Datasheet
7
Understanding Digital Photography
chapter
1
Types of Image Sensors
Most digital cameras use one of
two types of image sensors: a
charge-coupled device (CCD) or
a complementary metal-oxide
semiconductor (CMOS). Although
each type of sensor has technical
differences in how the light energy
is transferred into electronic
signals, both produce high-quality
images.
Resolution and Image
Quality
Resolution is a measure of pixel
density; higher-resolution
images have more pixels per
inch and the possibility of
greater detail. On a digital
camera, the greater the number
of pixels on the image sensor,
the larger you can print the
photo. There are consumer
cameras with sensor resolutions
of up to 15 megapixels. Digital
cameras with 6 to 8 megapixels
offer excellent image quality for
prints larger than 8×10 and can
be very affordable. Cameras
with higher resolution allow for
more creative cropping and
often come with more advanced
features.
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