Sony has revealed the world's first 12.25 megapixel CMOS image sensor designed for use in cellular phones, the Sony Exmor. Sony also introduced both 5.15 megapixel and 8.11 megapixel versions of the Exmor CMOS sensors. The 12.25 megapixel model won't start shipping until March 2009, so you most likely won't be able to find these in actual cellphones until Q2 2009 at the earliest. The chip runs 2,500 yen, or about $25, so it shouldn't increase the cost of the phone too much, although early adopters will likely pay a premium thanks to marketing mark up.

When chips of this quality do arrive, your new cell phone may be able to take pictures at resolutions equal to those provided by high end DSLR cameras, but you should keep in mind that the lens quality will still remain that of the little lens on the back of your phone, rather than the high quality changeable lenses you can slap on that DSLR. However, cellphones featuring these chips may be able to replace a point-and-shoot digital camera.

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