Consumers need to think about sensor size rather than pixel count, says Aptina’s Sandor Barna, because larger image sensors are likely to appear in all types of devices. Barna, the Vice President and General Manager of sensor maker Aptina’s Consumer Camera Business Unit, spoke to us about the challenges facing compact cameras, the niche that will continue to exist for them, and hints that more large sensor compacts are on their way.
Sensor maker Aptina has announced a 14MP 1″-type sensor for use in mirrorless and video cameras. The AR1411HS enters the range alongside the existing 10MP model and offers even faster shooting capabilities. The 14MP chip can shoot full-resolution images at up to 80 fps and can shoot either 4K or Quad HD (allowing high quality 4:2:2 color) at up to 60 fps. The company suggests the 1″ format (actually 13.2 x 8.8mm) offers an effective balance of image quality, price and capabilities to make a sensible middle ground between the tiny 1/2.3″ sensors in most compacts and the APS-C sensors used in many mirrorless models and DSLRs.
Sensor maker Aptina has announced it has signed a patent cross-license agreement with Sony, that provides each company with access to the other’s patent portfolio. This agreement gives two prominent sensor makers access to some of each other’s technologies for future development of cameras and other imaging products.
Sensor maker Aptina has announced it has signed a patent cross-license agreement with Sony, that provides each company with access to the other’s patent portfolio. This agreement gives two prominent sensor makers access to some of each other’s technologies for future development of cameras and other imaging products.
Sensor maker Aptina has released more details of its two most recently-announced chips, including a 10MP, 1″-type sensor that uses its dynamic range-boosting DR-Pix technology. The company, which also makes the 1″ sensors used in the Nikon 1 System cameras, is making this new sensor available to the wider market. It has also provided more detail about an 18MP 1/2.3″ compact camera sensor that can shoot 1080p video with three different crops at up to 120 frames per second.