Tuesday, March 27th 2007
Digital Cameras to Get an Upgrade
The CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices) currently used in digital cameras could soon be phased out if Samsung is successful with its new CMOS image sensor (CIS), which is the smallest in the world. The new sensor is capable of 8.4 megapixels and provides a signal to noise ratio comparable to current CCDs, giving good image quality for photographic purposes. Because it only uses a tenth of the power currently required for CCDs, it should quickly find its way into digital cameras and camcorders, along with mobile camera phones. Samsung has been investing a lot of money into improving its CIS technology as it aims to become more competitive, and its 8.4Mp offering should be available later this year.
Source:
NewsWire
9 Comments on Digital Cameras to Get an Upgrade
RED HERRING
Sorry I cant explain it better but thats what I had read trough reviews on cameras on the net, specifically the 10mp canon cameras. (I was concidering buying one that had a decent sale at futureshop).
Take a read through that for a comparison - haven't read it myself yet, but skimming through it I think it's got a fair amount of detail. :)
Think it's quite old though, so CMOS sensors should have improved in quality.
I think the "breaking news" is that Samsung have managed to do something new with how they build the CMOS device so that it (nearly) matches CCD quality, BUT, due to the way CMOS is built compared to CCD, the output is easier to use and cheaper to "connect" to the device. i.e. for cheap cameras, the additional electronics are simpler... ideal for webcams,phones, security systems, etc. This helps with RPD/RPM (Rapid Product Development/Manufacture).