Toshiba unveils the smallest 8MP CMOS image sensor with Back Side Illumination

Steve Jobs says it's not all about the megapixels and in this case he might be right. Toshiba's newest creation is a super thin 8 megapixel CMOS sensor, that promises smaller pixels without loss of quality. An issue that rears its head when trying to squeeze higher megapixel sensors in a smaller space is that it usually results in a loss of image quality.

8MP but nothing like we've seen before

What the new Toshiba sensor promises is an 8 megapixel CMOS sensor with the smallest pixel size in the biz at 1.12 micrometers, add to that back-side illumination (BSI) and quality degredation is negligable at best.

Key features

Optical format:	1/ 4 inch
Number of pixels:	8.08 megapixels
Size of pixels:	1.12 micrometers
Frame rate:	30 frame per sec. (8M pixel), 60 frames per sec. (Supports 1080p, 720p)

This means we might be seeing some of the newest 8MP shooters producing some really impressive shots in the not-too-distant future. The new sensor is already in testing and has plans to go into mass production later this year.
For the full press-release from Toshiba click here.

Panasonic launches Lumix Phone P-05C with optical stabilization

A new cameraphone legend was born on friday(08-07-11) as Panasonic launches its Lumix Phone
P-05C. The 13 megapixel handset is the world's first to feature optical image stabilization, proudly carrying the MEGA O.I.S. branding right next to its lens.
The 27mm wide angle lens of the Lumix Phone P-05C is also as wide as it gets on a mobile phone, allowing you to fit more in the frame. Video enthusiasts will also appreciate the 1080p video recording that the latest Panasonic feature phone offers.

Other photography features that the Lumix Phone P-05 borrows from its Panasonic digicam cousins include the iAuto mode for automatic scene recognition with 11 presets and burst mode, which captures 8 consecutive frames and lets you choose one of them.
The Lumix Phone P-05C is built around a 3.3" LCD screen of unconfirmed resolution (though knowing Japan phones FWVGA seems like a safe bet).

Colors Available :

Available in black, blue, gold and pink colors, the Lumix Phone P-05C is hit the Japanese NTT DoCoMo network. There's no saying if Panasonic plans on bringing an European or American version, though.