Samsung has announced a new video feature for its ISOCELL HP2 200-megapixel (MP) image sensor. ISOCELL Zoom Anyplace uses artificial intelligence (AI) to track and film your chosen subject.
ISOCELL HP2
The latest ultra-high resolution Samsung sensor, the ISOCELL HP2, was introduced in January 2023. The ISOCELL HP2 sensor packs 200 million 0.6-micrometer (μm) pixels in a 1/1.3-inch optical format. This sensor size is widely used in 108 MP main smartphone cameras. However, one issue that can arise with such small pixels is additional noise levels in low-light situations. To combat this, the new pixel-binning Samsung technology, Tetra2pixel, simulates different pixel sizes to accommodate varying lighting levels. As such, it can act as a 1.2 μm 50 MP or 2.4 μm 12.5 MP image sensor by combining four to 16 neighboring pixels.
ISOCELL Zoom Anyplace
ISOCELL Zoom Anyplace takes advantage of the huge resolution of the ISOCELL HP2 sensor. Using the feature, you simply select your desired subject, and the camera will automatically track and film it. ISOCELL Zoom Anyplace is also powered by the Qualcomm AI engine. Samsung says that even fast-moving subjects are prevented from going off-screen. In addition, videos can be shot with less screen shake.
Remosaic
The ISOCELL Zoom Anyplace feature applies to zoomed-in areas of the sensor recorded with high resolution. This is thanks to the technology’s real-time remosaic capabilities. ISOCELL Zoom Anyplace allows you to simultaneously capture the full field of view and zoomed-in areas on video. In addition, you can film the full-screen and zoomed-in views at the same time while maintaining high resolution.
Digital zoom
Samsung’s Tetra2pixel in-sensor zoom technology means that you don’t need to worry about using a digital zoom. Previously, if you shot a full-screen video and zoomed in on a subject later, the video quality was reduced. With in-sensor zoom, the area you zoom in on is selected from the entire scope and remosaiced. This also means that the 200 MP wide camera can seamlessly zoom in at 2x or even 4x with no drop-off in resolution.
What we think
Samsung’s ISOCELL Zoom Anyplace feature opens up new possibilities for the future of video making with a smartphone. The ability to record full-screen and zoomed-in views at the same time is particularly exciting. For example, you could shoot a band on stage, and a close-up of the lead singer, in one take. Alternatively, you can capture dynamic shots following your subject without having to move your smartphone. Hopefully, Samsung will release more examples of ISOCELL Zoom Anyplace in action soon.
Availability
Samsung has only shown a demonstration of its ISOCELL Zoom Anyplace feature. As yet, the company hasn’t said when it will be made available. However, tech website The Verge has predicted that we may see it as soon as 2024 in the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
