OmniVision launches the slimmest 8MP module yet, Apple smirks

OmniVision has just announced their latest and greatest mobile camera module. The 8 megapixel unit measures 1/4" in diagonal and it is the slimmest in its class to date. That was achieved with the use of the 1.1-micron technology for the manufacturing of the sensor (as opposed to the 1.4-micron process of its predecessor).

The new OmniVision OV8850 module allows 1080p video recording at 30 fps with a full field of view and 720p @ 60 fps with 2 x 2 binning, which should help reduce digital noise while still keeping the full field of view.

All this high-tech goodness is packed in a shell that's just 4.7mm thick, which makes it a perfect fit for the upcoming iPhone 5 (or 4S), which is reportedly even slimmer than the iPhone 4.

However, the company had reportedly had some issues with the manufacturing of the OV8850 so it might have missed its chance to seal the deal with Apple. We will only know when the announcement comes, but Sony also seems to be in the bid with their 8 megapixel Exmor R sensors.