Gpixel’s New 43-Megapixel APS Sensor Can Shoot 8K 60p Video
Chinese company Gpixel has expanded its CMOS sensor portfolio with a new 43-megapixel APS-style image sensor capable of recording 8K video at up to 60 frames per second.
As reported by Mirrorless Rumors, Gpixel’s new GCINE3243 CMOS sensor has 43 megapixels on a 26.2 x 16.7-millimeter APS-style image sensor.
While not as big of a name as Sony Semiconductors, Canon, or Samsung, Gpixel is not a new player in the image sensor space. In 2021, the company announced the development of a new global shutter Four-Thirds 10-megapixel image sensor that can shoot 4K video at up to 2,000 frames per second.
Gpixel’s new sensor is slightly larger than a typical APS-C sensor. A Nikon or Sony APS-C camera’s sensor is around 23.5 x 15.5mm, roughly speaking. There is some variation depending on the precise camera model. Canon’s APS-C sensors are slightly smaller. For example, the Canon EOS R7 has a 22.2 x 14.8mm APS-C image sensor.
While slightly larger than an APS-C image sensor, Gpixel’s new chip is a bit smaller than APS-H. Although a relatively rare format, an APS-H image sensor is around 28 x 18.5mm, or about 70% the size of a full-frame image sensor.
Gpixel says its GCINE3243 CMOS image sensor is designed for cinematography, drones, production video, astronomy, and scientific imaging. The new sensor sports a backside-illuminated (BSI) design.
Per Gpixel, the chip utilizes a wafer stacking design, enabling 8K resolution video at 60p frame rates, plus full well and high-dynamic range (HDR) modes. Alongside 8K/60p video, the sensor can also record binned 4K video at up to 120p. The sensor’s pixel size is 3.2 microns.
“The state-of-the-art wafer stacking technology used in the GCINE3243 sensor allows the BSI pixel array to be designed on a separate silicon wafer than its read-out circuit, pushing optical performance and read-out speeds beyond what is possible on single chip architectures,” explains Gpixel.
“By expanding the GCINE product family into smaller optical formats, we broaden the applications that can benefit from its BSI and wafer-stacked architecture and variety of HDR features,” says Wim Wuyts, Gpixel’s Chief Commercial Officer. “We plan to continue to build on the success of this platform with additional standard and customized sensors supporting the professional video market.”
The Gpixel GCINE3243 is packaged in a 455-pin LGA ceramic package and will be available in color and monochrome versions. Prototype orders can be placed now, with delivery for the color sensor expected this month and the monochrome version later this year.
Image credits: Gpixel
