Sony Creates 12 Megapixel Chip for Phones

Today, Sony announced a new range of CMOS chips for camera phones. The Exmor range includes new modules that rate 5.15 megapixels, 8.11 megapixels and 12.25 megapixels. The modules include the sensor, lens and autofocus mechanism. The "piezo" type lens motor used reduces power consumption when shooting video images. The 8.11 megapixel module will be available to handset manufacturers this month, and the 5.15 and 12.25 megapixel modules will be available to handset makers starting in March 2009. Sony did not announce any specific phones that will be using these modules.