Reversing Camera 101: Which one are you going to choose CCD or CMOS ?

When buying a reversing camera, one of the questions that pop into one's mind is whether to get a CCD or a CMOS camera. If you're a first-time buyer, you're probably wondering what these acronyms are all about. Also, you're probably thinking what difference it will make if you choose one over the other. Well, if you want to obtain the rear-view camera that meets your specific requirements, then you better read the rest of this article so can learn more about this very important issue.

In a nutshell, CCD and CMOS are image sensors that are present in all types of cameras, including digital cameras used for photography and of course, the reverse camera in your vehicle. CCD stands for "charge-coupled device" and CMOS means "complementary metal-oxide semiconductor." Both of these image sensors start at the same point. They have to convert light into electrons to enable the camera to capture images.

Let's leave that geeky scientific stuff behind and get back to choosing between a CCD and CMOS reversing camera. More often than not, many buyers (especially first-timers) are often confused with these two because their resolutions are usually very similar. However, just because they are similar, it doesn't necessarily mean they produce the same image quality.

In a CCD reverse camera, every pixel's charge is transferred through a very limited number of output nodes to be converted to voltage, buffered, and sent off as an analogue signal. What's more, the image sensor has the ability to transport charge across the chip without too much distortion. As a result, this type of camera is more capable of producing better images. In addition, it is more sensitive to light, thus, allowing the camera to provide users with a clear view of images even at low-light conditions.

In a CMOS camera (including the wireless reversing camera variety), on the other hand, each pixel has its own charge-to-voltage conversion. Its sensor often includes amplifiers, noise-correction, and digitization circuits. However, because a CMOS sensor has several transistors located next to it, its light sensitivity tends to be lower than the light sensitivity of a CCD reversing camera. In addition, it is more susceptible to noise. On the up side, this type of camera generally has longer battery life as it consumes less power as compared to a CCD camera.

If you're going to do a side-by-side comparison of a CCD and CMOS reversing camera, you'll notice the difference in image quality, especially if you test the devices at night. Now you know that differences between a CCD and CMOS camera, it will be much easier for you to identify the one that you want. So, what would you pick? The camera that offers better image quality or the one that consumes less power? CMOS is used more just for reversing, and CCD is used more for to be turned on for a long period of time, like to view the back all the time when driving.