CMOS vs CCD

I don't know if this question have been asked before? I'm sorry for asking it again. (if it have been asked)

Could someone enlight us about the different between the two technology?

Which would you think is the better technology for still camera?

Thanks

Regards

KL Kwang

I think your second question is a difficult one to answer.

My current camera is CMOS and my previous DSLR was CCD. Would I be able to tell the difference in technology if I hadn't been told? No!

Alex

Well, there are some outward differences.

CCD's can have electronic shutters enabeling very high sinc speed such as the 1D and D70. Not possible with a cmos camera.

I have used a (non-commercial) CMOS camera that did have an electronic shutter. So I am not sure if it is just a CMOS thing?

That camera also had the most amazing dynamic range. You could take a photo of the front of a car at night and see details in the headlight bulbs and also in the read the number plate. But it was also black and white only and 1 MP!

Alex

For a quick explanation on the different types of sensors, you can check out:

http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Glossary/C.../Sensors_01.htm

It used to be that CCDs yielded better pictures, since CCD technology was specifically developed for imaging, while CMOS sensors evolved from a much older technology that was adapted to imaging.

I think CCDs still have the edge for very specialised applications, but as mentioned by Alex, you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference in common digital cameras.

Mat