ution CMOS sensors are less
expensive than comparable CCDs, and they also require considerably less
power and support circuitry, which means dramatically increased battery
life.
The SVmini-209's four-color sensor produces a native resolution of
1000 by 800 pixels (10 bits per color). A Texas Instruments TMS-320C209
digital signal processor extrapolates the image to 2000 by 1600, a truly
impressive 3.2-megapixel image. A noise-reduction algorithm in the
camera software removes graininess from images taken in poor light.
The camera holds 1 MB of DRAM and 1 MB of flash memory. System
software takes 1.5 MB, leaving about 500 KB for image storage. The
SVmini uses variable JPEG compression, which you adjust using either an
on-camera LCD or a serial connection, to balance image quality against
storage space: 80 percent compression (100 KB per image) give s optimal
quality; 40 percent (50 KB) produces some artifacts. The 500-KB internal
memory isn't much space for images, so the SVmini has a slot for flash
memory cards holding 2 to 16 MB. An adapter will be available for
SanDisk MiniPort cards, which use a DOS-compatible file format.
The SVmini-209 sports an f/4.0 fixed-focus glass lens, a built-in
flash, and a self-timer. There's a built-in microphone for recording
brief clips of WAV audio along with each image (although this eats into
image-storage space). Windows 95 software included with the camera lets
you download and view images through a serial port, set all the camera's
parameters, and clear images from memory. Macintosh software is also
available. An optional AC adapter extends the life of the six AA
batteries.
The camera I tested, an early prototype, produced superb images in a
variety of lighting conditions. While its CMOS sensor technology is new,
the SVmini is obviously riding the wave of the future.
Where to Find
Sound Vision, Inc.
Framingham, MA
Phone: 508-270-0027
Fax: 508-620-7692
Internet:
http://www.soundvisioninc.com/
http://www.soundvisioninc.com/svmini209.htm