Digital night vision sensor - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Nogtail
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2022, 01:57:09 am
content: This probably isn't this right place to post this, but I assume there is a significant overlap between thermal imaging and night vision enthusiasts. Feel free to move it if there's a better place.I'm looking for a low-light image sensor for an upcoming project. I'm looking for the best low light performance and don't need colour or a super high resolution, so a large low resolution monochrome sensor is probably preferable. Ideally I'd like to buy the sensor individually, but I don't mind modifying an existing product.Here are a few of the options I've found:SiOnyx has the XQE-1310 sensor that appears to be specifically designed for low light imaging. A monochrome variant is available which should offer increased sensitivity. The colour version seems to be what is used in their Aurora night vision camera that from what I've seen has respectable low light performanceThe best sensor I can find from Sony is their IMX482 which appears to be a quad Bayer 2MP version of their 8MP IMX485 sensor. They only offer this sensor in colour so I'd be losing some light to the filter. I can't find any footage from this sensor so I'm not sure how it performs.The product that seems to take up 90% of search results for digital night vision is SPI Corp's X27 camera. They have some impressive looking videos, although a look through their website spikes my bullshit detector. I can't find any 3rd party reviews and they aren't even consistent on basic things like resolution so I'll have to conclude they're either heavily embellishing their camera's capabilities or downright scamming people. If anyone has more information about their products I'd be interested to know.Does anyone have more information on the options I've listed or know of alternative sensors or other technologies I could look into?Thanks!

author: Lambda
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2022, 08:52:28 am
content: Hello Nogtail.Perhaps (if you wish) could you describe a bit more your project ? it would allow us to help (if possible) you with more pertinence.While waiting, just some thoughts:If a maximized sensitivity or low light capacity is required in your project, currently, and considering what is reachable for a hobbyist: - monochrome sensor is the path.- if you are looking for video/real time application, CMOS with a low readout noise is preferable.- BSI architecture and large pixels are also to look after (especially if the resolution is not your priority).Unfortunately, this last point (large pixel's size) is not so common in the CMOS sensors available in the market, for our consumer grade camera.... the tendency is to go for smaller pixel for prioritising for instance resolution.If you can accept in your project a compromise also on the size of the sensor, then you can increase of course your possibilities:The (now a bit old) IMX 290 offers really nice night vision capabilities and does not require a huge computing ressource for being used.https://www.sony-semicon.co.jp/products/common/pdf/IMX226CLJ_CQJ_Flyer.pdfUsed in consumer grade astro camera: (the webshop is not relevant, just a way to have a summary of this sensor's features)https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product/asi290mmSome "tests" i did with it:Both videos are more jerked than in reality, which is smoother, because of the VLC/screen computer recording process.Other candidate, quite cheap, less known, is the monochrome CMOS SC1020 and other member from the same "family"https://www.unifore.net/product-highlights/ip-camera-smartsens-cmos-image-sensors.htmlOther nice candidate for night vision application, and color, is the IMX462, which has an important NIR response.https://www.sony-semicon.co.jp/products/common/pdf/IMX462LQR_LQR1_Flyer.pdfhttps://www.astroshop.de/fr/cameras-astronomiques/camera-zwo-asi-462-mc-color/p,68048(the webshop is not relevant, just a way to have a summary of this sensor's features)Whatever will be the chosen sensor, the mandatory condition for digging in the lowest light domain as possible is to use the fastest lens as possible: typically F/D < 2.... fastest which can be found are generally between F/D= 0.7 and F/D=0.9, depending on your budget, the available mechanical format, your wish to modify more or less their mounting for adapatation...Good luck for your project.Best regards.Stéphane