Sony Handycam sensor, lens and image processor : The new HD Handycam range features several leading-edge technologies originally developed for Sony for its Alpha range of digital SLR cameras. Sony’s unique sensor, lens and image processing know-how are combined to deliver unprecedented HD picture quality – whether you’re shooting video or stills. For the first time, range-topping AVCHD HDD Handycam models (HDR-XR520VE/500VE) feature a super-sensitive Exmor R CMOS sensor. Developed exclusively by Sony, this radically new design adopts a unique вЂ?back illuminated’ cell structure. The sensor has been re-engineered so photo-sensitive areas receive maximum illumination, unobscured by a grid of fine metal wires that partially blocks the pathway of incoming light in conventional designs.
Sony Exmor R CMOS sensor
This �flipped’ sensor layout increases the amount of illumination reaching the photo detector. Dramatically boosting overall efficiency, Exmor R CMOS Sensor approximately 2x increase in sensitivity compared with conventional models. This ensures brilliant, low noise-images, even in low light. This innovative sensor structure is coupled with on-chip analogue to digital (A/D) conversion, minimising the pathway of analogue signals that are more susceptible to noise than digital data. On-chip A/D conversion thus reduces picture noise further for superb low-light performance, whether you’re shooting indoors or night scenes. Other features of this advanced Exmor R CMOS sensor include a unique ClearVid array pixel layout: this allows very high resolution still recording up to to a maximum 12 effective megapixels.

Sony G lens
Also making its debut on top-flight AVCHD HDD Handycam models is Sony’s new G lens. Complementing the new Sony Exmor R CMOS sensor’s superb imaging performance, this premium lens expands creative shooting possibilities. Its advanced optical design includes low-dispersion aspheric glass elements for crisp, clear images with reduced chromatic aberration, especially at telephoto settings. Image contrast is stunning from corner to corner, while a 6-blade iris produces beautifully circular �bokeh’ defocus effects with point light sources.

Sony Bionz image processor
Developed originally for the Alpha digital SLR range of cameras, the high-speed BIONZ imaging processor in HD Handycam models handles massive amounts of high-resolution data from the Exmor R CMOS sensor with ease. This contributes directly to the extraordinary picture quality, quick responses and smart shooting features that characterise this year’s High Definition Handycam range.

Sony Handycam memory
After shooting, Memory Stick Handycam users can enjoy blazingly-fast data transfers from Handycam to PC. Available in high-capacity 16GB (from March 2009) as well as 8GB and 4GB, Memory Stick PRO-HG HX achieves 20MB/s (read) and 15MB/s (write) transfer speeds: that’s more than 3x the performance of Memory Stick PRO DUO, and significantly faster than direct USB connection from the camcorder’s internal memory to PC. In practice, this allows transfer of a 110 min Full HD video file (approx. 15 GB) from Handycam to a PC in less than 15 minutes (using PRO-HG HX and supplied USB adaptor for connection to PC).

Source: www.letsgodigital.org

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Sigma Corporation today announced that it has acquired Foveon, Inc., the company that developed the world’s first three-layer image sensor. The two companies have had a long-term working relationship during which Sigma has incorporated the Foveon sensor—which stacks three layers (RGB) in each pixel location—into its digital cameras.

For more, check outwww.sigmaphoto.com

Source: feeds.feedburner.com

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Camera and lens maker Sigma has bought Foveon, the sensor technology company that develops the sensors it uses. Foveon’s technology uses three photosensitive layers to detect red, green and blue light at each pixel. Sigma says owning the company will allow the development of new types of sensors and improved integration between the sensors and its lenses.

Press release:

Kawasaki, Japan, November 11th, 2008 – Sigma Corporation (Location: Kawasaki, Japan) has acquired 100% of the stock of the company that developed the original three-layer image sensor, Foveon Inc. Foveon will continue its sensor development operations in San Jose, CA, USA.

Foveon made history when it developed and patented the world’s first three-layer image capture technology, placing a stack of RGB pixels in each pixel location. As a result, Foveon sensors detect all three primary colors in every pixel location, producing images that are sharper and have significantly reduced image artifacts compared to competing image sensor technologies.

Since Sigma first worked with Foveon in 2000, both companies have enjoyed a cooperative working relationship directed toward developing highly-efficient DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras and compact digital cameras which take the best advantage of the X3 sensor technology. Sigma Corporation has employed Foveon’s technology in its entire digital camera line, producing images which are acclaimed by both amateur and professional photographers all over the world for their high resolution and for their three-dimensional look. Both the latest DLSR, the SD14, and the compact DP1 camera – which packs the full spec of a DSLR into a compact camera – have met with similar acclaim. Two additional Sigma camera products based on Foveon’s image sensor technology have been announced for 2009.

The acquisition of Foveon will not only enhance the development of new types of image sensors for high quality digital cameras, but will also create a synergistic effect with Sigma’s camera and lens business by improving the integration between the camera and sensor. This will result in camera products which will uniquely meet the widely ranging functional and image quality needs of demanding photographers.

As the digital camera market continues to expand, Foveon and Sigma will continuously evolve and improve the X3 sensor technology, thus expanding the company’s photography-related business. In addition, Sigma remains firmly committed to preserving and nurturing the culture of photography.

Source: www.dpreview.com

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Engineers at Swedish medium format specialist Hasselblad have cooked-up the highest resolution 48 x 36 mm camera: the H3DII-50. The company has announced its intention to produce a 645 format sensor. Continuing the company’s long history of collaboration with Kodak, the new camera is based around the US company’s new 50MP sensor. The new body is also designed to accomodate the company’s HTS 1.5 Tilt/Shift cradle that allows traditional lenses to be tilted and shifted.

More information about the HTS 1.5 is here.

Press release:

Hasselblad Announces New 50 Megapixel Camera and Upcoming 645 Sensor

High-End Digital Camera Manufacturer Announces The Launch Of Two New Products That Fully Utilize The Latest Developments In Sensor Technology.

Following the success of the Hasselblad H3DII-39, the market’s most advanced DSLR, Hasselblad is taking its H camera system even further and today announces the launch of the Hasselblad H3DII-50, featuring a new Kodak 50 megapixel sensor, which is twice the size of the largest 35mm DSLR sensors. A new 645 sensor will also be launched in 2009.

“We are very excited to announce these two ultra-high resolution sensors,” says Christian Poulsen, Hasselblad Chief Executive Officer, “but having huge amounts of megapixels does not help your photography much if you are not using a camera system that can reap the benefits of these resolutions. What we are most proud of is the fact that the unique resolution and optical quality of our H-system lens line, combined with our digital lens correction and UltraFocus accuracy, has made it possible for Hasselblad to take our system even further with regards to the accurate capture and recording of image detail.” 

Full details on the 645 sensor will be part of Hasselblad’s Strategy and Technology seminar at Photokina 2008 (23rd to 28th September, Cologne, Germany). Poulsen continues: “We will discuss the new 645 sensor and other system additions, our overall view of the Medium Format market, its future development, and our role in driving that development, at this seminar.”  

Poulsen adds, “Both the H3DII-50 and the new 645 sensor are designed to serve the photographers who require the highest possible image quality and resolution, and are part of Hasselblad’s ongoing commitment to continue pushing the boundaries of high-level photography."

The new Kodak KAF-50100 image sensor, which measures 36×48 millimeters, will be implemented in the same size housing as the H3DII-39 camera and will comprise the core of the new H3DII-50. The new sensor size is also optimized to work with Hasselblad’s new HTS 1.5 tilt/shift adapter (patent pending), which enlarges the image circle by 50% to bring the benefits of tilt/shift photography into medium format DSLR cameras. An impressive 83 line-pairs/millimeter are resolved over the full, large area of both today’s 36×48 millimeter sensor and of the upcoming larger 645 sensor.

Kodak has also added a set of entirely new features on the 50Mpix sensor, such as new dyes, which will result in even better, richer colors and take full advantage of Hasselblad’s R&D in the area of color rendering technology. The new sensor also includes a range of other new features, including quick flush technology to enable faster capture and lower power consumption, resulting in longer battery life.

Poulsen concludes, “The H3DII camera line has been specially designed to meet the challenging demands of high-end photographers, and these two new products will take the line even further, providing ultimate resolution for photographers who require the best in image quality, performance and creative freedom.”

For further details about the H3DII-50, the 645 sensor, or to sign-up for the Hasselblad Future Technology seminar at Photokina 2008, please contact AD Communications.

The H3DII-50 camera will be available from October 2008 at a price of $39,995.

Source: www.dpreview.com

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Kodak has announced a 50-megapixel, 48mm x 36mm CCD sensor for digital medium-format SLR backs. The KAF-50100 Image Sensor uses Kodak’s new Truesense 6.0 Micron Full Frame CCD Technology Platform. According to the company, this Truesense platform implements a newly designed pixel that is smaller than the 6.8 micron pixel used in Kodak’s current fourth-generation professional sensor products. Despite the smaller pixel size—which permits a resolution increase—Kodak claims the new platform offers reduced noise levels through an improved amplifier design.

Other improvements in the new CCD platform include lower power consumption, a new red pigment for achieving greater color accuracy, and a four-output architecture that increases the speed at which data can be transferred from the chip. Kodak says this last feature will enable cameras with the 50-megapixel sensor to shoot at 1fps, as well as reducing shutter lag.

The KAF-50100 sensor offers the highest resolution currently available in a medium format sensor, and is expected to be in mass production by the end of 2008. Kodak says its Truesense 6.0 Micron Full Frame CCD Technology Platform will be implemented in other products in the future. We can’t help notice that about 25 million of those 6-micron pixels would fit into the approximately 24mm x 36mm space of a full-frame (small format) digital SLR sensor.

Source: www.popphoto.com

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