Sony IMX296 · 1.6MP 1/2.9" global-shutter CMOS image sensor
IMX296 Sensor Specifications & Compatible M12 and C-Mount Lenses
IMX296 is a Sony 1/2.9-inch global-shutter CMOS image sensor from the Pregius family, best known as the sensor in the Raspberry Pi Global Shutter Camera and a popular monochrome choice for machine vision. It delivers 1440x1080 (1.6 MP) at 60.3 fps over MIPI CSI-2, with 3.45 um pixels across a 6.21 mm diagonal. Commonlands matches M12 Lenses to its 6.21mm image circle and reports the calculated horizontal, vertical, and diagonal field of view for each option.
IMX296 specifications
| Part number | IMX296 |
|---|---|
| 製造元 | ソニー |
| Family | Pregius |
| 決議 | 1440×1080（1.6 MP） |
| 光学フォーマット | 1/2.9インチ |
| Active area | 4.97 × 3.73 mm |
| Sensor diagonal | 6.21 mm |
| ピクセルサイズ | 3.45 µm |
| シャッター | グローバル |
| 最大フレームレート | 60.3 fps |
| インターフェース | MIPI CSI-2 |
| Color / mono | Mono |
Manufacturer datasheet: Sony IMX296 product page
Lens selection for the IMX296 with calculated field of view
Each field of view below is calculated for the IMX296 active area (4.97 × 3.73 mm) from Commonlands’ per-lens field-of-view data, which reflects each lens’s real distortion rather than a focal-length-only estimate. Alongside the horizontal, vertical, and diagonal field of view, each row lists focal length, mount, aperture (F#), and coverage. Follow the product links for distortion, ingress protection, dimensions, and resolution specifications. Coverage compares the lens image circle with the 6.21 mm sensor diagonal. Entries marked Circular image do not cover the full diagonal; part of the sensor lies outside the image circle. Run working-distance and object-size numbers through the field of view calculator.
Engineering picks for the IMX296
- Best ~30° HFoV: 9.1mm M12 Lens (CIL092) (9.1 mm, f/2.6). Why: the closest covering option to 30° horizontal, chosen for tight inspection framing and long read ranges. Field of view on the IMX296: 31° H × 23° V (38° diagonal). The image circle covers the full sensor (verified 2026-07-02).
- Best ~60° HFoV: Wide-Angle 4.8mm M12 Lens (CIL948) (4.8 mm, f/2). Why: the closest covering option to 60° horizontal, chosen for general-purpose machine-vision framing. Field of view on the IMX296: 60° H × 45° V (75° diagonal). The image circle covers the full sensor (verified 2026-07-02).
- Best ~120° HFoV: Wide-Angle 2.4mm M12 Lens (CIL822) (2.4 mm, f/2). Why: the closest covering option to 120° horizontal, chosen for wide navigation and room-scale coverage. Field of view on the IMX296: 119° H × 89° V (148° diagonal). The image circle covers the full sensor (verified 2026-07-02).
- Lowest distortion: Low Distortion 4.4mm M12 Lens (CIL043) (4.4 mm, f/3.2). Why: measured -0.5% TV distortion, the flattest image among covering lenses. Field of view on the IMX296: 59° H × 46° V (71° diagonal). The image circle covers the full sensor (verified 2026-07-02).
- Best low light: 8mm C-Mount Lens (CIL521) (8 mm, f/1.5). Why: the fastest covering aperture (f/1.5), which collects the most light per pixel. Field of view on the IMX296: 34° H × 26° V (42° diagonal). The image circle covers the full sensor (verified 2026-07-02).
Browse the M12 Lens collection and the C-Mount Lens collection for the IMX296. Covering lenses below run from 0.8 mm to 100 mm focal length and produce 3° to 195° horizontal field of view on its active area.
Covers in the table means the lens image circle is at least as large as the 6.21 mm sensor diagonal. Confirm corner illumination and MTF at your aperture, wavelength, and working distance. A complete circular fisheye image fits inside the sensor only when its diameter is no larger than the sensor's short side. Need a focal length or coverage that is not listed here? Ask our engineers to confirm a match.
How to choose a lens for the IMX296
Start from the field of view and working distance your application needs. Confirm that the lens image circle covers the active sensor diagonal and that the mount provides the required focus travel and rear clearance. A lens megapixel rating alone does not establish resolution on this sensor. Compare measured MTF at the spatial frequencies your task needs, at the intended aperture, wavelength, distance, and field position, accounting for the 3.45 µm pixel pitch. Estimate framing with the Commonlands field of view calculator.
Sourcing a camera module around the IMX296? Commonlands manufactures M12 lenses and C-mount lenses and ships from San Diego, with same-day shipping on in-stock lenses ordered before 12 PM PST. We also design and build custom MIPI CSI-2 camera modules that integrate the lens, the IMX296 sensor, and the carrier board, available from 1,000 units per year, and assemble consigned IMX296 boards with Commonlands lenses in our San Diego ISO 6 cleanroom from 100 to 100,000 units per year. Talk to an applications engineer.
Related guides and tools
IMX296 lens and camera module FAQ
What lens fits the IMX296 sensor?
A lens match requires sufficient image-circle coverage, suitable MTF, and mechanical clearance. Use the coverage column and calculated field of view to shortlist lenses, then verify the operating conditions on each product page.
What is the IMX296 sensor size?
The IMX296 is a 1/2.9" format sensor with a 4.97 × 3.73 mm active area and a 6.21 mm diagonal, built on 3.45 µm pixels at 1440x1080 resolution.
Does Commonlands build a custom MIPI camera module for the IMX296?
Yes. Commonlands designs and builds custom MIPI CSI-2 camera modules that integrate the lens, the IMX296 sensor, and the carrier board, available from 1,000 units per year with active lens-to-sensor alignment and 100% MTF testing. Consigned assembly of your IMX296 boards with Commonlands lenses runs from 100 to 100,000 units per year in our San Diego ISO 6 cleanroom. Talk to an applications engineer to scope a module.
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