High Speed Photodiode Amplifier

2 Port High Speed HDMI Video Splitter and Signal Amplifier - video/audio splitter - 2 ports - desktop $86.99 StarTech.com 2 Port High Speed HDMI Video Splitter and Signal Amplifier - Video/audio splitter - 2 x HDMI - desktop

Samson SX3200 SX High Power Servo Amplifier $549 The Samson SX3200 is the newest and most powerful addition in the SX series of amplifiers. Boasting a staggering 3200 Watts of Class H power in a two rack space design. The SX3200 is a perfect solution for driving professional audio systems of any size. Samson SX Power Amps are built around a new power core design with over-sized toroidal transformers and extra-large heat sinks. The amps maintain cool operating temperatures thanks to an innovative forced-air cooling system with temperature sensitive variable-speed fans. Trouble free operation is provided by multi-stage protection for power-up, over-heating, over-current, short circuit, low output impedance and DC voltage, assuring total reliability under the most demanding conditions. The entire SX line features locking XLR/TRS inputs, Speakon and 5-way binding post speaker outputs. Samson SX3200 - Power Amplifier Features and Specifications Professional High Power Rail-switching Amplifier 750 Watts per side at 8 Ohms 1100 Watts per side at 4 Ohms Dual Variable-speed Fan Cooling Signal, Peak, and Protection Circuit Indicators 5-way Binding Post and Speakon Speaker Outputs XLR and TRS Input Connections Dual Rack Space Design

Samson SX1200 SX High Power Servo Amplifier $299 Samson SX1200 SX High Power Servo Amplifier; Powerful and Reliable! The Samson SX1200 power amp is an efficient class AB amplifier that offers ease of operation and plenty of available power to effectively drive a moderate sized PA, monitor fills, or fixed installation system. Stereo operation is available down to 4 Ohms at 450 watts per side as well as a 4 Ohm bridged mono mode providing the full 1200 watts of power. Samson SX1200 Features Professional Class AB Power Amplifier 300 Watts per side at 8 Ohms 450 Watts per side at 4 Ohms 1200 Watts bridged mono at 4 Ohms Dual Variable-speed Fan Cooling System Signal, Peak, and Protection Circuit Indicators 5-way Binding Post and Speakon Speaker Outputs XLR and TRS Input Connections Dual Rack Space Design Power, reliability, and great sound. That’s what you demand from your power amps and that’s exactly what the New Samson SX amps deliver, night after night, gig after gig. All SX Series amps feature dual variable speed fan cooling and complete protection for the internal electronics and your speakers. All SX Series amps also feature signal, peak, and protection circuit indicators, XLR and TRS balanced inputs, 5-way binding post and Speakon output connectors, stereo/ dual mono/ and mono bridge selector, and a rock solid all steel 2-rack space chassis. All ratings are RMS continuous per side.

Samson SX1800 SX High Power Servo Amplifier $349 The Samson SX1800 power amp produces 1800 Watts of power from a class AB amplifier design. The SX1800 lets you run a system at a blistering 600 Watts per side in stereo mode with out breaking a sweat, thanks to the internal amplifier design and variable-speed fan cooling. Samson SX1800 Features: Professional Class AB Power Amplifier 400 Watts per side at 8 Ohms 600 Watts per side at 4 Ohms 1,800 Watts bridged mono at 4 Ohms Dual Variable-speed Fan Cooling System Signal, Peak, and Protection Circuit indicators 5-way Binding Post and Speakon Speaker Outputs XLR and TRS Input connections Dual Rack Space Design Power, reliability, and great sound. That’s what you demand from your power amps and that’s exactly what the Samson SX amps deliver, night after night, gig after gig. All SX Series amps feature dual variable speed fan cooling and complete protection for the internal electronics and your speakers. All SX Series amps also feature signal, peak, and protection circuit indicators, XLR and TRS balanced inputs, 5-way binding post and Speakon output connectors, stereo/ dual mono/ and mono bridge selector, and a rock solid all steel 2-rack space chassis.

Samson SX2400 SX High Power Servo Amplifier $449 The Samson SX-2400 power amp utilizes a high output rail-switching amplifier design allowing 750 Watts per side or 2400 Watts bridged mono at 4 Ohms. This kind of power is perfect for large multi-format full-range and subwoofer systems. With locking XLR inputs and Speakon speaker outputs your connections are secure, solid, and worry free. Samson SX-2400 Features and Specifications Professional High Power Rail-switching Amplifier 550 Watts per side at 8 Ohms 750 Watts per side at 4 Ohms 2,400 Watts bridged mono at 4 Ohms Dual Variable-speed Fan Cooling System Signal, Peak, and Protection Circuit Indicators 5-way Binding Post and Speakon Speaker Outputs XLR and TRS Input Connections Dual Rack Space Design Power, reliability, and great sound. That’s what you demand from your power amps and that’s exactly what Samson SX amps deliver, night after night, gig after gig. All SX Series amps feature dual variable speed fan cooling and complete protection for the internal electronics and your speakers. All SX Series amps also feature signal, peak, and protection circuit indicators, XLR and TRS balanced inputs, 5-way binding post and Speakon output connectors, stereo/ dual mono/ and mono bridge selector, and a rock solid all steel 2-rack space chassis. All ratings are RMS continuous per side.

Samson SX2800 SX High Power Servo Amplifier $499 The Samson SX2800 power amp is the most powerful SX Amplifier in the lineup. The SX2800 boasts an incredible 2,800 Watts oF power in a two rack space design. Ideal for driving 18-inch sub fills or large front-of-house mains in larger venues, the SX2800 gives you clean worry free power, and a lot of it. Samson SX2800 Features and Specifications Professional High Power Rail-switching Amplifier 700 Watts per side at 8 Ohms 900 Watts per side at 4 Ohms 2,800 Watts bridged mono at 4 Ohms Dual Variable-speed Fan Cooling Signal, Peak, and Protection Circuit Indicators 5-way Binding Post and Speakon Speaker Outputs XLR and TRS Input Connections Dual Rack Space Design Power, reliability, and great sound. That’s what you demand from your power amps and that’s exactly what Samson SX amps deliver, night after night, gig after gig. All SX Series feature dual variable speed fan cooling and complete protection for the internal electronics and your speakers. All SX Series amps also feature signal, peak, and protection circuit indicators, XLR and TRS balanced inputs, 5-way binding post and Speakon output connectors, stereo/ dual mono/ and mono bridge selector, and a rock solid all steel 2-rack space chassis.

QSC RMX1450 Power Amplifier $529.99 QSC RMX series amplifiers give you clean, dynamic power with QSC's legendary sound quality and reliability that pros depend on. QSC combined their rugged, high-output designs with the latest circuit technology to deliver unmatched performance at a new breakthrough price. RMX amps have balanced XLR and 1/4 inch TRS inputs. Outputs include binding posts and Neutrik Speakon connections. These stereo power amps are only 2 rack spaces tall and 15.9 inches deep. Other features include ultra low distortion (.05% THD), a low-noise variable speed fan with rear-to-front air flow to keep your amplifier and racks cool, and selectable low-frequency filters to protect your speakers and increase headroom. QSC power amps are backed by a 3-year transferable warranty. The new RMX Series amplifiers give you clean, dynamic power with the legendary QSC sound quality and reliability that pros depend on. We combined our rugged high output designs with the latest circuit technology to deliver unmatched performance at a new breakthrough price. Muscular Power Plant The power supply is the heart of an amplifier, converting raw AC power from the wall to clean DC for the audio circuitry. The RMX uses a powerful high-current toroidal transformer and ample filter capacitance to ensure generous energy reserves. This makes a critical difference in sound quality, allowing the amp to effortlessly punch out high level transients, even when driving abusive 2-ohm speaker loads. Superior Performance RMX amplifiers deliver true studio-quality sound. A full complementary output circuit using the highest-grade linear output devices delivers ultra-low distortion ( Comprehensive Features The RMX Series is packed full of professional features that increase performance and flexibility: Independent defeatable clip limiters reduce distortion without sacrificing peak performance. Selectable low-frequency filters boost system response, protect speakers and ensure low-end tightness by more precisely matching the amplifier's range to the loudspeakers. Barrier strip, XLR and 1/4 inch balanced inputs plus Speakon and binding post outputs provide easy connections. Low-noise variable speed fans with rear-to-front air flow keep amplifiers and racks cool.

QSC RMX850 Power Amplifier $399.99 QSC RMX series amplifiers give you clean, dynamic power with QSC's legendary sound quality and reliability that pros depend on. QSC combined their rugged, high-output designs with the latest circuit technology to deliver unmatched performance at a new breakthrough price. RMX amps have balanced XLR and 1/4' TRS inputs. Outputs include binding posts and Neutrik Speakon connections. These stereo power amps are only 2 rack spaces tall and 15.9' deep. Other features include ultra low distortion (.05% THD), a low-noise variable speed fan with rear-to-front air flow to keep your amplifier and racks cool, and selectable low-frequency filters to protect your speakers and increase headroom. QSC power amps are backed by a 3-year transferable warranty. The new RMX Series amplifiers give you clean, dynamic power with the legendary QSC sound quality and reliability that pros depend on. We combined our rugged high output designs with the latest circuit technology to deliver unmatched performance at a new breakthrough price. Muscular Power Plant The power supply is the heart of an amplifier, converting raw AC power from the wall to clean DC for the audio circuitry. The RMX uses a powerful high-current toroidal transformer and ample filter capacitance to ensure generous energy reserves. This makes a critical difference in sound quality, allowing the amp to effortlessly punch out high level transients, even when driving abusive 2-ohm speaker loads. Superior Performance RMX amplifiers deliver true studio-quality sound. A full complementary output circuit using the highest-grade linear output devices delivers ultra-low distortion ( Comprehensive Features The RMX Series is packed full of professional features that increase performance and flexibility: Independent defeatable clip limiters reduce distortion without sacrificing peak performance. Selectable low-frequency filters boost system response, protect speakers and ensure low-end tightness by more precisely matching the amplifier's range to the loudspeakers. Barrier strip, XLR and 1/4' balanced inputs plus Speakon and binding post outputs provide easy connections. Low-noise variable speed fans with rear-to-front air flow keep amplifiers and racks cool.

St122Hdmi2 - Startech.Com 2 Port High Speed Hdmi Video Splitter And Signal Amplifier - 1 X Hdmi Digital Audio/Video In $81.19 the St122hdmi2 2-port High Speed Hdmi Splitter And Signal Amplifier Lets You Share a Single Hdmi Source Signal With Audio Between Two Hdmi or Dvi (using Hdmi to Dvi Adapter - See Accessories) Displays Simultaneously. featuring Support For Hdmi Audio or 3.5mm Stereo Audio, The High Speed Hdmi Splitter Offers The Flexibility to Suit Your Audio Requirements. The Splitter Also Acts as a Signal Amplifier, Allowing You to Situate Your Hdmi Monitors Further Away From Your Source While Maintaining Display Resolutions up to 1080p. the Hdmi Splitter is Easy to Install And Use With no Software or Configuration Required, For a Completely Plug-and-play Setup That Can be Used With Hdmi Output Devices Such as Blu-ray Players or Desktop/laptop Computers. backed by a Startech.com 3-year Warranty And Free Lifetime Technical Support. [2960417] UPC: 065030842457 UNSPC: 43211601 8.7L x 4.1W x 3.9H 1.55 LB 1 Cubes

Amplifier $12.49 Amplifier

High Speed $49.99 S. Werner High Speed - Giclee Print

QSC RMX2450 Power Amplifier $749.99 QSC RMX series amplifiers give you clean, dynamic power with QSC's legendary sound quality and reliability that pros depend on. QSC combined their rugged, high-output designs with the latest circuit technology to deliver unmatched performance at a new breakthrough price. RMX amps have balanced XLR and 1/4' TRS inputs. Outputs include binding posts and Neutrik Speakon connections. These stereo power amps are only 2 rack spaces tall and 15.9' deep. Other features include ultra low distortion (.05% THD), a low-noise variable speed fan with rear-to-front air flow to keep your amplifier and racks cool, and selectable low-frequency filters to protect your speakers and increase headroom. QSC power amps are backed by a 3-year transferable warranty. The new RMX Series amplifiers give you clean, dynamic power with the legendary QSC sound quality and reliability that pros depend on. We combined our rugged high output designs with the latest circuit technology to deliver unmatched performance at a new breakthrough price. Muscular Power Plant The power supply is the heart of an amplifier, converting raw AC power from the wall to clean DC for the audio circuitry. The RMX uses a powerful high-current toroidal transformer and ample filter capacitance to ensure generous energy reserves. This makes a critical difference in sound quality, allowing the amp to effortlessly punch out high level transients, even when driving abusive 2-ohm speaker loads. Superior Performance RMX amplifiers deliver true studio-quality sound. A full complementary output circuit using the highest-grade linear output devices delivers ultra-low distortion (<0.05% THD) & a ruler-flat frequency response. SMT (Surface Mount Technology) triples small-signal component density, enabling us to pack up to 2400 watts of power in a chassis only 2 rack spaces & less than 16' deep. And unlike other designs, RMX output devices are direct-mounted to the heat sink for optimum thermal coupling & cooling. Comprehensive Features The RMX Series is packed full of professional features that increase performance and flexibility: Independent defeatable clip limiters reduce distortion without sacrificing peak performance. Selectable low-frequency filters boost system response, protect speakers and ensure low-end tightness by more precisely matching the amplifier's range to the loudspeakers. Barrier strip, XLR and 1/4' balanced inputs plus Speakon and binding post outputs provide easy connections. Low-noise variable speed fans with rear-to-front air flow keep amplifiers and racks cool. Proven Reliability With over 30 years of building amplifiers for the largest touring companies and venues around the world, you can count on QSC's reputation for designing the most reliable amps available.

B-52 US-3000 Power Amplifier $549.99 The B-52 US-3000 Power Amplifier features low-noise, low-distortion circuitry and high-current output stages, toroidal transformers, and large filter capacitors to deliver super-clean, fist-pumping output even when driving 2-ohm speaker loads. Its highly reliable linear output devices provide ultra-low distortion and ruler flat frequency response. Backed by a 3-year warranty.Compact 2-rack sizeHigh-current toroidal transformers for greater 2-ohm power21-position detent gain control knobs for consistent settingsFront panel LED display: Power, bridge and parallel LEDs and signal,20dB, -10dB, 0dB, clip and protect LEDs for each channelProtection: short circuit, output current limiting, thermal, DC offset, turn on/off muting, RF protection and circuit breakerClip limiters reduce distortion without sacrificing peak performance (defeatable on US-3000/US-4000)Sub-sonic filters protect speakers and increase headroom (defeatable)Balanced combo XLR and ¼" TRS input connectors and link XLR output connectors5-Way binding post and Speakon outputsLow-noise cooling fans with continuously variable speed and highly efficient front-to-rear forced air keeps the amplifiers cool

B-52 US-4000 Power Amplifier $649.99 The B-52 US-4000 Power Amplifier features low noise, low distortion circuitry and high current output stages. B-52 uses oversized toroidal transformers and large filter capacitors to deliver super clean, fist pumping output even when driving a 2-ohm speaker load. All B-52 US-series power amplifiers use the most reliable linear output devices to provide ultra-low distortion and ruler flat frequency response. The stellar looking B-52 US-Series professional power amplifiers are made to outperform in any setting. Backed by a 3-year warranty.Compact 2-rack sizeHigh-current toroidal transformers for greater 2-ohm power21-position detent gain control knobs for consistent settingsFront panel LED display: Power, bridge and parallel LEDs and signal,20dB, -10dB, 0dB, clip and protect LEDs for each channelProtection: short circuit, output current limiting, thermal, DC offset, turn on/off muting, RF protection and circuit breakerClip limiters reduce distortion without sacrificing peak performance (defeatable on US-3000/US-4000)Sub-sonic filters protect speakers and increase headroom (defeatable)Balanced combo XLR and ¼" TRS input connectors and link XLR output connectors5-Way binding post and Speakon outputsLow-noise cooling fans with continuously variable speed and highly efficient front-to-rear forced air keeps the amplifiers cool

QSC RMX1850HD Power Amplifier $649.99 QSC RMX series amplifiers give you clean, dynamic power with QSC's legendary sound quality and reliability that pros depend on. QSC combined their rugged, high-output designs with the latest circuit technology to deliver unmatched performance at a new breakthrough price. RMX amps have balanced XLR and 1/4' TRS inputs. Outputs include binding posts and Neutrik Speakon connections. These stereo power amps are only 2 rack spaces tall and 15.9' deep. Other features include ultra low distortion (.05% THD), a low-noise variable speed fan with rear-to-front air flow to keep your amplifier and racks cool, and selectable low-frequency filters to protect your speakers and increase headroom. QSC power amps are backed by a 3-year transferable warranty. The QSC RMX1850HD Provides improved thermal performance for higher continuous power in 2-ohm stereo or 4-ohm bridged applications (a RMX 1850HD exclusive!). Specs include: 360W per channel @ 8 ohms, 600W/channel @ 4 ohms, 900W/channel @ 2 ohms, 1150W bridged mono @ 8 ohms and 1800W bridged mono @ 4 ohms. The RMX Series amplifiers give you clean, dynamic power with the legendary QSC sound quality and reliability that pros depend on. The RMX Series deliver unmatched performance at a new breakthrough price. Muscular Power Plant The power supply is the heart of an amplifier, converting raw AC power from the wall to clean DC for the audio circuitry. The RMX uses a powerful high-current toroidal transformer and ample filter capacitance to ensure generous energy reserves. This makes a critical difference in sound quality, allowing the amp to effortlessly punch out high level transients, even when driving abusive 2-ohm speaker loads. Superior Performance RMX amplifiers deliver true studio-quality sound. A full complementary output circuit using the highest-grade linear output devices delivers ultra-low distortion ( Comprehensive Features The RMX Series is packed full of professional features that increase performance and flexibility: The RMX 1850HD provides improved thermal performance that gives you higher continuous power in 2-ohms stereo or 4-ohms bridged applications (a RMX 1850HD exclusive!) Independent defeatable clip limiters reduce distortion without sacrificing peak performance. Selectable low-frequency filters boost system response, protect speakers and ensure low-end tightness by more precisely matching the amplifier's range to the loudspeakers. Barrier strip, XLR and 1/4' balanced inputs plus Speakon and binding post outputs provide easy connections. Low-noise variable speed fans with rear-to-front air flow keep amplifiers and racks cool. Proven Reliability With over 30 years of building amplifiers for the largest touring companies and venues around the world, you can count on QSC's reputation for designing the most reliable amps available.

B-52 Us-4000 Power Amplifier $649.99 The B-52 US-4000 Power Amplifier features low noise, low distortion circuitry and high current output stages. B-52 uses oversized toroidal transformers and large filter capacitors to deliver super clean, fist pumping output even when driving a 2-ohm speaker load. All B-52 US-series power amplifiers use the most reliable linear output devices to provide ultra-low distortion and ruler flat frequency response. The stellar looking B-52 US-Series professional power amplifiers are made to outperform in any setting. Backed by a 3-year warranty.Compact 2-rack sizeHigh-current toroidal transformers for greater 2-ohm power21-position detent gain control knobs for consistent settingsFront panel LED display: Power, bridge and parallel LEDs and signal,20dB, -10dB, 0dB, clip and protect LEDs for each channelProtection: short circuit, output current limiting, thermal, DC offset, turn on/off muting, RF protection and circuit breakerClip limiters reduce distortion without sacrificing peak performance (defeatable on US-3000/US-4000)Sub-sonic filters protect speakers and increase headroom (defeatable)Balanced combo XLR and " TRS input connectors and link XLR output connectors5-Way binding post and Speakon outputsLow-noise cooling fans with continuously variable speed and highly efficient front-to-rear forced air keeps the amplifiers cool

B-52 Us-3000 Power Amplifier $549.99 The B-52 US-3000 Power Amplifier features low-noise, low-distortion circuitry and high-current output stages, toroidal transformers, and large filter capacitors to deliver super-clean, fist-pumping output even when driving 2-ohm speaker loads. Its highly reliable linear output devices provide ultra-low distortion and ruler flat frequency response. Backed by a 3-year warranty.Compact 2-rack sizeHigh-current toroidal transformers for greater 2-ohm power21-position detent gain control knobs for consistent settingsFront panel LED display: Power, bridge and parallel LEDs and signal,20dB, -10dB, 0dB, clip and protect LEDs for each channelProtection: short circuit, output current limiting, thermal, DC offset, turn on/off muting, RF protection and circuit breakerClip limiters reduce distortion without sacrificing peak performance (defeatable on US-3000/US-4000)Sub-sonic filters protect speakers and increase headroom (defeatable)Balanced combo XLR and " TRS input connectors and link XLR output connectors5-Way binding post and Speakon outputsLow-noise cooling fans with continuously variable speed and highly efficient front-to-rear forced air keeps the amplifiers cool

B-52 Us-1800 Power Amplifier $429.99 The B-52 US-1800 Power Amplifier features low noise, low distortion circuitry and high current output stages. It uses oversized toroidial transformers and large filter capacitors to deliver super clean, fist pumping output even when driving 2-ohm speaker loads. All B-52 US-series power amplifiers use the most reliable linear output devices for ultralow distortion and ruler flat frequency response. The stellar looking B-52 US-Series professional power amplifiers are made to outperform in any setting. Backed by a 3-year warranty.Compact 2-rack sizeHigh-current toroidal transformers for greater 2-ohm power21-position detent gain control knobs for consistent settingsFront panel LED display: Power, bridge and parallel LEDs and signal,20dB, -10dB, 0dB, clip and protect LEDs for each channelProtection: short circuit, output current limiting, thermal, DC offset, turn on/off muting, RF protection and circuit breakerClip limiters reduce distortion without sacrificing peak performance (defeatable on US-3000/US-4000)Sub-sonic filters protect speakers and increase headroom (defeatable)Balanced combo XLR and " TRS input connectors and link XLR output connectors5-Way binding post and Speakon outputsLow-noise cooling fans with continuously variable speed and highly efficient front-to-rear forced air keeps the amplifiers cool

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Digital Camera Basics-Images

In the past twenty years, most of the major technological breakthroughs in consumer electronics have been built around the same basic process: converting conventional analog information (represented by a fluctuating wave) into digital information (binary information represented by ones and zeros, or bits). This fundamental shift in technology has changed how we handle visual and audio information -- it completely redefined what is possible.

The digital camera is one of the most notable examples of this shift because it is so truly different from its predecessor. Conventional film cameras depend entirely on chemical and mechanical processes -- you don't need any electricity whatsoever to operate them, other than for a flash. On the other hand, all digital cameras have a built-in computer, and all of them record images electronically.

The new approach has been enormously successful. Since film usually provides better picture quality, digital cameras have not completely replaced conventional cameras. But, as digital imaging technology has improved, and prices dramatically decreased, digital cameras have rapidly become more popular.

In this article, we'll find out exactly what's going on inside these amazing digital-age devices.

Understanding the Basics

Let's say you want to take a picture and e-mail it to a friend. To do this, you need the image to be represented in the language that computers recognize -- bits and bytes, or binary information. Essentially, a digital image is just a long string of 1s and 0s that represent all the tiny colored dots -- or pixels -- that collectively make up the image. If you want to get a picture into this form, you have two options:

1) You can take a photograph using a conventional film camera, take the film to a developing lab that processes the film chemically, prints it onto photographic paper, and then place the picture on a digital scanner to sample the print (record the pattern of light as a series of pixel values).

2) You can directly sample the original light that bounces off your subject, immediately breaking that light pattern down into a series of pixel values -- in other words, you can use a digital camera.

At its most basic level, this is all there is to a digital camera. Just like a conventional film camera, it has a series of lenses that focus light to create an image of a scene. But instead of focusing this light onto a piece of film, it focuses it onto a semiconductor device that records light electronically. A computer then breaks this electronic information down into digital data. All the fun and interesting features of digital cameras come as a direct result of this process.

Instead of film, a digital camera has a sensor that converts light into electrical charges.

The image sensor employed by most digital cameras is a charge coupled device (CCD). Some cameras use complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology instead. Both CCD and CMOS image sensors convert light into electrons. Without getting too technical, a simplified way to think about these sensors is to think of a 2-dimentional array of thousands or millions of tiny solar cells.

Once the sensor converts the light into electrons, it reads the value (accumulated charge) of each cell in the image. This is where the differences between the two main sensor types become a factor:

A CCD transports the charge across the chip and reads it at one corner of the array. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) then turns each pixel's value into a digital value by measuring the amount of charge at each photosite and converting that measurement to binary form. CCD sensors create high-quality, low-noise images. CCD sensors have been mass produced for a longer period of time, so they are more mature. They tend to have higher quality pixels, and more of them.

CMOS devices use several transistors at each pixel to amplify and move the charge using ordinary wires. The CMOS signal is digital, so it needs no ADC. Because each pixel on a CMOS sensor has several transistors located next to it, the light sensitivity of a CMOS chip is lower (many of the photons hit the transistors instead of the photodiode.) CMOS sensors traditionally consume little power. CCDs, on the other hand, use a process that consumes lots of power.

Resolution

The amount of detail that the camera can capture is called the resolution, and it is measured in pixels. The more pixels a camera has, the more detail it can capture and the larger pictures can be without becoming blurry or "grainy." High-end consumer cameras can capture over 12 million pixels. Some professional cameras support over 16 million pixels, or 20 million pixels for large-format cameras. For comparison, Hewlett Packard estimates that the quality of 35mm film is about 20 million pixels.

Exposure and Focus

Just as with film, a digital camera has to control the amount of light that reaches the sensor. The two components it uses to do this, the aperture and shutter speed, are also present on conventional cameras.

Aperture: The size of the opening in the camera. The aperture is automatic in most digital cameras, but some allow manual adjustment to give professionals and hobbyists more control over the final image.

Shutter speed: The amount of time that light can pass through the aperture. Unlike film, the light sensor in a digital camera can be reset electronically, so digital cameras have a digital shutter rather than a mechanical shutter.

These two aspects work together to capture the amount of light needed to make a good image. In photographic terms, they set the exposure of the sensor.

About the Author

By Brian Lee