According to Samsung, mass production of the ISOCELL HPC sensor has begun. It offers features like single-frame 16-bit HDR, HDR at multiple zoom levels, and 4K video recording at up to 180fps.
New DeepPix Architecture in Samsung ISOCELL HPC
According to Samsung, the ISOCELL HPC features a new pixel architecture called DeepPix, developed for its ISOCELL image sensors, primarily aimed at capturing more light. This technology is based on Samsung’s Front Deep Trench Isolation (FDTI) design. According to the company, this increases the full-well capacity of each pixel by up to 60 percent compared to the previous generation.
Capturing more light can help the sensor capture clearer images with less noise in low light. Furthermore, dynamic range is expected to improve with improved highlight and shadow details.
Single-Frame 16-Bit HDR Support
One of the most notable features of ISOCELL HPC is single-frame 16-bit HDR support. This allows the full dynamic range to be recorded in a single exposure, whereas traditional HDR techniques combine multiple images to create the final image.
Samsung claims this technology can capture up to four times more color information than standard HDR. This is expected to deliver better detail and color, especially in high-contrast scenes. In terms of video recording, the sensor supports video recording at up to 8K 30fps, 4K 180fps, and Full HD 360fps. However, autofocus will not be available in Full HD 360fps mode.
HDR support will be available from 1x to 4x zoom.
Samsung has also improved HDR processing at different levels of in-sensor zoom in the ISOCELL HPC. The sensor supports single-frame HDR at 1x, 1.5x, 2x, 3x, and 4x zoom. To maintain image quality and dynamic range while zooming, the sensor uses downscaling technology. This can help maintain better image quality at different zoom levels.
Microlens and ARL technology are also special.
Samsung has used High Precision Microlens and High Transmittance ARL technology to improve the sensor’s light efficiency. According to the company, these technologies help more light reach the photodiode and reduce reflection and light scattering. This is expected to deliver improved quantum efficiency, color reproduction, and clearer images in varying lighting conditions.
Samsung ISOCELL HPC Specifications
The ISOCELL HPC has an optical format of 1/1.3-inch and 0.6-micrometer pixels. The sensor’s effective resolution is 16,384 × 12,288 pixels. It also supports Super QPD autofocus, Tetra-squared Pixel, Smart ISO Pro HDR, and RAW10, RAW12, RAW14, and RAW16 output formats.
Speed-wise, the sensor can capture 200MP photos at up to 7.5fps, 50MP photos at up to 30fps, and 12.5MP photos at up to 180fps.
Which smartphones will feature Samsung’s 200MP sensor?
Samsung has stated that mass production of the ISOCELL HPC sensor has begun, but the company hasn’t yet revealed which smartphone will be the first to use this sensor. Therefore, in the future, this 200MP sensor may be seen in premium and flagship devices from smartphone brands other than Samsung.