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iPhone 6 Rear Camera to Retain 8-Megapixel Sensor, Offer Improved Image Stabilization?

Thursday January 9, 2014 6:58 am PST by Eric Slivka
iphone_5s_rear_cameraiPhone camera module supplier Largan Precision saw its stock take a significant dip yesterday amid rumors that Apple will not be upgrading the resolution of the rear camera for the iPhone 6 later this year, reports The China Post.

The report cites analysts from Nomura Securities who indicate that while the iPhone 6 should see some camera improvements such as enhanced optical image stabilization, the device will continue to use an 8-megapixel sensor rather than a higher-resolution sensor in the 12-16 megapixel range.
According to Nomura Securities, Largan's recently lagging performance in the market is caused by rumors that Apple may adopt an 8 mega-pixel (MP) camera with improved optical image stabilization on its upcoming handset, instead of the 16 MP upgrade anticipated by industry observers. Apple's decision is based on the design requirement to retain the handset's more portable form factor, said Nomura Securities. [...]

Largan retains a leading edge among competing suppliers, as even though the camera's pixel count remains the same, the company is among the few companies capable of coping with the complexity of the camera module, said Nomura Securities. The production of smaller-factored camera modules would require significantly improved optical aperture and resolution attributes, which are the company's competitive strengths, said Nomura Securities.
Apple first introduced an 8-megapixel rear camera on the iPhone 4s back in 2011 and used similar modules for the iPhone 5 in 2012 and iPhone 5c last year. Apple's 2013 flagship iPhone 5s model continues to use an 8-megapixel sensor, but achieves significant camera improvements through increased pixel size, a larger aperture, new "True Tone" dual LED flash, software enhancements, and more.

[ 243 comments ]


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Sandstorm
67 months ago
I'm absolutely OK with 8 megapixels, much rather I'd like to see further improvements to low light performance and overall picture quality.
Rating: 51 Votes
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osx11
67 months ago
This is the way to go. Thanks Apple!

I'd rather have really good 8MP pics than mediocre 40+ MP pics.
Rating: 43 Votes
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Ingot
67 months ago
Anything Apple makes, I will want.

End of line.
Rating: 22 Votes
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BJMRamage
67 months ago
the size of the sensor is more important than the "size" of the Megapixels.

it was a bit surprising Apple didn't increase the megapixel...as they have and other phone makers have but at the asme time it seems silly to have 12-16-40 MegaPixels in a camera on a phone.

and When I had my first DSLR it only have a 6 Megapixel...and I have printed a 40+ " print...heck, even using photos blown up on a box truck wrap.

and who needs megapixels when too often people just make them crappy with instagram filters
Rating: 22 Votes
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auero
67 months ago

This is the way to go. Thanks Apple!

I'd rather have really good 8MP pics than mediocre 40+ MP pics.


I hope you're not referring to the Lumia 1020. They're far from mediocre.
Rating: 17 Votes
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sransari
67 months ago
I'm waiting for iPhone 9, I heard it was supposed to be good.
Rating: 14 Votes
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goodcow
67 months ago
More megapixels also requires more data center space for Photo Stream.
Rating: 14 Votes
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pmz
67 months ago

Yes.. 4S = 8 MP. iPhone 5 = 8 MP with some "enhancements". iPhone 5S = 8MP with some "enhancements".

iPhone 6 = 8MP with "enhancements"??

I know megapixels aren't everything, but good luck telling the masses that the camera is really improving if you try that again.


You made two posts in as many minutes that put megapixels on a pedestal as if they are the only measure of improvement. Then take all of the insanely great innovation that Apple has done with mobile camera generations and chalk them up as "enhancements". Pretty irresponsible.

The general public? What do they know about cameras? Photographers (of which I am one) are thoroughly impressed, especially with the 5 and overwhelmed with the 5S.
Rating: 13 Votes
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Nik
67 months ago
You are wrong. Apple first introduced an 8-megapixel sensor on the 4S!
Rating: 12 Votes
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WildCowboy
67 months ago

You are wrong. Apple first introduced an 8-megapixel sensor on the 4S!


Yep, thanks...fixed.

And more? And more? What does that mean? There is no "more". You've literally listed every single improvement of the camera in the 5s, still you feel the need to add the equivalent of "etc." at the end of the phrase.


I left out specific mention of the new ISP in the A7 that allows for faster capture and focus. Slo-mo is also more than just software tweaks.
Rating: 12 Votes

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