Sony makes small camera module for VR headsets and smartwatches

Sony announces a camera module with a resolution of 1 megapixel, which is a few millimeters in size. According to Sony, the module is the smallest of its kind. The sensor and lens combination is intended for use in small mobile devices.

The module is 2.6mm wide, 3.3mm deep and 2.32mm high. Including flat cable, the weight is about 0.1 grams, while the module itself weighs only 0.02 grams. Although smaller camera modules exist, Sony states that this is the smallest with a resolution of 1 megapixel. The actual sensor has dimensions of 2x2mm. According to Sony, the chip has a consumption that is ten to sixty percent lower than existing sensors for small devices with the same number of pixels.

With an effective resolution of up to 1296×816 pixels, the sensor is suitable for devices that film in an HD resolution of 1280×720 pixels. Sony makes two variants, where the IU233N2-Z is capable of capturing images in color and the IU233N5-Z is only suitable for black and white. When using all pixels, the sensor can be read 60 times per second. At lower resolutions, that goes up to 240fps.

Sony Semiconductor will supply the camera module to manufacturers from January. The chipmaker states that the module can be used for IoT devices, drones, wearables and VR headsets.