Epson develops 0.52-inch high-def LCD Panel for Electronic Viewfinders

Epson has developed a high definition color LCD panel for use in professional camcorder viewfinders that's only 0.52 inches diagonally, offers 1.56 megapixels resolution and uses a filter to prevent color breakup that often occurs when recording fast-moving objects or panning.

The demand for high definition video has seen an explosion in the number of different camcorder solutions being offered. At the same time, the desire for more portability is also on the increase leading to devices getting smaller and lighter.

Epson has responded by producing a high-temperature polysilicon (HTPS) TFT color panel that measures just over half an inch diagonally and is squarely aimed for use in the LCD viewfinders of professional level camcorders.

The QHD resolution (960 x 540 pixels) in red, green and blue offers about 16 million displayable colors at a total of 1.56 megapixels and a contrast ratio of 280:1.

Epson claims that by using a RGB stripe color filter, its latest addition to the UltraMicron series of panels is able to prevent "the color breakup that tends to occur with other color systems when shooting fast-moving subjects and while panning" and has "the ability to recreate smooth gradations and a natural softness".

Samples of the L3F05Q-80200 panel are currently being sent out to customers and the product will be on display at the International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition 2009 to be held at Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan, from November 18th to 20th.