CMOS vs. CCD Image Sensors?
CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) and CCD (charge coupled device) image sensors are two different technologies for capturing images digitally. Although recent advances in CMOS sensors are closing the gap, CCD sensors currently offer the highest possible image quality. A CMOS camera has a less-expensive image sensor. The other benefits of CMOS are size, and low-power consumption. Most CMOS cameras can even be operated for several hours on a single 9-volt battery! The low-power consumption comes at a price however. CMOS cameras have a lower resolution and less color quality than the CCD cameras. However, the CCD Cameras are much more sensitive to power fluctuations, due to the fact that the CCD Sensors have 4 integrated processors compared to the one processor found on a CMOS sensor. CCD cameras usually have much better picture quality, resolution and color balance. The drawback of a CCD camera is high-power consumption and sensitivity to minute voltage changes.
