Samsung has announced  a 12 Megapixel CMOS imager which produces sharp images in low light conditions and has been optimised for smartphones.

"With extensive experience and technical knowhow in the image sensor business, we successfully developed the smallest, 1.12 micron pixel imager", said Dojun Rhee, vice president of marketing, System LSI Division.

The new imager ( S5K3L1 ) will provide 12 megapixel images at a rate of 30 frames per second and 1080 HD video at 60 frames per second or 720p at 90 frames per second.

VGA standard images can be viewed at 120 frames per second which Samsung say is ideal for slow motion playback.

Samples of the imager are available now with mass production expected in Q3 this year.