Since last year, smartphones are sticking at 1080p @30fps recording bar. In case of Samsung Galaxy S3, rumors surface online that the new smartphone will record 1080p videos @60fps. Neither the 1080p video recording nor 30fps bar has been broken. Smartphone world need new and better camera module. And OmniVision has just developed two such sensors that are likely to be featured in next-generation smartphones.

OmniVision on Tuesday announced its OVI16820 and OVI16825 camera sensors that support up to 16-megpixel photography and video recording at 4K resolution, also known as QFHD (Quad Full High Definition). 4k recording is handled at 60fps. You can also record videos at full sensor output, which is 4608 X 3456 pixels, but at 30fps. The 1080p video recording also takes place at 60fps. However, there is a little problem with 4k video recording on smartphones. The device will need a dedicated video encoder that can large such amount of data. And the modules and encoders available in the market right now are limited to 1080p.

The OVI16820 appears to be more like a DSLR camera due to its ceramic grid array, while OVI16825 looks like one that will be featured in next-generation flagship smartphones in near future. However, do not expect these phones to roll out in the market anytime soon. The full-scale production is due towards the end of 2012.

Nokia is on the same road with 41-megapixel powered PureView 808. Reportedly, Nokia is also planning PureView phones that can shoot 4k video. But OmniVision has an advantage with early start. Apple's new iPad has a whopping display resolution of 2048 X 1536 pixels. These types of camera sensors on such a tablet will be a perfect combination. However, the biggest question of the moment is, which manufacturer will be first to utilize these camera modules?