| A digital camera produces excellent photographs. | | | | sensor stores and displays data, converting the |
| For many years however, professional | | | | light into electrons. The sensor can be either CCD |
| photographers have discussed the drawbacks to | | | | (charge-coupled device) or CMOS (complementary |
| the digital camera from the perspective of image | | | | metal oxide semiconductor). CCD is the more |
| quality which does not always match that available | | | | mature technology and produces images with less |
| through a traditional 35mm film camera. The | | | | noise. They also tend to be more expensive and |
| convenience afforded by going digital however far | | | | consume more power but for those seeking the |
| outweighs the minor loss in perceptible quality for | | | | highest quality images, a CCD is the better choice |
| most consumers. | | | | at this time. |
| For millions of potential camera shoppers, choosing | | | | An important aspect of the CCD is the actual size |
| the smallest, lightest camera is most important | | | | of the sensor. Larger sensors provide higher |
| while others may wish to hold down costs or only | | | | resolution and less noise. Understanding how the |
| share photos online where image quality is limited | | | | size of the CCD sensor influences the quality of |
| anyway. For these and other shoppers, finding | | | | images and knowing what size sensor is adequate |
| and paying for a more costly camera may be | | | | requires a bit more study. There are several |
| unnecessary. But for those who strive to capture | | | | articles available on line which could prove valuable |
| images that record the most accurate and color | | | | for those wishing to learn more about this topic. |
| correct images, there are choices they can make | | | | Articles at and are well written and knowledgeable. |
| during the shopping process that can help to | | | | A final consideration regarding the sensor in a |
| assure they end up with equipment that will be | | | | digital camera is the availability of 1 CCD and 3 |
| capable of producing outstanding images. | | | | CCD models. As one might suspect more is often |
| The primary decision is not about megapixels; or | | | | better. A camera with 1 CCD picks up image and |
| at least not entirely. A digital camera with 10 | | | | color information through a single sensor. A model |
| megapixels does not necessarily produce a better | | | | with 3 CCD has a sensor that picks up each of |
| image than a camera with only 6 megapixels. | | | | the different colors (Red, Green, and Blue) |
| Megapixels are important and a camera must | | | | resulting in superior color reproduction. |
| have enough of them to provide adequate image | | | | Certainly the selection of a CCD sensor over a |
| information for the size print being produced so | | | | CMOS sensor, a larger sensor, or more sensors is |
| that there is less noise and better clarity in the | | | | not required in order to own a high quality digital |
| resulting image. Unless a consumer plans on | | | | camera capable of producing very good images. |
| producing very large images, 5 megapixels is | | | | However, these features certainly do significantly |
| generally sufficient and 3-4 may be enough if | | | | enhance image quality and are the focus of |
| prints will be 5x7 or smaller. | | | | attention for those seeking to produce the |
| The sensor which captures the light entering the | | | | sharpest and most vivid images. |
| camera lens is even more critical however. The | | | | |