CMOS sensor market recovers, camera phones remain the largest market

According to ICInsights, CMOS image sensor sales this year will reach $6.3 billion, up 8% from last year. Last year's sales were $6.3 billion, up 29% from 2010, breaking the previous record of $4.6 billion in 2008.

Most importantly, the 2011 growth marked the first time the CMOS image sensor market has achieved consecutive growth since 2006.

CMOS image sensor market sales fell 16% and 14% in 2009 and 2007, respectively, due to inventory corrections in camera phones.

Ten years ago, sales of CMOS image sensor market increased rapidly due to the rapid expansion of camera phones and notebook embedded cameras. However, five years ago, the market began to decline due to market saturation, causing some manufacturers to abandon the CMOS image sensor market.

However, the emergence of new applications has led to a new round of fierce competition among CMOS sensor giants.

In Japan, Sony and Toshiba, which ranked third and fifth respectively, have both increased the capacity of their 300mm fabs.

Despite slow growth, camera phones remain the largest market for CMOS sensors.