Originally posted by cossack What I'm curious about (and maybe this has been discussed in other threads) is whether the new Samsung CMOS sensor in the 20D is better than the Sony-built CCD sensor in the 10D. I currently have the K10D and was thinking of "upgrading" to the 20D, if only because I've heard that the sensor is supposedly better (I don’t really care about the slightly bigger screen and while having 4.6 additional MP is nice, I'm not sure that I really need it).
I stumbled on this website that does a comparison. Any additional thoughts?
CCD vs. CMOS This is like comparing VHS to BETA. In many metaphorical ways, CCD is like BETA format in that it was one of the first successful digital imaging technologies, it is still recognized among professionals.... but like VHS, a lot of development money is being put into CMOS imaging technology in order to overcome its many limitations (mainly noise).
A true testament to the success of CMOS is the Canon digital cameras which all use CMOS technology and had amazing success! Canon virtually conquered the CMOS noise problem and now their EOS 20/30/40D series digital cameras are preferred by amateur astronomers for long exposure imaging.
I am not sure how good the Pentax K20D is compared to the Canon 40D.... hopefully, I will have time to test long exposures in the following weeks.
Originally posted by cossack ....while having 4.6 additional MP is nice, I'm not sure that I really need it).
Those extra pixels allow the Pentax K20D to have slightly better resolution than 35mm film. Yes, those extra pixels are very important and the primary reason I waited to purchase this particular model.
Doug