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Mrudul Godbole
24-08-2010, 07:00 PM
Canon successfully develops world's first APS-H-size CMOS image sensor to realize record-high resolution of 120 megapixels

TOKYO, August 24, 2010—Canon Inc. announced today that it has successfully developed an APS-H-size*1 CMOS image sensor that delivers an image resolution of approximately 120 megapixels (13,280 x 9,184 pixels), the world's highest level*2 of resolution for its size.

Compared with Canon's highest-resolution commercial CMOS sensor of the same size, comprising approximately 16.1 million pixels, the newly developed sensor features a pixel count that, at approximately 120 million pixels, is nearly 7.5 times larger and offers a 2.4-fold improvement in resolution.*3

With CMOS sensors, while high-speed readout for high pixel counts is achieved through parallel processing, an increase in parallel-processing signal counts can result in such problems as signal delays and minor deviations in timing. By modifying the method employed to control the readout circuit timing, Canon successfully achieved the high-speed readout of sensor signals. As a result, the new CMOS sensor makes possible a maximum output speed of approximately 9.5 frames per second, supporting the continuous shooting of ultra-high-resolution images.

Canon's newly developed CMOS sensor also incorporates a Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) video output capability. The sensor can output Full HD video from any approximately one-sixtieth-sized section of its total surface area.

Images captured with Canon's newly developed approximately 120-megapixel CMOS image sensor, even when cropped or digitally magnified, maintain higher levels of definition and clarity than ever before. Additionally, the sensor enables image confirmation across a wide image area, with Full HD video viewing of a select portion of the overall frame.

Through the further development of CMOS image sensors, Canon will break new ground in the world of image expression, targeting new still images that largely surpass those made possible with film, and video movies that capitalize on the unique merits of SLR cameras, namely their high mobility and the expressive power offered through interchangeable lenses.



*1 The imaging area of the newly developed sensor measures approx. 29.2 x 20.2 mm.
*2 As of August 20, 2010. Based on a Canon study.
*3 Canon's highest-resolution commercial CMOS sensor, employed in the company's EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR cameras, is equivalent to the full-frame size of the 35 mm film format and incorporates approximately 21.1 million pixels. In 2007, the company successfully developed an APS-H-size sensor with approximately 50 million pixels.

Link - http://www.canon.com/news/2010/aug24e.html

Sabyasachi Patra
24-08-2010, 07:36 PM
Though this press release appears to be a technology demonstrator, one can draw conclusions as to what will trickle down to the commercial arena.

The 120 MP at first look like unreal. However, the more I think about it, the more I feel excited.

If you know that in 2007 they had announced 50MP from the APS-H sensor and launched 21 MP full frame camera. One can safely assume that Canon can now launch 40-50 MP full frame camera.

Consider this statement from the press release "The sensor can output Full HD video from any approximately one-sixtieth-sized section of its total surface area. "

If Canon can play it well, then they can give you the ability to skip lines and get a Full HD from the full sensor, as they are doing it now. And they can also give the ability to select one-siztieth portion of the sensor and give you a full HD capture. So you shoot a wide angle scene using the full sensor and then kind of move to one area of the screen for a Full HD capture ie. means you get the in-camera zoom in feature. And then you can move back to another area of the scene. All this can be achieved without you moving the camera. It is akin to a editor deciding which live feed to choose from the multiple screens infront of him. Please remember, all this is theory. Don't know what can be implemented.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi