Camera Phones, Embedded PC Cameras Propel Image Sensor Market

Continued uptake of cameras in mobile phones and notebook PCs is driving growth in the area-array image sensor market, reports In-Stat (http://email.in-stat.com/cgi-bin4/DM... ). Worldwide unit shipments of image sensors in camera phones continue to rise, mostly as a result of the continuing penetration of dual-camera phones in Asian markets. These phones utilize both a traditional point-and-shoot camera, as well as a second, inward-facing camera for two-way video communication or videoconferencing.

A worldwide image sensor shipment forecast graphic is available here.

A promising new image sensor application is also taking hold. Currently a small segment of the market, embedded PC cameras will surpass digital still cameras to become the second-largest application for image sensors by 2011. A few years ago, only Apple incorporated cameras into desktop and laptop computers; in 2008, nearly all major PC manufacturers offered embedded PC cameras in mobile PCs.

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

• Camera phones comprised nearly 81% of area-array image sensor shipments in 2008, a share that is expected to shrink only slightly through 2013.
  
• Other key applications include: Digital Still Cameras, Camcorders, Security Cameras, Web Cameras, Consumer IP Cameras, Embedded PC Cameras, Embedded LCD Monitor Cameras, Toys, Automotive.
  
• CMOS sensors dominated image sensor shipments in 2008, with more than an 87% share.
  
• CMOS will make up 62% of security camera image sensors by 2013.
  
• While CMOS is gaining in digital still cameras, it will not surpass CCDs until 2013.
  
• Among the many competitors in this market are Aptina, MagnaChip, OmniVision Technologies, Sharp, Sony, and Panasonic.
  
  
  

The research, "Image Sensors 2009: Camera Phones Continue to Dominate Shipments" (#IN0904458MI), covers the worldwide market for image sensors. It includes:

• Worldwide unit shipment forecasts for CMOS and CCD sensors through 2013.
  
• Worldwide image sensor forecasts by product category through 2013.
  
• Analysis of the markets for various sensor applications.
  
• Profiles of image sensor suppliers.
  

The price is $2,995 (US).

This research is part of In-Stat's Multimedia & Interface Technologies which identifies and forecasts the markets for key interface technologies and tracks penetration of these technologies into PCs, PC peripherals, consumer electronics, communications, automotive and industrial applications. It also examines competitors, industry agendas, technology platforms, semiconductor technology and shipments. Supply and demand-side insights are combined to examine these dynamic, evolving technologies.