Does a monochrome version of the Sony IMX178 actually exist?

james1ca

I can find no reference to a monochrome version of IXM178 on the Sony.net websites. Thus, has this version of the sensor actually been released or even documented by Sony?

I'm beginning to wonder whether the ASI178MM is just the color IXM178 that has had its Bayer filter removed by third-parties. If that is true then these cameras should probably be marketed as modified sensors, not as a new product that has come directly from Sony.

Can anyone point to any independent confirmation on the internet that shows that the monochrome version of this sensor actually exists?

riklaunim

I ordered it ;) It's hard to find references to it but maybe there is some reference in Sony news archive?

james1ca

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riklaunim

Yes, it's odd they don't list it, like on http://www.sony.net/Products/SC-HP/sensor/zh/products/cmos.html

james1ca

Yes, the only monochrome surveillance camera that is listed in that table is the IMX136LLJ (2.8um pixels and 1944H × 1224V).

In fact, all of the other monochrome sensors in that table use Sony's Pregius global shutter (like the ASI174MM/MC).

So, it seems like a monochrome version of the IMX178 would be unique in that it would have the Starvis designation and a rolling shutter and be marketed as a surveillance camera.

Of course, that table may not be complete and it certainly doesn't list their old models of CMOS sensors.

firstc8

Is a mono chip basically its color chip with Bayer filter removed?

Why some mono cameras cost the same as their color version, but others cost more?

riklaunim

Sometimes it's harder to make uniform mono sensor. Then doing Bayer pattern may ease hiding that problem. That could be true for old sensors but nowadays production quantity dictate prices. If it's really mass made sensor then it will be relatively cheap. Low quantity sensor will be more expensive.

james1ca

Someone on another forum said that they had the spec sheet for the mono version of the IMX178, but that source said that Sony has NOT introduced this sensor as yet, perhaps the announcement will come sometime this month.

firstc8

Sam, can you chip in? Is the IMX178mm really so new? From the Sony site, the imx178 color chip was introduced in 2013.

james1ca

I purchased one of the ZWO ASI178MM-Cool cameras today at OPT in California, so the cameras are now available in the U.S.

Still wondering, however, why I can't find any information on the monochrome version of this Sony sensor.

Sam@ZWO

this is new sensor, SONY just release this month

it called IMX178LLJ

we always choose the best and newest sensor suitable for astronomy

so don't be surprised that ZWO released it so quickly which is not even announced on their site ;)

firstc8

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firstc8

The Sony trend appears going smaller chip/pixel cmos direction. The latest IMX278 is a 13 mag - pixel chip at only 1/3 with 1.12 um pixel. Is there scope that can work with such chip?

riklaunim

firstC8 wrote:
The Sony trend appears going smaller chip/pixel cmos direction. The latest IMX278 is a 13 mag - pixel chip at only 1/3 with 1.12 um pixel. Is there scope that can work with such chip?

At least for some time bigger pixels will be in their offer as very small pixels aren't needed/are bad for surveillance and other low light conditions. There is also GPixel or CMOSIS that have some bigger pixels. e2v has few mass market CMOS sensors, but all of those companies doesn't seems to be interested in aggressive development of such mass market sensors.