120-megapixel CMOS sensor

 Canon's newly developed CMOS sensor,
featuring approx. 120 megapixels

The sensor is the so-called APS-H size and measures 29.2-mm by 20.2-mm and contains 13,280 by 9,184 pixels (121.96 million pixels).


Most DLSRs use one of 3 different sensor sizes: APS-H (Canon only), APS-C and Full Frame.  Generally speaking the larger the sensor the less digital noise.   

According to the press release, the sensor can output 9.5fps HD frames from any subsection of the sensor.


The sensor also supports full high-definition video (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) output. The sensor can output full HD video from any approximately one-sixtieth-sized section of its total surface area.

Canon's highest-resolution commercial CMOS sensor of the same size contains about 16.1 million pixels, the company said. Therefore the newly developed sensor features a pixel count that is nearly 7.5 times larger and offers a 2.4-fold improvement in resolution.

As CMOS sensors increase in resolution high pixel counts can result in problems with bandwidth getting signals off chip, large pin counts and signal delays and minor deviations in timing. By modifying the method employed to control the readout circuit timing, Canon has achieved a maximum output speed of approximately 9.5 frames per second on the latest sensor, supporting the continuous shooting of ultra-high-resolution images.

* I am thinking you can build an all digital PTZ with something like this. One with no moving parts.