Back in 2005, OmniVision, which designs image sensors--silicon semiconductors that turn photons into electrons so that they can be processed, stored or displayed--made about 75% of revenues from selling its camera chips to developers of mobile phones.
In addition to the higher pixel numbers, superior image quality and faster speeds which conventional image sensors pursued, the newly-developed image sensors further achieve more highly-advanced functionalities and a more compact size, thus paving the way for enhanced camera evolution.
ENGADGET: Sony's new cameraphone CMOS jams bigger gear into the same space (video)
Sales of CMOS image sensors will remain high in the April-June quarter, as demand for smartphones equipped with high-resolution cameras is expected to be strong.
This image sensor layers the pixel section containing formations of back-illuminated structure pixels onto chips containing the circuit section for signal processing, which is in place of supporting substrates for conventional back-illuminated CMOS image sensors.
ENGADGET: Sony's new cameraphone CMOS jams bigger gear into the same space (video)
Hereafter, Sony will position it as the next generation back-illuminated CMOS image sensors, and unwaveringly strive to further develop this image sensor and expand its product lineup, thereby contributing to the further development of user-friendly cameras and to shooting enjoyment.
ENGADGET: Sony's new cameraphone CMOS jams bigger gear into the same space (video)
Sony has succeeded in establishing a structure that layers the pixel section containing formations of back-illuminated structure pixels over the chip affixed with mounted circuits for signal processing, which is in place of supporting substrates used for conventional back-illuminated CMOS image sensors.
ENGADGET: Sony's new cameraphone CMOS jams bigger gear into the same space (video)
They are already being used in car-airbag sensors and digital image projectors.
As the first step towards the commercialization of its new CMOS image sensors, Sony has developed a model with built-in signal processing functionality, an element that usually requires external embedment.
ENGADGET: Sony's new cameraphone CMOS jams bigger gear into the same space (video)
Also putting pressure on the company's stock was a report on the website Digitimes, which covers the computer and related industries, that Hewlett-Packard had chosen Micron Technology over Omnivision to supply image sensors for its cameras.
The System LSI Business, which creates application processors (AP) and image sensors for smartphones, is forecasted to maintain profitability in the third quarter as demand for faster and higher-capacity chips used in mobile devices increases.
The dual "TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II" image processing engine dedicated to Foveon X3 direct image sensors improves the processing speed and overall quality of the final image.
ENGADGET: Sigma DP3 Merrill packs a Foveon X3 sensor and a fixed F2.8, 75mm-equivalent lens
Average selling prices for its products continue to fall due to a higher percentage of lower-end VGA chips which means that the company is not getting traction at higher resolution image sensors.
While the quality of mirrorless cameras can be close to that of low-end SLR cameras, premium model SLRs still offer greater photo quality because they have larger image sensors and have features that are important to professional photographers.
WSJ: Camera Makers Enter New Mirrorless Arena for Serious Photographers
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