RSS Feeds
Cameras
Sony Using CMOS Camera For Cars, CMOS!
Posted by Mark Wilson at 12:17 AM on November 29, 2007
We're gonna go a little ubergeek on you for a moment and celebrate that Sony is using CMOS video cameras for Nissan's upcoming "around view monitor," a camera system giving you an overhead view of your car for parking and moments when you just want to look like OJ on the highway. These cameras grab 1.3MP at 30 frames per second. No, the specs aren't amazing. But here's why we're excited.
CMOS chips have traditionally been great for still cameras, but analogue master CCD has long ruled the video world. And CCD has traditionally been better in low light situations, especially. So why fix what's not broken? CMOS is cheap. Real cheap. And it's good to see the video being used in applications other than the surprisingly effective point 'n shoots with video.
And this Nissan system looks pretty neat, too. [fareastgizmos via gearfuse]
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
EQC
Posted 1:38 PM 28/11/07
for those who can't figure out how this works:
multiple cameras mounted around the car:
[www.engadget.com]
EQC
LittleJon
Posted 11:57 AM 28/11/07
CMOS isn't just used for still cameras. It's being used in HD video cameras (camcorders, broadcast cameras, etc.). CCDs don't work well at high data rates (not for reasonable amounts of power), so CMOS is taking over the HD world.
LittleJon
strider_mt2k
Posted 10:59 AM 28/11/07
Yeah, I really likes me some CCD, but CMOS is cheap and a bit more rugged, even if it's low light performance isn't great.
You have to accept the trade offs and use what will work best in a given application.
strider_mt2k
Tony C
Posted 9:37 AM 28/11/07
With most factory-installed backup camera systems, the optical unit is usually installed somewhere around the license plate, somewhat protected under an overhang or spoiler.
A 186.2 degree field of vision with this Sony hardware means that they need only four cameras: front, rear, left and right. I haven't seen the exact installation points on Infiniti's EX35, but I'd guess that the left & right cameras are somewhere around the side view mirrors and the front is tucked away in the grille.
I love that the wide angle distortion is taken care of in the camera hardware because while it means it'll cost more, it also means that it can be adapted to replace an existing camera without too much hassle.
Tony C
delithic
Posted 9:31 AM 28/11/07
@JRo: I think there will be a giant tripod on wheels that will follow you around with an oversized camera mounted on top.
Truman won't notice, just keep filming.
delithic
JRo
Posted 8:47 AM 28/11/07
So waitaminute....
Are these cameras going to float above the car like a Bit from Tron? Will it bobble and sway from a rear antenna? I could care less about the CMOS part of it, it's the mechanics of it that don't make sense to me.
JRo
kevman90
Posted 8:34 AM 28/11/07
still not totally understanding how this works but looks really interesting...
kevman90
WilCon
Posted 8:27 AM 28/11/07
One more way for us to be monitored and tagged. I am starting to feel like a wild animal on a preserve.
WilCon
JRo
Posted 8:56 AM 29/11/07
@EQC: Thanks EQC. Now it makes sense!
JRo