K-Touch shows 8MP phone with Canon image chip

Canon is finally getting into the mobile phone business, as the new K-Touch C280 spotted at by AVING at Chitec 2008 on Monday runs the photo company's DIGIC III imaging processor. The 8-megapixel camera also uses a Samsung CMOS sensor, and a 3x optical zoom thanks to its motorized lens. While these components attribute to the handset's bloated size, the phone features dedicated camera controls, placed where they would be on an actual point-and-shoot digital camera.

The C280's ISO value can be set as high as 1600, expanding its capabilities in low-light conditions. The phone's camera will also use an LED flash and face-detection software. Timer and macro functions are also integrated into the camera's capabilities.

Thus far, the C280 is due to go on sale only in the Chinese market, though no release dates or prices have been revealed.