First the 120MP sensor, now the largest CMOS sensor: from Canon

[cfusionpm]

Canon Develops World's Largest CMOS Sensor



August 31, 2010 - Canon Inc.

Canon succeeds in developing world's largest CMOS image sensor, with ultra-high sensitivity


Canon's ultra-large-scale CMOS sensor (left) alongside a 35 mm full-frame CMOS sensor

TOKYO, August 31, 2010—Canon Inc. announced today that it has successfully developed the world's largest*1 CMOS image sensor, with a chip size measuring 202 x 205 mm. Because its expanded size enables greater light-gathering capability, the sensor is capable of capturing images in one one-hundredth the amount of light required by a professional-model digital SLR camera.

At 202 x 205 mm, the newly developed CMOS sensor is among the largest chips that can be produced from a 12-inch (300 mm) wafer, and is approximately 40 times the size of Canon's largest commercial CMOS sensor.*2

In the past, enlarging the size of the sensor resulted in an increase in the amount of time required between the receiving and transmission of data signals, which posed a challenge to achieving high-speed readout. Canon, however, solved this problem through an innovative circuit design, making possible the realization of a massive video-compatible CMOS sensor. Additionally, by ensuring the cleanest of cleanroom environments during the production process, the sensor minimizes image imperfections and dust.

Because the increased size of the new CMOS sensor allows more light to be gathered, it enables shooting in low-light environments. The sensor makes possible the image capture in one one-hundredth the amount of light required by a 35 mm full-frame CMOS sensor, facilitating the shooting of 60 frame-per-second video with a mere 0.3 lux of illumination.

Potential applications for the new high-sensitivity CMOS sensor include the video recording of stars in the night sky and nocturnal animal behavior.

Through the further development of distinctive CMOS image sensors, Canon will break new ground in the world of new image expression, in the area of still images as well as video.

*1 As of August 27, 2010. Based on a Canon study.

*2 The approximately 21.1 megapixel 35 mm full-frame CMOS sensor employed in the company's EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR cameras.

*3 Approximately one-half the brightness of a moonlit night.

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[Sachphotography]

Well I guess we now know the new standard for Large Format Digital Photography... LOL

[prodigy2k7]

and people were dissing it cuz they assumed it was FF or crop lol...
Pretty sexy IMO

[MrLogic]

and people were dissing it cuz they assumed it was FF or crop lol...

No assumption. Not the same sensor... at all. The 120 megapixel sensor was an "APS-H-size" sensor, according to Canon.

APS-H ~ 1.25 - 1.3 crop. Think 1D Mk IV.

[Buckster]

I hope this means we'll be seeing affordable digital MF backs in my lifetime.

[RobWyse]

Just needs two more inches on the longer side, then we would have a lovely 8x10 large format sensor . Maybe then there'd be a good reason to have 120 megapixels too .

[Pure]

There's no way Canon can manage profitable yields with a chip that large.

[Scatterbrained]

yes there is.

[Village Idiot]

There's no way Canon can manage profitable yields with a chip that large.

As I recall Hasselblad is still in business and at one point, their 50mp camera was about $50,000.

[Derrel]

An impressive technological achievement that falls in the "because we can" realm, like the Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 zoom. http://www.kenrockwell.com/sigma/ima...R_4567-460.jpg

Maybe they can figure out a way to cram a 24x36mm sensor into their 1D Mark V some day.

[prodigy2k7]

Im confused as to what size it is (although the picture shows a huge chip)
CNET says "29.2mm by 20.2mm (APS-H size)" while the website in this post says "At 202 x 205 mm, the newly developed CMOS sensor is among the largest chips that can be produced from a 12-inch (300 mm) wafer, and is approximately 40 times the size of Canon's largest commercial CMOS sensor.*2"

[cfusionpm]

Im confused as to what size it is (although the picture shows a huge chip)
CNET says "29.2mm by 20.2mm (APS-H size)" while the website in this post says "At 202 x 205 mm, the newly developed CMOS sensor is among the largest chips that can be produced from a 12-inch (300 mm) wafer, and is approximately 40 times the size of Canon's largest commercial CMOS sensor.*2"

They're talking about two different sensors. The APS-H is a super compact, super high res 120MP sensor, whereas this one is physically incredibly large, but oddly enough, I can't find a MP count for it.