Aptina Clarity Plus Camera Tech Explained; Probably used in Moto X Clear Pixel Camera

[dgstorm]

According to a report over at PhoneArena, the new Clear Pixel camera technology which will arrive in the Moto X when it launches is likely based upon Aptina's new "Carity Plus" optical technology. They explained this new technology in detail which we have included in a quote below,

To understand the new Clarity Plus, we have to first understand digital cameras. The sensor of a camera consists of pixels that by themselves can only capture the intensity of light, but not its color. That’s why, on top of the sensor, manufacturers place a color filter array. Thus, each pixel is covered with a color-sensitive mosaic, so that the sensor can record that color information.

All smartphones are now using the Bayer RGBG pixel filter where we have red, green (two of them) and blue filters on top of pixels. The Clarity+ is different. Instead of RGBG, it uses an RCBC filter. The C here stands for clear. Unlike red, green and blue filters, the C does not block any light.

So while in traditional Bayer each element of the filter mosaic corresponds to a particular color, in Clarity+ only 50% of the filter elements translate into color directly. That means the other half lets all light in, without filtering it, so we have double the amount of light sensitivity in a Clarity Plus module.

That has huge implications, of course. More light means better images in low-light and faster shutter speeds in good lighting conditions. The difference is dramatic. In practical terms Aptina promises that its 13-megapixel cameras with smaller 1.1µm pixels can match the light sensitivity of 8-megapixel 1.4µm-pixel sensors.

Another interesting thing about this camera tech is that it could be the reason why Motorola had to stick with the Snapdragon S4 Pro instead of one of the newer Snapdragon chips. It's possible the ISP for this tech has only been integrated into the older chipset and is not yet included in the newer stuff from Qualcomm. We can't wait to get our hands on the Moto X to see what this new camera is capable of!

Feel free to check out the source link below for even more comparison pics.

Source: PhoneArena

 

[jroc]

Seems like Moto/Google were serious about trying to have better cameras in their phones. Will make for some interesting times in the upcoming months.

 

[johnomaz]

Ok, but what about the green filter?

 

[jeems]

Ok, but what about the green filter?

C - R - B = G would be my guess.

 

[jspradling7]

Somehow, twice the clear input makes green? Okie dokie. (scratches head)
Bayer RGBG filter array (left) vs Clarity + RCBC mosaic (right) - image from Motorola Moto X new Clear Pixel camera and Aptina Clarity Plus explained