Notebook PC Cameras Becoming Standard Feature
The notebook PC camera market has grown rapidly in the past two years due to the rise in instant messaging and web conferencing services. In 2007 worldwide notebook PC camera shipment volume reached 30.57 million units and is expected to continue increasing rapidly in 2008 to reach 62.03 million units. This means that 48.8% of all notebooks PC shipped in the world will be equipped with a camera.
The global notebook PC market enjoyed a boost from the growth of the consumer market in 2007 and this served to indirectly drive the growth of the notebook PC camera market as well. 2MP notebook PC camera shipment share is expected to increase in 2008 although the main focus will still be on VGA models. Nearly 90% of all new consumer models released by Taiwanese brands in 2008 will be equipped with a camera, making the camera a standard feature on consumer notebook PCs.
Notebook PC market growth in 2008 will mainly be driven by the enterprise and emerging markets. In the past, notebook PC cameras were defined as an entertainment feature and had a low adoption rate in the enterprise market. To encourage the use of notebook PC cameras in the enterprise sector, notebook PC camera makers have been developing high-end models and new applications. An example of this was the research into notebook PC cameras designed for low-light conditions so that users can still enjoy seamless video conferencing during a business presentation or briefing.
Trends towards High Light Sensitivity, Multi-function, and Slim Design
Currently the mainstream notebook PC camera specifications are VGA and 1.3MP models with fixed lenses using the USB 2.0 interface. Future notebook PC cameras will offer better specifications in terms of image quality, functions, and size.
In terms of image quality, higher resolution, higher light sensitivity, and stronger light compensation support will be key focus in future product development. In terms of features, apart from providing software that supports entertainment features such as snapshots and special effects, share of notebook PC cameras integrated with a microphone will also increase.
In the past, notebook PCs generally used analog microphones but these cause EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference) with the notebook PC camera. To resolve the EMI issue, digital microphones are now being used instead. A side benefit is that the camera module and the microphone can now be placed closer together.
Although share of notebook PC cameras with integrated microphones is still relatively low, this should increase in the future as it offers savings in time and cost. By integrating the camera module and the microphone, only one USB wire is needed, shortening the testing and assembly time.
While size was previously not a major issue for notebook PC cameras, the trends towards slim notebook PC models using LED backlighting will force notebook PC cameras to slim down. Camera module makers will have to adopt more advanced process technologies or work with their component suppliers in order to supply slim notebook PC cameras that meet the requirements of notebook PC brands.