CameraModule
Latest
Oppo phone, not Nexus 5, will be first to nab DigitalOptics' speedy MEMS camera
DigitalOptics has just announced that its MEMS multi-focus camera unit will arrive first on an Oppo handset, calling reports that it might first come to a rumored LG Nexus 5 "inaccurate." It added that Oppo is an "exclusive launch partner" for now, saying the modules will arrive in its premium models at some point in the future. The Lite-on-built 8-megapixel camera module has drawn buzz thanks to its high speed focusing compared to a typical voice coil-equipped smartphone camera, enabling possibilities that are somewhat similar to Lytro image capture. If you're interested in seeing whether the reality can live up to that, however, it appears you'll have to scratch Google's next handset off your list.
Raspberry Pi $25 camera hardware finalized, won't be available for 'at least a month'
The budget board makers over at the Raspberry Pi Foundation are clearly having a busy week, first launching the Model A in Europe, and now reporting that development of the camera add-on for the miniature computers has been completed. Well, the hardware has been finalized, at least, although it hasn't been "tuned" quite yet (picture quality still needs improvement), and the drivers aren't fully ready. The camera PCB measures around 25 x 20 x 9mm, and hosts a 5-megapixel, fixed-focus sensor that can shoot 2592 x 1944 stills and 1080p video at 30 fps. Aligning with the low cost of the main boards, it'll set you back $25, but won't be available for "at least a month." Don't just sit there twiddling your thumbs, though. Start brainstorming all the cool projects you can work on once you put an eye on that Pi.
HTC may not have PureView, but it does have ImageSense
Not to be outdone by the Nokia 808's appearance at MWC, HTC has released sample shots taken using the ImageSense camera module that comes in its One X and One S phones. In many ways they're normal-looking stills, with nothing like PureView's 41-megapixel oversampling (which is claimed to result in a superior still), and certainly no massive 1/1.2-inch sensor. However, if you look closely, you can see the benefits of some of HTC's improvements. Top among those is the faster f/2.0 lens, which will allow for shorter exposures and clearer moving subjects -- like the skateboarders above. Such images will also likely benefit from the 0.7-second time window for capturing an image and the 0.2-second auto-focus when shooting continuously. Whatever you make of the sample shots in the gallery below, HTC can also claim one key advantage over PureView -- at least for the time being: camera technology that still fits into a regular-sized smartphone.%Gallery-149381%
Sharp busts out world's first 3D HD camera for mobile devices
Oh yeah, things just got real. Sharp has announced an industry first today, with its 720p-recordin' 3D camera module. Intended for mobile devices like smartphones and point-and-shoot digicams, this miniature wonder will be sampling in July and hitting mass production before the end of the year. Not much else is known about it at this point -- we can guess it'll cost a pretty penny when it debuts -- but Sharp has penned an effusive press release, which you may explore just past the break.
Advasense and Creative Sensor invent world's smallest 5MP AF camera module
We know it sounds crazy, but there actually will be more than just new handsets at Mobile World Congress next week. In fact, both Advasense and Creative Sensor are planning to showcase the world's smallest 5 megapixel AutoFocus camera module at that very conference. The ASIO is a 5 megapixel, quarter-inch optical format, 1.4u FCP CMOS Image Sensor, which is incorporated into CSI's Compact Camera Module (which measures just 8.3- x 8.3-millimeters) in order to fit right into your next handset. There's no word yet on which mobile manufacturer(s) plan on placing the imager within their next crew of phones, but you can bet that representatives from both companies will be wheeling and dealing in Barcelona.[Via I4U News]
DIS reveals 9-megapixel camera module for mobile phones
We've seen 10-megapixel cameraphones. We've seen 8-megapixel cameraphones. But if you've been holding out for that oh-so-elusive 9-megapixel cameraphone, the wait is just about over. Digital Imaging Systems (DIS) has chosen Photokina 2008 to reveal its 9-megapixel (CMOS) DIS6931 camera module for mobile phones, which provides features such as auto-focus, a mechanical shutter and ND-filter with integrated actuators. Best of all, samples of the unit are shipping out right now, while volume production is on track for Q4 2008. Hey, handset makers -- can we get some attention on this, please?[Via UnwiredView]
Samsung Techwin's incredible shrinking cellphone camera
Cellphone cameras are already pretty darn small but, not one to be easily satisfied, Samsung Techwin has gone and shunk that module even smaller, cramming a complete camera with autofocus and 3x optical zoom into a 9mm thick package. Samsung Techwin also says the module will consume less power and provide more durability than other camera modules while still offering "digital camera-like quality" -- which digital camera, exactly, it didn't say. In any event, it looks like these are going to be just about everywhere in the not-too-distant future, with Samsung set to build a new plant to produce 'em at a rate of 10 million units per month by 2007. [Reg required for link]
