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Sony Announces 16.41MP Sensor for Mobile Phones

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Sony announced two new camera sensors for mobile phones, including one that’s capable of capturing 16.41 mexapixels  per frame. The Exmor R sensors and their accompanying lens modules will begin shipping early next year.

Sony claims that it has solved some of the issues of packing tiny pixels (1.12μm) so closely together, but I’m a bit skeptical. More megapixels doesn’t necessarily make a better image. High resolution images aren’t always ideal on mobile devices because they eat up both local storage and bandwidth.

Sony does have a mockup demonstrating the difference between a 5MP image and 16MP image. As you can see, the text is readable when blown up to 100%.

The Sony Exmor R sensor and lens module will cost about $145 per unit, which means it’ll be reserved for high-end mobile phones.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. aftermath

    10/07/2010 at 2:23 pm

    It’s always nice to see actual technology covered on a tech website.

    I’m also skeptical of the claimed size of the sensor. However, unlike most companies, Sony does do its own research, development, and technical innovation and has the cash to burn. If anybody could do it, they’d be among the few candidates. They’re probably in the best position to recover costs with integration into final products as well as licensing.

    I’m glad you pointed out that more megapixels is neither necessary nor sufficient for better image quality. However, I was left hoping that you would have added what does contribute to better image quality, especially given your obvious experience with photography.

    Every consumer is pretty dumb about almost everything in life with a few special exceptions, and in that way, I believe that we sort of have a responsibility to educate each other whenever our particular area of relative competence pops up. I’m probably wrong in believing that we’re responsible to each other in this way, but I also know that “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”. If we don’t look out for each, we all get cannibalized by the guys who can spend the most money on research psychologists and marketing departments.

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