Sony IMX935 Sensor: 24.5MP Global Shutter for Machine Vision
The Sony IMX935 sensor is a high-speed global shutter CMOS image sensor designed for industrial machine vision applications that require both high resolution and fast acquisition.
With approximately 24.5 megapixels, a 2.74 µm pixel size and global shutter architecture, the IMX935 is well suited to applications where small features need to remain visible while products or components are moving.
At VA Imaging, the Sony IMX935 is available in both monochrome and color CoaXPress cameras, with full-resolution acquisition at up to approximately 192 fps.
Sony IMX935 Sensor Specifications
The Sony IMX935 sensor specifications combine approximately 24.5MP resolution with global shutter imaging and high-speed readout.
| Sensor technology | CMOS |
|---|---|
| Effective pixels | 5328 × 4608 |
| Effective resolution | Approx. 24.55 MP |
| Pixel size | 2.74 × 2.74 µm |
| Image size | Type 1.2 |
| Sensor diagonal | 19.3 mm |
| Shutter type | Global shutter |
| 8-bit sensor readout | Up to 225 fps |
| 10-bit sensor readout | Up to 200 fps |
| 12-bit sensor readout | Up to 107 fps |
| Sensor output | SLVS-EC |
| Available versions | Monochrome and Bayer color |
These are the sensor-level specifications. VA Imaging’s IMX935 cameras use a 5312 × 4608 output resolution and operate at up to approximately 192 fps.
That distinction is important when comparing a raw image sensor with the performance of a complete industrial camera.
What Makes the Sony IMX935 Sensor Different?
The Sony IMX935 stands out because it combines more than 24 million pixels with acquisition speeds close to 200 frames per second.
Machine vision systems often need to balance resolution against speed. Higher-resolution images contain more information, but they also generate more data and can place greater demands on the camera interface and processing system.
The IMX935 reduces this compromise by offering a high pixel count while still supporting fast image acquisition.
Its global shutter is equally important. All pixels are exposed at the same time, which helps capture moving objects without the geometric distortion associated with rolling shutter sensors.
This makes the IMX935 especially interesting for applications where both fine detail and high throughput are important.
Sony IMX935 and Pregius S Technology
The Sony IMX935 uses Pregius S global shutter technology, developed for high-resolution and high-speed industrial imaging.
The sensor combines 2.74 µm pixels with a global shutter architecture and approximately 24.5 effective megapixels.
This allows machine vision systems to capture a large amount of spatial detail while maintaining the motion-capture benefits of a global shutter.
For machine vision engineers, the IMX935 can be a strong option when reducing the field of view to gain detail is undesirable, but production speed still needs to remain high.
Why 24.5MP and High-Speed Acquisition Can Be a Strong Combination
The combination of approximately 24.5MP resolution and high-speed acquisition is particularly useful when fine detail and production speed need to be maintained at the same time.
A high pixel count can allow a machine vision system to inspect a larger area while still retaining enough detail to identify small features.
At the same time, a higher frame rate allows more images to be captured within a short inspection cycle.
This combination can be useful when inspecting:
- fine component features
- larger objects with small defects
- electronic assemblies
- rapidly moving manufactured parts
- detailed surfaces
- applications requiring multiple images within a short time window
The actual benefit still depends on the complete imaging setup, including the lens, illumination, working distance and required object-side resolution.
Industrial Cameras with the Sony IMX935 Sensor
VA Imaging offers Sony IMX935 cameras in both monochrome and color configurations for high-resolution, high-speed industrial imaging.
The current range includes the MARS-2442-192X2M-NF monochrome model and the MARS-2442-192X2C-NF color model.
Both cameras provide a 5312 × 4608 output resolution at up to approximately 192 fps. They use four CXP-12 CoaXPress connections and a C-mount lens interface.
The monochrome version is typically suited to applications where the inspection relies on contrast, geometry, edges, dimensions or surface characteristics.
The color version is more appropriate when color itself contributes to the inspection decision, such as distinguishing product variants, colored components, markings or labels.
The MARS-2442-192X2M-NF is the monochrome VA Imaging camera based on the Sony IMX935.
It combines 5312 × 4608 resolution, global shutter imaging and up to 192 fps acquisition for applications requiring detailed high-speed monochrome imaging.
The MARS-2442-192X2C-NF is the color VA Imaging camera based on the Sony IMX935.
It provides the same high-resolution, high-speed acquisition while adding color information for applications where color differences need to be identified.
Why Use CoaXPress with the Sony IMX935?
CoaXPress provides the bandwidth needed to transfer the large amount of image data produced by a high-resolution IMX935 camera at high frame rates.
A 5312 × 4608 image contains more than 24 million pixels. Capturing close to 200 of those images every second creates a substantial data stream.
VA Imaging’s IMX935 cameras therefore use four CXP-12 connections, providing a high-bandwidth connection between the camera and a compatible CoaXPress frame grabber.
This configuration is particularly useful when:
- full camera resolution needs to be maintained
- high acquisition speed is required
- precise hardware triggering is important
- large volumes of image data must be transferred continuously
- predictable camera-to-host communication is required
The cameras conform to CoaXPress 2.0 and GenICam and are designed for demanding high-throughput machine vision systems.
Monochrome or Color Sony IMX935 Camera?
Choosing between a monochrome and color IMX935 camera depends mainly on whether color information is required for the inspection result.
A monochrome Sony IMX935 camera is typically suitable when the application relies on:
- contrast
- edges
- dimensions
- shape
- surface structure
- fine defect detection
- dedicated illumination wavelengths
Monochrome imaging also provides more flexibility when optical filters or wavelength-specific illumination are used.
A color Sony IMX935 camera is more appropriate when color differences form part of the inspection decision.
Typical examples include:
- colored component verification
- label inspection
- product variant identification
- colored marking inspection
- assembly verification based on color
Both versions retain the core benefits of the IMX935 platform: high resolution, global shutter imaging and high acquisition speed.
Applications for Sony IMX935 Cameras
Sony IMX935 cameras are particularly relevant for applications where small features must remain visible without significantly reducing inspection speed.
High-speed industrial inspection often requires both detailed images and short acquisition times.
The combination of 5312 × 4608 camera output and acquisition at up to approximately 192 fps makes the IMX935 suitable for production processes where defects or dimensional differences need to be detected while products continue moving.
Electronics inspection benefits from high sensor resolution because many small components may need to be captured within one field of view.
The IMX935 can therefore be useful for connector inspection, component verification, assembly inspection and other tasks where small features need to remain distinguishable.
Surface and defect inspection benefits from the IMX935 when scratches, irregularities or other small visual differences need to be detected across a relatively large inspection area.
With suitable optics and illumination, the high pixel count can help preserve fine surface information while high-speed acquisition supports faster production processes.
Precision measurement requires sufficient spatial resolution and stable image acquisition.
The combination of global shutter imaging and more than 24 million pixels makes the IMX935 relevant for applications where dimensional information needs to be extracted from moving or stationary objects.
High-resolution image sequences can also be useful outside conventional production inspection.
Applications in research and technical imaging can benefit from the combination of high spatial resolution, global shutter performance and fast image acquisition.
VA Imaging’s IMX935 cameras include an integrated cooling fan to support stable operation during continuous high-speed acquisition.
Operating a high-resolution camera at high frame rates places a significant load on the camera electronics.
Thermal management can therefore become important when the camera is used continuously at demanding acquisition settings.
The integrated cooling helps support more stable operation and image quality during extended high-throughput use.
Choosing a Lens for the Sony IMX935
Choosing the correct lens for the Sony IMX935 is important because high sensor resolution is only useful when the optical system can resolve the required detail.
The IMX935 uses 2.74 µm pixels, while VA Imaging’s IMX935 cameras use a C-mount lens interface.
When selecting a lens, consider:
- required field of view
- working distance
- image circle
- focal length
- optical resolution
- aperture
- depth of field
- illumination wavelength
A lens should therefore not be selected only because it is marketed for a certain megapixel count.
The required object-side resolution, field of view and working distance should be considered together to determine whether the complete optical setup can make effective use of the IMX935 resolution.
Is the Sony IMX935 the Right Sensor for Your Application?
The Sony IMX935 is a strong option when high resolution, global shutter performance and high acquisition speed are all important.
The sensor combines approximately 24.5 effective megapixels with 2.74 µm pixels and high-speed global shutter readout. VA Imaging’s camera implementation provides 5312 × 4608 image acquisition at up to approximately 192 fps.
However, this level of performance also places greater requirements on the rest of the machine vision system.
The CoaXPress frame grabber, computer, data processing, storage, optics and illumination all need to support the required resolution and throughput. A high-performance sensor alone does not automatically make an entire machine vision system faster.
For applications where significantly higher frame rates are the primary requirement, a lower-resolution high-speed sensor may be more suitable.
Where high resolution, global shutter imaging and acquisition close to 200 fps are all priorities, the Sony IMX935 combined with four-channel CoaXPress provides a strong platform for demanding industrial imaging.
Contact VA Imaging for help selecting the right camera and configuration for your setup.