Sharp outs a thin 12MP smartphone camera module with optical image stabilization

Sharp has done the unthinkable, and introduced a 12MP camera module lean enough at 0.22" (5.7mm) to get into anorexic smartphones, but featuring the coveted optical image stabilization (OIS). Now fit optical zoom in it and our digital cameras will gather dust in some closet.

We kid, but Sharp has indeed managed to insert a very desirable for smartphones features into this module. With today's slim and light handsets every slight adjustment can shake the video or blur your photo, and it's hard to hold breath for more than a couple of minutes anyway. There have been efforts for software shake reduction, but nothing beats the real deal, of course.

Sharp says OIS was possible thanks to its patented dense packaging tech, and the 1/3.2" sensor is also back-illuminated, capable of 1080p HD video recording. Check the full details below:

Model	RJ63YC100
Imaging element	12.1-Megapixel, 1/3.2-inch back-illuminated CMOS image sensor
Module dimensions (including flexible PCB)	11.0 (W) x 11.0 (L) x 5.47 (H) mm
Optical functions	Optical image stabilization; autofocus
Output format	RAW (4-lane MIPI*2 serial output interface)
Lens F number	F 2.5; horizontal viewing angle: 61°

The lean 12MP camera sensor with OIS will start shipping samples tomorrow, and volume shipments of up to 100 000 units are expected in January. We wonder which are the phones this puppy will end up in, but Sharp's own Androids seem like a prime candidate.

source: Sharp via PhoneScoop

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