Canon reveals new full-frame sensor with 410 megapixels

With a resolution of 24,592 x 16,704 pixels, Canon's new full-frame sensor currently has the highest megapixels. The resolution corresponds to the 24K video format, which is 12 times the resolution of 8K.

By redesigning the circuitry in the sensor's structure, they have been able to combine signal processing and the pixel segment into one, reducing the space needed for a functioning unit.

The readout is 3280 megapixels per second, which means it can take pictures at 8 frames per second. The sensor comes in two versions, one with a color filter like a regular sensor and a monochrome version that also has the function for pixel binning x4, where four pixels work together as one large pixel. This function increases sensitivity while reducing resolution, but provides 24 frames per second at 100 megapixels.

Due to the high manufacturing cost, we do not expect the sensor to be released in any consumer products in the near future. However, the sensor will be showcased at SPIE Photonics West, an optics conference in San Francisco between February 28-30, 2025.

There is also some movement in the semiconductor sector and among sensor manufacturers: at the end of 2024, Canon announced that it is opening up its 10.3-megapixel sensor with a global shutter to other manufacturers.

In 2023, Sony released its flagship camera Sony A9 III with a global shutter, which offers several advantages especially for those filming, while they are developing new sensors with the technology for higher frame rates.

Even the camera manufacturer RED released their cinema cameras V-Raptor X & XL in 2024, also with a global shutter.

Here you can read more about what global shutter means and how it works.