In 2020, Sony introduced the IMX500, the world’s first intelligent vision sensor with an integrated AI processor. It was a breakthrough: an image sensor stacked directly on top of a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit), enabling on-sensor inference and reducing latency and bandwidth.
But innovation never stands still. At CAMEMAKE, we integrate Flyingchip’s ISP + NPU SoCs into ultra-compact camera modules that fit inside or just behind the lens holder. This approach not only matches the IMX500’s original vision but extends it — delivering higher HDR dynamic range, flexible multi-sensor support, and scalable AI compute from ISP-only to 1.5 TOPS.
This article dives deep into the technical comparison: IMX500 vs. Flyingchip A1/M1/M1Pro/M1Max inside CAMEMAKE modules.
1. The IMX500 Approach - Sensor + AI in One Die
Sony’s IMX500 combines a 12.3 MP CMOS sensor with an on-chip AI processor:
- Resolution: 4056 × 3040 (12.3 MP).
- Frame rate: 60 fps @ full resolution, 240 fps @ 1080p.
- HDR: up to ~120 dB with multi-exposure.
- AI: small embedded NPU (~few hundred GOPS, designed for lightweight CNNs like MobileNet).
- Output: image data or metadata (object detection results).
- Advantage: latency reduction, privacy (metadata-only output).
Limitations:
- Fixed to one Sony sensor.
- Moderate HDR compared to modern ISP SoCs.
- One-size-fits-all NPU (no scalability).
- Requires a relatively large PCB module for integration.
2. Flyingchip ISP + CAMEMAKE Modules - Modular and Scalable
Flyingchip’s A1 and M1 series ISP SoCs decouple the sensor from the processor. The ISP/NPU SoC sits inside the lens holder or right behind it - tiny footprint, easy integration, high flexibility.
Key Differentiators:
- Sensor Agnostic: works with multiple SmartSens sensors (2 MP to 9 MP, RGGB, RGB-IR, Mono).
- Super HDR: up to 144 dB with 4-frame combine + LED Flicker Suppression (IMX500 ~120 dB).
- Scalable AI Compute: choose ISP-only, 0.8 TOPS NPU, or 1.5 TOPS NPU.
- Automotive-Grade: ASIL-B hardware metrics, AEC-Q100 Grade 2 certification.
- Form Factor: embedded directly in the lens module - far smaller than IMX500 dev boards.
3. Comparing Compute Power (TOPS)
One of the most important comparisons is AI inference throughput.
| Device | AI Compute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sony IMX500 | ~0.5 TOPS (int8 equivalent, fixed) | Designed for MobileNet / SSD-class models. |
| Flyingchip A1 | 0.8 TOPS (int8 NPU + Cortex-A7) | Suitable for object detection, classification, lightweight segmentation. |
| Flyingchip M1 (ISP) | None (ISP only) | Pure imaging pipeline for automotive. |
| Flyingchip M1Pro | 0.8 TOPS (int8 NPU + Cortex-A7) | Automotive DMS/OMS, adds light AI at the edge. |
| Flyingchip M1Max | 1.5 TOPS (int8 NPU + dual Cortex-A7) | For advanced ADAS, multi-object tracking, heavier CNNs. |
Analysis:
- IMX500’s NPU is non-configurable and capped.
- Flyingchip modules let integrators choose the right compute profile: ISP-only (low power), 0.8 TOPS (balanced), or 1.5 TOPS (high-end).
- This scalability is critical for automotive (e.g., DMS vs. E-Mirror vs. full ADAS).
4. HDR and Image Quality Pipeline
HDR is where Flyingchip shines.
- Sony IMX500: ~120 dB HDR, good for retail and consumer AI vision.
- Flyingchip ISP SoCs: up to 144 dB HDR with 4-frame combine + LED Flicker Suppression.
ISP Pipeline Features:
- RAW + 3D noise reduction.
- White balance, chromatic aberration correction (CAC).
- Global & local tone mapping.
- RGB-IR enhancement.
- Contrast, gamma, saturation controls.
- Scale-down and sharpening modules.
This is a full ISP pipeline, not just an NPU tacked onto a sensor. It means better raw image quality, especially in automotive night driving, smart home night vision, and surveillance.
5. Form Factor: PCB vs. Lens-Holder Integration
- IMX500: shipped on relatively large PCB modules; requires dedicated board space.
-
CAMEMAKE + Flyingchip: ISP/SoC integrated in or next to the lens holder.
- Tiny form factor.
- Flexible flat cable (FPC).
- Easier thermal dissipation.
- Plug & play for compact devices (toys, IoT cameras, automotive cabins).
6. Real-World Applications
Automotive
-
M1 / M1Pro / M1Max are ASIL-B certified:
- Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS).
- Occupant Monitoring Systems (OMS).
- Surround View (SVS), Side/Rear View Cameras.
- E-Mirrors, Forward Cameras.
Industrial
- Smart factory inspection.
- Robotics with edge AI inference.
- Retail analytics (people counting, queue detection).
Smart Home / Consumer
- Night vision cameras with 144 dB HDR.
- Edge AI for toys, personal robotics, AR/VR.
- Privacy-preserving cameras (local inference, no cloud upload).
7. Head-to-Head: IMX500 vs. CAMEMAKE + Flyingchip
| Feature | Sony IMX500 | CAMEMAKE + Flyingchip |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Fixed 12.3 MP Sony | Flexible SmartSens (2 MP to 9 MP) |
| HDR | ~120 dB | Up to 144 dB |
| AI Compute | ~0.5 TOPS (fixed) | 0, 0.8, or 1.5 TOPS |
| Form Factor | Large PCB | Tiny lens-holder module |
| Certification | Consumer | Automotive (ASIL-B, AEC-Q100 G2) |
| Scalability | Fixed design | Sensor-agnostic, scalable AI |
| Multi-camera sync | Limited | Yes (stereo / dual) |
Sony’s IMX500 was the pioneer of on-sensor AI. But CAMEMAKE + Flyingchip ISP SoCs take the concept further: more HDR, more AI compute, more flexibility, smaller form factor, and automotive-grade reliability.
For developers and integrators, this isn’t just an alternative - it’s a superior architecture for edge AI vision.
👉 Explore our CAMEMAKE modules and bring next-generation HDR + AI vision into your designs.