Samsung has announced a new 200MP camera sensor for smartphones. The sensor is called ISOCELL HP5, which is smaller than the company’s previous 200MP sensors but promises better image and video quality using several new technologies. The sensor could be used by multiple smartphone brands soon.
The ISOCELL HP5 is a 1/1.56-inch sensor with a resolution of 16,384 x 12,288 pixels. Each pixel measures just 0.5µm, which makes it Samsung’s smallest 200MP sensor yet.
Despite the smaller size, Samsung has added new technologies to maintain image quality. Dual Vertical Transfer Gate (D-VTG) and Front Deep Trench Isolation (FDTI) improve the Full Well Capacity of each pixel, helping capture more light and reduce noise.
The sensor also uses DTI Center Cut (DCC) technology, which improves autofocus and reduces random noise. Samsung claims a 150% increase in conversion gain and 3-40% better noise reduction, making low-light photography sharper and cleaner.
ISOCELL HP5 uses high-precision microlenses to focus light on each pixel. A High Transmittance Anti-refractive Layer minimizes reflection. An oxide-based insulation structure further reduces interference and light loss.
These technologies ensure that every pixel captures the maximum amount of light for better photos and videos.
Like other 200MP sensors, the ISOCELL HP5 supports in-sensor 2x optical zoom. If it is paired with a 3x optical zoom lens, it can achieve 6x lossless zoom. It also uses Super QPD (PDAF) for fast and reliable autofocus.
Samsung has added Smart ISO Pro and Staggered HDR for high-quality images. Smart ISO Pro captures two frames at different ISOs and merges them to create 13-bit images with up to 550 billion colors. On the other hand, Staggered HDR captures long, medium, and short exposure frames simultaneously to produce high dynamic range images.
The sensor can produce 200MP images in less than 2 seconds using the remosaic algorithm. It can also record videos at Full HD 240fps, 4K 120fps, and 8K 30fps. RAW images can be captured in 8-bit, 10-bit, 12-bit, and 14-bit formats.
Reports suggest that the OPPO Find X9 Pro will use the ISOCELL HP5 for its telephoto camera, with the phone expected to launch on October 16. Several other Chinese smartphone brands are also expected to adopt this sensor.
