Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What is the characteristic of CCD sensors compared to CMOS sensors?

1. Higher power consumption

2. Low image quality

3. Increased noise

4. Enhanced light sensitivity

The correct answer is: Enhanced light sensitivity

The characteristic of CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) sensors that stands out when compared to CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) sensors is their enhanced light sensitivity. CCD sensors are designed to capture more light effectively, making them particularly advantageous in low-light situations. This increased sensitivity allows for better image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions where detail and clarity are critical. The technology behind CCD sensors allows them to produce images with less noise, leading to cleaner and more detailed photographs. Because of their superior ability to transfer charge across the chip, CCD sensors often excel in areas such as dynamic range and color fidelity, making them a preferred choice in professional photography when capturing high-quality images is essential.