Patent ID: 8564705

Claim:
An image sensor for electronic cameras, having an image field ( 11 ) with at least one image field block ( 11 , 14 ) which includes a plurality of light sensitive pixels ( 13 ) arranged in rows and columns for generating exposure dependent pixel signals, wherein the pixel signals of the pixels ( 13 ) of the respective column of the respective image field block ( 11 , 14 ) can be read out via one or more respective column lines ( 17 ) extending parallel to one another; and having at least one first row ( 21 ) of column amplifiers ( 25 ) and at least one further row ( 23 ) of column amplifiers ( 25 ) for the respective image field block ( 11 , 14 ), wherein the image sensor is adapted to read out the pixel signals of the pixels ( 13 ) of the respective column of the respective image field block ( 11 , 14 ) of an image or of two mutually following images partly via the at least one first row ( 21 ; 21 a , 23 a ) of column amplifiers ( 25 ) and partly via the at least one second row ( 23 ; 21 b , 23 b ) of column amplifiers ( 25 ); wherein the image sensor has a switching device ( 29 ) which is adapted, for reading out the pixel signals of the pixels ( 13 ) of the respective column of the respective image field block ( 11 , 14 ), to switch the respective column line ( 17 ) selectively to either one of the at least one first row ( 21 ; 21 a , 23 a ) of column amplifiers ( 25 ) or the at least one second row ( 23 ; 21 b , 23 b ) of column amplifiers ( 25 ); wherein the image sensor furthermore has a control device ( 33 ) for controlling the switching device ( 29 ); and wherein the column lines ( 17 ) are divided into a plurality of column line groups ( 27 ), with the respective column line group ( 27 ) including a plurality of column lines ( 17 ), with each of the column lines ( 17 ) of a respective column line group ( 27 ) being switchable to the at least one first row ( 21 ; 21 a , 23 a ) or to the at least one second row ( 23 ; 21 b , 23 b ) of column amplifiers ( 25 ).