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
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 µm, which facilitates high-resolution imaging even when using low magnifications. Utilizing a vast 20-Megapixel array (5472 x 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
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 Sensitivity Comparison - Sensitivity Readout Mode
Retiga E7 Drivers (Windows & Linux)
Micro-Manager 2.0 Software (Windows) – See How to Use Micro-Manager with Photometrics Cameras in Manuals & User Guides




















