Canon says it has developed the world’s largest CMOS image sensor, which it hinted will be used to develop HD video enabled digital SLR cameras able to capture filmed action in one-half the brightness of a moonlit night.

In a statement released this morning it said the chip measures 205x205mm, which is around 40 times the size of the full-frame sensor it uses in its EOS 1Ds Mk III and EOS 5D Mark II cameras, and is claimed to be among the largest chips that can be produced from a 12-inch (300mm) wafer.”

“Because its expanded size enables greater light-gathering capability, the sensor is capable of capturing images in one one-hundredth the amount of light required by a professional-model digital SLR camera.

“In the past, enlarging the size of the sensor resulted in an increase in the amount of time required between the receiving and transmission of data signals, which posed a challenge to achieving high-speed readout. Canon, however, solved this problem through an innovative circuit design, making possible the realisation of a massive video-compatible CMOS sensor. Additionally, by ensuring the cleanest of cleanroom environments during the production process, the sensor minimizes image imperfections and dust.

“Because the increased size of the new CMOS sensor allows more light to be gathered, it enables shooting in low-light environments. The sensor makes possible the image capture in one one-hundredth the amount of light required by a 35 mm full-frame CMOS sensor, facilitating the shooting of 60 frame-per-second video with a mere 0.3 lux of illumination.”

“Potential applications for the new high-sensitivity CMOS sensor include the video recording of stars in the night sky and nocturnal animal behaviour.

“Through the further development of distinctive CMOS image sensors, Canon will break new ground in the world of new image expression, in the area of still images as well as video.”

In a seperate announcement, Canon Japan also says it has developed the world's largest APS-H CMOS sensor, devlivering a resolution of approximately 120 megapixels.