When choosing a dash cam, the technology of the dashcam can make a huge difference in the quality of footage captured. Sony STARVIS 2 technology is an innovative solution to significantly improve camera performance. In this blog, we will delve into the realm of STARVIS 2, exploring why it is better than its predecessor and why it stands as the preferred choice for discerning users.
What is Sony STARVIS 2?
STARVIS 2 Technology – For a Future with Safety and Security | Sony Official
“Sony STARVIS 2 is an innovative imaging technology that accurately captures subjects regardless of changes in light. It watches over safety and security around the world.”
Both STARVIS and STARVIS 2 are back-illuminated pixel technology specially developed for image sensors for security camera applications. With super-high sensitivity beyond the human eye, they deliver high image quality even in low-light and dark locations. STARVIS 2, evolved from STARVIS, is the latest technology with wider dynamic range and higher light sensitivity.
Main Features of STARVIS 2:
1. Improved Low-Light Performance
While the STARVIS already has strong low-light imaging performance, STARVIS 2 technology boasts an enhanced back-illuminance structure and a larger pixel size, providing improved light sensitivity in low-light conditions and significantly increasing the amount of light that reaches the photodiodes. This means that even in the dark, Sony STARVIS 2 image sensors can capture more light and deliver clearer images.
(image source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXGtjv8U6OM)
2. Improved Near-Infrared Sensitivity
STARVIS 2 comes with a proprietary sensor design for improved near-infrared sensitivity, where irregularities are incorporated into the incidence planes of the light receiving unit to refract incident light and thereby enhance the absorption rate of invisible near-infrared light. This design results in a sensitivity approximately 2.5 times greater than STARVIS, making it possible to capture high-quality images even in dark scenes and at night.
(image source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXGtjv8U6OM)
3. Improved Dynamic Range
The STARVIS 2 technology offers a wider dynamic range in a single exposure than the STARVIS pixel of the same size. And with a high dynamic range feature, it can record images accurately without overexposure in context where there are large changes in brightness, such as backlit conditions or nighttime scenes.
(image source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXGtjv8U6OM)
STARVIS 2 features two types of HDR functions, DOL HDR and Clear HDR. See Sony’s official explanation below:
“In general, HDR is realized by capturing a bright and dark image in succession and superimposing one over the other (known as DOL HDR). This method involves a slight time lapse between the two shots, and this can cause some artifacts, such as contour blur and chromatic aberration, if the target is in fast motion.
This problem is solved by Clear HDR. It can produce both bright and dark images in one shot, and this eliminates artifacts from targets in motion, resulting in a clear HDR image. This is an ideal feature for capturing images of vehicles in motion.”
(image source: https://www.sony-semicon.com/en/technology/security/index.html)
4. Less Power Consumption
Sony STARVIS 2 technology utilizes a stacked structure, employing a Cu-Cu connection between the pixel unit and circuit unit, to achieve an optimized layout for multiple high-speed signal processing circuits. This results in significantly lower power consumption, approximately 30% lower than conventional models. With the newly-designed STARVIS 2, issues such as power consumption costs, impact on the environment, and camera heat generation can be effectively reduced.
Superiority of Sony STARVIS 2 in Dashcams
Dashcam with STARVIS 2 Technology — Never Miss a Critical Moment | Sony Official
“Sony’s image sensors with STARVIS 2 technology dramatically improve the image performance of dashcams.”
HDR Imaging without Overexposure
High-contrast scenes where both extremely bright and dark areas are in view, such as looking toward a tunnel exit, often result in overexposure and the oncoming vehicles are blown out. In this situation, STARVIS 2 image sensors can perform HDR features, producing an image with details both in bright and dark areas.
Less Noise & Motion Blur
Take the VIOFO A229 Pro dashcam as an example, it is the industry's first dashcam using two flagship Sony STARVIS 2 image sensors, respectively for front and rear cameras. The front camera records in remarkable 4K with Sony STARVIS 2 1/1.8'' 8MP IMX678 image sensor that packs in more pixels for greater clarity and detail, even in low light. The two sensors provide a wider dynamic range in a single exposure than the STARVIS and support HDR tech, bringing low noise, eliminating motion blur, and revealing more details.
Super Night Vision
Sony STARVIS 2 image sensors with larger pixels bring larger light-receiving capacity under the same illumination level, and the advanced HDR feature balances extremely bright and dark areas to avoid overexposures, accurately catching clear license details at night, even in fast move.
VIOFO Dashcams with Sony STARVIS 2
VIOFO, always innovative, has been committed to improving the image quality of dashcams. We have launched:
VS1 with Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675
A229 Pro series with Dual Sony STARVIS 2, IMX678&IMX675 (the first in the industry to deploy dual Sony STARVIS 2 image sensors)
A229 Plus series with Dual Sony STARVIS 2, IMX675
A119 Mini 2 with Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675
A139 Pro series with Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 (the first in the industry to deploy Sony STARVIS 2 technology)
The professional dashcam reviewer on YouTube Vortex Radar made an in-depth review of the A139 Pro, check the video below for details.
Next Gen Dashcam Sensor: Sony Starvis 2, ft. Viofo A139 Pro
Conclusion
Sony STARVIS 2 technology sets a new standard for image quality of dash cams. It is designed to deliver even sharper, clearer, and more detailed images in challenging light conditions. The superior performance in light sensitivity, along with wider dynamic range, makes STARVIS 2 a significant upgrade from the already impressive STARVIS tech and ensures you never miss a crucial moment even in low-illuminance environment. This makes it a perfect match for dashcams like VIOFO A229 Pro, as it guarantees high footage quality at all times.