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Sony develops world’s first stacked CMOS image sensor technology with 2-layer transistor pixel

Sony has created the world’s first 1 stacked CMOS image sensor technology with 2 Layer Transistor Pixel. Whereas photodiodes and pixel transistors in typical CMOS image sensors share the same substrate, Sony’s innovative technology divides photodiodes and pixel transistors on independent substrate layers. This innovative architecture almost doubles 2 saturation signal level 3 compared to traditional image sensors, broadens dynamic range, and decreases noise, resulting in significantly improved imaging qualities. The pixel structure of the new technology will allow pixels to preserve or improve their present qualities at not only current but also reduced pixel sizes.
Sony made the announcement during the IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting, which began on Saturday, December 11, 2021.

A stacked CMOS image sensor is made up of a pixel chip made up of back lit pixels layered atop a logic chip where signal processing circuits are built. Photodiodes for converting light to electrical signals and pixel transistors for regulating the signals are located on the same layer of the pixel chip. Increasing the saturation signal level within form-factor limits is critical for achieving great image quality with a broad dynamic range.

Sony’s new design represents a step forward in stacked CMOS image sensor technology. Sony placed the photodiodes and pixel transistors on separate substrates stacked one on top of the other using its unique stacking process.
In contrast, photodiodes and pixel transistors in traditional stacked CMOS image sensors are located on the same substrate. The novel stacking technique permits the use of topologies that allow for the optimization of the photodiode and pixel transistor layers, doubling the saturation signal level relative to conventional image sensors and, as a result, increasing the dynamic range.


Furthermore, because pixel transistors other than transfer gates (TRG), such as reset transistors (RST), select transistors (SEL), and amp transistors (AMP), occupy a photodiode-free layer, the size of the amp transistors may be expanded. Sony was able to significantly reduce noise in nighttime and other dark-location photos by increasing the size of amp transistors. This new technology’s increased dynamic range and noise reduction will avoid underexposure and overexposure in situations with a mix of bright and dim lighting (e.g., backlit settings) and enable high-quality, low-noise photographs even in low-light (e.g., interior, nighttime) circumstances.

Sony’s 2-Layer Transistor Pixel technology will help to realise increasingly high-quality imagery, such as smartphone pictures.

Researchers have created an ultra-compact camera the size of a salt grain


Princeton University and the University of Washington researchers have created an imaging system the size of a coarse grain of salt. It is based on a metasurface with 1.6 million cylindrical posts and functions similarly to a camera sensor. Each post functions as an optical antenna, receiving light to form the optical wavefront, and then developing a high-quality picture in full colour using AI algorithms. Traditional cameras employ a sophisticated set of plastic and glass lenses to bend light onto a sensor, which transmits impulses electronically. The new method is based on metasurface, which is a thin layer made up of individual microscopic parts designed to refract light in any desired direction.

Returning to the camera, this metasurface, and its cylindrical posts, the novelty lies in designing the right tube design and signal processing method that can create an actual image. Instead of operating like a laser, which created hazy, distorted pictures with a limited field of vision, the metasurface camera was able to record a full-color snapshot. The primary use for this new sort of camera will be medical: robots will be able to perform minimally invasive endoscopy to identify and cure ailments.

Because the metasurface is made of silicon nitride, it can be mass manufactured fast and at a cheaper cost than lenses for ordinary cameras. This is the first time that researchers have adopted a system in which optical technology is used in the front end and neural processing is used in the back end. According to experts, this innovation will pave the way for “totally alternative ways of manufacturing gadgets in the future.”

OnePlus Nord 2 PAC-MAN Edition: What’s Best & Which One to Buy?

OnePlus recently launched their latest Nord 2 PacMan Edition phone in India and this launch marks the first time that they are launching a game themed phone. The OnePlus Nord 2 Pac-Man Edition is only available in one option: 12GB RAM and 256GB storage for a price of Rs. 37,999, which is Rs. 3,000 more than the OnePlus Nord 2 of the same variant. And with the consumers finding value for money an important factor to choose between products they buy these days, in this video we will tell you what’s different between the 2 phones and which should you buy?


The Design
When it comes to design, the first thing you will notice when it comes to the phone is a noticeable difference. The rear panel of the Nord 2 Pac-Man Edition is carved with the Pac-Man gamified concept. And it’s not only the back that has a gamified concept, everything from the box to the cover exudes this theme. The box contains a concealed chamber at the bottom that reveals the phone’s special cover which also has the Pac-Man theme carved on it.


The phone’s rear panel has been updated with radium and glows in the dark with a green neon Pac-Man maze that looks incredibly cool. In addition, the phone now features a new blue colour alert slider on the right, which OnePlus has been famous for a long time.


The User Interface
When it comes to the user interface, this is what we liked the most about the phone since it is both inventive and appealing. The entire UI of the phone is built on a Pac-Man gamified concept, and once you get your hands on it, it’s impossible to go back to any other phone. This phone is incredibly alive and colourful, from the start of the phone through the theme, wallpaper, fingerprint animation and hidden easter eggs as well.


Looking at the amount of work that has gone into the OS in terms of UI design for this edition has really surprised us. The company has made significant improvements to the UI, including icons, animation and a style that gives the phone a vintage vibe. Also, when charging, the phone displays a fun animation of Pac-Man running behind the pellets, which are very cool touches.

The phone also comes with PAC-MAN 256 pre-installed, and as you play more and reach new levels and highscores, the phone will unlock hidden features such as new wallpapers, themes, and so on. The game is extremely addictive, transporting you back to a time when the game was a popular pastime.


The Camera
The OnePlus Nord 2 Pac-Man Edition has the same camera and specifications as the OnePlus Nord 2. Though it has a new filter called Paconomaly that adds a lot of fun to shooting photographs with little Pac-Man and Inky, Blinky, Pinky, and Clyde (4 Ghost of Pac-Man) in the filter. Also, instead of the yellow colour theme from the Nord 2, the camera now has a blue colour Pac-Man theme. Aside from the filter and colour, the camera area has no surprises.



The Specs

The specifications, like the camera, are empty of surprises. Everything about the OnePlus Nord 2 Pac-Man Edition is identical to that of the OnePlus Nord 2. The phone has a Dimensity 1200 CPU from MediaTek, a 90 Hz AMOLED display panel, and a 4500 mAh battery with 65W rapid charging. In terms of performance, the phone performs admirably for a phone in this price range. And it is not expected to be premium in terms of performance, as no smartphone in this price bracket is.


The Price

Finally, let’s talk about the most crucial aspect: the pricing. The OnePlus Nord 2 Pac-Man Edition is only available in one option: 12GB RAM and 256GB storage for Rs. 37,999, which is Rs. 3,000 more than the OnePlus Nord 2 of the same variant.


Conclusion

The most important question is whether you should get the OnePlus Nord 2 Pac-Man Edition or the OnePlus Nord 2. We think that you should take that extra dip into your wallet for Rs. 3000 and get Pac-Man Edition since that extra money is definitely worth it and will also offer you a really nice UI, design, a Pac-Man vibe that you will understand once you have it in your hands.

It also feels entirely distinct from the Oxygen OS, which is an icing on the cake. In terms of design, it feels more luxurious than the standard OnePlus Nord 2. So don’t think about it too much and spend that additional money on the phone so you can have your Pac-Man as soon as possible.


OnePlus Nord 2 vs PacMan Edition Review: Which to Buy?

In this video we review the newly launched OnePlus Nord 2 PacMan Edition vs the OnePlus Nord 2 to find out what is different and new in the phone. We also tell which one should you buy between the Nord 2 or the Nord 2 PacMan Edition.

The OnePlus Nord 2 PacMan edition is for Rs. 37,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB of storage. So should you buy it?

Best Photo and Video Tips for OnePlus 9 Pro

In this video we give you the best Photo and Video tips for shooting with the OnePlus 9 Pro. With more and more people using their phones to shoot pictures and video we thought we will give you the best tips that you can use for the OnePlus 9 series. Although we have used the OnePlus 9 Pro for this video you can apply these photo and video tips to any other phone as well.

Let us know in the comments what you thought of them and how did you use these tips.



DJI anmd SkyPixel launches the 2021 SkyPixel Creative Video Contest

To honor another successful year with the SkyPixel community, DJI and SkyPixel, one of the world’s most prominent online aerial photography and videography communities, have announced the 2021 SkyPixel Creative Video Contest. The contest, which has a brand-new 15s Video category, encourages contributions from all sorts of producers, from hobbyists to professional filmmakers from all around the world. FAW-Volkswagen Audi, Canon, and DJI will give contest prizes.

The contest, which runs from October 27 through December 6, 2021, accepts films filmed on portable devices in seven categories: Sports, Travel, Party, Pets and Kids, Creative, Foods, and 15s Video. There are no age restrictions, and participants are free to submit as many pieces of work as they choose. Please see the official contest website at www.skypixel.com/contests/2021video for more information.

Professional film producers, directors, and well-known influences, like Sam Kolder, Aaron Liu, Devin Graham, and Mike Bishop, make up the 2021 judging committee.

SkyPixel and DJI will present 60 awards totaling more than USD 46,000 in cash and gifts. The Grand Prize winner will get a USD 7,500 DJI voucher to go toward any DJI product, a Canon EOS R5 mirrorless camera with an RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens Kit, an Audi e-tron 1:18 model vehicle, and other interesting prizes. Winners in each category will win a variety of prizes, including a DJI Action 2 Dual-Screen Combo, a DJI RS 2 Pro Combo, a Canon EOS R5, and an Audi Sport Watch. Additionally, entries chosen by editors and shot on a previous-generation DJI Osmo or Ronin device will get a 5% voucher toward the purchase of a new DJI handheld product.


Submission Details
Submission Start Date: 21:00 (CST) on Oct 27 2021
Submission End Date: 14:00 (CST) on Dec 6, 2021
Award Announcement: Dec 28, 2021


Nikon launches Z9 with only Electronic Shutter and 8k 30p recording capability

Nikon yesterday introduced its latest flagship mirrorless camera, the Z9 for a whopping price of Rs 4,75,995. The camera is the first of its kind which doesn’t feature a mechanical shutter and only features an Electronic Shutter making it the fastest CMOS sensor produced and also that it will have the least amount of rolling shutter due to this feature.


The camera features a 45.7-megapixel sensor and has the capability to shoot 8K video at 30p and up to 20 fps RAW burst shooting capabilities. It’s Nikon’s first camera with a stacked sensor and built-in memory, allowing for extremely rapid readout speeds. Nikon is so confident in the electronic shutter that it has abandoned the mechanical shutter altogether, making the Z9 the first high-end professional camera to do so.


The Z9 sensor (which has the same megapixel count as the Z7 II) enables for flash sync speeds of up to 1/200th of a second, which appears to be the quickest sync speed for an electronic shutter ever. This should also make it particularly resistant to rolling shutter, which is important if the camera is going to be used for sports or action photography. The quicker sensor enables JPEG burst photography at up to 30 frames per second or RAW shots at 20 frames per second. If you’re ready to go down to 11 megapixels, you can capture photographs at 120 fps as well. The Nikon Z, like other stacked sensor cameras, features substantially better buffering, allowing you to shoot up to 1,000 frames at once with JPEG or the new HE (high efficiency) RAW compression techniques.


Nikon’s autofocus (AF) technology is likewise all new, and it makes even greater use of AI algorithms. Like the Canon’s EOS R3, can now monitor a wide range of subjects, including people’s eyes, faces, and bodies, as well as dogs, cats, and birds, aircraft, trains, motorcycles, and bicycles. And, unlike other AI cameras, there’s no need to tell it what you’re shooting – if you set it to “Auto,” the camera will figure it out (or, you can set the subject type manually). It also has a “3D tracking” feature, similar to that found in Nikon DSLRs. 


Nikon’s in-body stabilization mechanism has also been upgraded (which it calls “vibration reduction” or VR). It can now combine in-body and lens stabilization systems for more stable video and less blurry images. However, it will only be available with a few lenses at first, including the Nikkor Z 70-200mm F/2.8, Z MC 105mm F/2.8 VR, and the recently announced Z 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VR S.


As Nikon hinted earlier this year, video performance is similarly outstanding. The Z9 will be able to capture 8K at 30p, as well as oversampled 4K 30p from an 8K clip, which should be extremely crisp. It will also be capable of capturing 4K at up to 120 fps if you don’t mind pixel binning or line skipping. To begin, you’ll be able to capture these files at up to 10-bit resolution using H.264 or H.265 long GOP codecs. Furthermore, Nikon provides the extremely handy option of shooting video using ProRes 422 HQ compression, which is considerably easier to edit right out of the camera.


However, things will become much more fascinating later on. Nikon intends to provide a firmware upgrade in the future that will enable 12-bit 8K 60fps capture in a new, proprietary N-RAW format or Apple ProRes RAW HQ capture at 4K/60p. Nikon claims that at “average” conditions, you’ll be able to capture the oversampled 4K/30p for more than two hours. 


The camera features two CFexpress Type B slots (backward compatible with XQD) for maximum video and burst photo capabilities. The new EN-EL18d battery has a capacity of 740 shots per charge with the LCD and 700 shots with the EVF activated. It boasts a 3.69 million dot OLED viewfinder, which probably could’ve been better considering that most cameras now already have this since a longtime. The refresh rate of the EVF is just 60 fps, but Nikon claims that it always provides that speed and never downgrades it regardless of what you’re doing. It has a multi-direction back LCD rather than a completely articulating screen, although it can be tilted up to face you.

Panasonic launches Lumix DC-GH5 II in India

The Panasonic Lumix GH5M2 was recently released in India. The new mirrorless camera, developed as an improvement to the current Lumix GH5, is geared at videographers searching for a 4K video recording option. It can record C4K or 4K 4:2:0 movies at 60 frames per second (fps) in 10 bits while also permitting simultaneous output of C4K or 4K 4:2:0 10-bit films at 60fps. The Lumix GH5M2 has a 20.3-megapixel sensor with body image stabilisation. The camera also has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection.

The Panasonic Lumix GH5M2 body alone costs Rs. 1,69,990 in India, while the GH5M2 L-kit, which includes a 12-60mm lens, costs Rs. 2,14,990. The camera can be purchased in the nation from Panasonic India brand stores.

The Panasonic Lumix GH5M2 comes with the 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS sensor that includes an anti-reflective (AR) coating on top to minimise ghosts and flaring effects. The camera also includes an image processor along with Venus Engine that is claimed to enable 4K60p 4:2:0 10-bit internal recording and simultaneous 4:2:2 HDMI output. The Lumix GH5M2 also carries a deep learning technology that is claimed to help detect subjects such as humans, fast-moving animals, and birds.

In compared to the Lumix GH5, the Panasonic Lumix GH5M2 is said to have double the recognition cycle speed for identifying eyes and faces. The camera is also said to be capable of distinguishing between eyes, faces, and bodies in real time. The Panasonic Lumix GH5M2 also includes a 6-stop slower shutter speed, as well as body IS, which helps capture steady photos even while shooting handheld.

Panasonic has enabled wireless live streaming on the Lumix GH5M2 in addition to wired live streaming through HDMI. It is accessed via the Lumix Sync app, which is available for smartphones. The camera can transmit full-HD video at 60 frames per second using the H.264 codec in the RTMP/ RTMPS protocol. The business has also made available a specific software package called Lumix Webcam Software, which customers may download to enable wired live streaming with the Lumix GH5M2. Through a future firmware upgrade anticipated for the end of 2021, it will also offer wired IP streaming over RTP/ RTSP protocol.

The Panasonic Lumix GH5M2 includes Bluetooth v4.2 and dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac connectivity. The camera also has a 3.0-inch free-angle LCD panel with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a resolution of 1,840k dots. Touch controls are also available on the LCD panel. Because the Lumix GH5M2 is intended to be an update to the Lumix GH5, it is compatible with the majority of the accessories provided for the prior model. This means you can utilize the Lumix GH5’s XLR Microphone Adapter, Shutter Remote Control, and Battery Grip with the new camera.

The Lumix GH5M2 also sports a dustproof, freeze-proof, and splash-proof design with a magnesium alloy core structure and a complete die-cast front and back frame. The camera’s shutter unit is also said to be robust for up to 200,000 cycles.

On the Lumix GH5M2, Panasonic has included a 2,200mAh battery that can be charged through AC or USB. It may also be charged with USB Power Delivery (PD) chargers. In addition, the camera sports a dual SD memory card slot that supports UHS-II cards.

Nikon India accidently leaks Z9 Promo Video

Nikon India appears to have inadvertently released a promotional film for Nikon’s upcoming Z9 mirrorless camera, confirming previously unknown characteristics. While Nikon has been releasing weekly teaser films (1, 2, 3) for what will be their flagship mirrorless camera (three of the four planned teasers have been disclosed thus far), this one looks to be unique, both in terms of visual style and time (we suspect the fourth teaser video in the series to be released later this week).



This latest leaked video, which has since been removed but re-posted elsewhere, shows three distinct slides, each of which details specs that we have not yet been made aware of. The video notes in the first slide that the Z9 will have the ‘world’s fastest’ scan rate and be capable of shooting at up to 120 frames per second (fps), though there are footnotes to clarify the ‘world’s fastest’ claim and presumably limitations on what kind of capture mode you’ll be able to capture images at 120fps.

According to the second slide in the movie, the Z9 will support 8K/60p recording and will feature a double coating on the optical low-pass filter. This slide also features footnotes: two for the 8K/60p claim and one for the low-pass filter coating, although they’re difficult to see in the video. It’s probable that the 8K/60p capture option will be severely constrained in terms of bitrate, bit-depth, and codec support.


The third graphic shows the previously anticipated ‘Multi-Axis Tilting Monitor,’ as well as the ability to continually take Raw photos at up to 20fps. This slide has no footnotes, which is particularly fascinating given the 20fps Raw capture. The movie also shows off Nikon’s upcoming Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 S lens.

As with any leak, it’s important to take it with a grain of salt. However, given that the video came from the official Nikon India YouTube account and looks to be quite on-brand for Nikon’s previous videos, it’s unlikely to be a forgery. Nikon has another teaser film scheduled for later this week, which may or may not be the finalized version of this advertising video. We’ll simply have to wait and see what happens.

Fujifilm launches GFX 50S II Mirrorless Camera officially in India

The Fujifilm GFX 50S II mirrorless digital camera is the latest addition to the GFX Series. Fuji’s newest medium-format digital camera costs a whopping Rs. 3,79,999 for the body alone and features a large format sensor and a five-axis image stabilization technology. The Fujinon GF35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR lens was announced alongside the new high-end mirrorless camera.

When purchased combined, the GFX 50S II and the 35-70mm Kit lens would put you back Rs. 4,49,999. Let’s take a look at why the new Fujifilm mirrorless camera is so costly. The 51.4MP large format sensor on the GFX50S II is equipped with smaller light-collecting microlenses to enable more separation between adjoining pixels.

The bigger sensor and light-collecting microlenses, according to Fujifilm, boost light resolution per pixel for greater image clarity. The configuration with a larger light-receiving surface per pixel improves the camera’s ISO sensitivity and dynamic range in low-light situations. The 51.4MP sensor is rather huge, and it should result in a naturally narrow depth-of-field.

The GFX50S II weighs more than 900g and has dimensions of 104.2mm in height and 87.2mm in depth. According to Fujifilm, the camera’s handle is intended to fit securely in the hand, ensuring comfort by significantly reducing hand stresses while using a large zoom lens in scenarios such as animal and bird photography. The casing is made of a strong magnesium alloy for strength. The lens mount’s base has been reinforced to enhance the camera body’s longevity.

Importantly, the GFX50S II is weather-sealed at 60 locations, protecting it from dust and moisture and allowing it to operate in temperatures as low as -10°C. Another notable feature that contributes to the new mirrorless camera’s high price is the five-axis image stabilization system, which provides up to 6.5 stops of advantage, the highest in the GFX Series’ history.

Fujifilm achieved this by utilizing a high-performance gyro sensor and accelerometer, both of which promise to detect motions with high precision. The gyro sensor was created to increase detection accuracy for precise image stabilization. Fujifilm is betting big on the stabilization capabilities of the new medium-format digital camera. The GFX50S II, according to the company, may produce superior image quality when used hand-held and does not require a tripod for slow and thorough shooting.

Following that, the GFX50S II is touted to have a high-precision AF system thanks to a high-speed image processing engine known as “X-Processor 4” and a newly built algorithm. When compared to a previous model, the pair achieves more precise focusing in Face/Eye Detection. Better portraiture should emerge from the enhanced focusing mechanism and large-format sensor with a natural shallow depth of field.