Infrared Ccd

The image sensor is the component of the camera that captures light and begins the process of converting it into a digital image. There are two types of sensors, security cameras: CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor). Which of the two you choose depends on your application.

First a little history on each technology.

With a CCD sensor, the load each individual pixel is transferred via an output node, which then becomes into an electrical signal. The signal is buffered and sent as an analog signal. Because of the pixels can be devoted to light capture, and quality image is usually quite high.

With a CMOS sensor, each pixel holds its own charge to voltage conversion, and the sensor also performs the amplification and noise correction. The sensor also includes digital circuits that enable the component output information in a digital format. Due to the complexity This design reduces the area devoted to light capture. And because each pixel has to make his own conversion, uniformity (image quality) is lower.

The production cost for both types of sensors are similar, but sometimes CMOS sensors require additional support chips to optimize image quality. CMOS sensors are ideal for devices that require speed and low power consumption, while the CCD sensor of excellence in image quality and low light performance.

While both CMOS and CCD sensors have matured greatly in recent years, when it comes to security cameras, I prefer CCD for outdoor applications and indoor CMOS IP camera functions. Let me explain why.

In the world of the camera, CCD and CMOS sensors are almost identical in terms of performance. In fact, CMOS sensors are attractive in this space due to its much lower power requirements – an important feature for battery-powered devices. In the world of security cameras, I think CCD CMOS sensors perform better than their counterparts in several key indicators.

The first and most important Sensitivity to light is. If you need a security camera with capabilities superior night vision, CCD is the way forward. CMOS cameras I've tested, with or without infrared lighting, were almost completely blind in the dark. The CCD cameras are very capable in low light applications, and are terrible when combined with infrared illumination. If you need to record in low light situations, CCD is the way forward – not even consider the CMOS.

The second factor to consider is the image quality. In the world of security cameras, while both technologies are getting closer, CCD has the advantage in terms of image quality. This is because CCD sensor image noise exposure less than their counterparts in CMOS.

Why consider purchasing a security camera with a sensor CMOS? Mainly because these sensors are more common in IP security cameras – that is, the cameras that are equipped with built in web servers and communicate using IP over CAT5 cabling. These cameras are usually very affordable and are ideal for indoor applications that require streaming web-based video.

In conclusion, the CCD sensors are the way forward for outdoor applications, under scenarios of light or when you need an image of higher quality. CMOS sensor based cameras security should be considered only for interior applications with decent lighting conditions.

About the Author:

Andy J Thompson is a freelance residential CCTV specialist from Canada. For additional CCTV tips and advice, you can visit his blog at http://www.securitycameratutor.com/

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Battle of the video sensors – CMOS vs CCD

Infrared Ccd

Infrared Ccd