Cmos & Cctv

[briteney]

I've followed the links on the site and I've seen reference to CMOS surveillance systems and they look like the sort of thing I'm looking for.

What I don;t get is why they're called CMOS rather than CCTV systems.

Is there a distinction, is one the subset of another, is it the result of arbitrary naming?

[ADK]

CMOS is a common chipset used in many security cameras, another is CCD. So a CMOS surveillance system would be one made of of cameras that use CMOS chips.

[thecctvguru]

CMOS chips are generally used in cheaper cameras, they give poor images in low-light conditions, and you get horizontal and vertical striping on bright lights.

It depends on what your trying to achieve, but personally I wouldn't use CMOS in anything more demanding that my vans reversing camera.

[securityman]

Yes CCTV guru but CMOS are most commonly used for close up such as your ATM CCTV or now adays Police officer shoulder cams.

CMOS I would not touch with an Barge pole as they do not last long i have found out

[mizanci1]

CMOS is a common chipset used in many security cameras, another is CCD. So a CMOS surveillance system would be one made of of cameras that use CMOS chips.

[xanview]

There is nothing inherently wrong with CMOS sensors and many IP cameras or even digital SLR cameras use CMOS sensors.

However as a rule of thumb, generally CMOS in affordable CCTV means you will get a terrible picture in low light.

Stay away from CMOS unless you're going for more expensive quality cameras that utilize CMOS sensors.

[Henry]

CMOS and CCD refer to the type of image sensor used in a camera. Generally CMOS sensors require more off chip processing to get a good image but are cheaper to fit. CCD sensors need less off chip processing but are more expensive.

There are some very good quality CMOS cameras but they aren`t cheap. The vast majority are cheap and dare I say nasty !

The other thing to look at is the size of sensor on the camera. It will either be 1/4 inch or 1/3 inch (over twice the area). So a 1/4 inch camera would generally be less good than a 1/3 inch CCD camera.

The above are all generalisations. You will sometimes find PTZ cameras with 1/4 inch sensors and very good off chip processing.

Henry