A Megapixel Charged Couple Device (CCD) is a digital camera good for taking and storing high-resolution photographs and video for personal use as well as for industrial imaging devices. The CCD is a sensor with an electronic shutter good for capturing high-speed motions. The technology is becoming so widespread it is now available on standard digital cameras.
CCD
The Charged Couple Device is a sensory microchip circuit that conducts and transports electric signals through a series of capacitors. It contains the grids of pixels that form the digital image and is able to detect a great deal more incident light than photographic film can, making for more distinct images.
Pixels
Similar to the technology used in LCD television screens, the image is the result of thousands of tiny pixels reacting to light, each helping to create the color and brightness of the picture. The more megapixels, the sharper the image will be.
Features
Megapixel CCDs are sensitive to near-infrared light, which allows them to be used for night vision photography and video and for infrared photography which regular film cameras cannot do. The many thousands of pixels creating the image allows for enlarging and enhancing all or parts of the photo with less distortion.
Cell phones
As technology improved and chips were made smaller and less expensive, low-end Megapixel CCD technology is now being used for digital cameras in cell phones as well as standard digital cameras.
Other uses
Along with their use in digital cameras, Megapixel CCDs are also used in scientific imaging products, including telescopes and microscopes, and for industrial use as high-resolution closed circuit and security camera systems.
Tags: digital cameras, Charged Couple, Charged Couple Device, Couple Device, Megapixel CCDs, standard digital
