Is Nokia really planning a 41-megapixel camera on its Windows Phone?

As Nokia officially ceases to make Symbian smartphone handsets, rumors are mounting that the Finnish handset maker is planning a new Windows Phone with an incredible 41-megapixel camera.

There's no question that the growing photo-taking capabilities of the latest generation of smartphones has sent digital camera makers running back to the drawing board to ensure that although their devices can't make phone calls, they can at least take much bigger and much better-quality images than even the best of today's smartphone handsets can manage, no matter how many App Seed or Instagram filters are applied to cover up this imaged-based shortfall.

However, news that Nokia is planning to roll out a Windows 8 smartphone later this year with a whopping 41-megapixel camera could be the final nail in the coffin for a number of traditional digital camera manufacturers.

Though just a rumor at the moment, first reported by The Verge, the story isn't without merit. At last year's Mobile World Congress, Nokia demonstrated the 808 PureView smartphone, which came with a 41-megapixel sensor and was capable of incredible photos. Nokia did roll out the phone, but on its own Symbian operating system -- which as of today is officially no more -- and in a limited amount of markets.

However, speculation that such a sensor and lens array would one day make it onto a more mainstream handset has not subsided and rumors are mounting that it will be one of the defining features of its new flagship Windows 8 Phone, codenamed 'EOS' and which is also expected to have an aluminium body.