14 DAY TRIAL // Although not many of you have heard about OmniVision before, the company is behind many of the camera sensors used in today's smartphones, iPhone included, the company just announcing a new 8MP CMOS chip destined to be used in smartphones.
Compared to its previous models, the OV8820 comes as a noteworthy upgrade as it packs an important array of video features that should make even an entry level video camera jealous, such as the ability to record 1080p content at 30 frames per second or 720p at an impressive 60 fps.
Of course that the underlying hardware has to support these modes as well since this will generate quite a fair amount of data, so this sensor needs a fast processor and storage memory in order to keep up with it.
Furthermore, as this is an CMOS sensor, its low light recording capabilities are enhanced compared to those of regular CCD sensors, OmniVision's chips also featuring electronic image stabilization as well as autofocus, a RAW mode and live image processing to reduce the number of artefeacts that creep up into photos.
The recorded images can be processed at 24 frames per second when 8MP still are shot, or even 30 frames per second in the 6MP widescreen mode, OmniVision also promising "tower of jello" free video recording.
According to OmniVision the image sensor has started sampling now, mass production being scheduled for March 2011, if all goes as intended.
For now, OmniVision hasn't provided us with any infos regarding the companies that are going to integrate these new image sensors into their products, but Apple is one of the most likely contenders since every generation of the iPhone has featured a OmniVision built image sensor, rumors suggesting this will actually make its way into the not yet released iPhone 5. (via electronista)