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 individual pixel performs its own load to voltage conversion, and the sensor also performs the amplification and noise correction. The sensor also includes digital circuits that allow the chip to the output in a digital format. Due the complexity of this design reduces the area devoted to light capture. And because each pixel has to make his own conversion, uniformity (at both image quality) is smaller.

The production cost for both types of sensors are similar, but sometimes CMOS sensors require additional support chips optimize image quality. CMOS sensors are ideal for devices that require speed and low power consumption, while CCD sensors for excellence in quality image 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 the par 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 the CCD CMOS sensors outperform their counterparts in several key indicators.

The first and most important is sensitivity to light. If you need a security camera with night vision capabilities than the CCD is the way forward. Cameras CMOS 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 image quality. This is because less noise CCD image shows that their counterparts in CMOS.

So why would consider buying a security camera with a CMOS sensor? Mainly because these sensors are more common in IP Security Cameras – ie, cameras that are equipped with built web servers and communicate via IP over CAT5 cabling. These cameras are usually very affordable and are ideal for indoor applications that require video Web-based streaming.

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

Andre Thompson is a freelance writer and security camera enthusiast.
Hi blog can be read at http://www.securitycameratutor.com/

Old School Site – For Future Metal Detecting