CCD vs CMOS: I'm real new to UHH and to digital photography. I know I have a lot of learning to do. One of my first questions is which sensor is better CCD or CMOS? I read somewhere...

Frosty Loc: Minnesota

I'm real new to UHH and to digital photography. I know I have a lot of learning to do. One of my first questions is which sensor is better CCD or CMOS? I read somewhere that CCD sensors are probably better but costs more to make but that CMOS is improving. They said that Nikon stayed with CCD for a long time but now use CMOS sensors. Anyone know anything about this? As I said, I am new so I apologize if I am bringing up something that has already been discussed to death.

hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama

The CCD's were not real good at high ISO the Pentax 645D uses a 40mp CCD the colors seem to be richer.

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

Frosty wrote:

I'm real new to UHH and to digital photography. I know I have a lot of learning to do. One of my first questions is which sensor is better CCD or CMOS? I read somewhere that CCD sensors are probably better but costs more to make but that CMOS is improving. They said that Nikon stayed with CCD for a long time but now use CMOS sensors. Anyone know anything about this? As I said, I am new so I apologize if I am bringing up something that has already been discussed to death.

CCD sensors tend to be better, while the CMOS sensors use less power and are more prone to noise. Now we have the back-illuminated sensor, also known as backside illumination (BSI) sensor, is a type of digital image sensor that uses a novel arrangement of the imaging elements to increase the amount of light captured and thereby improve low-light performance.

Technology has advanced to the point where either of them will give good results. The BSI sensors are used in many cameras these days such as the Canon SX40 andSX50. BSI sensors are also used in the Apple iPhones and iPads.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

FAQ: What is the difference between CMOS and CCD sensors?
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-81861-1.html by MT Shooter

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Nikonian72 wrote:

FAQ: What is the difference between CMOS and CCD sensors?
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-81861-1.html

MT Shooter does a thorough job explaining the difference in the above FAQ. If you want to go into a bit more depth, try this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/newsLetter/Comparing-Image-Sensors.jsp

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

http://www.pcworld.com/article/246931/cmos_is_winning_the_camera_sensor_battle_and_heres_why.html

GHK Loc: The Vale of Eden

Frosty wrote:

I'm real new to UHH and to digital photography. I know I have a lot of learning to do. One of my first questions is which sensor is better CCD or CMOS? I read somewhere that CCD sensors are probably better but costs more to make but that CMOS is improving. They said that Nikon stayed with CCD for a long time but now use CMOS sensors. Anyone know anything about this? As I said, I am new so I apologize if I am bringing up something that has already been discussed to death.

If you are new to digital photography, or even if you aren't, there are plenty of factors in selecting a camera that are much more important than the type of sensor.
GHK

meatyore

GHK wrote:

quote=Frosty I'm real new to UHH and to digital p... (show quote)

I think this is right on the money! If you buy something within your budget, and do a 'hands on' experience in a store that hits all the right notes, which sensor is in the camera is likely to be a moot point.

georgevedwards Loc: Essex, Maryland.

BSI? First I heard of them...sounds great, I have never been satisfied with the low light performance of my cmos and ccd cameras, and my style of photography seems to favor low light situations a lot of the time. Any chance these will catch on with Canon and Nikon and become the next advancement in DSLR's or are they a flash in the pan?

haroldross wrote:

quote=Frosty I'm real new to UHH and to digital p... (show quote)

Frosty Loc: Minnesota

What about noise with the BSI sensor? Is it less or more than either CMOS CCD.

Is there any difference in recording speed of these sensors?

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

Frosty wrote:

What about noise with the BSI sensor? Is it less or more than either CMOS CCD.

Is there any difference in recording speed of these sensors?

Here is a link to some basic information about BSI CMOS sensors.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20030382-1.html " rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20030382-1.html

Frosty Loc: Minnesota

Thanks for all the information. I love this forum. Ask a question and get quick, excellent answers. It seems, like a lot of things, that there are trade offs. One sensor is better and another better at something else.

As a friend of mine used to say, " I learned so much I can't remember it all".

Thanks again,
Frosty

Bayou Flyie

I bit on that too. It's the tech in me. But I agree with both GHK and MT shooter. It's good to know but let's put it in your toolbox for later.

Now if you are still on the fence, I purchased a Minolta Maxxum right before the end of the camera line with Tamron lenses. I am not unhappy with my purchase. It's several years later and the camera still takes awesome pictures. I generally shoot in raw format and post process with lightroom. Give ebay a look. Maybe you can find a used/refurbished camera body in excellent condition. Sony adapted the same lens mount, so if you decide to buy up in the future, you can transfer your investment to Sony.

On the otherhand, if you are interested in optimal sensor technology, take a look at the Sigma Foveon series. I purchased a refurbished fixed lens DP2 directly from Sigma. It's a camera that takes a lot of practice to get an optimal picture but it's been a great learning experience especially for a novice.

Good Luck
Bayou Flye