Sharp's Ultra-Thin CMOS Camera Sensor Aims For Your Next Smartphone

Every so often, we see a camera module that comes out looking so impressive, the immediate thought goes to which DSLR it'll hit next. And then, you realize it's small than a thumb-tack. Sharp has just introduced one of those, calling their newest the industry's thinnest CMOS camera module with optical image stabilization. It's designed for use with smartphones, and it's a 12.1MP, 1/3.2" module that measures just 5.47mm high. The new RJ63YC100 is intended for use in mobile devices such as smartphones. Sample shipments will begin from December 2, 2011.

The new module's thin profile has been developed in response to the demand for portable mobile devices with ever more slender designs. The module also addresses the need for embedded cameras in these devices to deliver superior image quality and camera functionality, including connectivity to AV equipment and personal computers. The optical image stabilizer in this camera module uses a lens-shift system to control the lens inside the module. Sharp's proprietary high-density packaging technology has made it possible to achieve the industry's thinnest profile in this type of camera module, which is expected to help reduce the thickness of mobile devices such as smartphones.


High-quality images can be captured in a wide variety of situations that are typically prone to blurring caused by camera shake, such as shooting under dim light conditions or shooting moving subjects. The module also supports full HD (1080p) video capture, which enables smartphone owners to take high-definition video with reduced blurring and transfer the video to an LCD TV for viewing on a large screen.

Any guesses as to which phone ends up using this guy?
Tags:  camera, CMOS, Sharp