CCD vs CMOS Sensor?

[ChowChi-Ching]

Which is better and why? I am trying to decide which camera to buy next and would like to know peoples opinions on these sensors......

Thanks!!

(currently have a Nikon D70s)

[deckcadet]

Rather than looking at the sensor type, you should really be looking at the individual qualities of the particular sensor and processing engine of the cameras you are considering.

Beware of claims pushing one type as the end-all of sensors. It doesn't always work that way.

[Franglais]

I have the D300 (CMOS) and the D200 (CCD). The results look much the same. The D300 goes to 3200ISO whereas the D200 only goes to 1600ISO but it came out 2 years later. Even my D70 looks pretty similar - except that the D70 is only 6Mpix and the D300 is 12Mpix.

It's the performance that counts, not the sensor technology.

[ChowChi-Ching]

Thanks very much! I am trying to decide between the D200, the D300, or just buying some better lenses for what I have.....

[Franglais]

Thanks very much! I am trying to decide between the D200, the D300, or just buying some better lenses for what I have.....

If you have a D200 already I would say stick with it. It's already very good. I use my D200 more than my D300 right now (the D200 has the 18-200 as a permanent fixture)

If it's a choice between the D200 and the D300 I would say go for the D300.

1. The accuracy of the JPG processing is remarkable (i.e. most shots are usable straight out of the camera, though not perfect)
2. It has a dust removal feature which means you can change lenses without too much risk of getting dust on the sensor
3. The Active D lighting thing is smart. It saves having to adjust curves on the computer
4. The focussing on the D300 is smart with the in-focus zones that light up

[another view]

I agree that the "ingredients" really don't tell the whole story, it's the end result of what's possible with the camera. I bought a used D200 recently for half the price of a new D300. That kept extra money available for a new SB800, extra battery and an 18-200 for me. If budget isn't a concern I'd go with the D300 but the D200 is a pretty capable piece of equipment.

[AgingEyes]

I have the D300 (CMOS) and the D200 (CCD).

Then there is that D200 + Super CCD => Fujifilm S5 Pro

[Patrick-Steven]

CCD (charge coupled device) and CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) image sensors are two different technologies for capturing images digitally. Each has unique strengths and weaknesses giving advantages in different applications. Neither is categorically superior to the other, although vendors selling only one technology have usually claimed otherwise. In the last five years much has changed with both technologies, and many projections regarding the demise or ascendence of either have been proved false. The current situation and outlook for both technologies is vibrant, but a new framework exists for considering the relative strengths and opportunities of CCD and CMOS imagers.

[f5fstop]

CCD (charge coupled device) and CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) image sensors are two different technologies for capturing images digitally. Each has unique strengths and weaknesses giving advantages in different applications. Neither is categorically superior to the other, although vendors selling only one technology have usually claimed otherwise. In the last five years much has changed with both technologies, and many projections regarding the demise or ascendence of either have been proved false. The current situation and outlook for both technologies is vibrant, but a new framework exists for considering the relative strengths and opportunities of CCD and CMOS imagers.

Only thing I could add to this is the web address....
http://www.dalsa.com/markets/ccd_vs_cmos.asp

[fx101]

In-camera image processing has become so good and sensors so refined that it's pretty much a dead heat between both.