Samsung's latest 8MP cameraphone sensor has backside illumination, zero shutter lag (Update: specs)
Samsung hasn't shown off all of its new tech at MWC 2012 yet, but one more early announcement is a new "premium" cameraphone sensor, the 8MP S5K3H7. Its new 1.4um CMOS shown above features backside illumination (BSI) technology for better quality in low light -- just like the iPhone 4/4S camera and HTC's just-announced ImageChip -- as well as the promise of zero shutter lag and 30fps 1080p video all while using less power than previous generations. There's no word yet on which phones will include the new imaging chip, but it should go into mass production in the next couple of months.
Update: Looking for more numbers? The English PR is out now and confirms a slim form factor 8.5mm x 8.5mm camera module with 5.5mm height dimension capable of 120fps 720p or 240fps slow motion video recording. Check the data yourself in the press release after the break.
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Samsung Introduces 8 Megapixel CMOS Imager for
Premium Quality HD Video Capabilities on High-end Mobile Phones
Spain, Barcelona- February 27, 2012- (Virtual Press Office) – Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a world leader in advanced semiconductor solutions, today unveiled its new 1/3.2-inch 8 Megapixel (Mp) CMOS imager, the S5K3H7, utilizing advanced 1.4um back side illuminated (BSI) pixel technology. This newly developed high-speed imager supports a frame rate of 30 frame-per-seconds (fps) for full 8Mp resolution, capable of delivering camcorder-class video quality on mobile handsets.
"Consumers show a growing preference for high resolution image sensors with the diversity and qualities of DSCs on their mobile gadgets," said Taehoon Kim, vice president of System LSI sales & marketing, Device Solutions, Samsung Electronics. "Samsung's advanced 8Mp imager is a good match for a diverse imaging experience and is expected to further expand Samsung's leadership in CMOS based imaging technologies."
Samsung's S5K3H7 imager supports up to 30fps at full 8Mp resolution and 1080p full HD video recording. The high-speed sensor features instant capture of dynamic images without shutter lag. The highly sensitive shutter operations coupled with high-resolution features allow the capturing of motion snapshots and continuous shooting of fast-moving subjects such as pets and sports in action.
By adopting a parallel processing data solution, the new imager doubles the frame rate over previous generation of 8Mp imagers to 30fps, while operating at similar power levels due to the sensor's low-power circuitry.
The new sensor also provides 720p video recording at 120fps and VGA resolution images at 240fps for slow motion playback on mobile phones.
In addition, the slim form factor fits a 8.5mm x 8.5mm auto focus camera module with a height dimension of 5.5mm gives design engineers a great deal of freedom in designing camera modules suitable for slim mobile handsets and small form factor applications.
Samsung's S5K3H7 is scheduled for mass production next month.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2011 consolidated sales of US$143.1 billion. Employing approximately 222,000 people in 205 offices across 71 countries, the company operates two separate organizations to coordinate its nine independent business units: Digital Media & Communications, comprising Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, and Digital Imaging; and Device Solutions, consisting of Memory, System LSI and LCD. Recognized for its industry-leading performance across a range of economic, environmental and social criteria, Samsung Electronics was named the world's most sustainable technology company in the 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. For more information, please visit http://www.samsung.com.
About Samsung Semiconductor Europe
Samsung Semiconductor Europe, a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Seoul, Korea, is headquartered in Eschborn near Frankfurt/Main, Germany and operates offices all over Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA). The European headquarter is handling the marketing and sales activities of Samsung Electronics' component business units including Memory, System LSI, and LCD in EMEA. For more information, please visit http://www.samsungsemi.eu.
