Canon is a camera company that many of you are familiar with. Even today, where smartphone cameras are capable of taking incredible photos and videos, there is still a need for dedicated camera systems like those made by Canon. Now, Canon has announced the development of its latest technology, which comes in the form of a 410-megapixel camera sensor.
Recording-breaking sensor
High-resolution imaging sensors aren’t new. However, its size makes Canon’s achievement so impressive and record-breaking. Canon has managed to stuff 410-megapixels into a 35mm full-frame camera sensor.
Usually, high megapixels can be found on cameras with medium-format sensors. This includes cameras like the Hasselblad X2D 100C. So, for Canon to be able to shrink 410 megapixels into a 35mm camera sensor is a work of art.
Full-frame digital cameras have become much more compact these days, so imagine a camera that can take 410MP photos and videos. For context, the new sensor has a resolution equivalent to 24K, which is 198 times more than Full HD and 12 times that of 4K. The sensor’s size also means it is usable with lenses designed for full-frame sensors.
According to Canon, one of the drawbacks to CMOS sensors is that data readouts tend to take longer the higher the number of pixels. To address this problem, the newly developed sensor has a redesigned circuitry pattern and a back-illumination stacked formation. This results in the sensor being capable of achieving a readout speed of 3,280 megapixels per second.
This is not for consumers
It is obvious that this new Canon sensor isn’t designed for the average Joe. It is pretty much a 100% guarantee that you won’t find it in Canon’s next digital camera. After all, most people probably don’t even need to shoot in 100MP to begin with, let alone 410MP. However, the fact that Canon managed to shrink a 410MP sensor this much is impressive. Perhaps one day, we’ll see digital cameras pack this sensor, but don’t hold your breath for now.
Instead, the larger resolution means that this sensor has a lot of industrial applications. This includes surveillance purposes. We might be able to say “goodbye” to those grainy security camera footage one day. The high resolution also makes it easier for users to zoom into the image without compromising quality.
It can also be used for scientific or medical imaging purposes. The high resolution plays a key role once again. The sensor can help enhance equipment like microscopes or be used in geological surveys. Offering researchers greater clarity and detail could allow them to uncover more information than before and help with the advancement in the development of medical technology, research, and exploration.
