• By matt buchanan
    Apr 18, 2008 5:00 PM 24,852
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    read more: #digitalcameras, #ccd, #cmos, #chips, #gadgets, #sensors, #silicon, #cigs, #imagesensor

    Your Digital Camera Is Obsolete: Japanese Image Sensor 100x More Sensitive Than Current Chips

    Right now, your camera either has a CCD (most point and shoots) or a CMOS image sensor (lots of DSLRs) inside, which converts pretty pictures into an electrical signal. Japan's Research Center for Photovoltaics has developed a CIGS image sensor that's 100 times more light-sensitive than the silicon chip inside your cam. It's able to shoot in environments as dark as 0.001 lux, or about as dark as a "moonless clear night." Obviously, it'll be great for night vision gear, but it also picks up infrared, giving this some serious Sam Fisher applications. Check out the comparison shot between a CMOS and CIGS below, it's insane. Chen won't need that invisible coat, just a good zoom lens.

    [Tech On]


    Send an email to matt buchanan, the author of this post, at matt@gizmodo.com.