Sony announces a new 247-megapixel medium format image sensor, which has gotten people talking!
(Image credit: Sony)
Sony has announced a 247-megapixel medium-format sensor named IMX811-AAQR, sparking plenty of rumors and debate.
Sony's announcement has caused quite a stir with many hoping to see a Sony medium format camera. With 247 effective megapixels producing a groundbreaking resolution of 19,200 x 12,800 (3:2), it would certainly top the list of the highest-resolution cameras, however, the truth might not be as exciting.
(Image credit: Sony)
(Image credit: Sony)
In its announcement, Sony states that the sensor is intended for 'industrial use' and it is not listed under those available for consumer equipment. This may mean the sensor is designed for specialist scientific imaging instead of consumer photography or cine cameras. That being said, some of the medium format sensors used in today's best medium format cameras were also originally listed for industrial use, so, could a new Sony medium format camera be on the horizon?
Sony's announcement, which can be found on the official website, lists many sensor specifications which include a rolling shutter function, type 4.1 CMOS active pixel dot types, back-illuminated sensor type, a diagonal image size of 64.84mm, a maximum frame rate of 12.4/s at 12 bit, 10.5/s at 14 bit, and 5.3/s at 16 bit. There is also a monochrome version of the sensor named IMX811-AAMR.
PhaseOne XF IQ4 150MP Camera System (Image credit: PhaseOne)
There is no doubt that this sensor will be attached to an imaging device capable of capturing some of the highest-resolution images on the planet, and while it is fun to dream, I do not believe Sony will be making a Sony medium-format camera. What I can believe, however, is that Sony has created a new super sensor which will suit either a new Phase One or Hasselblad medium format camera.
From camera phones to automobiles Sony's sensor technology is used by many different brands due to its excellent resolution and low-light performance, two of which are medium format giants Hasselblad and Phase One. The Hasselblad H series has not seen a new model since 2018 with the release of the Hasselblad H6D-400C, a camera capable of capturing 400-megapixel multi-shot images, thanks to a 100-megapixel Sony sensor.
Phase One also utilizes Sony sensors in its XF and XC cameras, medium format cameras capable of capturing exquisite photography with extremely high-resolution images with price tags to match.
Get the Digital Camera World Newsletter
The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox!
Although it is fun to speculate about new super-megapixel consumer cameras, all we know for certain is that the sensor exists. We will have to wait and see if it eventually appears in anything other than specialist equipment.
Kalum Carter is a photographer, photo editor and writer based in the UK, and for almost a decade he has worked with brands and publications to create, edit, and sequence imagery. Having recently graduated with a Master's Degree in Photography from the University of the West of England (UWE), Kalum joined Digital Camera World as a Staff Writer, covering news, reviews, and his biggest passion – photography books!
Kalum's photography has been published and exhibited around the world, and he continues to photograph on a project-by-project basis. He is currently working on a personal project capturing the people and landscape of Gower, South Wales. Currently untitled, this body of work will be exhibited for the National Trust later this year.
