Omnivision launched OV13880 and OV5880 camera image sensors

Recently, the second largest CMOS image sensor global manufacturer - OmniVision launched two new mobile camera applicable CMOS image sensors, which are 13 megapixel OV13880 and 5 megapixel OV5880. Two sensors can start to ship in the end of this year, expected mass production can be achieved by early next year.

OV13880 is the upgraded version of OV13860, the sensor's dimension extended from 1/2.6 inch to 1/2.4 inch, resolution keeps 13 megapixel as same as previous model. The most appealing highlight is that single pixel size can achieve stunning 4 microns, compared with previous 1.4 microns of OV13860. This means the new sensor can obtain much more light which can enhance the low illumination performance for night image capturing.

OV13880 supports 4K image capturing with high frame speed (60fps) or full HD resolution at 240fps, this new image sensor has been upgraded to OV exclusive "OmniVision Clear Pixel 2.0" technology, utilizing R-G-B Color Filter Array (similar to Samsung’s ISOCELL technology) to improve color reproduction capability. Additionally, adopting PureCel-S back-light technology, supports Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) and 240Hz two-dimensional contrast AF.

The OV13880 document listed the following features:

• 1/2.4″ 13MP Stacked PureCel-S Sensor
• 4-micron Pixels, 1/2.4″ sensor size (same size as other 21MP 1.12-micron sensors)
• PDAF + 240Hz two-dimensional contrast AF
• Buried Color Filter Array (similar to Samsung’s ISOCELL technology)
• Capable of recording 4K videos at 60 FPS, along with recording 1080p video at 240 FPS (this will help to edit slow motion videos)
• OmniVision Clear Pixel 2.0 technology (Red-Clear-Blue-Clear Color Filter Array)

Although OV5880 belongs to entry-level product and the size of image sensor is only 1/4", the total 5 megapixel resolution ensures that the single pixel size still reached 4 microns, its night shooting ability is also outstanding. Additionally, this image sensor supports 1440P resolution at 60 fps or full HD 1080p at 120fps, its performance is much higher than the current entry-level product. Meanwhile, this image sensor also adopts "OmniVision Clear Pixel 2.0" technology.

The OV5880 document listed the following features:

• 1/4″ 5MP Stacked PureCel-S Sensor
• 4-micron Pixels, 1/4″ sensor size (same size as other 8MP 1.12-micron sensors)
• PDAF + 120Hz two-dimensional contrast AF
• Buried Color Filter Array (similar to Samsung’s ISOCELL technology)
• Capable of recording UHD or 1440p videos at 60 FPS, along with recording 1080p vides at 120 FPS (this will help to edit slow motion videos)
• Optional EIS when capturing photos/videos in 16:9 instead of 4:3
• OmniVision Clear Pixel 2.0 technology (Red-Clear-Blue-Clear Color Filter Array)

OmniVision is a NASDAQ listed technology company that specializes in advanced digital imaging solution. The company recently was agree to be acquired by Hua Capital Management. According to the agreement, OmniVision stockholders will receive $29.75 per share in cash, or a total of approximately $1.9 billion. The company supplies Apple Inc. with the back-illuminated CMOS sensor found in the iPhone 4's backside camera. We expect that more and more Chinese smartphones will be equipped with OmniVision's high performance camera image sensors.