What Sensors Are Used in Modern Endoscope Cameras?

Introduction
An endoscope camera module is only as good as the sensor inside it. The sensor turns light into an electronic signal, affecting sharpness, colour, and low‑light performance. Older endoscopes used CCD sensors, but today’s designs rely almost entirely on CMOS Camera Module technology. This article looks at the common sensors in modern endoscope cameras – from the tiny chips that enable small camera module designs to the high‑resolution sensors in USB Endoscope camera module products.

Why CMOS Replaced CCD
CCD sensors were once the standard because they had low noise and good quality. Now, CMOS Camera Module sensors dominate for several reasons:

• Lower power – important for battery‑powered handheld scopes.

• Higher integration – on‑chip ADCs and timing reduce external parts.

• Faster readout – supports high frame rates and less motion blur.

• Smaller size – enables small camera module designs under 3 mm.

Common Sensor Sizes and Resolutions

A sensor camera module must balance pixel count, pixel size (light sensitivity), and overall diameter. A 1/9″ sensor with 1.4 µm pixels fits a 1.5 mm tip, but low‑light performance is poor. A 1/3″ 1080p sensor (e.g., Sony IMX290) has 2.9 µm pixels – great sensitivity – but the tip grows to 5‑6 mm.

Popular Sensor Families

1. Sony IMX Series (Starvis / Starvis 2)
Sony IMX sensors are the most widely used in professional endoscopes. Back‑illuminated (BSI) technology boosts low‑light sensitivity – critical when LED illumination is limited. Common models:

• IMX290 – 2.1 MP (1080p), 1/2.8″, 2.9 µm pixels. Excellent low‑light. Used in laparoscopes and borescopes.

• IMX307 – 2.1 MP, 1/2.8″, similar to IMX290 with different output options. Popular in USB Endoscope camera module products.

• IMX415 – 8 MP (4K), 1/2.8″, 1.45 µm pixels. Used in high‑end 4K endoscopes.

2. OmniVision Medical Sensors
OmniVision makes very small sensors for disposable and micro‑endoscopy. The OV6948 is a complete small camera module – a 0.65 mm × 0.65 mm chip with integrated lens, suitable for blood vessels and tear ducts. Other models:

• OV9732 – 1/9″, 720p, for ultra‑thin scopes.

• OV2740 – 1080p, used in some reusable endoscopes.

3. Other Makers (ST, ON Semi, GalaxyCore)
Less common but found in lower‑cost or specialised scopes. For example, ST’s VD56G3 global shutter is used in industrial borescopes where motion blur must be removed.

Key Sensor Features for Endoscopy

• Global shutter vs. rolling shutter – Rolling shutter is common (better low light, lower cost). For fast motion, global shutter is preferred.

• High dynamic range (HDR) – Essential for scenes with bright reflections and dark shadows. Many Sony IMX sensors have staggered HDR.

• Low dark current – Reduces noise during long exposures.

• Back‑illuminated (BSI) – Almost all modern endoscope sensors use BSI for better light capture.

How Sensors Fit into a Small Camera Module
Sensor packaging affects size:

• CSP (Chip Scale Package) – Sensor in a small plastic or ceramic package with solder balls. Easy to assemble but adds thickness.

• COB (Chip on Board) – Bare die glued directly to PCB and wire‑bonded. No package – the thinnest small camera module. COB is preferred for sub‑5 mm endoscopes.

USB Endoscope Camera Module – Sensor Choices
A USB Endoscope camera module connects to a computer or smartphone. Most use 1080p (2 MP) sensors like the Sony IMX307 or OmniVision OV2710. These are chosen because:

• They work well with UVC (USB Video Class) bridges.

• Low‑light performance is acceptable for general inspection.

• They are cost‑effective.

For high‑end USB endoscopes, a 4K sensor like the IMX415 may be used, but that requires USB 3.0 and a more expensive bridge chip.

Trade‑offs: Small vs. Capable
A small camera module (tip under 3 mm) cannot fit a 1/3″ sensor. Designers must accept lower resolution (720p or VGA) and worse low‑light sensitivity. In return, they gain access to very narrow spaces – like a blood vessel or tiny fuel injector.

Sincere’s Endoscope Camera Modules
At Sincere, we offer endoscope camera module designs with many sensor options:

• Small camera module – down to 1.5 mm diameter using OV6948 or larger sensors for bigger tips.

• CMOS Camera Module – Sony IMX307, IMX415, OmniVision OV9732, and others.

• Sensor camera module – custom sensor selection and packaging (CSP or COB).

• USB Endoscope camera module – 1080p and 4K models, UVC compliant.

Summary
Modern endoscope cameras use CMOS Camera Module sensors almost exclusively. Popular families are Sony IMX (great low‑light) and OmniVision (ultra‑small). Sensor size – from 1/9″ to 1/3″ – determines tip diameter and image quality. A small camera module with a 1/9″ sensor fits tiny spaces but sacrifices detail and sensitivity. A USB Endoscope camera module typically uses a 1/2.8″ 1080p sensor for a good balance of performance and cost. Understanding the sensor camera module options helps you pick the right scope for your medical or industrial needs.

Contact Sincere to discuss your endoscope camera module sensor requirements.