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SONY IMX335 vs IMX385: A Comprehensive Comparison of USB Camera Modules for 2025
Created on 09.09
In the fast-paced world of imaging technology, SONY’s CMOS sensors remain a top choice for USB camera modules—powering everything from security systems and industrial machines to smart home devices and medical tools. Two popular options in this space are the SONY IMX335 and IMX385 sensors, each designed to balance performance, cost, and versatility. But how do they differ? Which one is right for your project?
This guide breaks down the key specifications, image quality, real-world performance, and practical considerations of the SONY IMX335 vs IMX385 USB camera modules. Whether you’re a hardware engineer, a product designer, or a buyer sourcing components, this comparison will help you make an informed decision—while optimizing for Google SEO with actionable insights for your use case.
Key Specifications: IMX335 vs IMX385 at a Glance
Before diving into real-world performance, let’s start with the fundamentals. The table below outlines the core technical specs of both sensors, highlighting where they overlap and where they diverge:
Specification | SONY IMX335 | SONY IMX385 |
Sensor Type | 1/2.8-inch CMOS | 1/2.7-inch CMOS (Exmor R™ Technology) |
Resolution | 2.0 MP (1920 x 1080, Full HD) | 4.0 MP (2560 x 1440, QHD/2K) |
Pixel Size | 1.12 μm x 1.12 μm | 1.0 μm x 1.0 μm |
Dynamic Range | ~60 dB | ~70 dB |
Max Frame Rate (Native) | 30 fps (1080P) | 60 fps (1440P); 30 fps (4K, via cropping) |
Interface | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 |
Power Consumption | ~200 mA @ 5V (operating) | ~350 mA @ 5V (operating) |
Low-Light Sensitivity | 0.01 lux (monochrome); 0.05 lux (color) | 0.008 lux (monochrome); 0.04 lux (color) |
Launch Date | 2016 | 2019 |
At first glance, the IMX385 stands out with higher resolution, better dynamic range, and faster frame rates—thanks to its newer Exmor R technology and USB 3.0 interface. The IMX335, by contrast, is a more mature, low-power option optimized for cost-sensitive Full HD applications. But specs only tell part of the story; let’s explore how these differences translate to real-world image quality.
Image Quality: Which Sensor Delivers Better Results?
Image quality is the make-or-break factor for most USB camera modules (1) use cases. Here’s how the IMX335 and IMX385 stack up in critical areas:
1. Resolution: Full HD vs QHD/2K
The IMX335’s 2.0 MP Full HD (1920x1080) resolution is more than sufficient for basic tasks like video conferencing, entry-level security cameras, or smart doorbells. It delivers sharpness for everyday viewing and uses less bandwidth—ideal for USB 2.0 connections, which have lower data transfer limits.
The IMX385, however, steps up to 4.0 MP QHD (2560x1440), offering 77% more pixels than the IMX335. This makes it a better choice for applications where detail matters: industrial machine vision (inspecting small components), high-end security (zooming in on license plates), or medical imaging (capturing fine tissue details). For users who need 4K (3840x2160), some IMX385 modules support cropped 4K at 30 fps—though this sacrifices a small portion of the sensor’s field of view.
2. Dynamic Range: Handling Bright and Dark Scenes
Dynamic range (DR) measures a sensor’s ability to capture details in both bright highlights and dark shadows. The IMX385’s ~70 dB DR (vs. the IMX335’s ~60 dB) is a significant advantage, especially in high-contrast environments.
For example:
• In a retail store security camera, the IMX385 will avoid overexposing sunlight streaming through windows while still capturing details in shadowed aisles. The IMX335, by contrast, may wash out bright areas or lose detail in dark corners.
• In industrial settings with harsh lighting (e.g., factory floors with overhead LEDs and dark machinery), the IMX385’s wider DR ensures critical components are visible without glare.
This gap is largely due to SONY’s Exmor R technology in the IMX385, which uses back-illuminated pixels to capture more light and reduce noise in high-contrast scenes.
3. Low-Light Performance: Seeing in the Dark
Low-light sensitivity is crucial for security cameras, night-vision devices, and outdoor applications. While both sensors perform well in dim conditions, the IMX385 edges out the IMX335:
• IMX385 (monochrome): 0.008 lux (can capture details in near-total darkness with IR illumination)
• IMX335 (monochrome): 0.01 lux (slightly less sensitive, requiring more light for clear images)
For color modules, the IMX385’s 0.04 lux sensitivity also outperforms the IMX335’s 0.05 lux. This difference may seem small, but in real-world use—like a parking lot camera at midnight—it means the IMX385 will produce clearer, less noisy footage with fewer motion blurs.
4. Color Accuracy: True-to-Life Reproduction
Both sensors use SONY’s trusted color science, but the IMX385’s newer design improves color fidelity. It delivers more vibrant (but not oversaturated) hues, making it ideal for applications like food photography (for restaurant POS systems), product inspections (ensuring color consistency in manufacturing), or medical imaging (where accurate skin tones or tissue colors matter).
The IMX335’s color performance is solid but more muted—great for general use, but less suitable for use cases where color precision is critical.
Real-World Applications: Which Sensor Fits Your Project?
Neither the IMX335 nor IMX385 is “better” overall—their strengths align with different use cases. Let’s map each sensor to common applications:
IMX335: Best for Cost-Sensitive, Low-Power Full HD Use Cases
• Entry-Level Security Cameras: For homes or small businesses where Full HD resolution is enough, and budget is a priority. The IMX335’s low power (200 mA) also works well for battery-powered cameras (e.g., wireless doorbells).
• Video Conferencing/Webcams: USB 2.0 compatibility ensures easy integration with laptops, and 30 fps Full HD delivers smooth video for meetings.
• Smart Home Devices: Devices like baby monitors or pet cameras benefit from the IMX335’s low cost and power efficiency, without needing QHD resolution.
• Basic Industrial Inspection: For tasks like counting parts or checking for obvious defects, the IMX335’s Full HD sharpness is sufficient, and its mature design means fewer integration issues.
IMX385: Best for High-Performance, Detail-Centric Applications
• High-End Security & Surveillance: Casinos, airports, or large retail stores need QHD resolution to capture license plates, faces, or small details (e.g., stolen items). The IMX385’s 60 fps frame rate also reduces motion blur for fast-moving objects (e.g., cars).
• Industrial Machine Vision: Inspecting tiny components (e.g., circuit boards, electronic chips) requires QHD resolution and wide dynamic range. The IMX385’s USB 3.0 interface ensures fast data transfer for real-time analysis.
• Medical Imaging: Dental cameras, endoscopes, or dermatology tools need accurate color reproduction and low-light sensitivity—both strengths of the IMX385.
• Professional Webcams/Content Creation: Streamers, vloggers, or remote workers who need high-quality video (QHD at 60 fps) will appreciate the IMX385’s smoothness and detail.
Practical Considerations: Cost, Compatibility, and Integration
Technical specs and use cases matter—but so do practical factors like cost and ease of integration. Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Cost: IMX335 Is More Budget-Friendly
As an (2) older sensor (launched in 2016), the IMX335 has a well-established supply chain and lower production costs. USB camera modules with the IMX335 typically range from 15–30, depending on features (e.g., IR cut filters, lens quality).
The IMX385, being newer and higher-performance, costs more: modules usually range from 30–60. For high-volume projects (e.g., manufacturing 10,000 home security cameras), the IMX335’s lower cost can lead to significant savings. For low-volume, high-performance projects (e.g., 100 industrial inspection cameras), the IMX385’s premium is often justified.
2. Compatibility: USB 2.0 vs USB 3.0
The IMX335 uses USB 2.0, which is ubiquitous—every laptop, desktop, or embedded system has USB 2.0 ports. This makes integration simple, with no need for special hardware or drivers (most operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, support IMX335 modules out of the box).
The IMX385 requires USB 3.0 (or newer) to unlock its full potential (e.g., 60 fps at QHD). While USB 3.0 is common in modern devices, older systems (e.g., legacy industrial controllers) may only have USB 2.0 ports. In these cases, the IMX385 will still work but will be limited to lower frame rates (e.g., 30 fps at QHD) or lower resolutions (3).
3. Power Consumption: Battery vs Wired
The IMX335’s lower power draw (200 mA) makes it ideal for battery-powered devices—like wireless security cameras or portable medical tools—that need to run for hours on a single charge.
The IMX385’s higher power consumption (350 mA) means it’s better suited for wired devices (e.g., desktop webcams, wall-mounted security cameras) with a constant power supply. If you try to use the IMX385 in a battery-powered device, you’ll likely see shorter battery life (sometimes by 50% or more).
4. Integration Complexity
Both sensors are widely supported by camera module manufacturers, so finding off-the-shelf modules is easy. However, the IMX385’s higher resolution and USB 3.0 interface may require minor adjustments to your system:
• Bandwidth: USB 3.0 has more bandwidth, but you’ll need to ensure your software can handle QHD video streams (e.g., you may need to update (4) video processing algorithms to handle 4MP data).
• Lens Compatibility: QHD resolution requires higher-quality lenses to avoid blurriness. Using a low-quality lens with the IMX385 will waste its performance potential.
Pros and Cons Summary
To simplify your decision, here’s a quick breakdown of each sensor’s strengths and weaknesses:
SONY IMX335
• Pros:
◦ Low cost (ideal for budget projects)
◦ Low power consumption (great for batteries)
◦ USB 2.0 compatibility (easy integration)
◦ Mature, reliable design (fewer supply chain risks)
• Cons:
◦ Limited to Full HD resolution (no QHD/4K)
◦ Narrower dynamic range (struggles in high contrast)
◦ Slower frame rates (max 30 fps)
SONY IMX385
• Pros:
◦ QHD/4K resolution (superior detail)
◦ Wider dynamic range (better for harsh lighting)
◦ Faster frame rates (up to 60 fps)
◦ Better low-light sensitivity (clearer night footage)
◦ Exmor R technology (reduces noise)
• Cons:
◦ Higher cost (not for budget projects)
◦ Higher power consumption (needs wired power)
◦ Requires USB 3.0 (incompatible with older systems for full performance) (5)
How to Choose the Right Sensor for Your Project
Follow these steps to decide between the IMX335 and IMX385:
1. Define Your Resolution Needs: Do you need Full HD (1080P) or QHD/4K? If detail is critical (e.g., machine vision), go with the IMX385. If Full HD is enough (e.g., basic security), the IMX335 works.
2. Assess Your Environment: Will the camera be used in low light or high contrast? The IMX385’s better DR and low-light performance are (6) worth the cost here.
3. Check Power and Connectivity: Is your device battery-powered? Choose the IMX335 (7). Do you have USB 3.0? The IMX385 will shine.
4. Set Your Budget: For high-volume, cost-sensitive projects, the IMX335 (8) is better. For low-volume, high-performance projects, the IMX385 is a smarter investment.
Final Thoughts
The SONY IMX335 and IMX385 are both excellent choices for USB camera modules—each optimized for different priorities. The IMX335 is a workhorse for budget-friendly, low-power Full HD applications, while the IMX385 is a high-performance option for QHD/4K, low-light, and detail-critical use cases.
By aligning your project’s needs (resolution, environment, power, budget) with each sensor’s strengths, you’ll select a module that delivers the best performance and value. And for Google SEO, remember to target long-tail keywords like “best USB camera module for security” or “low-power SONY IMX335 vs IMX385” to attract users searching for specific solutions.
Ready to integrate the SONY IMX335 or IMX385 into your project? Reach out to a trusted camera module supplier to discuss customizations (e.g., lens options, IR filters) tailored to your use case.
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