IMX415 4K Camera Module: Starvis Power for Industrial Vision

Introduction

High-resolution embedded vision has become a cornerstone of modern industrial automation, robotics, and security solutions. With the proliferation of 4K camera modules and the demand for high dynamic range, engineers are increasingly looking toward Sony’s STARVIS family of sensors. Among these, the IMX415 sensor is a standout, delivering both ultra-high resolution and impressive low-light capabilities.

In this blog, we provide a comprehensive technical analysis of the IMX415 camera module, its specifications, and competitive advantages over sensors such as the IMX335. We then highlight how our 3.5mm Sony IMX415 USB+HDMI STARVIS night vision camera 4K addresses the precise needs of European and U.S. industrial clients—from robotics and factory automation to security and transportation systems.

Core Specifications of the Sony IMX415 Sensor

The IMX415 sensor is a 1/2.8-inch CMOS image sensor designed under Sony’s STARVIS technology. Its architecture emphasizes both 4K resolution (3840 × 2160 pixels) and low-light sensitivity, making it suitable for diverse imaging environments.

Key parameters:

• Resolution: 8.29 megapixels (4K UHD)
• Optical format: 1/2.8-inch
• Pixel size: ~1.45µm × 1.45µm
• Frame rate: 60fps at full 4K resolution
• Dynamic range: Supports HDR (multi-exposure, digital overlap HDR)
• Sensitivity: Optimized for starlight-level illumination, retaining color in scenes <0.01 lux
• Interface flexibility: Compatible with USB3.0, HDMI, and UVC standards through module integration

The IMX415 has quickly become a preferred option for 4K industrial camera modules, surveillance solutions, and robotics requiring compact size, high resolution, and enhanced night vision.

IMX415 vs IMX335: Technical Comparison

The IMX335 is another well-regarded 5MP sensor in Sony’s STARVIS lineup. Engineers often search for "IMX415 vs IMX335" when choosing between cost-effective high sensitivity and higher resolution 4K imaging.

Feature	Sony IMX415	Sony IMX335
Resolution	8.29MP (3840 × 2160, 4K UHD)	5MP (2592 × 1944)
Optical Format	1/2.8 inch	1/2.8 inch
Pixel Size	1.45µm	2.0µm
Frame Rate	60fps at 4K	60fps at 5MP
Low-Light Performance	Excellent (starlight-level)	Good, better SNR due to larger pixels
HDR / Wide Dynamic Range	Supported (multi-exposure, DOL-HDR)	Supported (DOL-HDR)
Target Applications	4K machine vision, industrial security	Smart surveillance, factory vision

Interpretation:

• IMX415 is the clear choice when resolution and 4K clarity are top priorities.
• IMX335 is competitive in cost-sensitive designs that need strong sensitivity with fewer pixels.
• For industrial 4K embedded vision systems, IMX415 delivers both superior clarity and sufficient low-light performance.

IMX415 Low Light Performance

A core demand for industrial engineers is the ability to capture usable video in near-darkness. This is why "IMX415 low light performance" and "IMX415 night vision" are trending search terms.

The STARVIS back-illuminated pixel architecture enhances quantum efficiency, allowing IMX415 to perform well at 0.01 lux or below, while maintaining color reproduction. Our tests confirm:

• In starlight environments (<0.01 lux), the IMX415 still produces detailed, low-noise video.
• Compared to IMX335, the IMX415 demonstrates sharper detail in 4K industrial monitoring scenarios, although IMX335 retains marginally better noise handling due to larger pixels.
• For security and industrial automation applications in Europe and the U.S., where systems operate 24/7, the IMX415 offers a balance of clarity + sensitivity unmatched by most competing 4K sensors.

Industrial Use Case: 4K USB Camera for Industrial Use

Another high-intent query is "4K USB camera for industrial use". Engineers seek off-the-shelf modules that can be easily integrated into AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots), cobots, or industrial inspection systems without complex driver development.

Our Sony IMX415 USB+HDMI STARVIS night vision camera module is engineered precisely for this:

• Interfaces: Dual output – USB3.0 (UVC compliant) and HDMI for real-time display.
• Lens Options: 3.5mm fixed lens optimized for wide-angle industrial imaging.
• Low-Light Options: Starlight night vision optimized with IR-cut filter or IR-sensitive lens variants.
• Form Factor: Compact design with optional metal case housing for rugged environments.
• Plug-and-Play Integration: Works natively with Windows, Linux, and embedded platforms (Raspberry Pi, Jetson, x86 systems).
• Target Applications:
  • Industrial inspection lines (4K resolution detects micro-defects)
  • Robotics (AGV, AMR, cobots requiring high field-of-view clarity)
  • Smart city surveillance (HDR in challenging lighting)
  • Transportation hubs (airports, ports, rail yards)

This combination of high resolution, low-light STARVIS performance, and UVC/HDMI dual outputs positions the IMX415 as the go-to 4K industrial camera module for demanding European and U.S. projects.

Addressing Engineers’ Top Search Intent

Let’s answer directly the most searched IMX415 queries:

1. IMX415 camera module / IMX415 sensor
   • A 4K STARVIS CMOS sensor offering 8.29MP resolution with compact 1/2.8-inch format. Available in ready-to-use modules (USB, HDMI).
2. 4K camera / 4K security camera
   • Delivers ultra-HD video at 60fps, ideal for industrial security and inspection. Superior low-light performance makes it competitive with specialized surveillance sensors.
3. IMX415 vs IMX335
   • IMX415 provides 4K clarity and HDR; IMX335 is better for cost-sensitive, low-light prioritized designs. For industrial robotics and inspection, IMX415 is superior.
4. IMX415 low light performance
   • STARVIS technology enables color imaging below 0.01 lux. The IMX415 is fully capable of starlight-level vision for industrial monitoring.
5. IMX415 datasheet
   • Detailed specifications are available to qualified customers. Our camera modules ship with SDK support and hardware integration guidelines.
6. 4K USB camera for industrial use / 4K UVC camera module
   • Our IMX415 USB+HDMI module is UVC-compliant, plug-and-play, and designed specifically for industrial automation and embedded AI projects.

Why European and U.S. Engineers Choose Our IMX415 USB+HDMI Camera

• Future-Proof: 4K clarity ensures scalability for advanced AI/ML inspection.
• Night Vision Ready: STARVIS starlight sensitivity for true 24/7 use.
• Easy Integration: USB3.0 + HDMI, no driver overhead for prototyping or deployment.
• Durability: Optional metal case for harsh industrial environments.
• Support: SDKs, driver support, and technical documentation for engineers.

Our clients in Germany’s industrial automation sector, U.S. robotics startups, and European security integrators have already adopted this module to improve both efficiency and reliability of their vision systems.

Conclusion

The Sony IMX415 camera module represents a step forward for 4K industrial embedded vision. It combines high resolution, HDR, and low-light STARVIS technology, delivering an unmatched solution for robotics, automation, and security applications.

For engineers and CTOs in Europe and the U.S., our 3.5mm Sony IMX415 USB+HDMI STARVIS night vision camera 4K provides:

• Industrial-ready form factor
• Dual USB3.0 + HDMI outputs
• Excellent IMX415 low light performance
• Integration support across multiple platforms

If your project requires a 4K USB camera for industrial use, the IMX415 is the sensor that balances clarity, sensitivity, and integration simplicity.