Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Large Single CCD vs 3 Smaller Size CCD

by dcb2000 Apr 27, 2005 11:46PM PDT

In trying to optimize picture quality, is one generally better to purchase a camcorder with a larger size (ie. 1/3") single CCD chip, or will a 3 CCD camcorder with smaller size chips provide better picture quality? I hope this question makes sense. I ask because in certain of the reviews it seems that single chip camcorders sometimes offer higher picture quality ratings than 3 CCD camcorders do - which confuses me somewhat. Thanks in advance for your response.

Discussion is locked

1 Posts

- Collapse + Expand Details

- Collapse -

3ccd or 1

by drhiberd Apr 28, 2005 4:09PM PDT

It depends on what type of environment you shoot in. If you are mainly outdoors, go with one of the 3ccd, if you do any indoors, I would avoid them. (I assume you are talking about the 3ccd camcorders under $1000) If you want a very good 3ccd camcorder, you have spend about $2000 on a GL2 or VX2100. In my experience, a larger ccd has proven to perform better in indoor conditions than a 3ccd with smaller ccd's. I have a Sony with 1 ccd 1/3.4" and I think it performs well inside or outside. I have tried many, many other brands and never been as satisfied.

Back to Video Cameras forum