Sony just announced (or re-announced, seeing as how this information has been on its website for some time now) that it will be investing about $490 million to strengthen its manufacturing operations for CMOS sensors. What for? Well, the company hopes that its increased production will be used to provide for growth markets such as mobile phones and digital cameras.
CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensors are imaging systems used in digital imaging products. These use less power than the CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type that is commonly used in most digital SLRs. CMOS sensors are less expensive to make, but have been more susceptible to noise.
Now, what does this all mean? We aren’t quite sure yet, but it does look like Sony has a related announcement or two on the way. Cheaper digital cameras and camera phones? Maybe. Or higher megapixel counts or performance that rivals CCDs. Only time will tell.
Editor: If Sony wanted cheaper cameras on cell phones, all they have to do is go to China and ask how come these convergence media players with cameras come so cheap.
[via engadget]
September 8th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
[...] Sony promises, Sony delivers. Sony increased spendings on CMOS technology has already delivered. The new CMOS [...]
September 25th, 2007 at 11:27 pm
[...] Sony to invest $490 million in CMOS production PMP Today - Copperopolis,CA,USA CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensors are imaging systems used in digital imaging products. These use less power than the CCD (Charge … Sony Clock Radio, Boombox Sport iPod Docks PC World - USA … audio products to support it," said Andrew Sivori, director of personal audio products in the Digital Imaging and Audio Division at Sony Electronics. … Kodak names RIT alumna as VP Rochester Democrat and Chronicle - Rochester,NY,USA Zongrone, 48, has been general manager of Kodak’s Consumer Digital Imaging Group worldwide kiosk systems and services since November 2005. … Jaacx to Distribute Hot New GE Digital Cameras Throughout Latin … Business Wire (press release) - San Francisco,CA,USA Jaacx Distributors is a leading distributor of consumer electronic products such as LCD TVs, DVDs, and digital imaging. Founded in 1996, the company is … Aerial imaging to help with taxes, 911 Chillicothe Gazette - Chillicothe,OH,USA By LOREN GENSON New digital imaging software for Ross County government meant to improve tax assessment may also help other county services such as 911 … Ambir Technology Announces Availability of Duplex ID Card Scanner Emediawire (press release) - Ferndale,WA,USA Ambir Technology, Inc., a manufacturer of scanners, signature pads and digital imaging software solutions, announces the general availability of its DS685 … Consumers face digital camera import duty price threat Amateur Photographer - UK … Photo Imaging Council (PIC) which fought against the move to reclassify them. Speaking last year a PIC spokeswoman said: ‘At present, no digital cameras … [...]