Video cameras and camera sensors have come a long way since the early days of film and analog recording. Today, digital video cameras have revolutionized the industry with their high-quality image capture and ease of use. One key component that makes this possible is the video camera sensor.

Video camera sensors are responsible for capturing light and converting it into an electrical signal that can be recorded as digital video. There are several types of sensors used in video cameras, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at video camera sensors and how they work. As a rule of thumb, the bigger the sensor, the better the image quality.

At INP Media we use a range of different cameras depending on the needs and budget of each production. For example on a higher end production we would usually tend to shoot these on an ARRI AMIRA or an ARRI ALEXA Mini, both of which have excellent camera sensors. Examples of work shot on these cameras:

722 Last Blast which was shot on the AMIRA for Mercedes-Benz

Jaguar Land Rover Ice Driving, shot with an ARRI ALEXA Mini for Jaguar Land Rover

Types of Video Camera Sensors

There are three main types of video camera sensors: CCD (charge-coupled device), CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor), and MOS (metal-oxide-semiconductor). Each of these sensors has its own unique features and characteristics that make them suitable for different types of video recording.

CCD Sensors

CCD sensors were the first type of sensor used in video cameras. They are known for their high-quality image capture and low noise levels. CCD sensors are also less prone to distortion and have better color accuracy than other types of sensors. However, they are more expensive to produce and consume more power than other sensors.

CMOS Sensors

CMOS sensors are now the most common type of sensor used in video cameras. They are cheaper to produce and consume less power than CCD sensors, making them more affordable for consumer-level cameras. CMOS sensors also have faster readout times, which makes them better suited for high-speed video recording. However, they are more prone to noise and distortion, which can affect image quality.

MOS Sensors

MOS sensors are a newer type of sensor that combines the benefits of both CCD and CMOS sensors. They have better low-light performance than CMOS sensors and consume less power than CCD sensors. MOS sensors also have faster readout times than CCD sensors, making them suitable for high-speed video recording. However, they are more expensive to produce than CMOS sensors and have a lower color accuracy than CCD sensors.

How Video Camera Sensors Work

Video camera sensors work by capturing light and converting it into an electrical signal that can be recorded as digital video. The sensor is made up of millions of tiny light-sensitive cells called pixels. When light hits a pixel, it creates an electrical charge that is proportional to the intensity of the light.

The sensor then converts the electrical charge into a digital signal, which is recorded as a series of pixels that make up the digital video image. The number of pixels in the sensor determines the resolution of the video image. Higher resolution video cameras have more pixels in their sensors, which allows them to capture more detail in the image.

Conclusion

Video camera sensors are an essential component of modern video cameras. They are responsible for capturing light and converting it into an electrical signal that can be recorded as digital video. CCD, CMOS, and MOS sensors are the most common types of video camera sensors, each with its own unique features and characteristics. Understanding how these sensors work can help you choose the right video camera for your needs.