Q+A CENTER

Yes, in comparison tests done between different sensors, we have detected some differences in the image rendition. This is due to a number of factors relating to the different algorithms used to perform the image quality processing. There are a number of other factors involved such as the color filters and image sensing elements (pixels) that affect the electrical response from light.

CMOS sensorsare only used in point and shoot and cheap digital cameras, real camerasuse CCD devices?

Not necessarily true, as the quality of the CMOS sensor image improves, they are starting to show up in increasingly sophisticated cameras from companies such as Canon, Kodak and Sony. We have found that this distinction is largely market-driven rather than technology-driven. Large camera manufacturers and early camera pioneers are used to working with CCD devices. They see little incentive to switch over to CMOS sensors since the cost of the image sensor is such a small part of the overall cost of an expensive high-end camera.

What are the real differences between the CCD and the CMOS device asfar as size, power consumption, resolution, price and adaptability todifferent formats, availability, future improvements and ability of theimages to be manipulated digitally?

The actual size of the CCD image sensor is usually smaller than the CMOS device, but the overall module is bigger because CCD devices require a larger number of companion chips to operate. The CMOS process allows those companion chips to be incorporated into the image sensor itself.