Sony Starvis: An Innovative Advancement in CMOS Image Sensor Technology by Sony
- Vadzo Imaging
- Sep 21, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 16
When it comes to low-light imaging, noise suppression, and dynamic range, Sony STARVIS sensors have set a benchmark that reshaped how modern cameras perform. Designed as back-illuminated CMOS sensors, STARVIS leverages advanced pixel architecture to maximize photon efficiency, enabling cameras to deliver crisp, low-noise images even at sub-lux levels.
Unlike conventional front-illuminated sensors, where metal wiring obstructs incoming light, Sony STARVIS technology ensures higher light capture efficiency across both the visible and near-infrared spectrum. This makes it particularly valuable for applications where accurate detail under challenging illumination is critical, from machine vision and industrial inspection to security, surveillance, and smart automation systems.
Now, with the introduction of STARVIS 2, Sony has extended the performance envelope further, addressing demanding requirements like HDR without motion artifacts, superior near-infrared sensitivity, and ultra-low-light clarity.g.
What is Sony STARVIS Technology?
STARVIS is Sony’s back-illuminated CMOS sensor technology developed for embedded and security imaging. Unlike front-illuminated sensors (where wiring partially blocks incoming light), STARVIS places the photodiode at the front, enabling higher photon capture.
Key strengths of STARVIS:
High sensitivity in visible and near-infrared (NIR) light
Improved performance in low-light scenes (down to 0.001 lux in some sensors)
Sharper images with lower noise for surveillance and industrial use
Example sensor: Sony IMX415 (STARVIS)
Resolution: 8MP (3864 × 2192)
Optical format: 1/2.8"
Pixel size: 1.45 μm
It is known for its 4K ultra-low-light performance and is widely adopted in USB/MIPI embedded modules like our Falcon-415CRS.
What is Sony STARVIS 2 Technology?
STARVIS 2 is Sony’s next-generation evolution of STARVIS, designed to meet tougher imaging requirements where extreme low-light, motion handling, and wide dynamic range are essential.
Key enhancements of STARVIS 2:
Clear HDR: Achieves HDR without motion artifacts, unlike multi-exposure HDR.
Higher NIR sensitivity: Stronger performance with IR illumination, making it ideal for 24/7 monitoring.
Greater single-exposure dynamic range: Preserves both highlights and shadow details in the same frame.
Lower noise floor: Cleaner signal in challenging light, improving recognition accuracy.
Example sensor: Sony IMX662 (STARVIS 2)
Resolution: 2MP (1920 × 1080)
Optical format: 1/2.8"
Pixel size: 2.9 μm
Optimized for ultra-low-light imaging, found in advanced GigE/USB3 embedded modules such as our Innova-662CRS.
Key Differences Between STARVIS and STARVIS 2
Feature | STARVIS (e.g., IMX415) | STARVIS 2 (e.g., IMX662) |
Pixel Architecture | Back-illuminated CMOS | Advanced back-illuminated CMOS with ClearHDR |
Low-Light Sensitivity | Strong | Significantly better (optimized for near-0 lux) |
Dynamic Range | High (with multi-exposure HDR) | Higher (single-exposure HDR without motion blur) |
NIR Performance | Good | Enhanced — sharper images with IR illumination |
Noise Control | Moderate noise at high gain | Lower noise floor, cleaner signals |
Resolution Example | IMX415 → 8MP (4K) | IMX662 → 2MP (Full HD) |
Which is Best – STARVIS or STARVIS 2?
The choice between STARVIS and STARVIS 2 depends on application needs:
Choose STARVIS (IMX415, Falcon-415CRS) if you need:
High resolution (4K)
Applications with good-to-moderate lighting
Cost-sensitive designs that still demand strong low-light performance
Choose STARVIS 2 (IMX662, Innova-662CRS) if you need:
Reliable near-0 lux imaging
Applications that rely on NIR illumination (night monitoring, machine vision, livestock monitoring)
HDR without motion blur (e.g., moving vehicles, dynamic outdoor environments)
Cleaner imaging pipelines for AI-based detection
Want to see STARVIS/STARVIS2 in a module?
STARVIS2 module: Innova-662CRS (IMX662) – optimized for ultra-low-light GigE applications.
STARVIS module: Falcon-415CRS (IMX415) – UVC Compliant USB 4K camera module.
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IMX662 Ultra Low Light 1080P GigE CameraInnova-662CRS
| IMX415 Low Light 4K USB 3.0 CameraFalcon-415CRS
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FAQs on Sony STARVIS Technology
1. What is Sony STARVIS technology?
Sony STARVIS is a back-illuminated CMOS sensor design optimized for low-light and near-infrared imaging, widely used in surveillance, industrial, and embedded cameras.
2. How does STARVIS differ from traditional CMOS sensors?
Unlike front-illuminated sensors, STARVIS captures more light by placing the photodiode closer to the incoming photons, resulting in higher sensitivity and lower noise.
3. What is the difference between STARVIS and STARVIS 2?
STARVIS 2 improves on STARVIS with Clear HDR, better near-infrared response, larger effective pixels, and lower noise, making it ideal for ultra-low-light applications.
4. Which Sony sensors use STARVIS technology?
Popular examples include IMX415 (STARVIS) for 4K imaging and IMX327 for low-light security cameras.
5. Which Sony sensors use STARVIS 2 technology?
STARVIS 2 examples include IMX662 and IMX585, optimized for HDR and NIR-sensitive imaging.
6. Is Sony STARVIS good for night vision cameras?
Yes, STARVIS sensors excel in night vision due to their strong low-light and NIR sensitivity.
7. Is STARVIS 2 better than STARVIS?
For low-light and HDR applications, STARVIS 2 is superior. However, STARVIS is still excellent for high-resolution (4K) applications at a lower cost.
8. What industries use Sony STARVIS sensors?
Industries include security, machine vision, retail analytics, industrial IoT, and medical imaging.
9. Can Sony STARVIS sensors be used for AI/ML applications?
Yes, their low-noise, high-sensitivity imaging makes them well-suited for AI-based detection and recognition pipelines.
10. What Vadzo cameras are based on Sony STARVIS?
Our Falcon-415CRS uses the IMX415 STARVIS sensor, while Innova-662CRS uses the IMX662 STARVIS 2 sensor.
