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1. Comment - 8-Megapixel Mini-Cameras Coming

   (May 19, 2006 - 7:26 PM)

   Small invididual sensor element size (I don't know if "pixel" is appropriate here - as there may not be a 1:1 correspondence with the output) means lower light sensitivity.
   
   Look at the pathethic state of current comsumer DV cams:
   Small (1/6") sensor arrays, smaller array chip area = more sensor chips on silicon die = lower cost;
   Megapixels on each chip to suit photos (that usually look shoddy compared to a proper photo camera) = less light on each sensor element = terrible low light performance.
   
   Lame attempt to fix problem:
   Don't increase sensor element size - that would reduce the marketing "megapixel" count on a fixed-size chip area (memgapixels can't be used by SD DV anyway - it's only for photos);
   Don't increase the chip-area - smaller is cheaper;
   Use electronic spatio-temporal smoothers ("3D") to hide the extra noise and accept the loss in sharpness.
   
   What an irony: consumer DV cams that can't take a decent picture inside the home without extra lighting. And the family is typically spending more time inside the home than ever before.