Image sensor market driven by camera phones

Recent research by In-Stat identified strong growth in the image sensor market in 2006, with camera phone sensors accounting for 75% of all image sensors shipped.

Fueled by camera phones, CMOS sensors were responsible for almost 80% of all image sensor shipments during the year.

Although CCD sensors remained strong in digital still cameras, camcorders and CCTV cameras during the year, In-Stat noted that CMOS sensors were also increasingly being used in these categories as well as in camera phones.

The expanding digital single lens reflex market is increasingly using CMOS sensors, with Canon leading the way with its own CMOS sensors.

In-Stat also identified strong demand for dual-camera phones among 3G wireless subscribers in Asia and Europe.

In-Stat’s report – Image Sensors 2007: CMOS is Everywhere – reviews the 2006 market for image sensors and provides annual forecast numbers until 2011. CCD, CMOS, and CIS unit market shares for all applications are provided for the entire forecast period.