CES 2013: Omnivision Offers Smartphones Full HD Video Capture at 90 FPS

Firmly targeting the HD mobile video opportunity, OmniVision Technologies (News - Alert), has launched a 4-megapixel CameraChip sensor for embedding in smartphones, tablets and other consumer electronics. It shoots in a native 16:9 HD format, for capturing full-resolution video and photography at 90 frames per second (FPS) with zero shutter lag.

"Today's video-centric imaging applications demand higher resolutions and faster frame rates with better image quality and sensitivity, even under the most challenging lighting conditions," said Vinoo Margasahayam, director of product marketing at OmniVision.

 "The OV4688's new 2-micron OmniBSI-2 pixel delivers 40-percent higher sensitivity when compared to the 1.75-micron OmniBSI-2 pixel. This improvement combined with the ability to run full-resolution 4-megapixel video at 90 FPS makes the OV4688 a highly attractive camera solution for video-centric applications."

In addition to capturing full-resolution 4-megapixel HD video at 90 FPS, it can shoot 1080p HD at 120 FPS with electronic image stabilization (EIS) and 720p HD at 180 FPS. Value-added features include full-resolution continuous frame capture, or burst photography where multiple frames are captured in rapid succession, and recording high-resolution slow-motion video.

The OV4688 features a high-speed 4-lane MIPI serial output interface to facilitate the required high data transfer rate and fits into an 8.5 x 8.5 mm module with a z-height of less than six mm. The company expects to enter mass production in the second quarter of 2013.