Mini Movie Makers: Tiny high-res image sensors could allow mobile HD filming
Micron Technology claims to have built the world's first 8-megapixel image sensor in the standard format used by mainstream digital cameras.
Not only will this allow for incredible still pictures, but because it's based on a CMOS chip it also allows much faster image capture. At its top resolution it can shoot 10fps, but at 2-megapixel resolution it will shoot at 30fps in a format compatible with 720p HD.
Voila! High-def video.
Micron have already commercially released a 5-megapixel chip also capable of shooting in entry-level HD.
Because of the tiny sizes we're talking here, there's little reason why these chips cannot be rolled out for use in mobile phone cameras and other mini-cams.
Until now, mobile cameras have generally been a bit of fun, not offering the same quality as dedicated cameras and camcorders. I know picture quality is about far more than resolution, but this could open the way for more versatile, innovative ways of shooting HD footage, particularly for sports, news and other live events.
I'm not suggesting the BBC get Motty to sit behind goal with his 8-megapixel mobile, waiting for a striker to score, but if these mini image sensors allow for higher quality images in smaller equipment, it does open up new possibilities.
It's also a slightly unnerving thought that sometime soon, every teenager with a mobile phone could be moblogging in high-def. You thought CCTV was bad?
