IMX327 vs OS04A10 vs SC2335: A Technical Sensor Comparison for Night Vision and Industrial Applications
In the industrial vision and security imaging market, the choice of sensor often determines whether a camera system succeeds in delivering reliable performance across lighting conditions. While 2–4MP resolution is the most common in today’s embedded vision deployments, the trade-offs between sensitivity, HDR, NIR response, and cost create important distinctions among sensors.
Three popular options are:
- Sony IMX327 – A 2MP STARVIS sensor optimized for starlight performance.
- OmniVision OS04A10 – A 4MP PureCel® sensor offering HDR and strong low-light efficiency.
- SmartSens SC2335 – A cost-efficient 2MP sensor with enhanced IR and AIoT surveillance design.
This article explores each sensor’s core parameters, compares their strengths and weaknesses, and provides application-driven recommendations.
Core Parameters of Sony IMX327
The IMX327 builds on Sony’s STARVIS family, delivering back-illuminated pixel architecture for outstanding low-light performance.
- Resolution: 1920 × 1080 (2.1 MP)
- Optical format: 1/2.8"
- Pixel size: 2.9 μm × 2.9 μm (BSI)
- Frame rate: 1080p @ 60 fps
- Dynamic range: ~120 dB with DOL-HDR
- Minimum illumination: ~0.01 lux (starlight, color video)
- Strengths: Proven starlight capability, clean color images in near darkness, widely adopted in security and automotive.
- Limitations: Resolution limited to 2MP; cost higher than SC2335.
Core Parameters of OmniVision OS04A10
The OS04A10 is a 4MP (2688 × 1520) sensor leveraging OmniVision’s PureCel-S™ technology with high quantum efficiency in both visible and near-infrared (NIR) bands.
- Resolution: 2688 × 1520 (4 MP)
- Optical format: 1/3"
- Pixel size: 2.0 μm × 2.0 μm
- Frame rate: 4MP @ 60 fps
- Dynamic range: ~120 dB (HDR)
- Minimum illumination: ~0.01 lux (with good SNR)
- NIR sensitivity: Optimized for 850–940 nm IR operation
- Strengths: Combines 4MP resolution with HDR and IR sensitivity, fitting advanced surveillance and smart city deployments.
- Limitations: Smaller pixel size reduces native low-light sensitivity compared to IMX327; requires ISP optimization.
Core Parameters of SmartSens SC2335
The SC2335 is a cost-effective 2MP sensor designed for surveillance and IoT, with good performance under IR illumination.
- Resolution: 1920 × 1080 (2MP)
- Optical format: 1/2.9"
- Pixel size: 3.0 μm × 3.0 μm
- Frame rate: 1080p @ 30 fps
- Dynamic range: ~95 dB
- Minimum illumination: ~0.02 lux (color; switches to IR in darkness)
- NIR sensitivity: Enhanced QE for 850 nm LEDs
- Strengths: Low BOM cost, good performance with IR LEDs, suitable for entry-level cameras.
- Limitations: Lower dynamic range, weaker starlight capability than IMX327, not intended for high-end applications.
Comparative Table: IMX327 vs OS04A10 vs SC2335
|
Feature
|
Sony IMX327
|
OmniVision OS04A10
|
SmartSens SC2335
|
|
Optical Format
|
1/2.8" CMOS BSI
|
1/3" PureCel-S CMOS
|
1/2.9" CMOS
|
|
Resolution / Frame Rate
|
1080p @ 60 fps (2MP)
|
2688×1520 @ 60 fps (4MP)
|
1080p @ 30 fps (2MP)
|
|
Pixel Size
|
2.9 μm
|
2.0 μm
|
3.0 μm
|
|
Dynamic Range (HDR)
|
~120 dB
|
~120 dB
|
~95 dB
|
|
Minimum Illumination
|
~0.01 lux (color, starlight)
|
~0.01 lux (HDR + NIR assist)
|
~0.02 lux (needs IR LEDs)
|
|
NIR Sensitivity
|
Moderate
|
High (optimized 850–940 nm)
|
Good with 850 nm IR LEDs
|
|
Night Vision Capability
|
Strong (color at starlight)
|
Strong (with NIR assistance)
|
Basic (IR-assisted grayscale)
|
|
Typical Cost
|
Mid/High
|
Mid
|
Low
|
|
Best Applications
|
Smart cities, automotive DVRs
|
Advanced surveillance, smart cities
|
Budget CCTV, IoT security
|
Night Vision Performance
- IMX327: Outstanding starlight performance, producing full-color images at ~0.01 lux without heavy reliance on IR. Perfect for low-ambient-light environments.
- OS04A10: Balances higher resolution (4MP) with HDR and NIR efficiency. Performs well under low light but achieves best results with IR illumination.
- SC2335: Capable under normal lighting and IR-assisted night scenes, but underperforms in starlight-only conditions compared to IMX327.
Summary:
- IMX327 = Starlight performer
- OS04A10 = Resolution + IR hybrid
- SC2335 = Cost-effective, IR-dependent
Application Recommendations
1. Smart Cities and Traffic Monitoring
- Best Sensor: OS04A10
- Rationale: 4MP resolution, HDR, and strong NIR response support ANPR, traffic lights, and street-level surveillance.
2. Critical Infrastructure & 24/7 Outdoor Security
- Best Sensor: IMX327
- Rationale: Delivers reliable starlight color video without requiring excessive IR illumination. Trusted for airports, seaports, and border monitoring.
3. Industrial Automation & Robotics
- Best Sensor: IMX327 (for low-light warehouses) or OS04A10 (for environments requiring higher resolution with IR lighting).
4. Budget Consumer CCTV & IoT Cameras
- Best Sensor: SC2335
- Rationale: Lowest BOM cost, good with IR LEDs, suitable for residential and small business monitoring.
5. Automotive & Transportation Systems
- Best Sensor: IMX327
- Rationale: Proven STARVIS performance for dashcams and ADAS in variable light conditions.
Conclusion
The three sensors deliver different strengths depending on system priorities:
- Sony IMX327 → the benchmark for starlight imaging; ideal for professional and industrial-grade surveillance.
- OmniVision OS04A10 → offers higher resolution with NIR efficiency, making it the best choice for smart city and advanced surveillance systems.
- SmartSens SC2335 → the cost-effective option, well-suited for budget IoT and CCTV cameras where IR illumination is available.
Guideline:
- If cost is king, go with SC2335.
- If resolution and IR efficiency are required, choose OS04A10.
- If true starlight performance is essential, stick with IMX327.
