Thanks to some detective work from one of our readers (Ivo Schenk) we have now confirmed that Sony does indeed have a 1/1.8" 4 megapixel CCD, it is product name ICX406AQ and has an effective output resolution of 2,312 x 1,720 pixels (3.9 megapixels). So, could this be the illusive sensor used in the rumoured "DSC-S85"? Only time will tell, however this sensor would offer manufacturers of existing 3 megapixel digital cameras an immediate path to 4 megapixels without having to change the cameras (or lens systems) significantly.

Examples of digital cameras which currently use the ICX252A 3 megapixel sensor (not definitive):

• Sony DSC-S70/S75
• Sony DSC-P1
• Sony DSC-F505V
• Casio QV-3000/3500EX
• Toshiba PDR-M70
• Epson PhotoPC 3000Z

Also interesting is taht Sony don't list a complementary (CYGM) CFA version of the ICX406A on their product list (a ICX406AK), this would make it more difficult for those manufacturers who have used the complementary 3 megapixel sensor (the ICX252AK) in their products.

Also, interestingly, there is no datasheet currently available for the ICX406AQ, whether this will appear over the next few weeks or whether Sony have agreed not to make it publicly available only time will tell.

Sony frame readout CCD sensors summary (3 megapixel and above):

* At the effective resolution

Copied from here (Sony semiconductors)