CCD vs. CMOS 2022

Joe Biscoe

I hope this is a suitable question for this area. I would love to hear what you think about this Adam.

This may seem like a stupid question. It seems like the amateur astronomical camera market has gone down one route, that of back illuminated CMOS sensors. The main companies being ZWO and QHY with Player One coming up behind them. I currently image with a Canon 6d that I Ha modified myself. I enjoy this camera and I’ve gotten some phenomenal images, imho, from it. I’m searching for the next camera, and I’m wondering if there is still a case to be made for CCD. Should I only be looking at one of the cmos sensors or is there ccds that still hold their weight in the amateur market. I see places like astromart and cloudynights that have some very interesting options. Thoughts?

BlockHead

I think the CMOS options are pretty much where you should invest your time/energy. 

They have lower noise levels and this is the area that is advancing quickly. There are now 16-bit CMOS with QE curves that equal or exceed CCD. So..I am not certain what the big benefit is for CCD. Certainly if you can find a CCD with good characteristics that saves money..that can be a good thing.

I personally have invested in two CMOS sensors... so I have effectively moved away from CCD. Even though the pixels are small... I guess on the whole things are going this way.

-the Blockhead

Joe Biscoe

Thanks! Makes good sense these days I guess.