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Apple's longtime camera sensor supplier for iOS devices, Omnivision Technologies, has announced a new 8-megapixel sensor which claims to be 20 percent slimmer than any other 8-megapixel module in commercial use today.
"With our new OmniBSI-2 architecture, we have further miniaturized our pixels while delivering a 20 percent improvement in peak quantum efficiency in all color channels, a 35 percent improvement in low-light sensitivity and a 45 percent increase in full-well capacity in an extremely compact and power efficient package," said Per Rosdahl, senior product manager at OmniVision. "This 1.1-micron OmniBSI-2 pixel enables the next generation of miniaturization in mobile cameras, and is key to the high-resolution smartphone camera roadmap."
The new camera module should pave the way to thinner smartphone designs which has always been a priority for Apple. Apple has used Omnivision's technology in the past and presently uses it in the iPhone 4. Omnivision has also been heavily rumored to be one of two suppliers for an 8-megapixel camera sensor in the iPhone 5.
Based on the press release, however, this particular sensor may not be ready in time for the iPhone 5's release which is expected in October. Sampling of this new part begins in August with mass production expected in the first quarter of 2012.
For reference this new part has a build height of 4.7mm. The current iPhone 4 5MP back-side camera has been measured to be 6.5mm.
Top Rated Comments
I think the iPhone 5 is delayed not for any of these reasons, but so they can get iOS 5 done right, iCloud launched and test everything more to avoid any bad press over silly things. Plus, I think it gives them time to build up more stock so they can better meet demand upon launch - or if the other rumors about Canada and China are right, launch in more markets sooner.
The other thing is thisif they are going to add 1080p video, I'd like a switch to toggle quality. 720p videos already take up too much space. That or make the next iPhone come in 64/128GB sizes. Your call Apple.
*if it means that the actual quality of the picture does not improve
I agree.... I have a really great quality 3Mp camera that takes amazing shots. It has an older CCD, but great lens and I can blow up prints to 18x24 and they look amazing.
I don't think more hurts, but it's far from what makes a great image.
I'm not a fan of Ken Rockwell, but his article sums up my feelings about the ever increasing MP count in phone cameras.