Aptina unveils 12 and 13-megapixel 4k video sensors for smartphones

Aptina has announced 12-megapixel and 13-megapixel image sensors for smartphones and tablets, capable of capturing 4k videos at 30 frames per second.

All digital camera manufacturers are complaining that sales have dramatically dropped, following the ever-improving sensors available in higher-end smartphones.

The successors of these high-end smartphones could be powered by Aptina’s 12 and 13-megapixel image sensors, capable of recording 4k video at 30fps.

Challenging the digital camera makers even further, with sensors capable of recording 4k video

Even though image quality is better in compact cameras, consumers are willing to make a compromise. The facts that they do not have to carry an extra gadget in their pocket and to pay extra money for a shooter are enough to compensate for the image quality difference.

Nikon, Canon, and other camera makers will be disappointed to hear that Aptina has introduced a pair of image sensors capable of recording 4k videos at 30fps and full HD 1920 x 1080 videos at 96fps.

The two sensors are based on 1.1-micron pixel and Aptina’s A-PixHS 3 and Mobile HDR 4 technologies. Industry analyst Tetsuo Omori said that the 1/3-inch format sensors will remain the default form factor for high-end smartphones and tablets for the next four years.

AR1230 and AR1330 raising the bar from 8-megapixel to 12 and 13 megapixels

Aptina’s new image sensors were announced at the Mobile World Congress 2013, one of the biggest mobile events in the world. The show takes place this week in Barcelona, Spain.

The fourth generation of MobileHDR technology raises dynamic range up to 24 decibels, which will allow smartphone users to capture sharp images and crisp videos.

The AR1230 is a 12-megapixel image sensor with support for 4k ultra HD video recording at 30fps. It can also record 1080p videos at 96 fps.

On the other hand, the AR1330 is 13-megapixel sensor which captures both 4k UHD and 4k Cinema videos at 30fps.

Aptina’s new pair of sensors come packed with super slow motion video support, 3D image capturing, improved low-light sensitivity, and enhanced zoom capabilities. They will become available to smartphone makers this summer, allowing the companies to release high-end handsets with these sensors by the end of 2013.

Front-facing cameras also got a much-needed quality boost

Moreover, Aptina also improved its sensor for front-facing cameras. The new AR0261 is based on 1.4-micron technology and it can capture full HD videos or 720p videos at 60fps.

The company says that the new sensor can be used in smartphones, tablets, TVs, and monitors.

Aptina is touting a “best-in-class” HDR imagery, gesture recognition, and 3D support. This sensor will also become available in early summer, meaning that devices sporting the AR0261 will be unveiled by the end of this year.