Gpixel announces a high-speed global shutter image sensor, titled GSPRINT4510, which is a new member of GSPRINT series targeting high-speed applications. The GSPRINT4510 is an MFT-sized sensor and is dedicated to high-speed 4K video capture of distortion-free imagery.

Gpixel: Customized off-the-shelf CMOS sensors

Gpixel provides high-end customized and off-the-shelf CMOS image sensors for industrial, professional, medical, and scientific applications. We wrote about Gpixel sensors when covering the ACHTEL 9×7 “IMAX Mini” camera. In that case, the sensor used was the 65MP GMAX3265 utilized by the XIMEA housing (camera). That sensor is capable of hefty 65 MP 9344 x 7000 pixels up to 70 FPS (Frame Per Second) and a global shutter. That is considered a whooping specs. So if you want to build your ‘IMAX’, here’s a good start.

GSPRINT4510: 4K, global shutter, and 2,000 FPS

The GSPRINT4510 is the newest sensor by Gpixel. It’s a10 Megapixel (4608 x 2176) 4/3 sized (22.9 mm) high speed, global shutter image sensor. Gpixel states that these unique features make it an ideal solution for demanding imaging in high-end applications such as high-speed 4K video, industrial inspection, motion analysis, and life science imaging. For 4K video applications, the sensor is offered in monochrome, color and achieves up to 500 FPS 12- bit, 1008 FPS 10-bit, and 1928 FPS 8-bit with full resolution. Gpixel says that this version of the sensor incorporates microlenses and a sealed glass lid making GSPRINT4510 a good choice for many applications such as 4/3”(MFT) format global shutter cameras in slow motion capture or drone-mounted videography.

Key features and specs

1. Resolution (H x V pixels): 10MP – 4608(H) x 2176(V)
2. Pixel size (μm): 4.5 μm x 4.5 μm
3. Optical format (mm/inches): 20.74 mm x 9.79 mm
4. Frame rate (fps full resolution): 1928fps (8 bit) 1008fps (10 bit) 500fps (12 bit)
5. Shutter type: Global Shutter
6. Chroma: Mono, RGB Color

Final thoughts

Gpixel is a Chinese company that specializes in developing and manufacturing HFR, global shutter CMOS sensors. However, apart from the ACHTEL 9×7, I’m not familiar with other cameras that utilize the Gpixel sensors, as Sony dominates the market. It will be interesting to examine the image quality from that sensor, and discussing its cinematic benefits. It has to be noted that Gpixel sensors are aimed at industrial utility rather than cinematography, due to their low dynamic range. Nevertheless, I know that ACHTEL 9×7 was compared to the RED Monstro sensor by XM2 PURSUIT, so I’ve reached out to them for the comparison footage.

Can Gpixel sensors be beneficial in the filmmaking industry? Comment below.