Canon introduces 410MP Full-Frame sensor

By Mike O'Connor w/ Tim Levy | 22 July 2025

Canon has unveiled its 410-megapixel full-frame image sensor at the Shanghai International Photographic Equipment and Digital Imaging Exhibition (P&I) in China last week.

In comparison to a 45 megapixel sensor delivering a CRAW file of 25MB, this 410MP sensor would create image files that would be approximately 225MB.

Image: Canon
Image: Canon

Initially announced in January, the catchily-titled LI8030SA sensor sets a new high for pixel count in a full-frame format.

The P&I exhibition marked the first public display of the sensor, and Canon has confirmed it has begun accepting inquiries from interested parties.

Unlike many high-resolution sensors, which are typically medium format or larger, the LI8030SA fits 410 million pixels into a 35mm full-frame format, making it technically compatible with standard full-frame lenses, though many normal lenses wouldn't be high enough quality to match the fine resolving power needed to get the full use of the lens.

The sensor produces images at a resolution of 24,592 × 16,704 pixels, which is considerably higher than typical resolutions like Full HD or 8K. It can capture full-resolution images at up to 8 fps and 100MP video at 24p using pixel binning.

Despite this, the new sensor is primarily targeted at scientific uses and is not expected to appear in consumer cameras due to its specialised use. But even in its infancy, the technology has huge potential to influence future advancements in high-resolution sensors, making it one to watch in the future.

So where will this lens be used?


Here's some hypothetical scenarios where a 410 MP sensor could be used in the real world:

  1. Industrial Inspection and Quality Control:

    • Microscopic Defect Detection: Imagine inspecting large components like circuit boards, solar panels, or display screens for incredibly tiny flaws. A 410 MP sensor could capture an entire large area at once with micron-level detail, allowing for automated inspection that identifies defects invisible to the human eye, without needing to stitch together multiple lower-resolution images.

       

    • Precision Measurement: For industries requiring extremely precise measurements of manufactured parts, such a sensor could provide the accuracy needed for quality assurance, reducing errors and waste.

    • Large-Scale Object Examination: Inspecting large industrial structures, aircraft components, or even entire vehicles for subtle cracks, wear, or damage would become much more efficient.

  2. Scientific Research:

    • Microscopy: In advanced microscopy, particularly for large biological samples or materials science, a 410 MP sensor could capture vast fields of view with immense detail, eliminating the need for extensive tiling and stitching. This is crucial for studying complex structures or dynamic processes across a wider area.

    • Astronomy: For specialized astronomical observations, particularly in wide-field surveys or for capturing fine details of large celestial objects, such a sensor could collect vast amounts of light and detail simultaneously.

       

    • Materials Science: Analyzing the microstructure of new materials, composites, or semiconductors at an unprecedented scale.

       

  3. Cultural Heritage Digitization and Archiving:

    • Art and Document Preservation: Digitizing invaluable artworks, ancient manuscripts, maps, or large historical documents with absolute fidelity. Every brushstroke, paper fiber, or minute detail could be captured, allowing for virtual restoration, in-depth scholarly analysis, and long-term preservation far beyond what lower-resolution scans can offer. This is particularly valuable for items that are too fragile for frequent physical handling.

    • 3D Modeling and Reconstruction: For creating highly accurate 3D models of artifacts or architectural elements, the immense detail from a 410 MP sensor would provide superior texture mapping and geometric accuracy.

  4. Forensic and Criminology:

    • Crime Scene Documentation: Capturing an entire crime scene or large pieces of evidence (like a car or a room) in a single, ultra-high-resolution image would preserve every minute detail, making it easier to analyze and present evidence. 

    • Ballistics and Fingerprint Analysis: For highly detailed examination of bullet striations, tool marks, or complex fingerprint patterns, the resolution would be invaluable.

  5. Surveillance and Security (Specialized):

    • Wide-Area Monitoring with Zoom Capability: In highly specialized security applications, like monitoring large perimeters or critical infrastructure, a single camera could cover a massive area while retaining the ability to digitally zoom into specific points of interest with incredible clarity to identify faces or license plates from a distance. (Note: This is different from typical consumer CCTV).

       

  6. Aerial Mapping and Remote Sensing:

    • For extremely detailed mapping from drones or aircraft over smaller, critical areas, where every crack in a pipeline or specific plant health details are needed.

You can read more about it on the Canon website.