CCD and CMOS sensors are two kinds of image sensors widely used at present. They all use photodiodes to convert images into digital data, but the main difference lies in the different transmission methods of digital data. Generally speaking, the CCD chip used in ordinary digital cameras has better imaging quality.

The sensitivity, noise and dark current performance of CMOS sensor are much lower than that of CCD sensor.

CMOS sensor does not need complicated external clock driver electronics, and can generate accurate voltage and waveform to move the charge around the sensor. They do not need complicated external readout electronics, double correlation samplers and A/D converters. All electronic components required for reading are built into the sensor. A single chip only needs a clean power supply to provide a good image, which can be read directly in digital mode. This is also the reason why CMOS sensors have great advantages in cost.