Sony Pushes CCD Technologies To Handle Still, Moving Images

摘要

Sales of digital still cameras are increas-ing at a vigorous pace. One reason for the proliferation of these cameras is the increase in the number of pixels contained in CCD image sensors. High-end digital cameras have 8 million pixels, and even digital cameras in the high-volume sales categories have 4 to 5 million pixels. Meanwhile, demand is increasing for products that can record moving pictures matching TV quality. Sony Corp., an important maker of CCD image sensors, is pushing into the development of various CCDs that support the shooting of moving images at 30 frames per second (30fps) in VGA quality. In 1997, Sony brought out a 1/2.7-inch CCD image sensor with 1.3 million pixels. With this CCD, the company played a significant role in the emerging market for digital cameras with 1 million or more pixels. Since then, the competition has increased among digital camera makers to bring out products with more and more pixels. Demand is even growing for products with 10 million pixels for improved quality of printed images.