Retiga E7 E9 & E20 | Long-Exposure CMOS Camera - Image 2

Retiga E7 E9 & E20 | Long-Exposure CMOS Camera

Sensor Technology

CMOS

Quantum Efficiency

73% @ 550 nm

Readout Noise

2.1 e-

Sensor Resolution

3200 x 2200

Frame Rate

51 fps

Interface

USB 3.2

Tag: CAMERAS: Low Noise Brand: Teledyne Photometrics

Long Exposure CMOS Cameras

The Retiga E family series of CMOS imaging cameras composed of the E7, E9, & E20, introduces extended exposure imaging to the CMOS technology landscape. Pushing boundaries in thermal noise control, these cameras have an ultra-low dark current of <0.001 electrons per pixel per second enabling photographic captures capable of up to an hour. Expanding exposure times creates detection in even the weakest signals, works best in imaging luminescence.

Extended Dynamic Range

One of the main features found in all three of Retiga cameras is the Extended Dynamic Range (EDR) mode. By leveraging the benefit of a large full well capacity and a reduced read noise, the system achieves an enhanced dynamic range, approximately 2.5x greater than standard modes, successfully recording both bright and dim signals concurrently in the same capture.

Small Pixel Imaging

The Retiga E20 is equipped with the smallest pixel size to date, measuring $2.4\ \mu\text{m}$ which facilitates high-resolution imaging even when using low magnifications. Utilizing a vast 20-Megapixel array ( $5472 \times 3648$ ), the E20 is capable of resolving tiny details across large samples, in a enabling high-throughput way. By offering minimal noise contribution alongside an elevated peak QE (Quantum Efficiency), the camera guarantees the production of high-quality images, even under challenging low-light conditions.

High Speed Mode

In addition to its “Long Exposure” mode, which supports exposures long exceeding 20 minutes due to its ultra-low dark current, the Retiga cameras offer a “Fast Capture” mode, enabling speeds of over 50 frames per second.

OEM Integration

The Retiga E7 is designed for seamless integration. Its compact size and single-cable interface ensure straightforward hardware setup. With features like onboard triggering, compatibility with Windows and Linux, and support from our dedicated OEM team, integrating and customizing the Retiga CMOS cameras is effortless.

E7 Key Features

Simple and versatile usage
Ultra-low dark current (0.02 electrons per second) with advanced thermal control
High speed – 50 fps imaging
High resolution 7 MP sensor
Small 4.5 µm pixels
True global shutter
Extended Dynamic Range (EDR) mode
Hybrid binning, double speed with a 2×2 bin, unlike other CMOS

E9 Key Features

Optimal pixel size for lower magnification optics (light-sheet microscopy)
Large dynamic range with sub-electron noise and high full well capacity
Maximum quantum efficiency – over $90\%$
Programmable Scan Mode (PSM) for light-sheet and digital slit confocal imaging – enhances contrast by rejecting out-of-focus light
Exposures up to 10 hours
Rolling shutter with illumination position

E20 Key Features

Exposure up to an hour
ultra-low dark current with advanced thermal control
High-resolution 20 MP sensor
Ultra-small 2.4 µm pixels
22 fps
Extended Dynamic Range (EDR) to capture intense signals
83% quantum efficiency

Highlighted
Retiga E Camera Family	Retiga E7	Retiga E9	Retiga E20
Sensor Brand & Model	Sony Based	Sony IMX533 CMOS Sensor	Sony Based
Resolution	3200 x 2200	3000 x 3000	5472 x 3648
Megapixels	7	9	19.9
Max Frame Rate Standard	51 fps	26.9 fps	22 fps
Max Line Rate	9 µs	9 µs	12.5 µs
Pixel Size	4.5 µm	3.76 µm	2.4 µm
Sensor Type	CMOS	CMOS	CMOS
Sensor Diagonal	15.7 mm	15.9 mm	17.6 mm
Shutter Type	Global Shutter	Rolling Shutter	Global Shutter
Spectrum	300-1100 nm	Mono	300-1100 nm
Mono/Color	Mono	Mono	Mono
Lens Mount	C-Mount	C-Mount	C-Mount
Data Interface	USB 3.2 10 Gbps	USB 3.1 (10Gbps)	USB 3.2 10 Gbps

Physical
Cooling	–25 °C at 25 °C ambient	-25 °C at 30 °C ambient	–25 °C at 25 °C ambient
Digitization Bit Depth	12-bit, 16-bit	16-bit	12-bit, 16-bit
Dimension (W x H x L)	86 x 86 x 89 mm	86 x 86 x 89 mm	86 x 86 x 89 mm
Field of View	14.4 x 10 mm	11.3 x 11.3 mm	14.4 x 10 mm
Mass	0.8 kg	0.8 kg	0.8 kg
Mounting	Two ¼"–20 threads per side	Two ¼"–20 threads per side	Two ¼"–20 threads per side
Operating Humidity	0 to 80% (non condensing)	0 to 80% (non condensing)	0 to 80% (non condensing)
Operating Temperature	0 to 30 °C	0 to 30 °C	0 to 30 °C
Power Supply	12 V DC, 8 A	12 V DC, 8 A	12 V DC, 8 A
Storage Humidity	0 to 90% (non condensing)	0 to 90% (non condensing)	0 to 90% (non condensing)
Storage Temperature	–20 to 60 °C	–20 to 60 °C	–20 to 60 °C

Performance
Conversion Gain	Two gain states (6.2 and 2.1 e⁻/gray) available in 12-bit Speed and Long Exposure modes, a single gain state of 0.35 e⁻/gray available in 16-bit EDR mode	0.76 e⁻/grey	2.4 (Full Well, Speed and Long Exposure), 0.29 (Sensitivity, Speed and Long Exposure), 0.15 (Extended Dynamic Range)
Dark Current	0.001 e⁻/p/s	< 2 x 10⁻⁵ e⁻/p/s	0.001 e⁻/p/s
Dynamic Range	11000 : 1	11000 : 1 - 50,000 : 1	11000 : 1
Full Well Capacity (Qsat)	23,000 e⁻	50,000 e⁻	23,000 e⁻
QE Mono	73%	> 90%	85%
Read Noise	2.1 e⁻	0.8 e⁻	2.0 e⁻
Sensor Material	Silicon	Silicon	Silicon

E7

E9

E20

Applications:

E7

Gel Documentation
Spatial Biology
Luminescence
Multispectral Imaging
Micro-plate readers
Fluorescence microscopy

E9

Live cell imaging
Light-sheet microscopy
Spatialomics
Luminescence
Fluorescence microscopy
Bioluminescence and chemiluminescence imaging

E20

Live cell imaging
Gel documentation
Spatial biology
Luminescence
Multispectral imaging
Micro-plate readers
Fluorescence microscopy

Retiga E7 Sensitivity Comparison - Full Well Readout Mode

Retiga E7, 1 s, 3200x2200
Retiga E7, 100 ms, 3200x2200
Retiga E7, 10 ms, 3200x2200
Retiga E7, 1 ms, 3200x2200
Retiga E7, 100 µs, 3200x2200

Retiga E7 Sensitivity Comparison - Sensitivity Readout Mode

Retiga E7, 1 s, 3200x2200
Retiga E7, 100 ms, 3200x2200
Retiga E7, 10 ms, 3200x2200
Retiga E7, 1 ms, 3200x2200
Retiga E7, 100 µs, 3200x2200

Datasheet

Retiga E7 Datasheet

Retiga E9 Datasheet

Retiga E20 Datasheet

Manuals & User Guides

How to Use Micro-Manager with Photometrics Cameras

Software

Retiga E7 Drivers (Windows & Linux)

Micro-Manager 2.0 Software (Windows) – See How to Use Micro-Manager with Photometrics Cameras in Manuals & User Guides

Catalogue

Camera Catalog

Description
Additional information

The Ultimate Long Exposure CMOS Camera

The Retiga E7 is a cutting-edge long exposure CMOS camera designed to push the boundaries of imaging, enabling exposures exceeding 20 minutes thanks to advanced thermal noise control. This compact camera combines a 7-megapixel sensor with low dark noise and ultra-low dark current, delivering exceptional resolution for detecting even the faintest signals. With data transfer through a single USB3.2 Gen 2 cable, the Retiga E7 is both powerful and easy to use, offering seamless integration. Building on the success of the CCD-based Retiga R-series, it represents the next evolution in long exposure imaging technology.

Capable of exposure times over 20 minutes
Ultra low dark current
7 Megapixels
Low noise

Key Features

Long Exposure Imaging

With groundbreaking advancements in thermal noise control, the Retiga E7 CMOS achieves an exceptionally low dark current of just 0.02 electrons per second, enabling exposure times of more than 20 minutes.

Extending exposure times from seconds to minutes allows for reliable detection of even the faintest signals with ease.