CCD Cameras and CMOS Cameras

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CCD and CMOS cameras.

CCD Charged Coupled Device. A sensor that collects light and turns it into an electrical signal. As compared to CMOS sensors, it has greater sensitivity to light, better tonal range, and less noise which provides superior quality. CCD will hold onto the high-end CCTV market for some time to come. For imaging devices, a self-scanning semiconductor array that utilizes MOS technology, surface storage, and information transfer by shift register techniques.

CMOS Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. A semiconductor fabrication technology that achieves low power dissipation. These types of devices are used in digital camera imaging sensors and consume less energy than other imaging devices, are inexpensive, but provide lower image quality compared to CCD sensors.

CCD cameras are best used for lower light situations or when a higher detail camera is required. IE: A Cash register camera needs to be a higher resolution camera because it needs the details to see where the money goes either in the cash register or in the pocket. Cameras that are installed to get an ID or face shot should also be CCD based.

CMOS cameras are used for a large number of items. They are less expensive than CCD cameras and are acceptable for many uses. Nanny Cameras and back up cameras are good examples. Most times nanny cameras will be in an area where there is enough light and you really do not need the higher detail to see that the child care is good enough or not.

You should always check the area where you want to put a camera at several times during the day to see how the lighting conditions change.

Color VS Black and White Cameras

Color Hidden Cameras are easier to watch and are best for Identifying people. IE: You can say the subject had a brown shirt and blue pants and a red car.

Black and white cameras are better for low light areas where you already know who or what you are watching.