Technology is the sphere of digital camera production is advancing rapidly, and now Aptina, a global provider of CMOS image sensors, creates a high performance 1.4-Micron image sensor with 14 Megapixels of resolution, high speed snapshot and HD video modes as well as flexible interface and pre-processing options.

Aptina MT9F001 image sensor is the right solution for high performance digital cameras in terms of sensitivity, hot pixel count, and manufacturability. Moreover, Aptina has overcome crosstalk for photon collection that small pixels face when front side illumination (FSI) is used. Now the results are the same as with BSI (back side illumination) namely lower noise and more accurate color reproduction.

“This sensor puts into practice Aptina’s latest technology, including Aptina™ A-Pix which maximizes the light gathering of each pixel,” says Sandor Barna, General Manager for Aptina’s Camera Business Unit.

For high-speed performance the MT9F001 sensor incorporates a four-lane HiSPiTM (High Speed Serial Pixel Interface) technology which was developed by Aptina. It allows for high speed and low power consumption data transfer as well as high still image quality and video performance. Thus the sensor can capture full HD video (1080p) at a speed of 60fps.

“Aptina is clearly focused on continuous improvement to meet the severe demands of the consumer digital camera market,” said Mr. Toshinobu Haruki, General Manager in the DI Division at SANYO.

The sensor also enables such necessary end-user feature as support for Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS).

Aptina MT9F001 SMOS Image Sensor – Features:

• High Resolution of 14 Megapixels
• Pixel Size: 1.4-micron
• Front Side Illumination (FSI)
• High Speed Snapshot
• Full HD Video (1080p/60fps)
• Flexible Interface
• Pre-Processing Options
• Support for Electronic Image Stabilization
• Availability: 2010

ViewPLUS, a world leading distributor, designer, and manufacturer of advanced camera solutions for computer vision and scientific research, introduced the Lumiere 4K x 2K digital camera system, a video camera that outputs full video signals.

The camera features an 8 megapixel CMOS sensor and is able to output 12-bit raw uncompressed 4096 x 2048 images at 60 frames per second to the host PC. In other words, it is connected to a PC and transmits movies and a real time.

The device gives has a lot to offer, for example external frame synchronization to standard HD formats, such as 480i, 480p, 1080i, and 1080p as well as CVBS and S-Video bi-level and tri-level input signal synchronization. The usage of opto-isolated general purpose I/O (GPIO) connector makes it possible to synchronize the camera to external devices such as a light source.

The Lumiere camera system also includes Lumiere-REC, a software development kit, that allows users to record image data and output movies in industry-standard CinemaDNG RAW file format.

The Lumiere-RT application, in its turn, when used in conjunction with CUDA technology can ensure color process and display of full 4K-width color images in real time on a 4K monitor or four high-definition (HD) monitors.

So, the Lumiere-REC will be ideal for those who are interested in raw, uncompressed, high quality video, while Lumiere-RT will be useful for those interested in real-time display and monitoring.

The camera is compatible with standard Nikon F-mount lenses.

ViewPLUS Lumiere 4K x 2K 60 FPS Digital Camera System – Features:

• 8 Megapixels of resolution
• CMOS Image Sensor
• PCI Express (PCIe) x4 Interface
• 12-bit Uncompressed RAW Images
• Output to Host PC: 60 fps
• Data Transfer: Up to 700 Megabytes per Second
• External Frame Synchronisation to Standard HD Formats
• CVBS and S-Video Bi-Level and Tri-Level Input Signal Synchronisation
• External Usage of Light Source
• Lens Mount: Nikon F

Official Information: viewplus.co.jp.

Not every one needs a pro camera with a wide range of innovative features and complete control over the camera. The middle-of-the road audience just wants to point and shoot and get great pictures. And, as cameras.co.uk found out, there is a number of digicams under $160/£100 that can deliver good quality pictures, ease of use snapping, as well as a couple of useful and user-friendly features.

Such digital camera have as a rule smaller LCD screens, standard definition movies (640 *480), slower response times, modest picture quality, shorter battery life and sometimes lower build quality. This is done because the manufacturer has to compromise on something to make the price as low.

Despite this, if carefully looked for, there are some very good digital cameras available. The offer an excellent value for money, especially for those who need a simple point and shoot camera.

Cameras.co.uk comprised a list of 5 best budget digital cameras:

1. Canon Powershot A480 – an extra-compact, affordable entry-level camera with a 10MP sensor, 3.3x optical zoom and 2.5 inch LCD. It is not the most beautiful camera on the market, but it have receiver a lot of positive responses from reviewers as it handles most situation well and produces quite good snaps.

2. Nikon Coolpix L20 - it features 10 megapixels, a 3.6x optical zoom lens and a large 3 inch LCD. It wins in terms of easy of use being as straightforward as it possible and offering large control buttons. What you have to get used to is it is slow to turn on.

3. Samsung ES15 – is a 10-megapixel digital camera featuring 3x optical zoom and a 2.5 inch. It is one of the cheaper cameras from a known brand on the market.

4. Panasonic DMC FS62, with highlight features of 10 megapixels of resolution, 4x optical zoom and 2.5-inch LCD screen. With its small body size and shape it is a true pocket sized camera.

5. Fuji Finepix Z35 – a 10-megapixel digicam with 3x optical zoom and a lot of easy-to-use scene mode. It is a fun camera but its picture quality is “not top drawer.”

Though it is still November, Neocamera site have already composed a list of top digital cameras of the year 2009. They decided on certain categories ands selected the most outstanding digicams in each of them.

There was an interesting observation on market changes tendencies: this year ultra-compact cameras are more varied and compact & medium sized models are rare.

Their choice is rather objective as it was image quality, feature set and performance that were taken into account when selecting the winners. Alternative winners are those cameras that show a significantly different feature set but do not compromise much on image quality.

The only thing that embarrasses is that the list abounds in Fujifilm digital cameras which firmly hold first positions in several categories.)

Ultra Compact Cameras:

• Fuji Finepix F200 EXR
• Canon Powershot S90
• Olympus Stylus Tough 8000

But it is obvious that you have to accept some compromises and limitations that arouse due to the cameras’ small size.

Small Ultra-Zoom Cameras:

• Fuji Finepix F70 EXR
• Canon Powershot SX200 IS

They are nowadays plentiful, though a few years ago this was only possible with much larger models.

Large Ultra-Zoom Cameras:

• Fuji Finepix S200 EXR
• Fuji Finepix S100FS

In addition to a complete feature-set, these cameras can be equipped with outstanding optics and ergonomically-designed bodies.

Digital SLR Cameras:

• Entry level: Pentax K-x
• Advanced: Nikon D300S, Pentax K-7
• Professional: Nikon D3

DSLR cameras top image quality, speed of operation and versatility. As such, all DSLR cameras are great photographic tools.

According to: neocamera.com.

The Sanyo VPC-WH1 is a waterproof “Dual Camera” that features HD video capabilities and 30x optical zoom and is appropriate for consumers and enthusiasts alike.

This Dual-Camera is very ergonomic and feels great in your hands. It’s very small and features the 2.5-inch LCD.

First of all, this VPC-WH1 shoots 1280×720 HD video at 30fps. That means all your underwater video is going to look very good on both Vimeo and YouTube. Unfortunately, the VPC- WH1 does not have a video light of any sort, so some of your images may turn out a bit noisy. However, image quality actually looks quite good for this camcorder.

The Sanyo VPC-WH1 can shoot 2MP photos which is good enough for posting online. It captures JPEGs at 13fps. Its 30x Optical Zoom works very well and its focusing is satisfactory. The camcorder also houses the “Face Chaser” technology works well and focuses very sharply on the people around.

Sanyo chose the interesting color of yellow for this camcorder. So if users drop the camcorder in water it can be found because of its bright color. However, it comes in blue as well. The camera is perfect for a traveler or tourist very well so long as they are shooting with enough light. This camera can be used without fear in the rain.

Sanyo VPC-WH1- Specifications:

• Capture HD digital video (720p, 30fps)
• 2-magapixel still images
• Waterproof up to 3 meters (10 feet)
• 30x optical zoom
• 2.5-inch LCD screen
• 3D DNR image noise reduction technology
• ‘Reverse Sequential Photo shooting function ensures the perfect photo
• Motion correction (anti-shake) function
• Face Chaser technology (can detect up to 12 faces for photos and videos)
• Capture video and stills to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
• Long recording time of up to 200 minutes
• Pricing: $354.99

According to geek.com.

See also other new Sanyo Dual Cameras.