IMX415 vs IMX335: Picking the Right Starvis Sensor for Your Industrial Vision Project

Overview

Industrial automation has entered an era where vision defines precision. From robotics and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to machine inspection and perimeter monitoring, reliable imaging systems are the backbone of decision-making. One of the most critical design decisions for engineers is selecting the right image sensor—a choice that directly impacts performance, integration cost, and operational reliability.

Sony’s STARVIS family has become the industry standard for low-light imaging, and among its most widely deployed members are the IMX335 and the IMX415. Both deliver impressive results, but their technical differences make each better suited to specific industrial scenarios. This blog explores those differences and provides selection guidance based on real-world industrial applications in the U.S. and Europe.

The Industrial Pain Points Driving Sensor Choice

Before diving into specifications, let’s ground the conversation in real challenges faced by engineers:

• Low-light production environments: Many European and U.S. factories operate under energy-saving lighting or night shifts, requiring sensors with extreme low-light sensitivity.
• High-speed robotics: In automotive or electronics assembly lines, robotic arms move quickly, demanding sensors with higher frame rates and minimal motion artifacts.
• Edge processing limitations: Industrial embedded PCs or robotic controllers must balance performance with heat dissipation and power efficiency.
• Diverse monitoring needs: From perimeter surveillance at Texas oil refineries to precision inspection in German automotive plants, one-size-fits-all imaging rarely works.

The choice between IMX335 and IMX415 isn’t just about pixels—it’s about matching specifications to these operational realities.

Technical Comparison: IMX335 vs IMX415

1. Resolution and Pixel Architecture

• IMX335:
  • 5 Megapixels (2592 × 1944)
  • 2µm pixel size
  • Optimized for low-light sensitivity and detail retention.
• IMX415:
  • 8.29 Megapixels (3840 × 2160, true 4K)
  • 1.45µm pixel size
  • Prioritizes higher resolution over individual pixel sensitivity.

Interpretation: IMX335 excels when pixel-level brightness is critical (e.g., barcode reading, defect detection in low light). IMX415 favors applications requiring broad field coverage and 4K recording.

2. Low-Light Performance

• IMX335:
  • Superior starlight capability, enabling usable imaging down to 0.001 Lux.
  • Particularly effective in night vision for industrial inspections.
• IMX415:
  • Low-light capable but with smaller pixel pitch, requiring more illumination or NIR assistance.

Industrial Case: A Michigan automotive assembly plant tested both sensors. IMX335 delivered reliable inspection of dark engine compartments without auxiliary lighting, while IMX415 required infrared assist.

3. Frame Rate and Throughput

• IMX335:
  • 30fps @ 5MP (USB3.0 interface).
  • Adequate for most static and semi-dynamic inspections.
• IMX415:
  • 90fps @ 1080p / 60fps @ 4K.
  • Suited for high-speed robotics and moving platforms.

Industrial Case: In German cobot deployments, IMX415 allowed precise high-speed object tracking, reducing motion blur in dynamic assembly lines.

4. Dynamic Range and HDR Options

• IMX335:
  • Excellent dynamic range (up to 72dB).
  • Handles mixed-light environments, e.g., shadows + bright welding sparks.
• IMX415:
  • Strong HDR but optimized for balanced environments where detail across shadows and highlights is required in 4K.

5. Power Efficiency

• IMX335:
  • Moderate power draw, suitable for embedded USB3.0 camera modules (like our autofocus IMX335 USB3.0 module).
• IMX415:
  • Higher processing demand for 4K streams, leading to increased power and heat requirements.

Integration with Our Flagship STARVIS Camera Modules

To bridge sensor theory with industrial reality, we embed these sensors in customized camera modules:

• Sony 1/2 IMX385 Starvis Night Vision USB Camera Module
  • Proven in energy plants and logistics hubs for 24/7 surveillance.
• Sony Starvis IMX335 Starlight Autofocus USB Camera Module
  • Ideal for industrial robots needing clear close-range and medium-range imaging.
• Sony Starvis No Distortion IMX335 USB3.0 Camera Module
  • Selected by European electronics factories for precision defect detection.

Application Scenarios: Matching Sensor to Industry

Scenario 1: 24/7 Low-Light Quality Control

• Challenge: Detect hairline cracks in machine parts at a Spanish aerospace factory.
• Solution: IMX335 autofocus module provided stable, low-noise images even under starlight-level conditions.

Scenario 2: High-Speed Robotic Arms in Automotive Lines

• Challenge: Track components moving at high velocity in a Chicago automotive plant.
• Solution: IMX415 module with 4K @ 60fps reduced motion blur and allowed real-time defect marking.

Scenario 3: Perimeter & Safety Monitoring in Oil & Gas

• Challenge: Monitor Texas refinery pipelines at night.
• Solution: IMX385 USB camera (night vision enhanced) integrated with thermal modules, enabling simultaneous temperature anomaly detection + visual monitoring.

Scenario 4: Smart Warehousing with AGVs

• Challenge: European warehouse robots navigating in dim aisles.
• Solution: IMX335 cameras provided reliable barcode recognition and obstacle detection with minimal lighting infrastructure.

Recommendations: How to Choose

• Choose IMX335 when:
  • Low-light sensitivity is the primary need.
  • Inspection requires distortion-free detail.
  • Embedded systems must conserve power.
• Choose IMX415 when:
  • High-speed dynamic capture is critical.
  • Applications demand 4K coverage.
  • Robotics and AGVs operate in well-lit or IR-assisted spaces.

Frequently Asked RFQ Questions (with Answers)

Q1: Can IMX335 or IMX415 be integrated with existing USB3.0 industrial PCs?
A1: Yes, both are supported by UVC-compliant USB3.0 modules. No proprietary drivers required.

Q2: Which module is best for outdoor perimeter security under starlight?
A2: IMX385 or IMX335. Both excel in 0.001 Lux environments.

Q3: What lens options are available for IMX335/IMX415 modules?
A3: Custom FOV options (60°–120°), autofocus or fixed-focus, M12 mounts.

Q4: Can these cameras integrate with AI platforms (NVIDIA Jetson, Intel Movidius)?
A4: Yes. Our modules are AI-ready with USB3.0 high-bandwidth output for real-time ML inference.

Q5: What certifications are available for export to U.S./EU markets?
A5: CE, FCC, RoHS. Manufactured in ISO9001-certified cleanrooms.

Q6: Which module is recommended for AGVs operating in narrow aisles at night?
A6: IMX335 autofocus USB3.0 module for reliable barcode/QR code recognition.

Conclusion

For engineers and CTOs making strategic design choices, the decision between IMX335 vs IMX415 isn’t a battle of superiority but a question of application fit. IMX335 shines in low-light, detail-critical inspections, while IMX415 dominates in high-speed, 4K dynamic capture.

By aligning sensor capabilities with your operational environment—be it European precision factories or U.S. energy plants—you can ensure that your industrial vision project delivers 24/7 accuracy, efficiency, and reliability.