A Guide to all those camera terms you keep seeing in reviews.
CCD/CMOS
These are acronyms for the type of image sensor used in the camera. The light entering the camera hits the sensor which transforms it into information that can be stored in a digital format. CCD stands for charge coupled device and CMOS for complementary metal oxide semiconductor. This describes the type of technology used by the image sensor.
Both technologies were developed about the same time (late 60's/early 70's). CMOS technology required other technologies to mature before it was reasonable to use it in consumer devices. It does offer certain advantages when compared to CCD sensors; the main advantage being the potential for lower power consumption.
The type of sensor used usually isn't that important. Both are capable of producing quality digital images. CCD sensors do tend to be more sensitive to light which helps with image quality, but chip manufacturers have worked very hard to produce CMOS sensors capable of producing high quality images.
A CMOS sensor may offer longer battery life, but this isn't a given. This may change as CMOS technology matures.
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