitivity, enabling high-quality shooting with low noise even in dark indoor or night settings.

