The IMX253 / IMX304 are Sony’s 2^nd generation Pregius series and have a 3.45um pixel size. These sensor are widely used in Machine Vision, in many successful projects.
Sony offers a wide range of 3.45um sensors, like the:

• IMX287 = 0.4MP
• IMX273 = 1.6MP
• IMX252 / IMX265 = 3.1MP
• IMX250 / IMX264 = 5 MP
• IMX255/IMX267 = 8.9MP
• IMX253 / IMX304 = 12.3MP
• IMX342 = 31.4MP

The IMX535 / IMX545 / IMX565 are Sony’s latest 4^th generation Pregius S sensor with a 2.74um pixel size. The IMX535 / IMX545 / IMX565 are based on back side illumination technology, making the pixel more light sensitive according to Sony. However due to the smaller pixel size, the question is whether the IMX535 / IMX545 / IMX565 are really more light sensitive compared to the IMX304 that has a larger pixel.
The 4^th generation 2.74um Sony Pregius S sensors have the following lineup:

• IMX537 / IMX547 / IMX548 / IMX567 / IMX568 = 5.1MP
• IMX536 / IMX546 / IMX566 = 8.1MP
• IMX535 / IMX545 / IMX565 = 12MP
• IMX532 / IMX542 = 16.1MP
• IMX531 / IMX541 = 20.3MP
• IMX530 / IMX540 = 24.5MP

Key differences: IMX253 / IMX304 / IMX535/ IMX545/ IMX565

The main differences between the Sony IMX253, IMX304, IMX535, IMX545, and IMX565 image sensors lie in their resolution, frame rates, generation and features. Here's a breakdown of the key differences:

No gain comparison IMX253 / IMX304 / IMX535 / IMX545/ IMX565

The Sony IMX304 has the same light sensitivity as the IMX253, as both have the same 3.45um pixel technology. In this test, the exposure time is 10ms and the gain is 0. Adding no gain, means that we add no additional noise. The light sensitivity of the IMX304 / IMX253 looks slightly better, however, it’s almost neglectable. Also, the IMX304 / IMX253 looks to have slightly more contrast.

For most applications the difference is so minimal, that both the IMX304/IMX253 and the IMX535 / IMX545 / IMX565 will be a good fit, but the IMX304 / IMX253 is the winner in this test.

*Compromised for web performance, you can download original files here.

Applying digital gain: IMX304 / IMX253 VS IMX535 / IMX545 / IMX565

Different generation of Sony Pregius global shutter image sensors also have different gain patterns. In some applications, noise due to gain can be acceptable. Using software algorithms, noise can also be reduced. The strengths of reduction, depends also on the noise pattern. In this example, we use an exposure time of 10ms and a gain of 16db. Again, the IMX304 / IMX253 has slightly more contrast, also the noise pattern is better, when you look at the light gray blocks in the corner.

Overall, both IMX304 / IMX253 and IMX535 / IMX545 / IMX565 perform very well with a gain of 12dB, once again the IMX304 / IMX253 is the winner.

Max gain with digital shift: SONY IMX304 / IMX253 VS IMX535 / IMX545 / IMX565

Besides the digital gain, you can also use digital shift to increase the light sensitivity. With digital shift, you use the last 8 bits of a 12 bit image, instead of the first 8 bits. As a result, you only use the bits that contain the “darkest” information of the image. These bits are relative noisy. Adding then an additional gain, makes the images even more noisy. In the example below, we used for the first 2 images an exposure time of 0.3ms and a gain of 16dB. For the IMX535 / IMX545 / IMX565, these are the maximum parameters you can use. The Sony IMX304 / IMX253 however, can also be operated with a gain of 24dB. Therefore, we added a 3rd image, showing the difference between 16 and 24dB.

First, there is a small difference in color, this can be solved by a white calibration. The noise behavior on the white parts of the images are similar with both image sensors. Once again, in the light gray area, the IMX304 / IMX253 outperforms the IMX535 / IMX545 / IMX565.  Additionally, the IMX304 / IMX253 has the option to further increase the gain to 24dB, making the IMX304 / IMX253 sensor the most light sensitive sensor.

Which image sensor is the most light sensitive? IMX304 / IMX253 / IMX535 / IMX545 / IMX565

First, we want to emphasize that all Sony IMX304/IMX253/IMX535/IMX545/IMX5456 global shutter sensors are very light sensitive, especially when you compare it with the competition, like Gpixel and Onsemi sensors. Therefore, both the IMX304/IMX253 and the IMX535 / IMX545 / IMX565 are a very good choice.

If you have a machine vision application operating in a situation where light sensitivity is critical, then we would recommend going for the IMX304/IMX253 image sensor, as it slightly outperforms the IMX535 / IMX545 / IMX5456 However, for most applications, when no gain is used, both sensors perform the same.

Pros and cons SONY IMX304, IMX253, IMX535, IMX545, IMX565

The IMX304/IMX253 has a 3.45um pixel size. This bigger pixel size requires industrial lenses with less resolving power, the then IMX535 / IMX545 / IMX565 with a 2.74um pixel size. As a result, the lens of an IMX304/IMX253 might be cheaper and there is bigger availability. Especially looking at very light sensitive F1.4 lenses.

On the other hand, the smaller images sensor of the IMX535 / IMX545 / IMX565, makes it ideal to use with M12 lenses or lenses with a larger opening angle. Therefore, with this sensor, you are more flexible in opening angles and the use of M12. However, there is a chance that these lenses are not designed for the 2.74uM pixel size, resulting in a slightly less sharp image. For many applications, the less sharp image is still acceptable.

To learn more about lens resolving power and how it relates to your camera's sensor, check out this article: "How to select the best lens resolution for the pixel size of your camera".

Choosing the Best Machine Vision Camera for your application

Now that you understand the key differences between IMX304/IMX253 and IMX535 / IMX545 / IMX565, you can make an informed decision about the best sensor for your machine vision project. However, the sensor is just one piece of the puzzle. VA Imaging offers a wide range of machine vision cameras featuring Sony Pregius sensors and more, including both IMX304/IMX253 and IMX535 / IMX545 / IMX565 in GigE and USB3 interfaces. Our experienced team can help you select the perfect camera for your specific needs and application.

Industrial Cameras Featuring the IMX304 image Sensor

We have camera models equipped with the IMX304 sensor, available in USB3 and GigE interface. Our models include the USB3 version ME2P-1230-23U3M and ME2P-1230-23U3C and GigE version ME2P-1230-9GM-P and ME2P-1230-9GC-P. These cameras provide high-quality imaging performance for various applications.

Industrial Cameras Featuring the IMX253 image sensor

We have camera models equipped with the IMX253 sensor, available in USB3 and 5GigE interface. Our models include the USB3 version ME2P-1231-32U3M and ME2P-1231-32U3C and 5GigE version MARS-1231-46G5M-P and MARS-1231-46G5C-P. These cameras provide high-quality imaging performance for various applications.

Industrial Cameras Featuring the IMX545 image sensor

We have camera models equipped with the IMX545 sensor, available in GigE interface. Our models GigE version MER3-1221-24G3M-P and MER3-1221-24G3C-P. These cameras provide high-quality imaging performance for various applications.