Sony Starvis IMX178LQJ C

Sony STARVIS IMX178LQJ-C is a Type 1/1.8, 6.44 MP colour back-illuminated CMOS image sensor for security cameras and industrial applications. It uses 2.4 µm pixels and supports all-pixel output as well as approximately 5 MP output formats in 4:3, 5:4, and 16:9 aspect ratios.

Its defining combination is STARVIS back-illuminated pixel technology, 14-bit A/D conversion, and multi-format 5 MP operation for Type 1/2 lenses. STARVIS is a back-illuminated technology developed for security-camera image sensors and supports high image quality in visible-light and near-infrared regions. The sensor’s near-infrared sensitivity supports day/night cameras and imaging with near-infrared LED auxiliary light.

The 14-bit conversion mode reduces quantisation noise and, together with suppressed dark random noise, supports high dynamic range. This enables clear image quality in both light and dark areas of high-contrast scenes. HLP and LLP modes further support operation across different illumination conditions, making the sensor’s lighting performance more central to its technical identity than its pixel count alone.

At approximately 5 MP, 12-bit modes operate at up to 60 frame/s, while 14-bit modes operate at approximately 30 frame/s. IMX178LQJ-C is pin compatible with the ICX185LQJ, providing a defined migration path for existing Type 1/2 camera designs using that device.