Micron 8-Megapixel Sensor - Press Release

[Photo-John]

World's Smallest 8-Megapixel Image Sensor from Micron Technology Packs Ultra-Fast Picture Taking and High Definition Video

Micron Builds the World's First 8-Megapixel Image Sensor in the Popular 1/2.5 Optical Format; Company Continues Imaging Innovation, Unveils Pictures Taken With a 1.4-micron Pixel Test Chip

The world of digital cameras just got bigger and smaller at the same time. Using a tiny 1.75-micron pixel design, Micron Technology (NYSE:MU), Inc., has built the world's first 8-megapixel image sensor in a 1/2.5-inch optical format, the standard size for mainstream digital cameras. This new sensor comes loaded with features and functionality that will catapult Micron-equipped cameras into the next generation of digital cameras featuring high-resolution still images, ultra-fast image capture and vibrant high-definition video.

The company today unveiled a prototype of an 8-megapixel image sensor that packs a punch with incredible capture rates at full resolution and stunning high-definition (HD) video capture. Because of its high resolution, the sensor 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 8-megapixel resolution and more than 30 pictures a second at 2-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. As such, it complements Micron's 5-megapixel image sensor that also supports HD video and is currently shipping in volume.

"As the world's leading supplier of image sensor solutions, we continue to expand the envelope, bringing new experiences and advanced functionality to digital photography," said Steve Appleton, Micron chairman, CEO and president.

Additionally, continuing its heritage in imaging innovation, Micron announced its work on a 1.4-micron pixel and unveils pictures taken with test chip. By shrinking pixel size, Micron 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.

"With the 8-megapixel image sensor being designed with our latest 1.75-micron pixel, and the encouraging results we're seeing with the next-generation smaller pixel at 1.4-microns, Micron leads the industry in both smaller and higher performance image sensors, enabling our customers to create new and exciting camera products," said Bob Gove, vice president of Micron Technology's imaging group.

Micron Unleashes New Class of Image Sensors for High-End Camera Phones
In camera phones, where space is at a premium and image quality is traditionally negligible, Micron's 8-megapixel image sensor could revolutionize the market. As high-end mobile phones trend larger with more features and functionalities designed into the handset, Micron's new 8-megapixel image sensor becomes an attractive fit. And with the new 1.75-micron pixel design, Micron continues to enable the industrial design of today's popular thin and slim phones while increasing the resolution. For example, given the standard 1/4-inch optical format of today's mobile phones, a sensor built on Micron's 1.75-micron pixel can deliver a 3-megapixel resolution, without changing the handset's form factor.

Availability & Pricing
General customer sampling is planned for the fall of 2006 with mass production expected in the first half of 2007. The 8-megapixel pricing will be determined at the time of general customer sampling.

Micron's CMOS image sensor portfolio offers designers of virtually every image-capture application the flexibility, speed, resolution, feature set, and innovative thinking to develop high-quality products. Micron's portfolio of CMOS image sensors are used in a variety of applications that span the mobile, consumer, medical, automotive, commercial, industrial and high-speed markets. Additional information about Micron Imaging can be found at http://www.micron.com/products/imaging.

About Micron
Micron Technology, Inc., is one of the world's leading providers of advanced semiconductor solutions. Through its worldwide operations, Micron manufactures and markets DRAMs, NAND flash memory, CMOS image sensors, other semiconductor components, and memory modules for use in leading-edge computing, consumer, networking, and mobile products. Micron's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the MU symbol. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc., visit www.micron.com.

[dmm96452]

Given what I've recently learned about the relationship between pixel size or the size of the photosites and noise will an 8 megapixel sensor that small be incredibly noisey at higher iso (probably 200 or higher) settings?

[Photo-John]

Given what I've recently learned about the relationship between pixel size or the size of the photosites and noise will an 8 megapixel sensor that small be incredibly noisey at higher iso (probably 200 or higher) settings?

Generally that's true. A larger pixel will always be able to capture cleaner information. However, as the consumer market demands that engineers make smaller and smaller imaging devices, the noise-supressing technology will also improve. Right now, 8-megapixel compact cameras are capturing cleaner files than 3-megapixel compact cameras were a few years ago. So yes - larger pixels are always better. But that doesn't mean that smaller pixels are incapable of delivering good or even excellent image quality.

[ajuk]

They should be looking at ways to make the sensors bigger, even if they can inprove the noise, sensor size still has a major effect on resolution and tonality.

[Photo-John]

They should be looking at ways to make the sensors bigger, even if they can inprove the noise, sensor size still has a major effect on resolution and tonality.

The thing that most photographers don't realize is that the money is in the camera phone market. For better or worse, money drives technology development. So as a business, they really should be making smaller sensors. That will give them the biggest return on their investment. And as to your comment about them making bigger sensors - any improvements that are made to image quality on smaller sensors will trickle up into sensors with larger pixels. In fact, making sensors with bigger pixels isn't really a big deal. It's making tiny, high-resolution sensors that is tough. As camera phones improve, so will digital SLRs.