Hi--

Regarding Sony MiniDVs, David Ruether said
"the smaller chip size and higher pixel count will
result in worse low light ability, but with the
extra pixels, greater image sharpness for both
video and stills - but not without some image
quality disadvantages (in addition to the lower
sensitivity) with this...>>>

This is driving me nuts! How do you make a CCD SMALLER and only to put MORE PIXELS into it
??!!!! How is that physically possible ? Does it make any sense to you ?? Could you please explain
in a nutshell.

I would really appreciate a reply. I've been reading your posts like crazy the last few days.
Thanks in advance!


Uri Kirstein
Intranet Technologies and Strategic Development
908-653-2766
uri.kirstein@spcorp.com

CCD size and pixel-count are independent quantities until one or
the other is specified; if the pixel-count is specified, reducing
the CCD size reduces the pixel-count (and resolution, assuming the
same assignment of area proportions to used area for imaging; if
the CCD size is specified, increasing the pixel-count reduces
sensitivity while increasing resolution; if the CCD size is reduced
and the pixel-count is increased, sensitivity is further reduced
with the increased resolution, all other things being equal. Sony
uses a more sensitive type of CCD ("HAD") which can offset some
of the sensitivity loss; CCD size does not specify the actual
area used for the video image (some may be used for stabilization,
"overhead", etc...); increased pixel-count often results in more
"digital artifacting" in the image, along with higher resolution...