High-end CIS orders from Japan DSC vendors to grow in 2010

With more Japan-based DSC vendors stepping into the hybrid camera segment, major CMOS image sensor (CIS) suppliers Aptina and OmniVision are expected to vie for growing orders from Japan during 2010, according to market sources.

Aptina and OmniVision both have introduced high-end 14-megapixel CIS products for hybrid DSCs, which offer high-resolution images for both still photos and videos.

Aptina said its 14-megapixel CIS has been sent to customers for verification, with volume shipments slated for the first quarter of 2010. Aptina's new 14-megapixel CIS, which adopts its in-house A-Pix technology, has a smaller pixel size but higher sensitivity compared to its 10-megapixel products, the company pointed out.

Sony has already developed hybrid DSCs, while Canon, Ricoh and Panasonic will also enter the market in 2010, the sources noted.

Article translated by Meiling Chen