Matsushita (Panasonic) announces next generation image sensor

Matsushita (Panasonic) has announced development and production of a

smaller, more sensitive image sensor, to be used first in mobile

phones, and soon in dedicated digi-cams and video cameras as well.

Called the "v(nu)MAICOVICON", the sensor is said to consume less

power than CCD sensors and provide higher image quality than CMOS

sensors. <p>

According to the company's <a

href="sensorhttp://matsushita.co.jp/corp/news/official.data/data.dir/e

n040213-2/en040213-2.html">press release</a>,<p>

"the image sensor can capture images more accurately, even under the

low-light condition of five lux or less (equivalent to half the

lightness of a nearby candle flame)."<p>

Production began in February, with a 1.3 megapixel version for mobile

phone cameras, and moving up to a 2 megapixel sensor for mobile

phones this month. In making the announcement the company said, <p>

"[. . .] future models will feature increased number of pixels and

enhanced performance speed, capable to be [<i>sic</i>] applied to AV-

related products such as digital still cameras, digital video

cameras, and in other areas such as security systems."<p>

See also the announcement <a

href="http://www.dpreview.com/news/0402/04021801matsushitahybridccdcmo

s.asp">here</a> (dpreview.com).

Here is the correct link to Matsushita's <a href="http://matsushita.co.jp/corp/news/official.data/data.dir/e

n040213-2/en040213-2.html"">press release</a>.