Samsung intros the 108 MP ISOCELL Bright HM1 image sensor
Yesterday, Samsung unveiled that is now mass-producing a new 108 MP image sensor that promises to deliver better performance even when subjected to "extreme lighting conditions" that would normally require professional photo/video gear for good results.
According to the official press release, the ISOCELL Bright HM1 image sensor can provide "brighter and more detailed 108Mp photographs and crystal-clear 8K videos at 24 frames per second (fps)" when compared to similar existing solutions. The physical size of the sensor — 1/1.33 inches is quite impressive — but the digital processing part is also top-notch.
Although it uses 0.8 μm pixels, the ISOCELL Bright HM1 also takes advantage of Samsung's Tetracell and Nonacell pixel-binning technologies. This way, the new sensor can mimic a 2.4 μm (Nonacell) or 1.6 μm (Tetracell) pixel and achieve similar levels of image quality. The Bright HM1 image sensor also comes with Smart-ISO (the name should say it all), real-time HDR, and more.
Since the Samsung ISOCELL Bright HM1 is already in mass production, we should see the first handsets — made by third parties, since Samsung has already unveiled the Galaxy S20 Ultra which takes advantage of this new image sensor — that use it hit the market in the months to come.