Camera Phone

Samsung has unveiled a new 1/3.2-inch 8-megapixel CMOS imager, the S5K3H7, which utilizes 1.4um backside illuminated (BSI) pixel technology for capturing photos in low-light situations. The sensor is designed to be used in high-end smartphones, and promises zero shutter lag, along with the ability to capture 1080p video at 30fps while using less power than the sensors that came before it.  Read More

The cameras on most smart phones tend to be rather simple affairs so it's not surprising that savvy inventors have dreamed up numerous add-on attachments such as mini-microscopes and wide/telephoto adapters. They do tend to be rather elaborate and brand-specific, however, not to mention somewhat pricey. Not this one though - the Macro Cell Lens Band is a simple close-up photography solution that has two definite pluses - it works on any camera equipped phone and it's very inexpensive.  Read More

Mobile phones may have the opportunity to get even thinner. Sharp has recently taken the wraps off its new 12-megapixel smartphone camera sensor, which it claims is the thinnest camera sensor on the market. Measuring in at a mere 5.6 millimeters thick, the sensor has built-in image stabilization and is capable of capturing 1080p high-definition video. The optical image stabilization in the lens makes it ideal for situations where pictures are often blurry due to camera shake, such as low-light situations.  Read More

Smaller camera phones are on the horizon thanks to the development of a new backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, from mobile device imaging sensor manufacturer OmniVision. The OV8850 is said to be 20 percent thinner than any other 8 megapixel module currently on the market, and promises better quality images while also making improvements in power efficiency. The company's announcement has also added even more fuel to the iPhone 5 rumor mill.  Read More

We’ve already seen lenses for mobile phone cameras that allow users to take macro or wide-angle photographs. Now, iPhone 3G/3GS owners can extend the capabilities of their camera phones even further, by adding on an Eye Scope 8x optical zoom lens. Given the way every little shake of the hands would show up when zoomed in that far, it even comes with its own mini tripod.  Read More

Samsung has filed a patent for a new type of liquid lens that provides not only autofocus capability, but also true optical zoom capability. Liquid lenses, with their small form factor and lack of motors or moving parts, are ideal for use in compact cameras, phones, and other mobile devices. Where a conventional liquid lens may provide only autofocus, Samsung’s design uses two separately controllable liquid lenses in a single array to provide both functions.  Read More

Camera phones have come a long way in terms of resolution, but the pocket-sized form factor doesn't leave all that much room for improvement when it comes to lenses. These add-on Fisheye and Macro/Wide Angle lenses inject a little versatility into the equation by transforming your standard flat phone photos into wide and up-close images.  Read More

Samsung might have claimed line honors with the first 12-megapixel camera phone in the form of the Pixon 12, but LG are snapping at their heels with the LG GC990 Louvre, a 12 megapixel camera phone that got its first public showing at the Korea Products Exhibition in Warsaw of all places.  Read More

Samsung Mobile and T-Mobile USA finally unveiled the mobile world's best unkept secret, the 8-megapixel touch-screen Memoir camera phone at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this week, using supermodel and photographer Helena Christensen as the celebrity spokeseperson and evangelist. The phone will be available exclusively through T-Mobile USA beginning February 25, 2009.  Read More