Sony IMX908
4K HDR Imaging for Next-Generation Security and Edge Vision Systems
The Sony IMX908 is a 1/2.8-type CMOS image sensor delivering 4K resolution with advanced HDR capabilities, designed for high-performance security and vision systems. Built on Sony’s latest STARVIS 3 technology with LOFIC pixel architecture, the IMX908 enables exceptional low-light sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and reduced motion artifacts, making it ideal for real-world deployments where lighting conditions are unpredictable. With support for high frame rates, flexible readout modes, and compact integration, the IMX908 helps system designers balance performance, power, and size in modern edge AI and imaging applications.
Features
- Approx. 8.4 MP resolution (3856 × 2180 effective pixels)
- 4K video support (3840 × 2160) optimized for security applications
- Up to 90 fps (10-bit) / 60 fps (12-bit) readout
- Advanced HDR modes, including Clear HDR, Clear HDR3, Hybrid HDR3, and DOL HDR
- Up to ~96 dB dynamic range (via HDR modes)
- STARVIS 3 back-illuminated pixel technology with LOFIC structure
- 1.45 µm pixel size for balanced sensitivity and resolution
- CSI-2 interface (2-lane / 4-lane) with RAW10 / RAW12 / RAW16 output
- Low power operation with multi-voltage supply (3.3 V / 1.8 V / 1.1 V)
- Built-in synchronization and gain control functions
Why IMX908 Matters
Modern security and vision systems must operate reliably across a wide range of lighting conditions, from low-light indoor environments to high-contrast outdoor scenes.
The IMX908 addresses these challenges by combining:
- Enhanced low-light performance, improving visibility in dim environments
- Wide dynamic range, preserving detail in both shadows and highlights
- Reduced HDR artifacts, maintaining image integrity during motion
- High frame rate performance, enabling accurate object tracking and recognition
This results in improved detection accuracy, better color fidelity, and more reliable AI inference at the edge.
Technology Highlights
STARVIS 3 + LOFIC Architecture
Sony’s STARVIS 3 technology introduces a back-illuminated structure with LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor), enabling:
- Higher sensitivity in visible and near-infrared light
- Improved single-exposure dynamic range
- Reduced noise and motion artifacts
Advanced HDR Processing
Multiple HDR modes provide flexibility depending on the application:
- Clear HDR / Clear HDR3 for balanced dynamic range
- Hybrid HDR3 for optimized performance in mixed lighting
- Digital overlap HDR for enhanced detail retention
Use Cases
Security & Surveillance
- Indoor and outdoor monitoring
- High dynamic range scenes (entryways, parking lots)
- Low-light and night-time imaging
Edge AI Vision Systems
- Object detection and tracking
- Smart city infrastructure
- Intelligent transportation systems
Industrial Vision
- Inspection systems with variable lighting
- Robotics and automation vision
Integration & Design Advantages
The IMX908 is designed for seamless integration into modern vision pipelines:
- Flexible readout modes, including full scan and window cropping
- Standard MIPI CSI-2 interface for compatibility with SoCs and FPGAs
- Synchronization support for multi-camera systems
- Low power consumption for edge deployments
Macnica Support
Macnica Americas helps bridge Sony image sensors into complete vision solutions.
We support customers across:
- Sensor selection and evaluation
- ISP and image pipeline integration
- FPGA, SoC, and edge AI platform alignment
- End-to-end system design from component to solution
Ready to integrate the Sony IMX908 into your next vision system?
- Specifications
- Related Documents
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Optical Format | 1/2.8-type (Diagonal 6.42 mm) |
| Effective Pixels | 3856 × 2180 (~8.4 MP) |
| Video Resolution | 3840 × 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Pixel Size | 1.45 µm × 1.45 µm |
| Frame Rate | Up to 90 fps (10-bit), 60 fps (12-bit) |
| Dynamic Range | Up to ~96 dB (HDR modes) |
| Output Interface | MIPI CSI-2 (2- or 4-lane) |
| Output Formats | RAW10 / RAW12 / RAW16 (HDR) |
| Shutter | Variable electronic shutter |
| Gain | Up to 72 dB (analog + digital) |
| Package | 114-pin LGA |