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 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Sony |
| Family | Pregius |
| Resolution | 1440x1080 (1.6 MP) |
| Optical format | 1/2.9" |
| Active area | 4.97 × 3.73 mm |
| Sensor diagonal | 6.21 mm |
| Pixel size | 3.45 µm |
| Shutter | Global |
| Max frame rate | 60.3 fps |
| Interface | MIPI CSI-2 |
| Color / mono | Mono |
Manufacturer datasheet: Sony IMX296 product page
Compatible Commonlands Lenses 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 the lens aperture (F#), distortion, ingress protection, total track length (TTL), and rated resolution, so you can shortlist on optics and mechanics in one pass. Coverage shows whether the lens image circle covers the 6.21 mm sensor diagonal. Only lenses that cover the full diagonal are listed. Run exact 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, so the corners are not cropped. 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 your application needs, then read across to the focal length that produces it on the IMX296. Confirm the lens image circle covers the 6.21 mm diagonal so the corners are not cropped, and check the lens resolution is rated for 1.6 MP or higher so it resolves the 3.45 µm pixels. For exact working-distance and object-size numbers, run the figures through the Commonlands field of view calculator.
Sourcing a camera module around the IMX296? Commonlands manufactures the M12 Lenses and C-Mount Lenses above and ships from San Diego, with same-day shipping on in-stock lenses ordered by 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?
Commonlands M12 Lenses and C-Mount Lenses whose image circle covers the IMX296’s 6.21 mm diagonal fit the sensor. The table above lists each compatible lens with its calculated horizontal, vertical, and diagonal field of view on the IMX296 active area (4.97 × 3.73 mm).
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.
Match a lens to your IMX296 camera
Get an engineer-verified lens recommendation for your sensor, format, and field of view.
Contact Commonlands engineering