Toshiba has started mass production shipments of the new "T4KA3" 8-megapixel BSI CMOS image sensor designed for mobiles and tablets. The sensor has a new low power circuit design that cuts power consumption to 46% that of Toshiba's current 8MP sensors (T4K35), and a chip size that puts it in the smallest class for 8MP sensors. The small chip size will realize smaller camera modules; 6.5mm square, for example, which is suitable for front-facing camera. In addition, 8MP output at 30fps is possible using MIPI 2 Lanes.

High speed video recording generally requires a high frame rate with short exposure time, resulting in underexposed images. However, the T4KA3 incorporates "Bright Mode" technology that boosts image brightness up to four times, realizing HD video capture at 240 fps equivalent. It allows smartphones and tablets to record high quality, high speed video, and to offer extended imaging functions, including smooth slow motion playback and high speed continuous shooting.

The new sensor incorporates 8Kbit OTP, which can store lens shading correction data for two conditions, correction data for indoors and for outdoors, for example, which have a different light profiles. These conditions can be separately applied to image correction, and users can switch from one to the other with a simple command.

The product can be used in rear- and front-facing cameras for smartphones and tablets.