Sony Exmor RS IMX230 sensor with 192 AF points announced, likely to debut on ...

While its 20.7-megapixel sensor is still its pride, Sony today announced the Exmor RS IMX230 image sensor for its future smartphones and other mobile devices with as many as 192 AF points. This new image sensor is quite likely to be debut on the Xperia Z4 flagship to give users an all-new image capturing experience with high-end features.

The Exmor RS IMX230 CMOS image sensor is sized 1/2.4-inch and has a pixel size of 1.12μm. The sensor has an ability to capture up to 21-megapixel resolution images.

Sony states that it has used image plane phase detection AF on its new sensor which earlier available on mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras. This technology enables the camera sensor to capture fast-moving subjects with accurate and high-speed autofocus. The sensor can use up to 192 AF points to focus a subject in a frame and using its internal image processing circuits.

This new addition will help users in capturing fast-moving subjects like kids, animals and athletes.

In addition, the new CMOS sensor features an improved pixel placement and signal processing to enable HDR functionality for recording videos as well as capturing still images. While its predecessor only supports HDR in still image capture, this sensor will enable HDR mode for recording up to 4K videos apart from still images.

The Exmor RS IMX230 CMOS image sensor will ship in April next year with a price tag of 2,100 yen. Though Sony is yet to announce the list of devices to feature new image sensor, the company's next flagship smartphone, which is speculated to be called Xperia Z4, could be the first device to sport the new sensor.