Here is some additional informtion on Gpixel (Chinese name: 长光辰芯 / Changguang Chenxin), the Changchun-based Chinese CMOS image sensor specialist that Leica has chosen for its next-generation sensors:
- Company origins and expertise: Gpixel was founded around 2012 by Dr. Wang Xinyang and Dr. Zhang Yanxia (a husband-and-wife team who returned to China via the “Hundred Talents Plan”). Both previously worked at CMOSIS in Belgium, where Wang designed the iconic CMV2000 and CMV4000 global-shutter sensors widely used in industrial cameras – and notably supplied to Leica for the M240 and M10 rangefinders, prized for their excellent color reproduction. Gpixel is a global player in advanced CMOS sensors for industrial, scientific, medical, and professional markets. It offers everything from off-the-shelf high-res BSI and stacked designs to fully custom chips, including full-frame global-shutter options. It already has a strong track record (e.g., the DJI 8K sensor project) and international offices.
- Key personnel moves: In 2018, several senior CMOSIS alumni (including sales/marketing VP, chief scientist, design manager, and veteran engineers) joined Gpixel, strengthening its design capabilities with a European center in Antwerp. This directly ties the company back to Leica’s prior sensor experience.
- Technology strengths: Gpixel specializes in high-end, custom-capable CMOS sensors (fabless model, using foundries like Tower Semiconductor and DB HiTek, with some domestic production). Highlights include:
- Ultra-high resolution (e.g., 270 MP APS-H at 8 fps)
- Extreme sensitivity (91.9% peak QE)
- High-speed global shutter (up to 1920 fps)
- Stacked designs, such as the 49 MP 8K full-frame sensor co-developed with DJI (supports 8K/120p, 4K/240p, 110 dB HDR, and ultra-low 1.9 e⁻ readout noise in photo mode)
- The Leica partnership: Leica and Gpixel recently announced a joint development of next-generation high-performance imaging CMOS sensors. This gives Leica greater control over customization (important given its relatively low production volumes) compared to off-the-shelf Sony or OmniVision sensors.
- Direct quotes:
- Leica’s Dr. Andreas Kaufmann (Chairman of the Supervisory Board and majority shareholder): “I am really happy and proud that our long-term cooperation with Gpixel will soon result in a true Leica sensor, incorporating the best ingredients of engineering between Wetzlar, Antwerp and Changchun.”
- Gpixel CEO Xinyang Wang: “At Gpixel, we have always admired Leica’s uncompromising approach to craftsmanship and image performance. Collaborating with Leica gives us the opportunity to combine our sensor-engineering strengths with their legendary imaging heritage.”
- Leica’s sensor history: Recent models (M11 generation) have used Sony sensors. Earlier M10-series models used a custom 24 MP sensor developed with AMS OSRAM. This new tie-up marks Leica’s return to a more tailored approach, echoing its past CMOSIS collaboration.
Leica partners with Gpixel for the development of the next-generation camera sensors
Leica is developing its own camera sensor again (most likely for the Leica M12 camera)
