3 things to know: SHARP’s super-thin CMOS camera

3 things to know: SHARP’s super-thin CMOS camera

As if this were even possible, smartphones are about to get even thinner

BY JEFFREY BAUSCH

Yesterday, Sharp formally introduced the industry’s thinnest CMOS camera module yet, the cumbrously named RJ63YC100.

The super-thin, super-tiny, bulkily titled RJ63YC100 CMOS camera by Sharp. (Credit: sharp-world.com)

Here are three things you should know about it:

1. The specs.

The RJ63YC100 is a 12.1-Mpixel, 1/3.2-in. back-illuminated CMOS camera module. It measures 11.0 x 11.0 mm and in an industry where size matters, Sharp is proud to point out that at a whopping 5.47 mm in height, this is the thinnest CMOS camera module to date.

According to the company’s press release,[1] they were able to do achieve these specs thanks to Sharp’s uber-sophisticated propriety high-density packaging technology. Predictions are that the company’s success in reducing the camera’s thickenss will, in turn, help manufacturers produce even thinner smartphones.

2. It features optical image stabilization and autofocus.

The camera uses a lens-shift system to control the lens inside the module. This allows users to capture high-quality images in situations that are usually prone to blurring caused by camera shake, such as shooting in poorly lit areas, shooting moving objects, etc.

3. It supports full HD video capture.

This allows the smartphone user to take HD video with reduced blurring. The video can then be easily transferred onto an LCD TV for viewing on a larger screen.

Perhaps the best news is the fact that the camera’s ready for mass production. In fact, sample shipments are scheduled to go out today, December 2nd , to cell phone manufacturers, and volume shipments will begin going out on January 10th , 2012. The press release has the camera retailing at 12,000 yen, or $154 USD each. ■

[1] sharp-world.com/corporate/news/111201.html