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3.2-megapixel camera confirmed for next-gen iPhone?

updated 09:30 am EDT, Fri April 3, 2009

3.2MP camera for iPhone

The next iPhone should indeed have a 3.2-megapixel camera, according to a Taiwanese industry report. Market sources claim that OmniVision has received orders from Apple for 3.2-megapixel CMOS sensors, with the specific intent of use in a new iPhone line. Aptina and STMicroelectronics are also said to have been in competition to produce the sensors.

OmniVision is additionally noted to have secured a deal to produce five-megapixel sensors for Apple, though for what device is unclear; the end product is expected to launch later in 2009. Apple may theoretically use the sensors in a new iPhone or iPod, but the company is also said to be working on devices such as a 10-inch netbook, which could also take advantage of a camera. The technology could likewise be interwoven with Macs and Cinema Displays.

 
Previous Comments

Yay! Better photos..

04/03, 11:03am (1 reply) reply

The iPhone will never replace my camera, but it would be nice to have improved resolution. I hope the new sensor has better light performance. I can't wait to see Omnivision's 5-megapixel sensor in an Apple mobile since it supports 1080p video and comes in 1/3" form factor for better image quality.

Zanziboy

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2008

+3

Let the bitchin' begin

04/03, 12:03pm (1 reply) reply

What? Only 3.2MPs when my (any handset) has 5 or 8 MPs. It's an improvement and that will have to be satisfactory enough. A cellphone isn't going to take the place of a dedicated camera without extra bulk. Apple is making a sensible trade-off.

I guess there's only going to be one camera on board and no video-conferencing. The high-end Nokia fans will be laughing hard about the iPhone still being behind the times.

Constable Odo

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2007

0

Autofocus

04/03, 12:16pm reply

Please have autofocus so that the iPhone can be used as a bar code scanner. Autofocus would open up all kinds of opportunities for application developers.

sgirard

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2005

+4

sorry

04/03, 12:23pm (1 reply) reply

but you can't say something is 'confirmed' and stick a question mark at the end of the headline. It either is or isn't.

And the 'sources' say both 3.2 and 5 mp. So what's the 5 for, if not the iphone?

testudo

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2001

+3

obligatory:

04/03, 02:25pm reply

.... or for Apple's tablet.

/shrugs

gambit-7

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Feb 2001

+1

PLEASE

04/03, 02:44pm reply

Something better than a 3 MP cam. That is sad.

sicembears

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jun 2007

-6

Apple products with video

04/03, 03:00pm reply


That's right, because the iPhone is the only product Apple makes with a video sensor (coughMacBooks, iSights, Cinema Displayscough).

On a speculative level, a higher-resolution camera would fit well in a 30" Cinema Display, or a new iSight pod.

ZinkDifferent

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jan 2005

+2

Megapixels

04/05, 01:36am reply

@Zanziboy and @sicembears

Megapixels and Image Quality are inversely proportional, assuming the size of the sensor stays the same. Therefore, given the size of the iPhone camera and sensor (really tiny), they would be better off going to 1.2 Megapixel, and actually achieving better images than to 3.2.

Remember, megapixels don't make good images; large sensors and large lenses do.

shawnde

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Apr 2008

+3

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