Cover photo by sukko
In the past, digital sensors primarily evolved to improve image quality. However, in recent years, 'speed' has gained attention as another key aspect of camera technology.
Among them, stacked CMOS sensors are an innovative technology that achieves high speed by changing the structure itself. It is ideal for shooting styles that aim to capture moments without missing them, such as sports, wildlife, and street snaps.
Photo by 高野ぴえろ
Structure Enabling Overwhelming Speed
The stacked CMOS sensor shortens the data readout distance by vertically separating the photodiode layer that receives light and the circuit layer that processes signals, effectively 'stacking' them.
This allows for much faster processing than before, enabling continuous shooting of over 30 frames per second and shooting without viewfinder blackout. It also helps reduce rolling shutter distortion.
Suitable Shooting Genres and Necessity Assessment
This technology shines in scenes where subjects move vigorously. For example, sports events, motorsports, bird flight, and fast-moving video shooting. In these cases, the sensor's readout speed is directly linked to image quality.
Photo by kawase45
On the other hand, if your focus is mainly on still life or landscape photography, non-stacked sensors can still provide sufficient image quality, so the priority of introduction varies depending on the shooting style.
The Evolving Potential of Stacked CMOS Sensors
Currently, models with high-speed DRAM built into stacked sensors have emerged, contributing to AI-based subject recognition AF, further continuous shooting performance, and video smoothness. Future developments, such as integration with global shutters, are also anticipated.
Photo by boulogne2
In fields requiring fast and accurate image processing, stacked sensors are expected to become increasingly mainstream.
