What is a partially stacked CMOS sensor, and why do we care?
Nikon
Nikon’s Z3 III brings a mysterious new sensor technology to its already impressive Z6 line.
Nikon is on a roll with amazingly capable cameras, andthe Z6 III keeps up the streak.
No surprises, design-wise.Nikon
Different types of sensors read that data out in different ways.
To fix this, CMOS sensor makers invented “backside-illuminated” sensors.
Essentially, they shave the back off the CMOS sensor so the light can get in that way.
It doesn’t look like much, does it?.Nikon
Stacked CMOS sensors go one better.
This lets you do things like mounting the RAM directly behind the pixels and getting near-instant readouts.
This speed is what lets stacked CMOS perform incredible feats.
If Tron ever needs a camera, this is it.Nikon
ImPartial
Nikon has not released details of the new sensors.
Not from a technical point of view, at least.
But DP Review’sRichard Butler offers a partial explanation.
And as we shall see now, it’s more than fast enough.
That’s nice, but unless you’re a videographer or sports photographer, it’s also somewhat academic.
More immediately useful are the improvements the sensor makes to focus, which can now work down to -10ev.
This means that it can focusunder starlightwithout having to engage the camera’s “starlight mode.”
Focusing is also, says Nikon, 20% faster than on the previous model, the Z6 II.
Truly, we are in an age of incredible cameras.
They can capture sharp images in any light, and they can do it faster than anyone needs.
“The real dis/advantages are around usability and ergonomics.
These cameras have a vast plethora of capabilities and are very complex.
For people who earn $ from media creation, ease of use matters more than other specs.
Faster isn’t always better.
