The mainstream photo-philes would possibly consider replacing their digital cameras with a compact-sized mobile phone equipped with a 3-megapixel camera.

Sharp Corporation has developed two new 3-megapixel CCD camera modules intended for use in camera-equipped mobile phones. The two camera modules feature a built-in autofocus function and the new LZ0P3758 features, in addition, an all-internal optical zoom lens that is switchable between normal and 2X zoom. Both models will be available in quantity beginning in September 2005.

Cameras designed to be embedded in mobile phones are experiencing rapidly growing user demands for compact size, as well as greater functionality and higher image quality on a par with ordinary digital cameras.

The LZ0P3758 CCD camera module developed offers sophisticated functionality, including a 3-megapixel CCD, 2X optical zoom and autofocus, and is also equipped with an all-internal zoom system in which the lens section does not protrude from the module body. Plus, Sharp’s proprietary high-density surface mount technology makes possible a compact module form factor with a volume of only 4.7 cc. The modules also feature a FIT CCD image sensor and high-performance lens, promising high resolution and high image quality with minimal distortion.

Based on the interline transfer system commonly used in CCDs, the FIT (Frame Interline Transfer) process represents an
improvement in the architecture designed to prevent the “smearing” phenomenon typical of CCDs (for example, when headlights or light from the sun causes streaks of light to appear on the image). The FIT system is used in professional-quality broadcast video cameras and makes it possible to shoot optimal images, whether at night or under
the light of the midday sun.

The LZ0P3751 CCD camera module with autofocus will be released at the same time.

The 3-megapixel CCD camera module also features an autofocus function that makes it possible to capture images with the subject in perfect focus—from close-ups to portraits and landscapes.

In addition, the FIT CCD image sensor and the lens tailored to it make it possible to take high-resolution images, ready for printing at a size of 178 x 127 mm. (300-dpi ).

Specifications:

Model name	LZ0P3758	LZ0P3751
Type	With all-internal optical zoom and autofocus	With autofocus
Image sensor	1/2.5-inch, 3-megapixel CCD [Frame Interline Transfer (FIT) process]
Number of output pixels (max.)	2,048 (H) x 1,536 (V)
Frame rate (max.)	10 fps (when shooting VGA-resolution video)
Lens F number	Wide-angle: F2.8; telephoto (zoom): F4.	F2.8
Autofocus function	Yes (step motor system)	Yes (linear motor system)
Optical zoom function	Switchable between normal and 2X zoom (all-internal zoom system)	None
Module size	20 x 10 x 23.5 mm (volume: 4.7 cc)	22 x 13.5 x 10.1 mm (volume: 3.0 cc)