Samsung 12MP CMOS smartphone sensor does 1080p at up to 60fps

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a world leader in advanced semiconductor solutions, today unveils its new 1/3.2-inch 8 Megapixel (Mp) CMOS imager, S5K3H2. The new imager utilizes Samsung's advanced 1.4 micron (um) back side illuminated (BSI) pixel technology to offer superior low-light sensitivity, satisfying the high quality imaging requirements of smartphones, high-end feature phones and camcorders.

"The new imager with BSI is designed to address the increased demand for 8 Megapixel resolution cameras by high–end mobile phone customers, and offers excellent low-light sensitivity as well as 1080p full HD video features," said Dojun Rhee, vice president of marketing, System LSI Division, Samsung Electronics. "We continue to expand our product portfolio beyond mobile phones, to serve a wide variety of applications such as DSLR cameras, DVC/DSCs, camera embedded displays and game applications."

The 8Mp imager provides clear and crisp image quality on par with point-and-shoot cameras, supporting up to 15 frames per second (fps) at full resolution and 1080p full HD video image up to 30fps. It also offers video recording of 720p at 60fps and VGA resolution images at 120fps for slow motion playback function all on a mobile phone.

Based on Samsung's BSI low power process technology, the S5K3H2 is able to operate on 1.2 voltage levels enabling longer battery life for high-end mobile and smartphones.

In addition, as the slim form factor fits in an 8.5mm x 8.5mm auto focus camera module with a height dimension of 6.0mm, the S5K3H2 gives design engineers a great deal of freedom in designing camera modules suitable for slim mobile handsets and small form factor applications.

Samsung's 8Mp S5K3H2 is sampling now and is scheduled for mass production in the second quarter of this year.