Sony IMX785 Series | Type 1/1.7 STARVIS 2 Security Image Sensors

The Sony IMX785 series brings STARVIS 2 back-illuminated pixel technology to the Type 1/1.7 format, delivering 5.12 M effective pixels in both color and monochrome configurations. Designed for security camera applications requiring high sensitivity and wide dynamic range, the IMX785 operates across visible-light and near-infrared wavelengths with up to 72 dB of gain range, three HDR modes, and CSI-2 output at up to 90 frames/s.

Two variants are available: the IMX785-AQR1 for color imaging and the IMX785-AMR1 for monochrome imaging. Both share the same device structure, drive modes, and interface, allowing system architects to select the appropriate variant without redesigning the host platform.

STARVIS 2 Technology

STARVIS 2 is Sony's back-illuminated pixel technology for security camera image sensors. It delivers sensitivity of 2000 mV or more per 1 µm² (color product, 706 cd/m² light source, F5.6, 1 s accumulation equivalent) and a wide dynamic range more than 8 dB greater than STARVIS for the same pixel size in a single exposure. The result is high picture quality in both visible-light and near-infrared conditions.

Target Applications

The IMX785 series is designed for security camera systems requiring high-resolution, low-light performance, including:

Fixed and PTZ security cameras
IP surveillance cameras requiring high dynamic range
Near-infrared capable monitoring systems
Multi-sensor synchronized camera arrays
Security cameras requiring CSI-2 interface integration

Key Features

STARVIS 2 back-illuminated CMOS active pixel sensor
5.12 M effective pixels at 2592 (H) × 1944 (V) recommended recording resolution
2.9 µm × 2.9 µm unit cell size
Triple power supply: analog 3.3 V, digital 1.1 V, interface 1.8 V
High sensitivity, low dark current, no smear
Electronic shutter with variable charge-integration time
CSI-2 serial output: 2-lane or 4-lane, RAW10 / RAW12 / RAW16
Maximum frame rate: 90 fps (10-bit) / 60 fps (12-bit) in all-pixel scan mode
High dynamic range: Digital Overlap HDR, Clear HDR, and Hybrid HDR
Conversion gain switching: HCG Mode / LCG Mode
CDS / PGA: 0–30 dB analog gain; 30.3–72 dB analog + digital gain (0.3 dB step pitch)
Readout modes: all-pixel scan, window cropping, normal / inverted H and V
Synchronizing sensors function for multi-camera alignment
Variable-speed shutter (2H unit resolution)
Communication interface: I²C / I3C
AR coating on cover glass (both sides)
132 pin LGA package
Input frequency: 24 MHz / 27 MHz / 37.125 MHz / 72 MHz / 74.25 MHz
Built-in timing adjustment circuit, H/V driver, and serial communication circuit

Color Varient Specific (IMX785-AQR1)

R, G, B primary color mosaic filters (Bayer pattern)
Sensitivity: 19,556 LSB/lx/s typical (12-bit converted value, Tj = 60°C)

Monochrome Variant Specific (IMX785-AMR1)

Monochrome (no color filter array)
Sensitivity: 31,280 LSB/lx/s typical (12-bit converted value, Tj = 60°C)

Device Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Sensor Type	CMOS active pixel, back-illuminated (STARVIS 2)
Image Size	Diagonal 9.46 mm (Type 1/1.7)
Total Pixels	2608 (H) × 1984 (V) - approx. 5.17 M pixels
Effective Pixels	2608 (H) × 1964 (V) - approx. 5.12 M pixels
Active Pixels	2608 (H) × 1960 (V) - approx. 5.11 M pixels
Recommended Recording Pixels	2592 (H) × 1944 (V) - approx. 5.03 M pixels
Unit Cell Size	2.9 µm (H) × 2.9 µm (V)
Optical Black (H)	Front 0 pixel, Rear 0 pixel
Optical Black (V)	Front 20 pixels, Rear 0 pixel
Package	132 pin LGA
Power Supply	Analog 3.3 V / Digital 1.1 V / Interface 1.8 V
Output Interface	CSI-2 - 2 Lane / 4 Lane \| RAW10 / RAW12 / RAW16
Communication Interface	I²C / I3C
Input Frequency	24 / 27 / 37.125 / 72 / 74.25 MHz
Saturation Signal (Min.)	3895 LSB (12-bit converted value, Tj = 60°C)

Saturation signal specification applies to both variants. Sensitivity values differ by variant; see table below.

Sensitivity By Variant:

Variant	Sensitivity (Typ.)	Remarks
IMX785-AQR1 (Color)	19,556 LSB/lx/s	12-bit converted value, Tj = 60°C
IMX785-AMR1 (Monochrome)	31,280 LSB/lx/s	12-bit converted value, Tj = 60°C

Drive Modes

Basic Drive Mode (Both Variants)

Drive Mode	Recording Pixels	Max Frame Rate	Output	ADC
All-pixel	2592 (H) × 1944 (V) Approx. 5.03 M pixels	90 fps	CSI-2	10-bit
All-pixel	2592 (H) × 1944 (V) Approx. 5.03 M pixels	60 fps	CSI-2	12-bit

All frame rates are tentative per Sony datasheet Ver.0.1 (IMX785-AMR1) and Ver.1.0 (IMX785-AQR1).

Variant Comparison

Useful as a sidebar or comparison widget on the product page.

	IMX785-AQR1	IMX785-AMR1
Type	Color	Monochrome
Color Filter	R, G, B mosaic (Bayer)	None
Sensitivity (Typ.)	19,556 LSB/lx/s	31,280 LSB/lx/s
Saturation Signal (Min.)	3895 LSB	3895 LSB
Image Size	9.46 mm diagonal (Type 1/1.7)	9.46 mm diagonal (Type 1/1.7)
Effective Pixels	5.12 M	5.12 M
Unit Cell Size	2.9 µm × 2.9 µm	2.9 µm × 2.9 µm
Output Interface	CSI-2 (2L / 4L)	CSI-2 (2L / 4L)
Max Frame Rate	90 fps (10-bit) / 60 fps (12-bit)	90 fps (10-bit) / 60 fps (12-bit)
Package	132 pin LGA	132 pin LGA
STARVIS 2	Yes	Yes

Resources

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