In February 2011, we provided an analysis on the use of CCD versus CMOS image sensors in machine vision.
The market studies referenced in the blog indicated huge increases in CMOS use versus CCD, even in machine vision. A recent market survey (http://www.framos.eu/fileadmin/media/pdf/press-releases/framos_mafo_2011_engl_01.pdf) performed by INSPECT trade magazine and a FRAMOS indicates less of lead for CMOS. It even shows a decline in the share for CMOS in 2011.
“The 2011 bump in the trend curve shows that there is still no linear answer to the question ‘CCD or CMOS’. Both manufacturers and users assume that the move to CMOS is still somewhat delayed in 2011.”
The data presented in the study is based solely on a short survey to 200 participants and the users surveyed are relatively small buyers (average 75 cameras/year). We do agree though that CMOS is just getting started in industrial/machine vision applications. After almost another year of analysis, we are even more certain that CCD will continue to be important for very precise vision-based measurement systems for years to come. With the increasing move from 2D analysis to 3D, the performance from CCD-based cameras will still be in demand. For more information about the camera requirements for 3D metrology, see our presentation in the Machine Vision Camera Parameters for 3D blog.
Our message to CMOS image sensor companies: “you can increase your market share if you provide CCD quality at CMOS speeds”. We understand this is not easy but, it’s what the market wants.