Small, smaller… the OV6948 camera chip. (Image source: Omnivision)
Tiny as a grain of salt and still a functional camera – or at least an image sensor? A device from the manufacturer Omnivision has it all with its incredibly small Aparillo Guinness Book of Records done.
But thanks to what mini dimensions it has OV6948 achieved the record for the world’s smallest, commercially available camera – and what is the thing even good for?
What can the OV6948 image sensor do?
In numbers: The camera has a size of 0.575mm x 0.575mm x 0.232mm. For comparison: a human hair is approximately 0.05 millimeters thick. This makes this micro camera about ten times as thick as a human hair.
The optical format of the OV6948 is 1/36 inch, videos are recorded with a resolution of 200 x 200 pixels at up to 30 frames per second.
The image sensor is primarily intended for mounting on medical devices. Endoscopes, catheters or disposable guide wires are just some of the application examples. Due to its small size, the image sensor can be inserted into vessels as small as 1.0 mm. In other words: Doctors use the device to penetrate the narrowest vessels in the human body. If so, then you are more likely to encounter OV6948 in neurological, urological or gynecological treatments.
OV6948 brings to light images from the last branches of your body. (Image sources: Omnivision; PublicDomainPictures via Unsplash, Mix and Match Studio via Adobe Stock)
Tehzeeb Gunjadirector of medical marketing at OmniVision, says:
»So far, the development of medical devices has been dependent on a compromise between size and resolution. The dimensions of the camera modules and the image sensors within them are limited by the outer diameter of the endoscope.«
Thanks to its low power consumption, the OV6948 also generates little heat. This is desirable for the treatment of patients in the medical field.
The devices have a price tag of 50 euros. However, you cannot use an OV6948 individually order. Instead, interested parties must order at least 192 pieces.
By the way, OV6948 made it into the Guinness Book of Records in the category “Smallest commercially available image sensor in terms of the physical dimensions of the sensor module”. The measurements were taken in millimeters and with an accuracy of 0.001 mm.
By the way: If you’re thinking about buying a new camera, you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money. My colleague and photography expert Linh explains which cameras for under 200 euros are really worth your money.
Do you find such super small tech devices interesting, or do you find yourself yawning loudly when you see such devices? And also: What is the name of the tiniest thing that you have ever held in your hands – and used? Feel free to tell us about your experiences in the comments below – and stay silent forever.
