Canon successfully develops world's first APS-H-size CMOS image sensor
to realize record-high resolution of 120 megapixels
The world's highest level of resolution for its size
Press Release
TOKYO, August 24, 2010—Canon Inc. announced today that it has successfully
developed an APS-H-size*1 CMOS image sensor that delivers an image resolution
of approximately 120 megapixels (13,280 x 9,184 pixels),
the world's highest level*2 of resolution for its size.
Compared with Canon's highest-resolution commercial CMOS sensor of the same size,
comprising approximately 16.1 million pixels, the newly developed sensor features
a pixel count that, at approximately 120 million pixels, is nearly 7.5 times
larger and offers a 2.4-fold improvement in resolution.*3
With CMOS sensors, while high-speed readout for high pixel counts
is achieved through parallel processing, an increase in parallel-processing
signal counts can result in such problems as signal delays and minor deviations in timing.
By modifying the method employed to control the readout circuit timing, Canon successfully
achieved the high-speed readout of sensor signals. As a result,
the new CMOS sensor makes possible a maximum output speed of
approximately 9.5 frames per second, supporting the continuous
shooting of ultra-high-resolution images.
Canon's newly developed CMOS sensor
also incorporates a Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels)
video output capability.
The sensor can output Full HD video from any
approximately one-sixtieth-sized section of its total surface area.
Images captured with Canon's newly developed
approximately 120-megapixel CMOS image sensor,
even when cropped or digitally magnified,
maintain higher levels of definition and clarity
than ever before.
Additionally, the sensor enables image confirmation across a wide image area,
with Full HD video viewing of a select portion of the overall frame.
Through the further development of CMOS image sensors,
Canon will break new ground in the world of image expression,
targeting new still images that largely surpass those made possible with film,
and video movies that capitalize on the unique merits of SLR cameras,
namely their high mobility and the expressive power
offered through interchangeable lenses.
*1 The imaging area of the newly developed sensor measures approx. 29.2 x 20.2 mm.
*2 As of August 20, 2010. Based on a Canon study.
*3 Canon's highest-resolution commercial CMOS sensor,
employed in the company's EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR cameras,
is equivalent to the full-frame size of the 35 mm film format and
incorporates approximately 21.1 million pixels.
In 2007, the company successfully developed an APS-H-size sensor with
approximately 50 million pixels.
Back to Magazine