New 8-Megapixel RAW CMOS Image Sensor Supports YouTube and Facebook Apps

A new 1/3.2-inch 8-megapixel RAW CMOS image sensor was introduced by OmniVision, codenamed OV8820. The new image sensor is based on the company's 1.4-micron OmniBSI pixel architecture.

According to the manufacturer, the sensor delivers high frame rate 1080p/30 and 720p/60 high-definition (HD) video with electronic image stabilization (EIS) and full horizontal field of view (FOV).

Another interesting trait of the OV8820 is the addition of "advanced video capabilities" that support mobile YouTube and Facebook applications, which makes it a good solution for future camera phones with complex video recording capabilities.

“Industry research firm Yole Developpement is forecasting that 8-megapixel resolution sensors will hold over a third of the market share for camera phones by 2015,” said Vinoo Margasahayam, product marketing manager for OmniVision.

“The smart phone segment is leading this trend towards higher resolution sensors requiring near-DSC quality photography, autofocus functionality and high quality video recording. The OV8820's ability to deliver high quality, fast frame rate image capture and HD video recording in a compact format meets the critical requirements for next generation mobile handsets, and particularly for smart phones,” added Margasahayam.

Tech specs of the image sensor reveal support for full 8-megapixel (3264 x 2448) resolution, video recording at 24 frames per second in a 4:3 format, as well support for 6-megapixel (3264 x 1836) resolution video recording at 30 fps in a 16:9 format.

Thanks to the higher frame rates the images sensor benefits from no image lag for shutter-less designs, continuous shooting, and minimized rolling shutter effect, real-time image capture with no lag between resolutions, as well as full HD at 30 or 60 fps.

Furthermore, the OV8820 features an integrated scaler, which enables EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) and maintains full horizontal “field of view” with improved signal-to-noise performance in 1080p HD video mode operating at 30 fps.

“We have also added some unique features to OV8820 that improve the user experience, such as full field of view HD video with image stabilization, making this sensor a highly attractive product for this fast growing market segment,” said Margasahayam.

The OV8820 measures 8.5 x 8.5 mm and is expected to be available on the market in March 2011.