Photometrics Prime BSI Scientific CMOS Camera
The Prime BSI Scientific CMOS camera delivers the perfect balance between high resolution imaging and sensitivity with an optimized pixel design and near perfect 95% Quantum Efficiency.
This 4 Megapixel camera with 6.5µm pixels captures highly detailed images at high frame rates, making it the most versatile sCMOS for live cell imaging techniques, including Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF), Ratiometric Imaging and Lightsheet microscopy.
For more information, please visit: www.photometrics.com

High Quantum Efficiency 95% Peak QE
Maximises ability to detect weak signals, enables short exposure times for high frame rates, minimizes phototoxicity across a wide range of wavelengths
Optimized 6.5µm Pixel Size
Maximise light collection while maintaining proper spatial sampling at 60X
Extremely Low Read Noise
Maximise your ability to detect faint fluorescence
Fast Frame Rates
Capture highly dynamic events with high temporal resolution
Large Field of View
Maximise the number of cells that can be tracked and monitored per frame
PrimeEnhance™
Real-time quantitative denoising algorithm that improves image clarity by reducing photon-shot (Poisson) noise | Delivers an increase in Peak Signal to Noise Ratio of 3X
PrimeLocate™
Dynamically evaluates and acquires only the relevant data for localization based super-resolution applications
Enhanced Dynamic Range
Measure both bright and dim signal levels within the same image | 35,000:1 Dynamic Range (91 dB)
Multiple Expose Out Triggering
Control up to four light sources for multi-wavelength acquisitions
SMART Streaming™
Faster acquisition rates with variable exposures, ideal for multi-probed live cell imaging | Compatible with Multiple Expose Out Triggering
Take a look at our Camera Comparison Guide
Prime BSI delivers a 100% pixel fill factor and does not rely on micro-lensing technology to increase detection, resulting in a 30% increase in sensitivity over previous sCMOS cameras.
This perfect balance in performance makes the Prime BSI the most versatile imaging camera for live-cell imaging with:
- Highest Sensitivity
- High Resolution
- Large Field of View
- High Frame Rates
- Large Dynamic Range



Schematics
Accessories
Included
- USB 3.0 Cable
- Trigger Cable
- Power Supply
- Manual
- QuickStart Guide
Additional
- PCIe Card/Cable
- Liquid Circulator
- Liquid Cooling Tubes
Primary Applications
- TIRF Microscopy
- Ratiometric Imaging
- Cell Motility
- Light Sheet Microscopy
Sensor | Gpixel GSENSE2020BSI Scientific CMOS sensor |
---|---|
Active Array Size | 2048 x 2048 (4.2 Megapixel) |
Pixel Area | 6.5μm x 6.5μm (42.25μm2 |
Sensor Area | 13.3mm x 13.3mm | 18.8mm diagonal |
Peak QE% | >95% |
Read Noise | 1.3e- (Median) | 1.5e- (RMS) |
Full-Well Capacity | 45,000e- (Combined Gain), 10,000e- (High Gain) |
Dynamic Range | 35,000:1 (Combined Gain) |
Bit Depth | 16-bit (Combined Gain), 11-bit (High Gain) |
Readout Mode | Rolling Shutter | Effective Global Shutter |
Binning | 2x2 (on FPGA) |
Cooling Performance | Sensor Temperature | Dark Current |
Air Cooled | -20ºC @ 30ºC Ambient | 0.5e-/pixel/second |
Liquid Cooled | -30ºC @ 30ºC Ambient | 0.12e-/pixel/second |
Camera Interface | |
Digital Interface | PCIe, USB 3.0 |
Lens Interface | C-Mount |
Mounting Points | 2 x ¼ 20” mounting points per side to prevent rotation |
Liquid Cooling | Quick Disconnect Ports |
Triggering Modes | Function |
Input Trigger Modes | Trigger-First: Sequence triggered on first rising edge | Edge: Each frame triggered on rising edge | SMART Streaming: Fast iteration through multiple exposure times |
Output Trigger Modes | Any Row: Expose signal is high while any row is acquiring data | Rolling Shutter: Effective Global Shutter – Expose signal is high when all rows are acquiring data | Signal is High for set Exposure time – Readout Time |
Output Trigger Signals | Expose Out (up to four signals), Read Out, Trigger Ready |