Image Sensor Market (Updated Version Available)

Key Market Overview:

Image Sensor Market is estimated to surpass 39.59 USD Billion by 2030 from the value of USD Billion in 19.40 USD Billion in 2022, and the market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% from 2022 - 2030.

Image sensors convert light into electrical signals and process them to produce a digital image. Image sensors are key components of digital cameras, smartphones, security systems, drones, and other electronic devices that require imaging capabilities. The size of the image sensor also plays an important role in the quality of the image. Larger sensors are able to capture more light and produce better image quality, while smaller sensors are more compact and suitable for portable devices.

Advancements in technology have led to improved image quality, higher resolution, and increased performance in image sensors. For instance, Sony Corporation launched Sony IMX800, a 50-megapixel image sensor for application in high-end smartphones. Companies in the market are investing in R&D to develop new technologies and improve existing products. The growing demand for high-quality imaging in consumer electronics and other applications is driving the growth of the image sensor market. The widespread use of smartphones with high-quality cameras among all age groups has increased the demand for image sensors in the market. Moreover, the growing demand for security systems, such as surveillance cameras and home security systems, is further driving the growth of the image sensor market.

Image Sensor Market Report Coverage:

Market Dynamics:

Driver

The increasing adoption of smartphones with high-quality cameras has led to an increase in photographic activities among individuals. Image sensors in cameras provide high resolution and flexibility to produce a high-quality image. Manufacturers of smartphones are constantly improving the camera capabilities of their devices, driving demand for higher-quality image sensors. Furthermore, increasing demand for high-quality imaging in medical imaging is boosting the growth of the global market. Image sensors are used in endoscopes, X-rays, and other medical imaging devices to capture images of internal organs and tissues fuelling the demand for image sensors in the market.

Restraint

The complex production process of image sensors requires specialized equipments and knowledge, that increases the production costs and limits the growth of the market. In addition to this, growing concern over privacy and security when using cameras and image sensors is further restraining the growth of the market.

Opportunities

The scope of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT) with existing image sensor technologies is anticipated to provide potential opportunities for market growth. Moreover, new innovations in enhancing image quality by increasing pixel density will provide new opportunities for the growth of the market. Image sensor has various applications in products being used on daily basis. The expansion of 3D imaging technology in areas such as facial recognition, object recognition, and mapping will lead to increasing adoption of products incorporated with image sensors during the forecast period.

Image Sensor Market Segmentation:

By Technology

Based on the technology, the market is divided into complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors and charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensors. CMOS technology holds the major market share in the image sensor market due to its high image quality, low power consumption, and versatility. CMOS sensors also captures images at high speeds, making them ideal for applications such as high-speed photography and video capture. CCD image sensors, on the other hand, offer high image quality but are less frequently used due to their higher power consumption and lower sensitivity to light. Moreover, CCD sensors are more expensive to produce compared to CMOS sensors.

By Processing Type

Based on the processing type, the market is categorized into 2D and 3D image sensors. 2D image sensors dominate the market and are used in applications such as smartphones, digital cameras, and security cameras. 2D image sensors are cost-effective and provide high resolution to capture detailed images. For instance, 2D CMOS image sensors deliver high performance across many applications including machine vision and automation and medical and life sciences. On the other hand, 3D image sensors are used in applications such as facial recognition and object recognition. 3D image sensors capture depth information in addition to traditional 2D image information, allowing for a more complete representation of the captured scene. However, 3D image sensors are complex and more expensive in comparison to traditional 2D image sensors. Accordingly, 3D segment is anticipated to be fastest growing segment during the forecast period.

By Array Type

Based on the array type, the market is bifurcated into area and linear image sensors. Area image sensors hold the largest share in the market owing to their wide application in smartphones, digital cameras, and security cameras due to their ability to capture full two-dimensional images with high resolution. Area image sensors are also cost-effective and widely available, making them accessible to a large number of consumers and industries. For instance, in 2022, Hamamatsu launched the CMOS area image sensor that has high sensitivity in the UV region. With this area image sensor, imaging is done at a maximum rate of 146 frames/s. On the other hand, linear image sensors are used in devices that require a single row of data, such as barcode scanning and document scanning. Linear image sensors are cost-effective and offer high-speed making them ideal for applications that require fast data capture. However, linear image sensors provide low image quality in comparison to area image sensors.

By Spectrum

Based on the spectrum, the market is divided into visible and non-visible spectrum image sensors. Visible spectrum image sensors hold the largest market share due to the widespread use of cameras and smartphones among people. Visible spectrum image sensors detect and capture light in the visible spectrum (400-700 nm) to produce an image. Visible spectrum image sensors are used in driver assistance systems and autonomous vehicles for vision-based navigation and collision avoidance. On the other hand, non-visible image sensors detect and capture light outside the visible spectrum, either in the infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), or X-ray regions. Moreover, Non-visible image sensors are used in thermal imaging, medical imaging, industrial inspection and testing, baggage scanning, and security applications. For instance, image sensors are used in X-ray systems to capture images of the contents of baggage, which are further analyzed by software to detect potential threats and prohibited items.

By End-Use

Based on the end-user, the market is segmented into automotive, aerospace and defense, consumer electronics, healthcare, and others. The consumer electronics industry holds the major market share, driven by the widespread use of cameras and smartphones. However, the automotive industry is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. For instance, the use of image sensors in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and medical imaging is increasing, further driving the demand for image sensors in these industries. Furthermore, image sensors are also used in aerospace and defense for navigation and remote sensing applications. Moreover, image sensors are used in security cameras, biometric systems, and many surveillance systems.

By Region

Asia-Pacific is the largest market for image sensors, driven by the rapidly growing demand for consumer electronics, particularly in countries such as China and India. Moreover, India is also witnessing an increase in the number of smart cities driving the demand for surveillance, maintenance and monitoring in the country.

North America is also a significant market for image sensors, driven by the presence of major technology companies such as Canon Inc., Omnivision Technologies Inc., and others owing to growing demand for consumer electronics in the region. Technological advancements increased the popularity of advanced imaging solutions thereby increasing the application of image sensors in automotive and healthcare industries.

Image Sensor Market Competitive Landscape:

Stakeholders have the opportunity to evaluate parameters such as SWOT analysis, merger acquisitions, and business strategies. Thus, the nature of the global market is primarily competitive or high due to the presence of large numbers of market industry players. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Sony Corporation

• Panasonic Corporation
• Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• OmniVision Technologies Inc.
• Canon Inc.
• STMicroelectronics N.V.
• Toshiba Corporation
• SK hynix Inc.
• ON Semiconductor Corporation
• Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.

Recent Developments:

• In February 2020, OmniVision launched OV64C, a 64-megapixel image sensor for use in high-end smartphones and security cameras.
   
• In January 2021, Samsung launched ISOCELL Bright HM3, a 108-megapixel image sensor for use in smartphones.