Micron today released two new CMOS sensors, destined for your next handset. The two new sensors (3.1 and 5.1 megapixels) are designed to provide better optics and color as well as give more resolution than the current generation of cellphone cameras give.

5-Megapixel, 1/2.5-Inch CMOS Image Sensor

Micron’s exclusive DigitalClarity technology dramatically reduces noise levels in our CMOS sensors. The 5- megapixel, 1/2.5-inch optical format of the MT9P001, operating within the space constraints of mobile applications, brings DSC-class images to the mobile phone space. Your MT9P001-equipped phone or digital still camera will deliver sharp, crystal-clear images—whether capturing continuous video or single frames—even in extreme low-light conditions.

The MT9P001 comes with all the advantages of our CMOS technology, including a small form factor, low power consumption, fast performance, and ease of integration. Sophisticated camera functions, including programmable gain, frame rate, exposure time, image mirroring, and viewfi nder and snapshot modes have been incorporated onto the chip itself.

Hopefully it won't be long before we see these in ubiquity as there are far too many people wasting kilobytes on completely worthless pictures at the moment. This would definitely make it more difficult for entry level point-and-shoot camera makers to compete, but it would also mean only one box in your pocket, which is always nice.

There are some sample images up on Micron's website and they look suprisingly good. Here are pictures from a 5.1 and 3.1 megapixel sensor.

Looking good, looking good