Using a tiny 1.75-micron pixel design, Micron Technology has built the world's first eight-megapixel-image sensor in a 1/2.5-inch optical format, the standard size for mainstream digital cameras. The company unveiled a prototype of an eight-megapixel-image sensor that captures large, crisp pictures (11-inch by 14-inch) or can be used to zoom-in and print just a portion of the image without sacrificing image quality.

Used in continuous-shot mode for digital still cameras, the sensor is capable of bursting more than 10 pictures a second at full eight-megapixel resolution and more than 30 pictures a second at two-megapixel resolution. With this high-speed capability, it is now possible to capture that perfect moment like a child's first soccer goal. 

Also given its high-speed, the sensor allows for cameras to have advanced features like image stabilization for reducing the effect of blurred images typically caused by jittery hands and fast auto-focus response, resulting in sharper images that are important for taking those priceless, spontaneous snapshots.

The sensor also enables a digital camera to capture and playback HD video, which equates to shooting video at 30 frames per second (fps) in 720p (progressive) format. It complements Micron's five-megapixel image sensor that also supports HD video and is currently shipping in volume.

Micron also announced its work on a 1.4-micron pixel and unveiled pictures taken with test chip. By shrinking pixel size, it will bring more resolution to consumer devices such as digital cameras and mobile phones without sacrificing image quality, while still maintaining the small form factor required for these applications.

General customer sampling is planned for the fall of 2006 with mass production expected in the first half of 2007. The eight-megapixel pricing will be determined at the time of general customer sampling.

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