Digital Cameras to Get an Upgrade

[Jimmy 2004]

The CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices) currently used in digital cameras could soon be phased out if Samsung is successful with its new CMOS image sensor (CIS), which is the smallest in the world. The new sensor is capable of 8.4 megapixels and provides a signal to noise ratio comparable to current CCDs, giving good image quality for photographic purposes. Because it only uses a tenth of the power currently required for CCDs, it should quickly find its way into digital cameras and camcorders, along with mobile camera phones. Samsung has been investing a lot of money into improving its CIS technology as it aims to become more competitive, and its 8.4Mp offering should be available later this year.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[WarEagleAU]

I think I am seeing 10.2 MP camers and such about now. Not sure what lens they use though. Ive had a samsung camera and that thing was beautiful, compact and powerful.

 

[Darkrealms]

But which actually performs better? CCD or CID? Other than power I don't see that really discussed.

 

[Jimmy 2004]

But which actually performs better? CCD or CID? Other than power I don't see that really discussed.

They perform more or less the same I think, but the power is the main advantage of CIS. Because digital cameras can suck up battery power this will be good news for professionals, provided that it can compete on price.

 

[Pinchy]

And battery life on phones

 

[Completely Bonkers]

Biggest battery issue is the FLASH and the power needed to drive the TFT display. The CCD, which operates only for a fraction of a second, is really a VERY MINOR component of power consumption.

RED HERRING

 

[Chewy]

I read that companys need to stop going for higher pixel rateing and focus more on image quality.. they had like a high MP rush when the sensors cant properly use it so "most" 10mp cameras are a waste until you get into the SLR models..

Sorry I cant explain it better but thats what I had read trough reviews on cameras on the net, specifically the 10mp canon cameras. (I was concidering buying one that had a decent sale at futureshop).

 

[Jimmy 2004]

http://www.dalsa.com/markets/ccd_vs_cmos.asp

Take a read through that for a comparison - haven't read it myself yet, but skimming through it I think it's got a fair amount of detail.

Think it's quite old though, so CMOS sensors should have improved in quality.

 

[Completely Bonkers]

According to Jimmys last link (text and tables, which make for quite a good read!), CCD is better than CMOS! So, not so good news for Samsung's new product! Unless...

I think the "breaking news" is that Samsung have managed to do something new with how they build the CMOS device so that it (nearly) matches CCD quality, BUT, due to the way CMOS is built compared to CCD, the output is easier to use and cheaper to "connect" to the device. i.e. for cheap cameras, the additional electronics are simpler... ideal for webcams,phones, security systems, etc. This helps with RPD/RPM (Rapid Product Development/Manufacture).

 

[Darkrealms]

According to Jimmys last link (text and tables, which make for quite a good read!), CCD is better than CMOS! So, not so good news for Samsung's new product! Unless...

I think the "breaking news" is that Samsung have managed to do something new with how they build the CMOS device so that it (nearly) matches CCD quality, BUT, due to the way CMOS is built compared to CCD, the output is easier to use and cheaper to "connect" to the device. i.e. for cheap cameras, the additional electronics are simpler... ideal for webcams,phones, security systems, etc. This helps with RPD/RPM (Rapid Product Development/Manufacture).

Thank you, now that helps with a comparison for those of us that aren't interested enough/ don't have the time to look into it.