Photo Rumors » Sensors

In case you didn’t know, the RE35 digital film cartridge was a prank

PR admin — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 04:00:17 +0000

Several readers asked me if the RE35 digital film cartridge was real. RE35 website promised film sized cartridges with a new "Flexisensor" that can store images digitally and then upload them via USB to a computer. Here is the answer:

Good prank indeed! Check Wikipedia for more info on a related scam from 2001.

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New 14MP sensor, able to capture 1080p/60fps HD video

PR admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:22:26 +0000

Besides rumors, this blog covers (or will cover) also the future development of photography equipment. I am working on a series of posts that will cover various topics in this area. I created a new category "Future of Photo Equipment".

Today's news: we have a new sensor from Aptina: MT9F001 camera image sensor with 14MP (1.4um-pixel) able to capture 1080p/60fps HD.

Full press release after the break:

Aptina A-Pix technology advancements drive new 1.4-micron high-end camera sensor

San Jose, CA, November 10, 2009 —
Aptina announced today the launch of the MT9F001 camera image sensor, the latest addition to its extensive portfolio of high performance image sensor solutions. The sensor’s high resolution, high speed snapshot and HD video modes, flexible interface and pre-processing options reflect the new “must have” features manufacturers are looking for in their premier cameras. The new 14-megapixel camera sensor, captures high quality, full HD video (1080p/60fps) while also enabling valuable end-user features manufacturers are seeking for their high performance designs including support for Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS). The MT9F001 image sensor incorporates Aptina’s most advanced 1.4-micron pixel using Aptina TM A-Pix technology and a four-lane HiSPiTM (High Speed Serial Pixel Interface) serial data interface to achieve the combination of still image quality and video performance that set it apart from CCD technology.

Early customer response to the MT9F001 has been positive. “We are impressed by the performance advancement the MT9F001 sensor represents, both in terms of image quality and in high definition video capability” said Mr. Toshinobu Haruki, General Manager in the DI Division at SANYO, a leading supplier of hybrid cameras that couple high resolution still capture with high quality video capture.“ Aptina is clearly focused on continuous improvement to meet the severe demands of the consumer digital camera market,” adds Haruki.

The Right Solution
Aptina™ A-Pix technology overcomes the challenge of effective photon collection in the photodiodes that small pixels present when using conventional front side illumination (FSI). The result achieved with Aptina’s technology is BSI-equivalent sensitivity, but with less crosstalk for lower noise and more accurate color reproduction. When considering such critical performance parameters such as sensitivity, cross-talk, hot pixel count, and manufacturability, Aptina’s MT9F001 technology is the right solution for high performance digital consumer camera products.
“The MT9F001 is a unique image sensor combining a smaller pixel and increased performance,” says Sandor Barna, General Manager for Aptina’s Camera Business Unit. “This sensor puts into practice Aptina’s latest technology, including Aptina™ A-Pix which maximizes the light gathering of each pixel.”

High Speed
The MT9F001 incorporates Aptina’s HiSPiTM interface technology which was developed and is owned by Aptina. It is an open access, scalable technology that enables 1080p/60fps performance (and beyond) and has been adopted by a growing number of Aptina Tier 1 business partners to meet the challenges of high speed, low power consumption data transfer. HiSPiTM technology provides distinct benefits for users including open access to a performance focused interface, the ability to support 1080p/60fps today, and the scalability to accommodate higher data rates for the future.

The MT9F001 will be in mass production in Q1 2010.

©2009 Aptina Imaging Corporation. All rights reserved. Information is subject to change without notice.
SANYO is a registered trademark of Sanyo Electric Company, Ltd.

About Aptina
Aptina is a global provider of CMOS image sensor solutions with a growing portfolio of products that can be found in all of the leading mobile phone and notebook computer brands. Aptina also offers a wide range of products for digital and video cameras, surveillance, medical, automotive and industrial applications, video conferencing, barcode scanners, toys and gaming. Aptina continually drives innovation in the market as seen with the introduction of the first 10MP CMOS image sensor for point-and-shoot cameras (MT9J003), and the industry’s first 5MP SOC with ¼” format (MT9P111). For additional information on Aptina, visit www.aptina.com.

Aptina and the Aptina logo are trademarks of Aptina Imaging Corporation.

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20MP imaging and 720p video coming soon to your phone

PR admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:54:31 +0000

Texas Instruments developed a coprocessor that supports 20MP imaging and 720p video for the phone industry. A matching sensor is yet to be developed.

Press release after the break:

New OMAP-DM5x coprocessors from Texas Instruments bring 20-megapixel imaging and 720p high-definition camcorder capabilities to mobile phones

DALLAS, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/—Further addressing consumer expectations for mobile phones that deliver performance equivalent to stand-alone consumer devices, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) today announced two new members of its OMAP-DM5x family of coprocessors, which deliver the industry’s highest megapixel (MP) capability, with up to 20 MP still imaging capabilities, as well as 720p high-definition (HD) camcorder functionality. The OMAP-DM515 and OMAP-DM525 coprocessors accelerate imaging and video performance, giving handset manufacturers an easy way to upgrade existing handset designs to get to market quickly with cutting-edge multimedia capabilities. For more information, please visit http://www.ti.com/omapdmpr.

Key features and benefits of the OMAP-DM5x coprocessor family:

* Digital SLR-“like” imaging:
o Industry’s highest MP support, with up to 20 MP capabilities and high-quality 720p HD video capture
o 8MP shot-to-shot performance, with 1.4 frames per second in high-quality mode and 2 frames per second in burst mode
* Integrated software that delivers stand-alone consumer electronics quality imaging and video:
o Perfect moment technology: Captures a series of shots, allowing users to select the best image in a series
o Smart lighting: Compensates for backlit and low-light environments
o Face tracking: Identifies, recognizes and focuses on faces
o Auto scene detector: Determines appropriate settings based on environment
o Video noise filter: Improves video quality
o Advanced motion-triggered image stability
* TV-out capabilities enable content sharing on larger screens
* Pin compatibility between all devices allows for easy design upgrades to match changing consumer demands
* Eliminates need for external memory
* Works with a variety of mobile baseband and application processor solutions, as well as any high-level or real-time operating system.

OMAP-DM515 and OMAP-DM525 coprocessor specifications

Megapixel (MP) Video resolution

OMAP-DM515 12MP DVD quality to 720p
coprocessor HD camcorder
OMAP-DM525 20MP DVD quality to 720p
coprocessor HD camcorder

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