One can see the main areas improving when studying the image sensor and how scientists spend R&D dollars. That said, it's good to focus on the following aspects:-
Speed (new generation sensors are faster)
Resolution (the trend is to have more megapixels)
Sensitivity (Optical & Quantum efficiency - very important)
Firmware (Sensor and camera CPUs - Image Processors are crucial)
Sensor Noise Floor (a smaller noise floor with each new generation)
The video discusses the new OM-1 image sensor and why it's a critical development for Micro Four Thirds. We see how Olympus photographers benefited from the OM-1 sensor improvements. We also take a closer look at the new Stacked BSI Image Sensor and the steps to BSI technology.
Camera reviewers never mention the losses associated with having more pixels. For example, any improvements in sensor sensitivity, firmware, or image processing are used to offset the losses from adding more and smaller pixels. Olympus did the opposite and kept the OM-1's resolution at 20MP. This pixel count and the new BSI sensor technology improved the OM-1's noise performance by up to +2EV and the DR by +1EV. The BSI sensor's sensitivity improved the OM-1's ability to capture shadow detail. These are typical when moving from MOV CMOS to BSI CMOS sensors.
As seen in the video, it's technically possible to explain the improvements of the BSI sensor. For similar examples, study the Sony A7 II and A7 III. Like the EM1 and the OM-1, the A7 II / III have the same sensor size and resolution. Like OMDS, Sony achieved "standard" BSI noise improvements of +1.5 EV and the DR increased with +2 EV (see the A7RII review) for the A7 III.
Olympus EM1 III with 12-200mm lens and Pro Capture function.
In the following example, we see how Sony used the improvements of the new A7 IV image sensor to offset the losses of adding 40% more megapixels. No matter how you view it, pixels come at a price. In other words, except for the additional pixels, the A7 IV's technical aspects are similar to the A7 III. This is an example of how much sensors improve from one generation to the next...
It is crucial to challenge those claiming stacked BSI sensors offer no benefits. Ask for the same level of information presented in this short article and video. Social media unfortunately made it too easy to randomly drop questionable statements in videos and forums.
The research and development of the new BSI image sensor started below the surface. Pixels capture Photons, and pixels are the link to Sensor Sensitivity. For example, scientists target the noise floor of the sensor by focussing on Optical and Quantum Efficiency. The BSI configuration improved the sensor's sensitivity and the stacked configuration the speed of the image sensor.
Olympus EM1 III with the 12-200mm lens and the Pro Capture function.
Stacked BSI Live MOS sensor with Quad Pixel AF
A big thank you to the forum poster who posted positive feedback on my OM-1 video. Another forum poster asked for information on the "Quad Bayer AF" solution. The information in my video is enough to help photographers understand the Stacked BSI sensor. Obviously, some photographers like to have more, information and that is good. Photographers should be free to ask questions.
The source is OMDS
It is always better to rely on information from manufacturers. For example, see the OM-1 press release further down. You will see OMDS talking about their Cross Quad Pixel AF solution. This is something we can research. Having done that, we see the first Quad Pixel AF solution came from Canon. The Quad Pixel AF is the next level up to the older Canon Dual Pixel AF solution. Dual Pixel AF is similar to the Standard CMOS technology Canon has been using for years.
It could be that OMDS decided to select a new sensor manufacturer to take this new Stacked BSI - Quad Pixel AF sensor with the more powerful Truepic X CPU to the next level. The main benefits of the Cross Quad Pixel AF sensor are speed, accuracy, and a 4D-type AF capability. This improves the Unidirectional Dual Pixel AF solution from Canon with all its limitations.
3 aspects of the new OM-1 sensor should be discussed more:-
Pixels capture Photons, and it is possible to improve image sensors...
There is so much more to discover about this amazing new image sensor
We are also seeing more excellent images and feedback from OM-1 users
The official OM-1 news release...
Interesting additional reading:-
- Quad Bayer Sensors - what are they and what are they not - link
- Bringing Backside Illumination to high-speed applications - link
- Interesting explanation of the Quad Bayer section and sensors - link
- Also see this info on Wikipedia (Fuji, Bayer, Quad Bayer, and more) - link
- Comparison between front- and back-illuminated sensors - link
