"Today's smartphone OEMs are conscious of the fact that users expect higher resolution cameras in their smartphones. But this increase in resolution is often accomplished by a reduction of pixel sizes, which results in a loss of camera performance and low-light sensitivity," said Bahman Hadji, product marketing manager at OmniVision. "The OV13860 is the ideal solution to this dilemma: a unique 1/2.6-inch 13-megapixel sensor with 1.3-micron pixels – 35 percent larger in size than traditional 13-megapixel sensors. Despite its 1/2.6-inch optical format, the OV13860 uses a high chief ray angle (CRA) to enable a camera module z-height of 5.5 mm, suitable for today's slim smartphones. With its large pixels and high CRA, the OV13860 provides an extraordinary 'no-compromise' imaging solution for next-generation flagship smartphones."
The OV13860 is the first in the family of BSI PureCel sensors based on the company's stacked die technology. Among the OV13860's advanced features is autofocus contrast calculation at 120fps while imaging at full 13MP resolution to enable a fast autofocus system. When paired with a high-speed actuator, the OV13860 can provide for nearly instant AF by delivering contrast statistics at up to four times faster than traditional single frame-based contrast calculations. The OV13860 also supports alternate row dual-exposure HDR mode for delivering HDR video in challenging lighting scenes.
The OV13860's large 1.3um pixel is said to have an improved high- and low-light performance, SNR, and full-well capacity when compared to products with 1.12um pixels. The OV13860 can capture full-resolution 13MP still images at 30fps or record 4K2K video at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps, or 720p at 120fps. Each video output format includes additional pixels to support EIS.
The OV13860 is currently sampling and is expected to enter volume production in Q4 2014.
