Sensor Introduction

Camera Module Parameter Comparison

Sensor Model GC4653 OS04A10 SC035HGS
Resolution 2560x1440 2688x1520 640x480
Size 1/3" 1/1.79" 1/6"
Pixel Size 2.0um 2.9um 3.744um
Shutter Type Rolling Shutter Rolling Shutter Global Shutter
Frame Rate 30fps@2K, 60fps@720P 30fps@2K 180fps@VGA
Max Exposure 0.5s 45s TBD
Sensitivity 2.4V/Lux.s 32000e/Lux.s 6.5V/Lux.s
Dynamic Range 81dB 120dB 60dB

Sensor Selection Recommendations

  1. GC4653: Suitable for general applications with good image quality. It achieves a high frame rate of 60fps at 720P resolution.
  2. OS04A10: Ideal for low-light scenarios (e.g., astrophotography, dark-field imaging, uniform-light imaging). It has better noise control than GC4653 and supports up to 1-minute long exposure. The sensor itself supports extremely high frame rates (2K@90fps, 720P@180fps, 360P@360fps, 180P@720fps), although these are not yet tuned for MaixCAM.
  3. SC035HGS: A global shutter camera that avoids the "jelly" distortion caused by rolling shutters. Suitable for capturing fast-moving objects, as demonstrated in a video capturing QR codes on a fast-spinning record.

Sensor Real-World Performance Comparison

Test Item GC4653 OS04A10
Color Chart gc4653_color OS04A10_color
Distant Details gc4653_far OS04A10_far
Low-Light Performance gc4653_dark OS04A10_dark

Comparison in indoor, hallway, and stairwell completely dark environments:

Star Time-Lapse Captured by OS04A10

Shot using a fisheye lens:

M42 Nebula Captured by OS04A10

Shot with a 400mm telescope, 15s exposure, multiple frames stacked:
OS04A10_m42

Diatom Micrograph Captured by OS04A10

Shot using a dark-field microscope, multiple frames stitched:
OS04A10_guizao
Close-up single frame detail:
OS04A10_guizao1