CCD vs. CMOS image sensors: Which one is more sensitive?

In a sea of light, two types of sensitive instrumentsare competing with each otherto be the best - CCD and CMOS.These technologies provide us with the ability to see everything. But, when we come across these two technologies, we cannot help but ask who among them is more sensitive, CCD or CMOS.

Basic principles of CCD and CMOS

Before we give away that secret, let us first appreciate how these twoimage sensorswork based on their principle and characteristics.CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) are devices that change light into electrical signalswhichin turn resultin images that humans can interpret.However, they workdifferentlyalthough their goals are similar.

This processmakes use ofa lot of powerbut itproduces highly qualitative pictures withextremely lownoise levels, unlike other things.

On the other hand, CMOS sensors go through a simple process to convert light into electrical signals. Each pixel has its charge converterwhichallows CMOS sensors to process images faster than their counterparts; however, this also comes with disadvantagessuchas higher noise levels and image quality reduction.

Advantages and Disadvantages of CCD

CCD sensors have been known for providing excellent image quality and being very sensitive. They possess very high resolutionhenceenablingclearerand vivid photos with colors that appear brighter than usual.Yet again, they useup more energy compared tocheaper ones like those made by complementary metal oxide semiconductors.

Advantages and Disadvantages of CMOS

CMOS sensors have lowercost, and lower power consumption compared to the traditional CCDsas well asintegration density advantages over themmakingthem the choice sensor in many applications such as mobile phones and portable devices.However, output image quality & sensitivity usually fall short compared to that obtained from CCDsgenerally.

Comparison between CCD and CMOS

Factorssuch as pixel size, noise level, and photoelectric conversion efficiencyhave tobe consideredwhen comparing the sensitivity of CCD and CMOS. In general, under low-light conditions, CCD sensors perform betterwhileCMOS sensors may work better in high-speed or high-resolution applications.

Conclusion

So which one is more sensitive, CCD or CMOS? It is not a simple “yes” or “no”. Speculation on this subject will only make sense if wetake into accountthese factors: application specificity and cost-effectiveness.When choosinganimage sensor, the decision shouldbe basedonallincludingcost, power consumption, image qualityaswell asapplication field itself.