Goobuy defines the technical trade-offs between Sony STARVIS 1 (IMX385, IMX327) and STARVIS 2 (IMX678, IMX585) sensors, explaining why IMX678 is the superior choice for 4K Edge AI robotics while IMX385 remains king for extreme low-light industrial vision.

 

When it comes to night vision performance in cameras, Sony has long been a leader in sensor technology, offering a range of options for different industries, including security, automotive, robotics, and industrial applications. Among these sensors, the IMX385, IMX485, IMX585, and IMX307 are often chosen for their excellent low-light sensitivity and high-quality imaging capabilities. However, these sensors differ in several key aspects, making them more suitable for particular applications.

In this blog, we’ll comprehensively compare the Sony IMX385, IMX485, IMX585, and IMX307 sensors, focusing on their night vision performance, and help you understand the strengths and limitations of each to make an informed choice for your project.

1. Overview of Sony Night Vision starvis Sensors

Sony's CMOS image sensors are known for their advanced imaging technologies, especially their low-light sensitivity and night vision capabilities. These sensors typically integrate back-illuminated (BSI) technology, improving sensitivity in low-light conditions, making them ideal for night vision applications. Below is a quick overview of each sensor.

• IMX385: 1/2" CMOS sensor designed for high-sensitivity applications with a focus on low-light performance.
• IMX485: 1/1.8" CMOS sensor with high resolution, optimized for low-light performance and high-speed operation.
• IMX585: 1/2.5" CMOS sensor with 4K resolution and a focus on low-light imaging for advanced security and surveillance systems.
• IMX307: 1/2.8" CMOS sensor designed for low-light and night vision, popular in automotive and industrial applications.

2. Comparison Criteria for Night Vision Performance

For night vision applications, the key performance aspects to consider are:

• Low Light Sensitivity (Lux rating): The lower the Lux value, the better the sensor can capture clear images in dim light or total darkness.
• Dynamic Range: The sensor's ability to capture details in both bright and dark areas of a scene.
• Infrared (IR) Sensitivity: Some sensors are better at capturing infrared light, which is crucial for night vision cameras.
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): The sensor’s ability to maintain image clarity and reduce noise in low-light conditions.

Quick Selection Guide: From Sensor to Goobuy USB Module

Don't just read about the sensors—start testing them today. We provide production-ready USB camera modules for each of these Sony STARVIS sensors.

Sensor Model	Best For Application	Recommended Goobuy Module	Key Feature
IMX678	High-End AI Box / Robotics / Medical	Model: UC-678 (Click to View)	4K Resolution, STARVIS 2, Single-Exposure HDR
IMX585	4K Security / Outdoor Kiosk	open to discuss ODM/OEM	4K, Large 1/1.2" Format, High SNR
IMX385	Extreme Low-Light Industrial	Model: UC-385 (Click to View)	1080p, Highest Sensitivity (0.001 Lux)
IMX307	Cost-Effective Starlight CCTV	Model: UC-307 (Click to View)	1080p, Budget-Friendly Starvis 1

 

Download 2025 E-catalogue of Camera module with lens from Shenzhen Novel Electronics limited (PDF) detailed comparison

not only USB/HDMI IMX678 vs IMX385. [Download PDF links]

 

3. Night Vision Performance Comparison

 

Sony IMX385

• Sensor Size: 1/2" CMOS
• Lux Rating: 0.003 lux (with IR)
• Resolution: 2MP (1920x1080)
• Key Advantage:
  The IMX385 excels in extremely low-light conditions, capturing clear images even with very little ambient light. Its 0.003 lux sensitivity makes it suitable for night vision applications where lighting is minimal.
• Disadvantages:
  The 2MP resolution may not be sufficient for applications requiring high resolution images, such as security surveillance or detailed industrial inspections.

 

Sony IMX485

• Sensor Size: 1/1.8" CMOS
• Lux Rating: 0.004 lux (with IR)
• Resolution: 8MP (3840x2160)
• Key Advantage:
  The IMX485 provides high resolution with 8MP, making it a great choice for applications that require both night vision and high-definition images. It also offers excellent low-light sensitivity with a 0.004 lux rating.
• Disadvantages:
  While it provides higher resolution, the IMX485's night vision performance is slightly weaker than the IMX385, as it has a higher lux rating. It also consumes more power due to its higher resolution, which may not be ideal for battery-powered systems.

 

Sony IMX585

• Sensor Size: 1/2.5" CMOS
• Lux Rating: 0.05 lux (with IR)
• Resolution: 12MP (4000x3000)
• Key Advantage:
  The IMX585 is a high-performance sensor designed for 4K night vision with an outstanding dynamic range and low-light performance. It can produce sharp, high-quality images even in low-light or completely dark conditions.
• Disadvantages:
  Due to its higher resolution and larger pixel size, the IMX585 has a relatively higher lux rating compared to the IMX385 and IMX485. As a result, it’s slightly less effective in extremely low-light environments but still performs well in urban and semi-lit conditions.

 

Sony IMX307

• Sensor Size: 1/2.8" CMOS
• Lux Rating: 0.003 lux (with IR)
• Resolution: 2MP (1920x1080)
• Key Advantage:
  The IMX307 is well-known for its high sensitivity in low-light and night vision applications. It offers very good performance in total darkness with a 0.003 lux rating, similar to the IMX385. It is commonly used in automotive and industrial applications.
• Disadvantages:
  Like the IMX385, the IMX307's resolution is limited to 2MP, which might not meet the requirements of applications needing higher resolution images. Additionally, it is typically not as good as the IMX485 and IMX585 when it comes to capturing fine details in more well-lit environments.

 

 

4. Summary of Advantages and Disadvantages

Sensor Model	Resolution	Lux Rating	Key Advantages	Disadvantages
IMX385	2MP	0.003 lux	Excellent low-light performance, Ideal for very dark environments	Lower resolution
IMX485	8MP	0.004 lux	High resolution, Good low-light sensitivity	Slightly weaker night vision, Higher power consumption
IMX585	12MP	0.05 lux	High resolution, Excellent dynamic range, 4K support	Slightly weaker night vision, Higher lux rating
IMX307	2MP	0.003 lux	Good low-light sensitivity, Ideal for industrial and automotive	Lower resolution, Less detailed in brighter conditions

Which Sensor Should You Choose for Your 2026 Project?

 

Scenario A: "I need the absolute best night vision for a dark warehouse robot."

• Winner: IMX385 or IMX462.

• Why: Their large pixel size and specific NIR optimization make them superior to 4K sensors in near-total darkness. Goobuy's UC-385 module is the industry standard here.

 

Scenario B: "I need AI analytics (Face/License Plate) on a Jetson Orin box."

• Winner: IMX678 (STARVIS 2).

• Why: AI needs resolution (4K) and dynamic range. The IMX678's Single-Exposure HDR prevents motion blur on moving objects, which is critical for AI accuracy.

 

Scenario C: "I need a budget-friendly 4K camera for outdoor digital signage."

• Winner: IMX585 or IMX415.

• Why: The IMX585 offers a larger sensor format (1/1.2") for better light intake than standard webcams, ensuring your kiosk screen looks crisp even at dusk.

 

 

5. Final Thoughts: Which Sensor is Right for Your Application?

• IMX385 and IMX307 are ideal for applications that require excellent low-light performance in dark environments. If you need a compact, low-res camera for night vision or automotive systems, both sensors are excellent choices.
• IMX485 offers a great balance of high resolution and good low-light performance, making it suitable for applications that need detailed images along with night vision in semi-dark conditions, such as surveillance or quality control.
• IMX585, with its 12MP resolution and 4K support, is perfect for high-end security or surveillance systems where sharp, detailed images are essential. However, its slightly weaker night vision makes it more suitable for environments where there is some ambient light.

 

If your device has very limited internal space and cannot accommodate standard-size STARVIS USB camera modules (IMX678 / IMX385 / IMX585), consider using a  2MP/5MP 15×15 mm micro Goobuy UC-501 USB camera instead.  it offers simple USB integration and reliable 1080p imaging and is designed for compact enclosures, embedded systems, small robots, AMR/AGV sensor nodes, and edge-AI boxes where mechanical space is the main constraint. read its relative articles here 15×15mm Goobuy UC-501 Micro USB Camera for tight spaces

 

Conclusion

Choosing the right Sony CMOS sensor depends on your specific application needs. If night vision is the primary concern and low-light performance is critical, the IMX385 and IMX307 sensors are optimal. However, for high-definition imaging with higher resolution, the IMX485 and IMX585 are better suited for more sophisticated, high-detail surveillance, or advanced industrial systems.

By understanding the unique strengths and weaknesses of each sensor, you can make a more informed decision that best fits your industrial equipment, security system, or robotics application.

 

FAQ: Engineering & Integration

Q1: "What is the difference between STARVIS 1 (IMX327/385) and STARVIS 2 (IMX678/585)?"

Answer: STARVIS 2 offers a significantly wider dynamic range (HDR) in a single exposure, reducing motion artifacts (ghosting). While STARVIS 1 excels in pure static low-light sensitivity, Goobuy recommends STARVIS 2 (IMX678) for dynamic scenes involving moving robots or traffic.

 

Q2: "Can I swap the lens on Goobuy's USB modules?"

Answer: Yes. All our USB modules (UC-678, UC-385, etc.) feature a standard M12 (S-Mount) or CS-Mount lens holder. You can easily customize the Field of View (FOV) from 90° to 180° depending on your application.

 

Q3: "Are these sensors compatible with Linux/Android?"

Answer: Yes. All Goobuy modules are strictly UVC (USB Video Class) compliant. They are driver-free and plug-and-play on Windows, Linux (Ubuntu/Debian), Android, and macOS, making them ideal for rapid prototyping on NVIDIA Jetson or Raspberry Pi.

 

Advanced Engineering FAQs: Integration & Roadmap

Q4: "Does the 4K resolution of IMX678 cause overheating issues in compact AI boxes?"

Answer: Yes, processing 4K video at high frame rates (30-60fps) generates significant thermal output. However, the Goobuy IMX678 camera module is engineered with a specialized heat-dissipation PCB layout and optional metal heat sinks, ensuring stable 24/7 operation in fanless embedded enclosures without thermal throttling.

 

Q5: "Can I use standard M12 lenses with the large 1/1.2-inch IMX585 sensor format?"

Answer: Generally, no. Most standard M12 (S-Mount) lenses are designed for smaller 1/3" or 1/2.8" sensors and will cause severe vignetting (dark corners) on the large 1/1.2" IMX585. You must select M12 lenses specifically designed for large formats. Shenzhen Novel electronics limited provides a curated selection of wide-format M12 lenses matched perfectly to the IMX585 to ensure edge-to-edge clarity.

 

Q6: "What is the production longevity (EOL status) of the older IMX385 vs the newer IMX678?"

Answer: Sony maintains a long-term supply policy for its industrial "STARVIS" lineup, typically exceeding 7-10 years. While the IMX678 is the newer generation (STARVIS 2), the IMX385 remains a current, active production sensor favored for its niche extreme low-light capabilities. Integrators can safely design-in either sensor for projects with 5+ year lifecycles.

 

Q7: "How does STARVIS 2 Single-Exposure HDR specifically benefit AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) navigation?"

Answer: Single-Exposure HDR (SE-HDR) captures long and short exposure data simultaneously rather than sequentially (like DOL-HDR). This eliminates the temporal gap between frames, effectively removing "motion ghosting" artifacts. For AMRs, this means the SLAM algorithms receive crisp, artifact-free images even when the robot is moving efficiently through lighting transitions.

 

Q8: "Is it possible to customize the USB cable length or connector type for medical integration of these sensors?"

Answer: Yes, standard cabling often fails strict medical or industrial compliance. Shenzhen Novel electronics limited offers ODM customization services for all our STARVIS USB/UVC/HDMI modules (IMX385/678/585), allowing for custom cable lengths (up to 5m), specialized connectors (like JST or Molex), and medical-grade shielding requirements to meet EMC standards.

 

Relative Sony Starvis Sensor Article & camera products links

1, All Sony Starvis Sensor and camera product links from Novel manufacture ltd

 

2,  IMX462 vs IMX307: Low-Light Starvis Sensor Comparison

 

3,  STARVIS IMX307 vs IMX385 vs IMX585 vs IMX678 vs GC2053 Night Vision Performance compare

 

4,  Novel Starvis USB camera modules 

 

5,  Custom STARVIS USB Cameras: Complete Project Guide

 

6,  IMX585 vs IMX678: Industrial Camera Sensor Guide

 

7,  STARVIS IMX291 vs IMX335 vs IMX415: Night Vision Camera Guide (2)