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| Image: OmniVision |
OmniVision, one of the leading developers of digital imaging sensors, has announced a new smartphone sensor that promises the highest dynamic range of any option currently on the market, as Digital Camera World reports. OmniVision isn’t new to innovation, previously releasing the world’s smallest commercially available image sensor. The company says the OV50X CMOS sensor is made for “movie-grade video capture” for flagship smartphones.
The OV50X is a 50MP Type 1 (13.0 x 9.8mm) sensor. The pixels are larger than those found in its predecessor, the OV50H, with 1.6?micron (µm) pixels compared to the OV50H’s 1.2µm pixels. OmniVision says it provides close to 110-decibel (dB) single-exposure HDR thanks to its TheiaCel technology, a pixel design that attempts to retain charge that would otherwise overwhelm the sensor.
It also uses the company’s PureCelPlus-S stacked-die technology, which promises better low-light performance thanks to greater sensor sensitivity and full-well capacity.
The sensor’s primary focus is to boost video performance for flagship-level smartphones, so much of the information OmniVision supplied centers on that. “Smartphones are used in the majority of video and photo capture today, and cinematic-quality video recording has become a highly demanded feature among consumers for flagship mobile phones,” said Takuritsu Li, marketing manager, OmniVision.
The sensor supports four-cell binning to produce 12.5MP images at up to 180 frames per second (fps) or 60fps with the sensor’s three-channel HDR on. The company says it offers “premium-quality” 8K video with dual analog gain (DAG) HDR. It is also capable of on-sensor crop zoom, which punches in to the central portion of the sensor. This process maintains native pixel quality, though it results in a lower resolution. OmniVision also says it will offer best-in-class autofocus performance with 100% coverage quad phase detection (QPD).
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| Image: OmniVision |
Of course, at this point, we haven’t seen images taken with the OV50X sensor other than the sample above provided by OmniVision. Additionally, while the actual sensor may capture an impressively wide dynamic range, most camera systems offer a more limited dynamic range because of factors like optical design, lens flare and processing algorithms, and the ability to convey that dynamic range in the final output. So, what this sensor is capable of regarding general image quality remains to be seen.
We may not have to wait long to see it in action, though. OmniVision said that the OV50X is sampling now and expects it to be in mass production in Q3 2025.
Press release:
OMNIVISION Launches Ultra High Dynamic Range 1?inch Image Sensor for Movie-Grade Video Capture in Flagship Smartphones
OV50X Image Sensor Features TheiaCel™ Technology for Best-in-Class Photos and Videos in All Lighting Conditions, Day and Night
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — April 10, 2025 — OMNIVISION, a leading global developer of semiconductor technology, including advanced digital imaging, analog and display solutions, today launched its new OV50X CMOS image sensor with the mobile phone industry’s highest dynamic range, for movie-grade video capture. The OV50X is a 50?megapixel (MP) sensor with a 1.6?micron (µm) pixel in a 1?inch optical format designed for flagship smartphones that require high dynamic range (HDR) video and preview with single exposure, excellent low-light performance, fast autofocus and high frame rates.
“Smartphones are used in the majority of video and photo capture today, and cinematic-quality video recording has become a highly demanded feature among consumers for flagship mobile phones,” said Takuritsu Li, marketing manager, OMNIVISION. “Our OV50X image sensor was designed with the professional videographer and photographer in mind, featuring a large 1?inch optical format image sensor that provides close to 110 decibel (dB) single-exposure HDR; consumers can now own a smartphone capable of superior video and photo capture around the clock, even in challenging capture conditions such as sunrise, sunset, nighttime with bright lights, or overcast days.”
The OV50X supports 4?cell binning for 12.5MP at 180 frames per second (fps) and 60 fps with three-channel HDR. It offers premium-quality 8K video with dual analog gain (DAG) HDR and on-sensor crop zoom. OMNIVISION’s TheiaCel™ technology further expands single exposure HDR close to 110 dB—the highest range possible in smartphones. The sensor also supports 100% coverage quad phase detection (QPD) for best-in-class autofocus performance. The OV50X is built on OMNIVISION’s PureCel®Plus?S stacked-die technology, enabling excellent low light performance.
The OV50X is sampling now and will be in mass production in Q3 2025. For more information, contact your OMNIVISION sales representative: www.ovt.com/contact-sales.
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