SmartSens Launches New 8MP 4K Star Light High-Definition CMOS Image Sensor Powered by Micro‑Pillar™ Technology for High‑End Security Applications

Shanghai, China, September 17, 2026, SmartSens Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (SSE STAR MARKET: 688213), a technologically advanced CMOS image sensor supplier, has officially introduced the SC859SL, the newest addition to the Star Light (SL) series for intelligent security applications. As an 8MP 4K image sensor, the SC859SL is built on SmartSens’ advanced SmartClarity^®-3 process platform and equipped with the 2nd‑generation Micro‑Pillar™ for near-infrared (NIR) enhancement. It delivers ultra‑high NIR sensitivity and enables clear long‑distance imaging in outdoor low‑light night‑time conditions. Integrating multiple patented technologies including SFCPixel^®, PixGain HDR^® and SmartAOV^®2.1, the SC859SL boasts outstanding performance in high dynamic range, low noise and low power consumption, and supports Always‑On Video (AOV) function.

Furthermore, as a 1/1.8‑inch large optical‑format image sensor with native 4K resolution of 3840H × 2160V, the SC859SL greatly improves image sharpness and detail reproduction for long‑distance night‑time surveillance, empowering AI-powered low-light full-color cameras to achieve exquisite high‑definition full‑color imaging.

Main Features

The Micro-Pillar™ Technology

Long‑distance imaging under night‑time low‑light conditions poses a key challenge for high‑end security. For conventional CIS, low infrared light absorption of silicon plus inter‑pixel optical crosstalk limit imaging distance and clarity under IR illumination.

The SC859SL adopts SmartSens' 2nd‑generation Micro‑Pillar™ near‑infrared enhancement technology. A micro‑pillar light‑trapping structure inside each pixel’s photodiode extends infrared light transmission paths via multiple reflection and refraction, boosting infrared light absorption. Optimized silicon epitaxy (EPI) and Back‑side Deep Trench Isolation (BDTI) further raise quantum efficiency and suppress optical crosstalk, improving detail and image purity for long‑distance security shots.

Thanks to this technology, the SC859SL achieves prominent NIR quantum efficiency (QE). At 850 nm and 940 nm, QE reaches 62 % and 41 %, up 38 % and 52 % versus previous‑generation products. Its NIR sensitivity is comparable to that of stacked‑BSI‑based security CIS products. The sensor extends visible range under dual‑IR illumination and enables clear night‑time imaging beyond 100 meters, ideal for urban roadways, campus perimeter monitoring and rural zero‑light environments.

High Sensitivity and Low Noise

Powered by SmartClarity^®‑3 and SFCPixel^®, SC859SL achieves 85 % QE at 520 nm visible‑light band and an SNR1s value as low as 0.37 lux. It enables vivid full‑color output for black‑light full‑color cameras under extreme dim light and enhances recognition of humans, vehicles and other targets. Supporting CMS2, CMS4 multi‑sampling and 12‑bit quantization modes, it suppresses read noise (RN) below 0.7 e⁻ for clean, fine‑grained images.

High Dynamic Range

With proprietary PixGain HDR^® and ColGain HDR^®, the SC859SL offers up to 83 dB dynamic range. For high‑contrast night‑time urban road scenes, it preserves both highlight and shadow details and outputs 4K video free of motion ghosting. It also supports Staggered HDR to further boost dynamic range for diverse security camera use cases.

Low Power Consumption

SmartAOV^® 2.1 enables the Always‑On Video (AOV) function. Triggered by events, the sensor wakes quickly and records continuous video at 30 fps. Without events, it runs low‑power recording at 1 frame per second for 24/7 surveillance and reduces power draw. Thanks to SmartClarity^®‑3 and refined internal circuit control, it lowers overall power consumption, extends battery life for outdoor wireless security cameras and ensures stable operation.

SmartSens Star Light (SL) Series

SC859SL is a core addition to SmartSens’ SL series. The series includes SC185SL, SC285SL, SC485SL, SC855SL and SC489SL. Powered by a suite of night‑vision imaging technologies, it addresses ultra‑low‑light imaging demands for a wide range of high‑end security applications.

The SC859SL is currently available for sampling, with mass production scheduled for Q4 2026. For more information or to request a sample, 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 has been 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 smartphone cameras. SmartSens is committed to the continuous innovation of products and to fueling growth in numerous industries by delivering a more comprehensive portfolio of image sensors. Learn more at SmartSensTech.com.