(FT3) Triple rumor: Panasonic ready to release a compact camera with backlight sensor?

I received this rumor from a completely new source. He claims to know that

1) Panasonic has designed a new “back-illuminated”  CMOS-sensor.

2) Panasonic is ready to release a compact camera using the new sensor.

3) The camera will have a 1/1.3 inch sensor!

A little history first:

Sony was the first company to develop a back-illuminated CMOS-sensor (read more at the Sony homepage). Sony’s new CMOS sensor design made its first appearance  in the new HD Handycam video model HDR-XR520VE/500VE. A detailed review of the XR520 has been written by trustedreviews: “Another revelation with the XR520 is how well Sony’s claims of improved low light performance pan out. The image isn’t significantly brighter than that of Canon’s LEGRIA HF S10, but it is noticeably less noisy. The white balance also remains very accurate, so colours are quite faithful. This camcorder will be hard to beat when shooting in poor illumination.

What are the benefits of the new sensor?

The Sony “back-illuminated” EXMOR-R sensor nearly duplicates light sensitivity while reducing the signal-to-noise ratio. I expect the Panasonic sensor to be able to fulfil the concept’s potential.

What our sources told us

“Panasonic developed a backside ilumination LiveMOS 1/1.3 inch sensor.

I asked him if there is a plan to apply the technology to a bigger sensor and the answer was:

It’s difficult to apply backside illumination technology to large image sensor for comsumer model like MFT. There are some problems about heat and yield ratio.

And the first compact camera using the new sensor

…will be launched 3Q-4Q

If you have questions concerning that news write a comment or contact me at 43rumors@gmail.com and I hope the source can answer your questions.

a little bit of everything…

The “a little bit of everything” column has been monopolized by the Olympus E-P1 news. There are dozens of E-P1 reviews and news every day from every country. At example…check for the hungarian E-P1 review at usporedi.hr (it doesn’t matter if you do not understand the language, look at the pictures)
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There is a new Sigma DP2 vs Panasonic G1 vs Olympus E-P1 competition. Who wins?

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Slrgear tested the Olympus 50mm f/1.8.

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Zone-10 made a loooong Olympus E-P1 review

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Hey Panasonic folks, do not cry! We worked for you and we got some interesting rumor for you! (wait for the next post!)

(Updated) Very important Olympus MicroFourThirds prime lens poll! YOUR vote counts!

vote

Officially Olympus has no MicroFourThirds lens roadmap. It will depend from the demand of the people what kind of lenses they will make as first.

That’s why 43rumors wants to start a very serious poll. We want that YOU choose the future Olympus MFT lenses!

How to:

1) You can select a maximum of three primes. On some focal lenghts you can choose between getting a highly portable tiny lens or a little bigger fast lens.

2) You can vote one single time only. Your IP-address will be stored. We can delete your vote if you want to redo the voting.

3) Feel free to add some possible focal lenght by commenting this post. I will quickly add your proposed lens as option inside the poll.

4) The results will be sent directly to Olympus Japan!

Please invite everyone to vote! More we are more Olympus will take us seriously!!!

UPDATE: We added the 7mm, 20mm and 25mm (2.0 or above) lenses. Because they have been recently added we will apply a multiplying factor.

UPDATE2: This poll will stay on the top of the 43rumors page at least until monday. Our first goal is to reach 1.000 unique votes. More we are and more Olympus will have to listen to us!
UPDATE3: 1.000 voters reached. Next target is 1.500 voters.
UPDATE4: Zoom poll will follow after finishing the prime poll.
UPDATE5: Should we send the list to Panasonic too?

Place your bet: What's going to be announced?

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multiplying factor