Sharp Japan today announced a new 1/2.3 type 12Mpx CCD [JP] for compact digital cameras featuring “the highest performance in the industry”. The company says first samples will be available starting January 31. Mass production is scheduled to start in March.

Sharp promised to make full use of the new technology  in future digital cameras. The samples will be priced at $45 each. 300,000 units are planned to be produced monthly.