OmniVision announces new 16MP camera sensor with PDAF and zHDR support

OmniVision has just announced its new 1.12-micron camera sensor featuring PureCel Plus-S pixel architecture. Carrying model number OV16B10, the new sensor feature extremely high-sensitivity imaging and phase-detection autofocus (PDAF), and is aimed at smartphones with either single- or dual-camera setups.

According to OmniVision, the 16-megapixel OV16B10 sensor is designed for flagship smartphones. The sensor has a built-in feature that syncs the frames and supports context switching when it's used in dual-camera setups, supporting image fusion.

Aside from the fact that it can take 16-megapixel images, the sensor allows users to shoot video at 30 frames per second (FPS) with zHDR. The latter stands for “zigzag high dynamic range,” a technology that is meant to extend the dynamic range capabilities of the sensor by using a long and short exposure in a single frame.

zHDR has increased dynamic range with minimum ghosting artifacts in comparison with the traditional HDR techniques, which allows it to provide users with live previews and video recording in HDR mode, as well as single-shot, full-res HDR images in capture mode without shutter lag.

Lastly, the OmniVision OV16B10 sensor can shoot 4K video at 60fps, as well as 1080p video and 720p at 120fps. The camera sensor is now available for sampling, but it won't be commercially released until Q4 2017.