The digital imaging experts at OmniVision Technologies have just polished off their latest piece of tech for smart phones and tablets, a new 8 Megapixel sensor designed for implementation in future ultra-slim models.

The OV8850 is the first CMOS sensor of its kind, built on a 1.1-micron OmniBSI-2 pixel architecture. It is capable of enabling autofocus modules that are 20% slimmar than what is currently available which in turn will allow for even slimmer mobile devices to be created. Where current-gen OmniBSI chips are built on 1.4-micron architecture, the OV8850 also brings significant improvements in power efficiency as well as producing a better quality image.

Other impressive specs that make up of OV8850 include the on-chip temp sensor, two phase lock loops, context switching, alternate row exposure for high dynamic range (HDR) video and still image capturing, as well as the ability for the camera to maintain a field of view in 1080p/30fps HD video and preview modes via the use of an integrated scaler.

Sampling of the OV8850 will commence sometime this month and it is expected to go into mass production by Q1 2012.