Sony’s Incredible New Camera Sensor Can Shoot 1,000fps Slow-Motion Video, Could Be Featured in Future iPhones

Sony, an iPhone camera supplier, has debuted a new smartphone camera sensor that can shoot slow-motion video at an incredible 1,000 frames-per-second.

In an industry first, the new sensor uses a 3-layer stack construction, combining a third DRAM layer in addition to the two standard CMOS layers used in conventional stacked image sensors, according to Sony’s press release for the new optics module. The sensor also has solutions for various technical issues, including noise reduction.

“Sony has made the most of the expertise in stacked image sensor manufacturing technology, which it pioneered and developed over the years, to ensure that quality and reliability remains high despite the complex three-layered constructions,” the company announced.

Of course, for those who don’t speak technical jargon, the bottom line is this: Sony’s new sensor can capture images extremely fast. The company claims that the sensor can read a still 19.3-megapixel image in about 1/120 of a second — four times faster than other sensors currently on the market.

This gives a couple of advantages to consumers. Faster image capture means less distortion when taking pictures of moving objects. Additionally, the sensor is able to take video at extremely high frame rates. The optical module will reportedly be able to record 1080p slow-motion video at 1,000fps— a number that blows current industry frame rates out of the water. For example, the iPhone 7’s camera is capable of recording 1080p video at 120fps.

A video demonstration of the new camera sensor can be seen below.

While Sony hasn’t confirmed what phones the sensor will end up in in the future, the Japanese company is an Apple supplier, meaning there’s a good chance that the module will be included on an iPhone sometime in the future.