A processor for a portable handheld device having an area image sensor includes a shared wafer substrate; an image sensor interface provided on the shared wafer substrate, the image sensor interface for receiving image data capture by an image sensor; an image processor provided on the shared wafer substrate, the image processor for processing the image data received by the image sensor interface; a central processor provided on the shared wafer substrate, the central processor for loading the image processor with instructions; a first internal bus provided on the shared wafer substrate, the first internal bus effecting communication between the image sensor interface and the image processor; and a second internal bus provided on the shared wafer substrate, the second internal bus effecting communication between the central processor and the image processor.