Effective Pixels

[pilgrims_place]

Does anybody know or understand why a 800k CCD camcorder only has effective pixels of 400k? The same goes for mega pixel camcorders too .. a 1.33MP camcorder only has 1MP effective. (Figures from manufacturers websites; Canon, Sony etc..)

What is mean't by "effective pixels"?

When buying a camcorder (I currently have a Digital 8 camcorder) is a 800k CCD (effective pixels 400k) better than what I have now or should I look at a mega pixel version?

Thanks in advance.

Clive.

[ptek]

Originally Posted by pilgrims_place

What is mean't by "effective pixels"?

Effective refers to the actual image area, the rest are used as work area and are masked, work area required to shift and carry individual pixel charge into a workable scan line, this applies to all CCD manufacters, usually approx 15% are used in work area.

[pilgrims_place]

Thanks for the reply, I think I understand.

So, presumably the bigger the CCD the better the overall picture quality on a TV screen/computer?

[MarkE19]

Well not really. A standard definition PAL video will be set at 625 lines, so even if the CCD has more than this it will not directly affect the image on screen. The higher resolution of a CCD tends to be used more for the capture of still images on consumer camcorders, where more pixels does make a difference, although still not great images IMO. If you want good still images then buy a digital camera.

Mark.

[Slipperystevens]

In that case, could you clarify the benefit of having a a 3CCD camcorder. Thanks.

[MarkE19]

With a 3 CCD camcorder a single CCD is used for each of the colours ie Red, Green & Blue. This should, if done correctly, give sharper, more defined colour reproduction. The down side is that on small CCD's you can get poorer low light conditions as the light arriveing from the lens is split 3 ways.

Mark.

[Slipperystevens]

Thanks for that Mark.