Sony’s STARVIS 2 technology and the IMX307 sensor indeed exhibit generational differences in video noise control, primarily stemming from their underlying technologies. The table below helps you quickly grasp the core distinctions.
Comparison Aspect | Sony STARVIS 2 (Technology Platform / Sensors equipped with it) | Sony IMX307 (Specific Sensor Model) |
|---|---|---|
Core Technology | Second-generation back-illuminated structure, Clear HDR, optimized photodiodes | First-generation STARVIS technology, back-illuminated structure, basic DOL HDR |
Dynamic Range (Key Difference) | Single-exposure dynamic range increased by over 8dB (e.g., 78dB) | Relies on multi-frame HDR synthesis; relatively lower single-exposure dynamic range |
Low-Light Noise | Effectively suppresses noise even in extremely low light (e.g., 0.001 lux), resulting in clean images | Performs well in low-light environments (e.g., 0.1 lux), but noise increases significantly in extreme darkness |
HDR & Motion Artifacts | Clear HDR captures bright and dark images simultaneously, virtually eliminating motion artifacts for stable noise control | DOL HDR has a slight time lag between exposures, which can cause artifacts when capturing fast-moving objects |
Applicable Scenarios | Significant advantage in scenes with drastic light changes like night driving, tunnel entrances/exits | Reliable performance in adequately lit or ambient-lit scenarios (e.g., urban night roads) |
Summary and Selection Advice
In simple terms, STARVIS 2 is a more advanced underlying technology platform, while the IMX307 is a specific, mature, and classic sensor product based on the first-generation STARVIS technology. Their differences in video noise control can be summarized as follows:
- Pursuing ultimate night vision and complex light handling: If your primary driving scenarios include nighttime highways, poorly lit suburban roads, or you highly value obtaining clean, detail-rich images in moments of extreme contrast like entering/exiting tunnels or facing headlights, then a dash cam equipped with STARVIS 2 technology (e.g., using sensors like IMX678, IMX675) is the better choice. It offers a qualitative leap, effectively controlling noise in various complex situations.
- Meeting daily clear recording needs, prioritizing value: If your driving environment is mostly well-lit city roads, primarily requiring clear recording of daytime and decently illuminated nighttime conditions, then a dash cam using the IMX307 sensor is a very safe and economical choice. Its performance has been proven over a long period in the market. In most everyday situations, it is fully capable of clearly recording key accident information, and its noise control is sufficiently reliable.
I hope this detailed comparison helps you make the most suitable choice based on your actual needs.