Camera Superstar Autoguider Color

Specifies the total number of pixels. With this handy value you can compare the resolutions of different cameras.

The bit depth is also referred to as the dynamic range of a chip. The number of bits in a picture also determines how many different shades of grey can be displayed. The depth of the image information depends directly on it. In an image taken with 1 bit depth, you will only see black and white dots. In this case, you can hardly call it a picture. Many details that the naked eye can discern are missing. 16 bits means the presentation of more than 65.000 shades of grey.

The resolution of a sensor is expressed as the total number of pixels. In digital cameras it is usually specified in megapixels. However, the specification of the number of single pixels in a vertical and horizontal row is more precise, for example 2048x2048.

For long exposure times, many CCD cameras are cooled to reduce thermal noise and achieve higher image quality. CCD cameras are grouped into three categories:
- no cooling
- passive cooling via cooling fins
- active cooling (e.g. using a fan and Peltier element)

The chip size comprises the outer dimensions of the chip. The larger the chip, the larger the image field produced.

Electrons are released in each pixel, whether they are illuminated by photons or not. Each CCD chip generates a certain amount of thermal energy and thus an amplifying signal. As soon as the image of the CCD chip is read out, you will see a noisy image.