Main focus in Smartphone camera module competition is turning its head to various differentiating functions rather than raising the level of pixels. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) function that used to be in high-quality models became generalized, and now it supports manual mode that comes close to as the one in DSLR cameras. Possibility has been brought up that dual lenses camera and 3D camera will be applied into next-generation models.
Pixels that used to be same as previous models or 16 million pixel rear camera modules have been chosen for new flagship models such as Samsung Galaxy S6 and LG Electronics G4. Outlook that 20 million pixels modules were going to be installed have proven to be a fail.
This means rather than focusing on raising the level of the pixels that are reaching its technology and physical limits, it is better to focus on the differentiating functions to compete with other competitors.
LG G4 received high praise from Korea and other foreign countries for its manual mode that can manually control a shutter speed that has an aperture value of at least F1.8, white balance, and International Standards Organization (ISO). It can select a speed from 1/6000 second to 30 seconds, so that it is able to shooting functions that are only possible in manual cameras such as long time exposure outdoor pictures. LGInnotech applied its own extremely sensitive large diameter module structure and ‘Advanced Active Online’ process to maximize the amount of light that reaches image sensor.
Samsung Galaxy S6 also showed its superior performance by Unpacked event, and comparing its photo output to that of Apple Iphone 6. Although it has same 16 million pixels as its previous model Galaxy S5, it became more convenient to take pictures under poor conditions by having aperture value of F1.9.
It is predicted that next-generation models will be dual lenses cameras that take pictures with two camera modules. By aiming for next-generation Smartphone market, Samsung Electronics is developing dual lenses camera that focuses on backlit shooting, zoom shooting, out focusing, and high-speed shooting. It plans to finish its developing and introduce to the market in the second half of the year.
Although sticking to 8 million pixels, Apple plans to have 3D camera functions built in their next-generation products. The reason for this is because they bought off last month a small Israeli camera business ‘Linx Computational Imaging’ that possesses 3D automatic transformation skills. Camera that is developed by this company has a sensor that can capture multiple images, which enables making 3D image map and having function that are like dual lenses camera.
“Competition in camera module pixels and thickness is reaching its end. Because it’s hard to tell the difference of high pixels with a naked eye, the focus of the development of camera module technologies shifts to differentiating functions and improved performance.” One of the affiliates in camera module industry said about the shift of camera function’s trend.
Staff Reporter, Park Jungeun | jepark@etnews.com