STMicroelectronics has announced a 2-megapixel camera subsystem which would be used with the current crop of camera phones. The VS6724 includes a high-quality multi- element lens with a 1/4-inch CMOS sensor and on-chip processing and is capable of delivering UXGA-resolution (1600 x 1200 pixels) images..

The VS6724 is available in super-low-profile 8 x 8 x 4.5mm and in high-performance 8 x 8 x 5.5mm SmOP2 packages and via the n-chip hardware M-JPEG (Motion - Joint Photographic Experts Group) encoder it can secure 30 frames per second UXGA-resolution output.

Other features include; video output stream to the ITU-R BT.656-4 standard, YUV (YCbCr) 4:2:2 with embedded sync, an 8-bit parallel video interface with external horizontal and vertical synchronization signals and output video formats are YUV 4:2:2, RGB (444 and 565), and M-JPEG. The chip can be used in camera phones, PDA ,gaming platforms, video conferencing and security cameras

"The stunning images from this new camera module are the result of innovation both in high-quality, Imager-on-Chip CMOS technology, and in high- volume, optical package design and manufacture," said Jean-Yves Gomez, General Manager of ST's Imaging Division. "By controlling every phase in the design and manufacturing processes -- something that's unique in this market -- ST can deliver excellent image quality in an easy-to-use product at a highly competitive price."