OMNIVISION launches ultra-high dynamic range image sensor

The OV50X is a 50-megapixel (MP) sensor with a 1.6-micron (µm) pixel in a 1in optical format designed for flagship smartphones that require high dynamic range (HDR) video and preview with single exposure, excellent low-light performance, fast autofocus and high frame rates.

“Smartphones are used in the majority of video and photo capture today, and cinematic-quality video recording has become a highly demanded feature among consumers for flagship mobile phones,” said Takuritsu Li, Marketing Manager, OMNIVISION. “Our OV50X image sensor was designed with the professional videographer and photographer in mind, featuring a large 1-inch optical format image sensor that provides close to 110 decibel (dB) single-exposure HDR; consumers can now own a smartphone capable of superior video and photo capture around the clock, even in challenging capture conditions such as sunrise, sunset, nighttime with bright lights, or overcast days.”

The OV50X supports 4-cell binning for 12.5MP at 180 frames per second (fps) and 60 fps with three-channel HDR. It offers premium-quality 8K video with dual analog gain (DAG) HDR and on-sensor crop zoom. OMNIVISION’s TheiaCel technology further expands single exposure HDR close to 110dB – the highest range possible in smartphones. The sensor also supports 100% coverage quad phase detection (QPD) for best-in-class autofocus performance. The OV50X is built on OMNIVISION’s PureCel Plus-S stacked-die technology, enabling excellent low light performance.

The OV50X is sampling now and will be in mass production in Q3 2025.