[Via FarEastGizmos]

[Via EETimes]

Every so often, we catch Sharp tooting its own horn in regard to sensor size. Needless to say, small is most certainly superior in this discussion, and the aforesaid outfit is patting itself on the back once more for the RJ63SC100. This 5-megapixel CMOS sensor is said to be the industry's thinnest at 9.5- x 9.5- x 6.6-millimeters, and it should fit snugly inside the already cramped innards of tomorrow's cellphones just fine. Samples are slated to ship out at the end of May for ¥10,000 ($96) a pop, while commercial production should get going a month later.

[Via Impress]

Measuring just 8.5-mm thin, you're looking at what Samsung claims to be the slimmest CMOS camera module of its kind. The 8 megapixel module is expected to supplant the 5 megapixel job found in todays top-end cameraphones sometime in the second half of the year. Fortunately, this isn't just a case of megapixel marketing as the module also features anti-shake, a 1-cm macro, and face tracking technology. It also packs a smile shutter feature to snap that picture just as soon as a smile, or vinegar, is detected.

Oh boy pixel fans, Sony just announced a new 35mm full size CMOS sensor touting 24.81 million effective pixels. The new sensor is destined for future professional-level DSLRs "within this year" in an effort to mimic the aspect ratios and distortion of their film predecessors while keeping one step ahead of the pixel wars. Sony's "Column-Parallel A/D Conversion Technique" used in the new sensor is said to achieve high S/N even while shooting 6.3, 12-bit frames per second at full resolution. What 6fps not good enough tough guy? There's always Sony's 60fps CMOS which Casio will sell you in their EX-F1. Just don't call yourself a pro if that's your preference, k?

[Via Impress]

You know all those 3 megapixel cameraphones out there? Well, they're about to achieve 8 megapixel ubiquity. Samsung just announced availability of their 8 megapixel CMOS sensor which shares roughly the same 10.5 x 11.5 x 9.4-mm girth of its 3 megapixel cuz. Just make sure you've got plenty of light to frame those shots if you're expecting anything close to a quality image.

So, you've already decided to save up the $1,300 green for your new EOS 40D, eh? We can't blame you in the least, in fact, we're pondering the hit ourselves. Still, we thought you should know that Sony just announced their 12.47 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS image sensor, the IMX021. Right, the same sized CMOS sensor you'll find in the 10.1 megapixel 40D capable of processing "just" 6.5fps. The new sensor is said to offer enhanced image quality with reduced noise at a staggering 10.39 frames per second. It's available now in ¥40,000 ($347) sample quantities and will no doubt make its way into DLSRs from Sony and others in the months ahead. Damn you progress!

[Via Impress]

Hot damn kiddies. Amazon just posted the specs and delivery for Canon's EOS 40D. Of course, it's not official 'til it's official but Amazon lists a September 20th availability for the true 30D successor. The specs? They're all there: new 10.1 megapixel, APS-C sized, self-cleaning CMOS sensor; 30% faster, 9 point AF; DIGIC III image processing; ISO 3200 max sensitivity; improved 3.0-inch LCD with Enhanced Live View; 6.5fps continuous shooting (bursting 75 Large/Fine JPEGs or 17 RAW images); 35-zone metering system; and CF card storage, natch. All in a body just slightly larger than the EOS 30D while tipping the scale with 1.4-ounces (40-grams) more beef. It also supports an "sRAW' mode which trims the number of pixels to one-fourth that of a standard RAW image (cutting file size in half) while retaining all of the flexibility of full-sized RAW images. A definite 30D upgrade for those of you who've been holding out. Sorry, no new pictures, the shot above was from that earlier leak. Now best get outta here and start shaking down the kids for the $1,299.99 required to take the body-only home.

Update: Amazon pulled the price and delivery date. No worries, original screengrab after the break.

Update 2: Oh my, now the whole page is gone! Tsk, tsk Amazon, jump the gun did we? We anticipated this: peep the gallery for a walk down memory lane.



[Via dpreview forums, thanks Manhog and Robby B.]

The bargain-bin-phenom has struck again, and this time it's the five-megapixel DXG-572V camcorder that's delivering a lot of promises for an uber-cheap price. 'Course, we wouldn't expect the built-in CMOS sensor, 4x digital zoom, white balance adjuster, voice recorder, digital still camera, or "near DVD quality" 640 x 480 MPEG4 / AVI video that this thing captures to win any awards, but those who don't mind chintzy ought not find any issues with this. Moreover, the unit boasts 32 measly megabytes of internal storage, an SD / MMC expansion slot, USB 2.0 connectivity, and a flip-out LCD screen to boot. If you're still sold, you can call the DXG-572V yours for just $149.99, and feel free to click on for a couple more angles.

Here in America, we don't take our home security systems lightly, but for those in Japan, it appears that they haven't resorted to installing sensor-triggered weapons in their windows just yet. The HC-1000 camera can be controlled via the internet or a FOMA mobile, and allows users to take a peek at what's going on without actually being on the premises. The device sports a three-megapixel CMOS sensor, Ethernet port, 802.11a/b/g, 2x digital zoom, and a QVGA video mode to boot. Additionally, a "defense support" system can enable the piercing siren to let loose a wail, and the built-in microphone / speaker can even open up two-way communication between you and your home-wrecker (or faraway relative). The HC-1000 itself will run you a modest ¥29,400 ($247), but those looking to totally lock down their dwelling can spend up to ¥141,750 ($1,191) for an elaborate whole home system.

[Via CScout, thanks Mike]

It's been a tick since we've seen a new in-car accident recorder hit the market, but just in case none of the previous flavors caught your eye, Clarion's DRC-3 DriveEye can certainly do the trick. Per usual, this wee camera attaches to your windshield, and when an impact or sudden braking / acceleration is detected, it captures the 20 seconds before and after the event. Moreover, the built-in power backup system ensures that your recordings stay in tact regardless of electronic failures within the vehicle, and just in case you feel like logging a few frames of that Lambo ahead, the manual recording button allows you to indulge. ¥49,800 ($411) gets you the camera, a 128MB CF card, and all the sensors and switches needed to rig this up, but here's to hoping you never actually need it for legal proceedings.

[Via Switched]

Here's one straight out of left field. While we were all anxiously affixed on Sony and Canon waiting for either to kick out a CMOS-packin' point-and-shoot camera, along comes Kodak to shake things up. Apparently, those five-megapixel CMOS sensors it had been working on are ready to rock, as the firm's EasyShare C513 includes one along with a 3x optical zoom, 2.4-inch LCD monitor, digital image stabilization, video capture, and in-camera editing functions. Best of all, this entry-level device is priced at just $99, and while this pioneering unit is slated to hit shelves next month, we've got a sneaking suspicious the flood gates are about to bust wide open with CMOS-stuffed pocket cams.

It looks like the previously low-lying race to cram CMOS sensors into a broader lineup of digital cameras just got a bit more noticeable, as Sony is tooting its own horn by announcing a ¥60 billion ($490.4 million) investment to "strengthen its CMOS sensor manufacturing operations." More specifically, the firm is hoping to "provide growth markets such as mobile phones and digital still cameras with CMOS sensors," and judging by all the work that has gone on of late in these very areas, we'd say something major could be on the horizon. Interestingly, DPReview noted that this very information has been quietly residing on Sony's webpage for some time, but we can only assume that Canon's recent announcement persuaded Sony to bring it to the forefront. Ah, semiconductor manufacturers battling it out -- now that's entertainment.

[Thanks, Will]