Samsung Electronics Launches 'Ultra-Fast Autofocus' Image Sensor, Claims "No Need for DSLR Cameras"

50MP 1.2μm High-Resolution
Capable of Capturing Dynamic Sports Scenes

Samsung Electronics Mobile Image Sensor 'ISOCELL GN1'

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Samsung Electronics has launched a mobile image sensor that supports industry-leading ultra-fast autofocus functionality. An image sensor is a semiconductor that converts light entering through a camera lens into digital signals. This enables brighter and clearer photos to be taken in mobile environments.

On the 19th, Samsung Electronics announced the release of the 'ISOCELL GN1,' a 50-megapixel mobile image sensor based on 1.2μm (micrometer, one-millionth of a meter) pixels that supports ultra-fast autofocus functionality comparable to DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) cameras.

The ISOCELL GN1 is characterized by being the first to simultaneously apply 'Dual Pixel' technology, which places two photodiodes in a single pixel, and 'Tetracell' technology, which combines four adjacent pixels into one.

The new product provides 'phase detection autofocus' performance through Dual Pixel technology. This allows for clearer image capture in dynamic scenes such as soccer and baseball. Similar to how humans use both eyes to focus on a subject, it calculates the phase difference of images detected by two photodiodes positioned left and right within each pixel to focus accurately and quickly.

It is also notable for being able to output images at a level of 100 million pixels. This technology is possible by using the light received by 100 million photodiodes in the case of 50 million pixels, as each pixel contains two photodiodes.

With a relatively large pixel area of 1.2 μm, it can capture more light. In low-light environments, the Tetracell technology combines four pixels into one, increasing sensitivity by four times, enabling bright and clear images at 12.5 megapixels.

Samsung Electronics has also incorporated the latest image sensor technologies such as 'Smart-ISO,' which automatically adjusts ISO values according to light, 'real-time HDR,' which automatically optimizes brightness and contrast during image capture, and 'electronic image stabilization.' Mass production of the new product began this month.

Park Yong-in, Vice President of the Sensor Business Team at Samsung Electronics’ System LSI Business Division, said, "The new product can capture bright and clear photos in any environment with enhanced autofocus functionality," adding, "We will continue to lead the development of next-generation high-performance, multifunctional image sensors demanded by the market through continuous pixel technology innovation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.