OmniVision Enables 12.6-Megapixel Shots

The quality of an image taken with a photo camera depends mostly on the CMOS image sensor it is equipped with, and it looks like OmniVision just delivered one that should enter mass production soon.

Nowadays, it is hard to find any consumer electronic, save perhaps some TV sets, which are not equipped with a video camera.

Most any PC or gadget that can connect to the Internet has at least one, since video calls can't be made without them otherwise.

Of course, the primary role of cameras remains to take still shots and record video, provided the functionality exists.

Still, the quality is, in the end, determined by the CMOS image sensor used in their making, and it looks like OmniVision just delivered a new one.

Dubbed OV12825, it can record Full HD video (1,080p quality) at 60 FPS (frames per second), while still pictures can be taken at up to 12.6 megapixels.

EIS (electronic image stabilization) is present, along with support for 10/12bit RAW RGB and CCIR656 output formats.

Furthermore, the newcomer has low light sensitivity (650 mV/(lux-sec) and is based on the 1.4-micron OmniBSI pixel architecture.

Digital cameras, high-end phones and any other gadget with emphasis on high-quality image shooting and video recording should be able to benefit from it.

"Driven by increasing consumer expectations, the camera phone market continues to demand progressively higher resolutions with full convergence of still photography and quality HD video," said Vinoo Margasahayam, product marketing manager at OmniVision.

"The OV12825 answers those demands by providing a high-performance mobile imaging experience. With its impressive array of features and capabilities, this no-compromise CMOS image sensor provides an excellent solution for current and next-generation phones."

Mass production should commence sometimes this quarter, within two and a half months as it were. Samples are already available for interested product makers.