8 MP image sensor features video-in-video support

Kalairaja Chinnaveerappan, senior product marketing manager at OmniVision, commented: "The main driver is 8-megapixel cameras for mobile devices transitioning from a 1/3-inch optical format to a 1/4-inch optical format to meet consumers’ demand for thinner and more cost-effective phones and tablets. In addition to delivering industry-leading performance, the OV8858 offers low module height with a wider CRA, increased power efficiency for better battery performance, and simplified deployment of video-in-video functionality. The combination of these benefits and performance enhancements put this sensor at the top of its class.”

The OV8858 delivers a number of performance enhancements, over the previous-generation OmniVision 1/4-inch 8-megapixel sensor, including dramatically improved full-well capacity, improved sensitivity for enhanced high- and low-light performance, and a significant reduction in power consumption and form factor.

Equipped with a special video-in-video feature, the OV8858 can combine images from the front- and rear-cameras, and send the resulting image to the host ISP. ViV mode allows users to capture a portrait scene perfectly alongside their own face, record video while narrating for high quality video blogging, or use the feature for video conferencing. A special input MIPI receiver on the OV8858 accepts image data from a wide range of OmniVision image sensors designed for front-facing camera applications with resolutions of 2-megapixels and below. This saves a camera port on the host ISP. Enhancing user experience, the OV8858 also features independent lens correction, coloor compensation and the option to select various window shapes for ViV mode.

Offering zero shutter lag to enable high-speed photography, the OV8858 supports an active array of 3264 x 2448 pixels (8-megapixel) operating at 30 frames per second. The sensor is capable of recording 1080p high definition video at 60 FPS, or 720p HD video at 90 FPS, each with additional pixels for electronic image stabilization. Paired with OmniVision’s latest 2-megapixel sensors, the OV8858 can provide full resolution ViV snapshot images at 15 FPS and preview ViV video at 30 FPS.

The OV8858 fits into an 8.5 x 8.5 mm camera module with a build height of approximately 4 mm. It is currently available for sampling and is expected to begin volume production in the second quarter of 2014.