In this article, I talk about the difference between CCD and CMOS sensors for CCTV and what are the advantages and disadvantages of these technologies.
When a camera captures an image, the sensor is the element that converts the received light into electrical or digital signals.
After this conversion to signals, the camera's main processor can work and enhance the image before sending it for recording or live viewing on a monitor.
These sensors are found in all types of cameras, from cell phones, tablets, and CCTV security cameras.
The image sensor on a CCTV camera
Just behind the lens of your camera, if you remove the lens of a box CCTV camera, you will see the sensor and notice its size.
There has always been a debate about what technology is best, CCD or CMOS, and there are some pros and cons for the two technologies.
A long time ago in a traditional CCTV camera store, the seller was very proud to say that the camera he was offering had a CCD and that guarantees better image quality compared to cheaper cameras with CMOS sensors.
But was the seller using the right argument to make his sale? Was the CCD even better than CMOS?
Which sensor is better for CCTV cameras?
That depends on what you want from your CCTV camera.
It also depends on the type of camera you are using, analog or IP.
CCD sensors are primarily used on analog cameras, especially the cheap models that don't have great quality. So be careful with that.
Of course, there are also good-quality cameras that use CCD, so there are some situations where the CCD is better and others that it's not.
CMOS is mainly used for IP cameras but there are also modern analog cameras that use such technology.
So, at the end of the day, there's no right or wrong choice, it all depends on the type of camera you are using and the overall quality of the other components.
Here's a table comparing the CMOS and CCD sensors
Differences between CCD and CMOS
Here's a table comparing the CMOS and CCD sensors.
CMOS | CCD |
|---|---|
Less power consumption | Consumes more energy |
Better correction of light exposure | No light exposure correction |
Less sensitivity to light | Greater sensitivity to light |
Fast signals conversion | Slow signals conversion |
Used in modern cameras | Used in old cameras |
CCD and CMOS sensors size
There are different sizes for CCD and CMOS sensors.
Big sensors are better to receive more light and convert them into signals.
Usually, the cameras with big sensors are much better in low light conditions.
Example of CCD and CMOS on cameras
As I said before, different types of cameras use different types of sensors. The picture below shows examples of analog and IP cameras that either uses CCD or CMOS sensors.
Conclusion
There's no right or wrong about CCD and CMPS sensors, there are pros and cons on both technologies.
If you are looking for a camera that works on low light condition a big CCD sensor can help you out, so take a look at the specs before buying.
If you want to use high-resolution modern IP cameras, the CMOS is the way to go, but you don't need to worry too much about that because practically every IP camera comes with a CMOS sensor these days.
You also need to be careful with excessive marketing that pushes sales by saying the camera has a "Sony sensor". Most of the cameras do have these sensors because most camera manufacturers buys them from Sony.
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