Which is better CCD or CMOS?

Question

I was deciding between the Nikon D80 and Canon Rebel XTi and read that the Nikon has CCD while Canon has CMOS. Which has better picture quality.

All I hear about is Nikon is better but then you show me those photos of all those people using L lenses from canon. Now I am really confused because I was decided on the Nikon.

Answer 1

This is probably an unanswerable question and it could get very emotional by the time a few regulars weigh in with their opinions. Personally, I don't care. I chose my camera for the way it feels and for the lenses I can benefit from. They ALL take good pictures once you get to a certain level.

Here is something to read while you wait for other answers:

http://www.dalsa.com/markets/ccd_vs_cmos.asp

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/question362.htm

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0103/01032702kodakccdcmos.asp

http://www.image-designer.com/digital-camera-ccd.html

http://www.photonics.com/content/spectra/2002/January/features/66327.aspx

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These photos were intended to show off the 18-200 lens, but since some are in low light - including after sunset, I guess they are also showing off the CCD of the Nikon D200. The sensor in the D80 is the same.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7189769@N04/409564890/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7189769@N04/409564887/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7189769@N04/409564893/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7189769@N04/408446616/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7189769@N04/409564880/
http://www1.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=57759389/PictureID=2801041875/a=75953750_75953750/t_=75953750
http://www1.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=57759389/PictureID=2531239742/a=75953750_75953750/t_=75953750

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If you want to compare images from the XTi and D80, go here and proceed through the next few pages.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond80/page22.asp

Keep going until you see the black and white resolution tests. It's about page 28, I think. Be sure to look at the ISO 800 and ISO 1600 tests. Note that the XTi is also called the EOS 400D.

Answer 2

I have a nikon d70 which has a ccd chip in it. I have been using it for the past 2 years and it has worked out ok. I am not completely satisfied with it though. I had an opportunity to use my friends canon 20d, and it out performed my d70 like I would not have believed in low light. We both used similar lenses, set our cameras to similar settings, and photographed in the same environment. All of my photographs turned out nearly black. His were perfectly exposed. I couldn't figure it out. We checked the iso, shutter speed, aperture, exposure settings, color settings, everything we could think of. The only conclusion that I could come to was that his CMOS chip womped my CCD in low/dim light.

Answer 3

Both Nikon and Canon are equal weight on technology and we are far from understanding the depth CCD or CMOS benefit.

On SLR, the quality of the pictures is also based on the lenses you are using. Supposed CCD or CMOS are equal, you might go with Canon because of its L lenses (lenses with a red round on it).

The links show that most pro photographers use Canon!
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Images/Other/Canon-400mm-Lens-Comparison.jpg
http://susilo.typepad.com/nurani/images/fotografer.jpeg
http://ranmac.smugmug.com/photos/42483847-M.jpg
http://www.manilamarker.com/images/sports-event-1.jpg

Answer 4

both are comparable.
Having played around with both, i prefer the nikon. I like the feel and the quality of pictures.
The canon is much lighter as far as weight, but i don't like how the menu works.
My DH works for nikon tech support, so of course i'm a bit biased..lol
I say try them both out if you get the chance, and decide from there. It's mostly a personal opinion