We all know full frame DSLR cameras cost more than the DSLR cameras with DX or APS-C sized sensors but why? Part of the cost difference is due to the higher cost of making larger sensors. The article at Chipworks will tell you some details of the semiconductor manufacturing aspects of making CMOS image sensors.
The cost of making a full frame sensor is indeed a lot more than a APS-C sized sensor. However the difference isn’t that much compared to overall price of a high end DSLR. That’s why it should be possible to see a full frame camera just a few hundred, not a thousand or more, dollars more expensive than a APS-C DSLR with similar features. Today’s product lineups from Canon or Nikon are most likely results of marketing strategy that maximizes profits and strengthens market position. Read More…
Posted in
Technology on October 30th, 2008.
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Micron, a leading CMOS image sensor manufacturer, launched a separate CMOS image sensor division called Aptina. Unlike big names such as Canon, Nikon, Sony etc, Micron (now Aptina) is not well known to many digital photographers due mainly to their mostly low-end (P&S and camera phone) and specialty image sensor product portfolio, even through they have the number one CMOS image sensor market share. If you don’t know already, Micron supplied the camera chip in Apple’s popular iPhone.
Things may be different soon as Micron start to crack open the high end market. I would not be surprised to see an Aptina image sensor in Nikon DSLR cameras in the future.
Posted in
News on March 5th, 2008.
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I am curious if most people know who has the largest market share in CMOS image sensor. Is it Canon? Nope, it is Micron Technology Inc (see this media presentation from Micron). So I guess it is not so strange that Micron makes the 2MP image sensor for the iPhone.
Posted in
Miscellaneous on June 27th, 2007.
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