SmartSens Launches 8MP 4K Star-Light CMOS Image Sensor for Intelligent Security Applications

Shanghai, China, March 24, 2026, SmartSens Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (SSE STAR MARKET: 688213), a technologically-advanced CMOS image sensor supplier, unveiled SC855SL, an 8-megapixel 4K high-definition Star Light (SL) series image sensor tailored for intelligent surveillance applications. Built on a 1/1.8-inch optical format with backside-illuminated (BSI) architecture, SC855SL leverages the company’s advanced SmartClarity®-3 process platform, integrating proprietary SFCPixel® and PixGain HDR® technologies. It delivers high sensitivity, low noise, and high dynamic range, while also supporting Always-On Video (AOV) recording. These features enable AI-powered low-light full-color cameras to capture sharp 4K images with true-to-life color reproduction in extremely dark or even lightless outdoor environments without active illumination.

Main Features

High Sensitivity

Leveraging SmartSens’ patented SFCPixel^® and Lightbox IR^® near-infrared enhancement technologies, SC855SL offers excellent sensitivity performance across both visible and NIR spectrum. Its quantum efficiency (QE) at the 520nm visible wavelength hits 81%, and its SNR1s value reaches as low as 0.39 lux. This enables bright, daylight-like full-color imaging in extremely dark or completely lightless scenes including suburban and rural areasas well as remote forests without the need for supplemental lighting. Additionally, empowered by Lightbox IR^® technology, the sensor delivers outstanding NIR imaging capability, with QE reaching 42% and 26% at 850nm and 940nm respectively, providing clear NIR images even in low-light environments.

Low Noise

SC855SL incorporates innovative SFCPixel® technology and supports Correlated Multiple Sampling modes (CMS2, CMS4) as well as 12-bit quantization mode, achieving significant noise reduction. Under long-exposure, high-gain conditions in normal operation, the sensor’s read noise (RN) is as low as 0.63e⁻, approximately 65% lower than equivalent products in the industry. This enables low-light full-color cameras to capture finer and sharper night-vision images.

Always-On Video

Built on SmartClarity^®-3 platform, SC855SL delivers comprehensive performance upgrades for dynamic range and high-temperature imaging, while also supporting Always-On Video (AOV) recording. Leveraging SmartSens' proprietary SmartAOV^® 2.1 technology, the sensor enables seamless, continuous video capture, allowing wireless battery-powered cameras and 4G solar-powered surveillance systems to operate reliably 24/7 around the clock.

High Dynamic Range

SC855SL further incorporates SmartSens' patented PixGain HDR^® technology, achieving a dynamic range of 80dB. This enables surveillance cameras to clearly capture both highlight and shadow details in challenging lighting conditions with strong contrast, such as bright backlighting or intense direct light, while effectively suppressing motion artifacts and delivering clear, high-dynamic-range video without motion blur. Additionally, the sensor supports Staggered HDR mode to accommodate diverse imaging requirements across different surveillance applications.

Excellent High-temperature Imaging Stability

Supported by SmartSens’ advanced SmartClarity^®-3 platform, SC855SL also demonstrates stable high-temperature imaging performance. At 80°C operating condition, its dark current is reduced by approximately 49% compared to the previous generation, ensuring surveillance cameras to maintain steady, clear imaging even in outdoor high-temperature environments.

SC855SL is currently available for sampling, with mass production scheduled for Q2 2026. For more information, please contact SmartSens Sales Representatives: cs@smartsenstech.com

About SmartSens Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

SmartSens Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (SSE STAR MARKET: 688213) is a high-performance CMOS image sensor (CIS) chip design company. It is headquartered in Shanghai and has research centers in many cities around the world. SmartSens has been dedicated to advancing the frontier of imaging technology and growing in popularity among customers since it was established. SmartSens’ CMOS image sensors provide advanced imaging solutions for a broad range of areas such as surveillance, machine vision, automotive and cellphone cameras. SmartSens is committed to continuous product innovation and to fueling growth in numerous industries by delivering a more comprehensive portfolio of image sensors. Learn more at SmartSensTech.com.