An image sensor comprises: an array (102) of pixels (104) arranged in rows and columns; readout circuitry (110) for reading out image information from pixels (104) in the array (102) of pixels (104); signal lines (112) for providing control signals to the pixels (104) in the array (102) and/or the readout circuitry (110); a programmable sequence controller (114) configured to control the control signals provided on the signal lines (112), said programmable sequence controller (114) comprising: at least one programmable signal controlling state machine (140), which is configured to define a sequence of states and to define control parameters for the states in the sequence, wherein the control parameters include the control signals to be provided on at least one signal line (112) for controlling at least one of a row of pixels (104) or the readout circuitry (110).