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 IMX537 / IMX547 / IMX548 are Sony’s latest 4^th generation Pregius S sensor with a 2.74um pixel size. The IMX537 / IMX547 / IMX548 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 IMX537 / IMX547 / IMX548 are really more light sensitive compared to the IMX264 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
• IMX53 / IMX545 / IMX565 = 12MP
• IMX532 / IMX542 = 16.1MP
• IMX531 / IMX541 = 20.3MP
• IMX530 / IMX540 = 24.5MP

Main differences between IMX250 / IMX264 / IMX537/ IMX547/ IMX548

The main differences between the Sony IMX250, IMX264, IMX537, IMX547, and IMX548 image sensors lie in their resolution, frame rates, generation and features. Here's a breakdown of the key differences:

Light sensitivity with zero gain, Sony IMX264 / IMX250 vs IMX537 / IMX547 / IMX548

The Sony IMX264 has the same light sensitivity as the IMX250, 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 IMX264 / IMX250 looks slightly better, however, it’s almost neglectable. Also, the IMX264 / IMX250 looks to have slightly more contrast.

For most applications the difference is so minimal, that both the IMX264/IMX250 and the IMX537 / IMX547 / IMX548 will be a good fit, but the IMX264 / IMX250 is the winner in this test.

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

Using Digital Gain with Sony IMX264/IMX250 vs IMX537 / IMX547 / IMX548

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 IMX264 / IMX250 has slightly more contrast, also the noise pattern is better, when you look at the light gray blocks in the corner.

Overall, both IMX264 / IMX250 and IMX537 / IMX547 / IMX548 perform very well with a gain of 12dB, once again the IMX264 / IMX250 is the winner.

Maximum gain using digitalshift with Sony IMX264/IMX250 vs IMX537 / IMX547 / IMX548

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 IMX537 / IMX547 / IMX548, these are the maximum parameters you can use. The Sony IMX264 / IMX250 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 IMX264 / IMX250 outperforms the IMX537 / IMX547 / IMX548.  Additionally, the IMX264 / IMX250 has the option to further increase the gain to 24dB, making the IMX264 / IMX250 sensor the most light sensitive sensor.

Which Sony IMX264/IMX250/ IMX537/IMX547/IMX548 is the most light sensitive image sensor?

First, we want to emphasize that all Sony IMX264/IMX250/IMX537/IMX547/IMX548 global shutter sensors are very light sensitive, especially when you compare it with the competition, like Gpixel and Onsemi sensors. Therefore, both the IMX264/IMX250 and the IMX537 / IMX547 / IMX548 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 IMX264/IMX250 image sensor, as it slightly outperforms the IMX537 / IMX547 / IMX548. However, for most applications, when no gain is used, both sensors perform the same.

Other pro’s and con’s Sony IMX264/IMX250/IMX537/IMX547/IMX548

The IMX264/IMX250 has a 3.45um pixel size. This bigger pixel size requires industrial lenses with less resolving power, the then IMX537 / IMX547 / IMX548 with a 2.74um pixel size. As a result, the lens of an IMX264/IMX250 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 IMX537 / IMX547 / IMX548, 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".

Finding the Perfect Machine Vision Camera

Now that you understand the key differences between IMX264/IMX250 and IMX537 / IMX547 / IMX548, 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 IMX264/IMX250 and IMX537 / IMX547 / IMX548 in GigE and USB3 interfaces. Our experienced team can help you select the perfect camera for your specific needs and application.

Industrial Cameras with IMX264

We have camera models equipped with the IMX264 sensor, available in both USB3 and GigE interfaces. Our models include the USB3 versions, MER2-503-36U3M and MER2-503-36U3C, and the GigE versions, MER2-503-23GM-P, MER2-503-23GC-P, MER2-503-23GM and MER2-503-23GC. These cameras offer high-quality imaging performance suitable for various applications.

Industrial USB3 Cameras with IMX250

We have camera models equipped with the IMX250 sensor, available in USB3 interface. Our models include the USB3 version, MER2-502-79U3M and MER2-502-79U3C. These cameras deliver high-quality imaging performance for a wide range of applications.

Industrial GigE Cameras with IMX547

We have camera models equipped with the IMX547 sensor, available in GigE interface. Our models include the GigE version MER3-506-58G3M-P and MER3-506-58G3C-P. These cameras provide high-quality imaging performance for various applications.