The new sensor is a 1/2.3-inch, backside-illuminated CMOS sensor that hits a crazy 20MP, which is a big jump from the 12-16MP sensors in many point-and-shoot cameras that are available today. To combat the noise and sensitivity issues that usually come with a denser design, Toshiba is using pixels that can absorb 15% more of a charge, and therefore more light.

Toshiba has also catered the sensor for high-speed shooting and video as well, with the potential for 1080p video recording at 60FPS and 30FPS burst shooting at full resolution, provided the camera’s processor can keep up. Megapixels certainly aren’t everything, so having a powerful camera to power the sensor is just as important.

Don’t expect this new sensor to come anytime soon. Ideally, though, we should expect new cameras with the Toshiba sensor inside of them sometime in 2014, since mass production doesn’t start until August 2013. Sadly, you won’t have one of these bad boys for your summer vacation, but it’s possible that you’ll be able to grab one by the next summer.

The OV5645 is a 5MP system on chip (SOC) sensor aimed at the “cost-sensitive” segment of the smartphone market. The sensor features a MIPI port, which replaces a JPEG compressor and DVP interface, making it both smaller and cheaper than other options. This little CMOS sensor features picture-in-picture architecture that provides a dual camera system based on a master/slave configuration, allowing smartphones to offer two cameras via a single MIPI interface.

The OV5645 offers video recording in 720p at 60 frames-per-second, and 1080p recording at 30 frames-per-second. According to the announcement, 720p recordings have improved sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio. A filter function is in place to minimize spatial and zigzag artifacts.

OmniVision’s new sensor also features OmniBSI+ technology, which is aimed at providing high quality via low noise levels, low crosstalk, and high sensitivity. The OV5645 supports black sun cancellation, LED and flash strobe modes, anti-shake, and more. Overall, this sensor brings a cost-effective way for smartphones to offer improved video and photos via a higher-sensitivity and better low-light performance without unnecessary hardware and cost.

[via OmniVision]

During OmniVision’s quarterly results call, the company said that it was shifting most of its smartphone camera sensor production to 8-megapixel sensors. They also claim strong orders for the next couple months from “key customers in the smartphone market.” Its new OV8830 8-megapixel sensor will be shipped to “premier brand name” smartphone creators in the second half of the year.

Surprisingly, plans on supplying a game console was also revealed. OmniVision said that it had obtained a “significant design win” to supply cameras for an upcoming game console. That unnamed console is set to be ready within the next several months.

And we all know that the Nintendo Wii 2 ‘Project Cafe’ is set to preview at the E3 conference within the next two weeks, for a debut sometime before the end of this year. And since Sony is most likely using their own sensors for their upcoming NGP, this pretty much confirms rumors that the next Nintendo Wii 2 game controllers will be equipped with cameras, don’t you think?

[via Electronista]

The new OV5690 sensor will be the first from OmniVision to use their proprietary OmniBSI-2 pixel architecture, which has a 1.4-micron backside illumination pixel that allows for a full five megapixels in a 1/4-inch optical format. It also reduces the height of the module by 20 percent, making it a better solution for slimmer devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Recent rumors suggest that Apple may be switching to Sony for its next 8-megapixel sensor in the iPhone 5. However, its other devices such as the iPad and iPod touch still use cameras with much lower resolution. This is believed to be the trade-off for making thinner devices. But with this new OmniVision sensor technology, image quality may not have to be sacrified for thinning down devices. Perhaps it could be good use in that rumored next-gen iPod nano camera.

[via MacRumors]

The camera will be used in the medical setting for endoscopic procedures and is only 1mm in diameter. That makes it roughly the size of the head on an ink pen. The little camera will start being supplied to companies that build medical products in the coming weeks in the US and in Japan. The camera is supported on the back end by the Medigus digital video processing systems.

The little camera uses TSV (Through Silicon Via) method to enable miniaturization and reduction of the components and to reduce cost. The CMOS sensor inside the camera is only 0.66 x 0.66 mm and has a resolution of 45,000 pixels. The camera can be built cheaply enough to allow its use in disposable devices. This is a great product, a smaller camera means smaller cuts and that means less pain and faster recovery for the patient.

[via Yahoo Finance]

Of course, there’s more to high quality photos than a huge number of megapixels: you also need a decent lens in front of that, too, if you don’t want to end up with a murky shots that look like you tried to take them in a nightclub. Still, as long as manufacturers bear that in mind, we’re glad to see more pixels (and pixels being used cleverly) in mobile devices. OmniVision is sampling the OV10810 CMOS now.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Press Release:

OmniVision’s OV10810 — First Native 16:9 CMOS Image Sensor to Enable Simultaneous 1080p HD Video Recording and 10-Megapixel Image Capture

Native 16:9 Aspect Ratio Designed to Support Full Screen Photo and Video Sharing
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — OmniVision Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: OVTI), a leading developer of advanced digital imaging solutions, today introduced the OV10810, a 10-megapixel CMOS image sensor built on OmniVision’s highly optimized 1.4-micron OmniBSI™ pixel architecture. The 1/2.5-inch OV10810 is designed to offer complete convergence between high-resolution still photography and full high-definition (HD) video by combining 10-megapixel burst photography at 30 frames per second (fps) with full 1080p HD video in a native 16:9 aspect ratio. This makes the OV10810 an ideal choice for digital still and video camera (DSC/DVC) hybrids and high-end smart phones.
“The OV10810 is a 10-megapixel image sensor that allows the simultaneous capture of full-frame, 10-megapixel still images and 1080p HD video at 30 frames per second, a unique feature that is exclusive to CMOS technology,” said Devang Patel, senior product marketing manager at OmniVision. “Allowing users to take pictures even while they are recording video is a key feature that bridges the gap between DSC and DVC, giving users the ultimate camera experience. Additionally, the sensor’s 16:9 aspect ratio reflects the increasing popularity of HDTV by capturing photos and video that align with the wide screen displays used in most of today’s TVs, notebooks and smart phones, further enhancing the user experience.”
Optimized to meet the performance specifications of next generation DSC/DVC applications, the OV10810 is outfitted with improved pixel and system architectures. The enhanced 1.4-micron OmniBSI pixel features significantly improved low-light sensitivity and full well capacity, as well as higher dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio, making it the highest performing pixel in its class.
As a RAW sensor, the OV10810′s integrated programmable scaler enables either 1080p or 720p HD video capture at 30 fps while maintaining full field of view (FOV). At 2.6-megapixel resolution, the sensor operates at 60 fps with pixel binning, maintaining full FOV while offering significantly improved low-light sensitivity. At 5.3-megapixel resolution with cropping, the OV10810 runs at 60 fps. High frame rates enable a number of key benefits, including: slow motion photography, no image lag for shutter-less designs, continuous shooting, minimized rolling shutter effect, and real-time still image and video capture without changing resolutions.
The OV10810 features a 2 x 2 binning functionality to improve low-light sensitivity, and a post-binning re-sampling filter that minimizes spatial artifacts and removes image artifacts around edges to deliver clean, crisp color images. The OV10810 supports up to 8-lane LVDS or MIPI interfaces for high data transfer rates, and is compatible with a wide range of custom and merchant ISPs. The OV10810 comes in a CSP3 or RW package and is currently available for sampling.
About OmniVision
OmniVision Technologies (Nasdaq: OVTI) is a leading developer of advanced digital imaging solutions. Its award-winning CMOS imaging technology enables superior image quality in many of today’s consumer and commercial applications, including mobile phones, notebooks and webcams, digital still and video cameras, security and surveillance, entertainment devices, automotive and medical imaging systems. Find out more at http://www.ovt.com.

The internal investment from the company is a collected movement, and it is part of the production plant buy-back from Toshiba that took place recently. While Sony is investing $1.2 billion into doubling the output of its Complimentary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensors, it is also costing the company $600 million to buy back the plant from Toshiba. It’s expected that Sony, which has already confirmed the production plant’s purchase, will use part of that plant in Nagasaki, Japan, to roll out more sensors.

To help the whole thing get going, Sony is expecting to receive an unknown amount from the Japanese government in subsidies. These will be used to help environmentally-friendly businesses in Japan. With Canon in sight, which is Sony’s main competitor in the sensor market, the investment, as well as the extra production plant, may mean that Sony has what’s necessary to make the move to number 1 possible.

[via Reuters]

Sony’s been working on a camera like this for awhile now. In the early part of 2010, they even said that they were working on a cost-friendly high-end camera, and they’re ready to show it off. But, that whole cost-friendly thing may be somewhat of a tricky thing to grasp for the company. Though, they are avid to point out that the camera will be cheap enough that “indie” filmmakers will be able to get their hands on it, so that’s something.

Details wise, we’re looking at a 35mm CMOS sensor, which features recording modes of 1080p that reach frame rates that range from one, all the way up to 60. Sony points out that you can buy the main body by itself, or you can pitch in for the PL kit, which features 35, 50, and 85mm lenses. Check out the full press release below for more information, but don’t expect to find the pricing buried down there.

Press Release

Sony strengthens super 35mm digital production line-up with groundbreaking new camcorder
Nov 8, 2010
New PMW-F3 joins F35 and SRW-9000L as latest S-35mm innovation, delivering high-end performance at an “indie” price

Basingstoke November 8th, 2010:- Representing a breakthrough for filmmakers in terms of features, performance and price, Sony Professional is adding to its line-up of Super 35mm digital motion picture camera technologies. The family, which includes the legendary F35 and the recently announced SRW-9000PL, is now joined by the all new PMW-F3 camcorder.

Each camera in the line-up is based on a Super 35mm sensor and PL mount technology, and illustrates Sony’s unique ability to offer filmmakers access to the highest-quality imaging tools and most complete digital production workflows.

The new PMW-F3 is the latest example of Sony’s efforts to combine performance and price into a powerful and affordable production tool. Designed for television, commercials, music promos and budget features, the new camcorder is offered at a price point that will bring Super 35mm shooting within reach of a wider audience.

That, and the availability of a low-cost PL lens kit model which includes 35/50/85mm T2.0 fixed focal length lenses, makes it ideal for use as a 2nd unit 35mm camera or as a B camera to the SRW-9000PL.

“Sony has a long and successful track record of developing digital motion production technologies,” said Bill Drummond, Strategic Marketing Manager at Sony Professional Europe. “Our cameras have shot everything from documentaries to big-budget blockbusters, totaling many billions of Euros at the box office. With the new PMW-F3, we’re putting the full power of our expertise to work, to bring precise control over depth of field, and access to the huge range of cinematic lenses available to a wider range of users.”

The new PMW-F3 camcorder is based on Sony’s XDCAM EX workflow (codec is MPEG-2 Long GOP 4:2:0 8bit, 35 Mbps), and uses Sony’s SxS™ ExpressCard-based recording media format. Its Super 35mm CMOS imager delivers shallow depth of field, with high sensitivity and low noise levels (ISO 800, F11; and S/N ratio of 63dB in 1920×1080/59.94i mode), as well as wide dynamic range.

The camcorder offers a wide range of image creation options, as well as the ability to seamlessly inter-cut PMW-F3 footage with content shot on Sony’s F35 or SRW-9000PL cameras – through the use of an HD-SDI dual-link output for external recording (4:2:2 1080 50/59.94P as standard; and RGB 1080 23.98/25/29.97PsF as an option).

Additionally, “S-LOG” and “Hyper Gamma” can be selected. This can allow users to take full advantage of the CMOS imager’s wide dynamic range, giving them the ability to tailor their images during post-production in the same way they would in a film based workflow.

Recording formats include 1920×1080, 1440×1080, and 1280×720 at 23.98/25/29.97p, 50/59.94i and, in DVCAM mode, 25/29.97PsF and 50/59.94i. Filmmakers can also take advantage of ‘slow’ and ‘quick’ recording, also known as “overcranking” and “undercranking” from 1 to 30 fps at 1920×1080 (17 to 30 fps in dual-link mode) and 1 to 60 fps at 1280×720 (17 to 60 fps in dual-link mode).

The PMW-F3′s PL mount adapter can accommodate both PL and zoom lenses, and will offer compatibility with a variety of cine lenses such as Cooke, Arri, Fujinon and Zeiss.

Sony is also announcing its plan to introduce a compatible SR Memory Portable Recorder for the PMW-F3 camcorder. This will add a high-end workflow option as well as full RGB capability providing native recoding in HDCAM SR codec.

“We demonstrated a prototype PMW-F3 on our stand at IBC and have been inundated with requests for more information ever since. It’s great to be able to unveil the full list of features, and announce that first deliveries will be made well in advance of what many customers may have been expecting,” concluded Drummond.

Two configurations of the PMW-F3 will be available (PMW-F3L body only and PMW-F3K with PL lens kit). First deliveries of are scheduled for January 2011.

First and foremost, the new sensor is an 8MP variation, and it’s perfectly capable of taking shots in low-lit situations. There’s also an electronic stabilization feature, making sure to reduce shake with each photo taken. But, still images aren’t the main focus of OmniVision this time around, as the company announced along with the new sensor that video capturing is just as important. The new sensor is capable of capturing 720p60, and 1080p30, with hardware scaling, and will have a minimum amount of rolling shutter effects.

The full 8MP still-shot can process the image at a full 24fps, or 30fps in a 6MP widescreen shot. The sensor will also support autofocus, live image processing, and RAW images. Companies all over the globe are already getting their test samples as of right now, which more than likely includes Apple. OmniVision has been included in every single iPhone iteration, so there would be no surprise to find that the new CMOS sensor lands in the next iPhone.

[via Electronista]

Canon reports that the new sensor is the world’s largest CMOS image sensors with a chip measuring 202 x 205mm. That larger size allows the sensor to gather more light when it is crammed inside a pro level DSLR camera. In fact, that sensor is 40 times larger than the next largest CMOS sensor in the Canon arsenal.

The sensor is the largest that can be produced form a typical 300mm wafer. The thing will have to be expensive considering you can only get one per wafer too. The big benefit of all that light gathering capability is that the sensor can capture images with only on one-hundredth of the light required by a 35mm full frame CMOS sensor. That means that it can shoot video at 60 fps with only 0.3 lux, which is basically a moon lit night. Canon says the sensor will be perfect for recording stars and nocturnal animals. I say we may finally see Bigfoot on camera with this thing.

Canon was able to get the huge 7.5 times increase in pixel count and increase the resolution by 2.4 times by using a new control method for the readout circuit timing. The new CMOS sensor is also capable of 9.5 frames per second for continuous shooting of very high-resolution images.

The sensor also has full HD video output capability from any 1/60 sized area of its total surface. The new sensor measures about 29.2 x 20.2 mm. Canon is offering no details on when the new sensor might find its way into DSLR cameras that we can buy.

OmniVision have officially announced today the unveiling of their own in-bezel proposition for future camera needs of mobile products. With a z-height a full one millimeter smaller than Samsung’s version (3.5mm versus 4.5mm), we’ve got to say that the crown’s officially been taken. The big question, though: how’d they get it done? The company had to use their own 1.4 micron OmniBSI backside illumination technology, which incidentally makes it so that the their OV2720 CMOS sensor has double the low-light performance of similar sized VGA sensors.

Unfortunately though, OmniVision didn’t come clean on what products would be using the new set-up, but they did say that mass production should kick off starting next month, in June. They believe their 1080p camera is perfect for stand-alone webcams, as well as netbooks, but we hope someone figures out how to put this in a phone. You know, like the iPhone HD?

Press Release:

OmniVision Releases World’s Smallest 1080p HD Camera Solution

New OV2720 Utilizes 1.4-Micron BSI Pixel to Enable Ultra-Compact HD Video Solutions for Notebook, Netbook, Webcam and Video Conferencing Applications

SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — OmniVision Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: OVTI), a leading developer of advanced digital imaging solutions, today introduced the OV2720, the world’s first 1/6-inch, native 1080p/30 high-definition (HD) CMOS image sensor designed for notebook, netbook, webcam and video conferencing applications. Based on OmniVision’s 1.4 micron OmniBSI™ backside illumination technology, the new 1080p sensor delivers video conference quality HD video recording in a small enough form factor to meet the module size and height requirements of today’s thin notebook designs. The OV2720 is currently sampling with multiple tier-one customers and is slated to go into mass production in June 2010.

“Increased broadband capability, inexpensive high-quality image sensors and the increasing availability of high-quality external and embedded PC web cameras will drive both consumer and business video conferencing,” said Brian O’Rourke, principal analyst at In-Stat. “In 2010, we expect over 70 percent of mobile PCs to ship with embedded cameras, and the availability of sensors such as OmniVision’s OV2720 will make high definition video conferencing more popular in the notebook and netbook PC segments.”

“Consumer demand for HD video has never been greater. Display formats are moving to a 16 by 9 aspect ratio, TV broadcast is embracing HD, and social media platforms such as YouTube and Facebook are supporting HD,” said Nick Nam, product marketing manager at OmniVision. “With the OV2720, OmniVision continues to lead the industry in bringing to market innovative, high performance HD solutions, addressing the growing demand for the HD video-enabled devices of the YouTube generation. With the broadest portfolio of HD video products in the industry, we enable our customers to find the right solution for their price, performance and size requirements.”

The OV2720 is the first 1/6-inch sensor to offer native 1080p HD resolution. Native HD enables full field of view video with optimized image quality, sensitivity, color reproduction and clarity because no scaling or cropping is required to achieve HD resolution. The 1.4-micron OmniBSI pixel achieves best-in-class low light sensitivity of 680-mV/lux-sec, while enabling extremely thin modules with a z-height of 3.5 mm. Moreover, the OV2720 can use binning to further increase its low-light performance to double that of similar-sized VGA sensors. The OV2720′s outstanding low-light performance and slim form factor combine to make it an ideal choice for tier-one notebook manufacturers.

The OV2720 CMOS image sensor supports multiple platform architectures and controllers with both parallel and MIPI interfaces. It allows system designers to leverage the same opto-electrical design across various products and multiple market segments to reduce product development time. Exposure control, white balance and defective pixel canceling are programmable through the serial camera control bus interface. In addition, the OV2720 uses proprietary sensor technology to improve image quality. By reducing or eliminating common lighting or electrical sources of image contamination, such as fixed pattern noise and smearing, the sensor can generate a clean, fully stable color image.

About OmniVision

OmniVision Technologies (NASDAQ: OVTI) is a leading developer of advanced digital imaging solutions. Its award-winning CMOS imaging technology enables superior image quality in many of today’s consumer and commercial applications, including mobile phones, notebooks, netbooks and webcams, digital still and video cameras, security and surveillance, entertainment devices, automotive and medical imaging systems. Find out more at http://www.ovt.com.

Safe-Harbor Language

Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the expected benefits, performance, capabilities, and potential market appeal, as well as anticipated timing of mass production, of the OV2720 are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties, which could cause the forward-looking statements and OmniVision’s results to differ materially, include, without limitation: potential errors, design flaws or other problems with OV2720, customer acceptance, demand, and other risks detailed from time to time in OmniVision’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, OmniVision’s annual report filed on Form 10-K and quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q. OmniVision expressly disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement.

OmniVision® is a registered trademark of OmniVision Technologies, Inc. The OmniVision logo and OmniBSI™ are trademarks of OmniVision Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE OmniVision Technologies, Inc.

The Samsung NX10 features a mirrorless interchangeable lens system, and the company is still boasting that it has the fastest autofocus of its class. Additionally, there’s a APS-C side CMOS sensor for good measure. Shots come in up to 14.6-megapixels, while the camera is perfectly capable of shooting at 720p, 30fps HD video. And when we mentioned it back in January, we noted that it would be launching in the Spring of this year. Well, sure enough, we’re officially in Spring, and now here’s a limited edition version of the same camera.

Most interesting, though, is the back display. It’s a 3-inch AMOLED display, which probably makes this one of the sexiest cameras out there. The white and black coloring definitely makes it stand out, and we imagine it’d be a great accessory to bring along with you if you happen to have the desire to photograph wolves all sneaky-like in the snow-covered forest. Still no word on what it costs, though. But considering the paint job and the “limited” nature of the camera, we imagine it’ll be costly.

[via Wired]

The new sensor is called the MT9F011 and is a 14MP, 1.4-micron camera image sensor. The device is designed for improved video performance in an easy to use and cost effective product. The sensor has high sensitivity for faster frame rates and reduced noise for smoother video in low-light situations. It allows camera phones to record in 1080p resolution at 60fps.

Pre-processing options of the sensor will let OEMs and module integrators offer new features and performance in high-end phones. The features of the chip include a four-lane MIPI data interface that is configurable as a single lane or dual lane offer as well. The sensor also supports Bayer resample, 1/2.3″ optical format, and a 25-degree chief ray angle to minimize the height of the module. Samples of the MT9F011 are available now with mass production set for Q2 2010.