In recent discussions, there has been much debate about whether CMOS image sensors are taking over from CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) sensors in machine vision applications. However, data from the 2012 AIA Machine Vision Camera Study reveals an interesting twist—despite predictions to the contrary, CCD sensors still dominate the market as of 2011. At Adimec, we remain confident that CMOS sensors will gain significant traction in machine vision in the coming years, and we plan to explore this further in future blog posts.

Let’s look at Exhibit 5.5 from the report:

Exhibit 5.5: Sales by Sensor Type
CCD sensors continue to dominate most cameras sold today. In fact, as of 2011, CCD accounted for nearly three-quarters (74.7%) of sensor sales—a slight increase compared to CMOS’s 19.4%.

Now, let’s examine Exhibit 6.6: Sensor–related Trends:
CMOS sensors have revolutionized the consumer market by offering higher performance at lower costs. But how is this translating in machine vision? Contrary to popular belief, CCD sensors still hold a strong position here. In 2005, CCD cameras made up 65.7% of sales, while CMOS accounted for just 25.8%. By 2011, the gap had widened: CCD rose to 79.2%, while CMOS dropped to 19.5%.

Key Takeaways

  • CCD Dominance: Despite predictions that CMOS would replace CCD in machine vision, CCD sensors remain widely used as of 2011.
  • Market Shifts: The data shows a clear trend toward CCD adoption over the years, though we believe this will change with advancing technology.

For more insights into sensor comparisons and emerging trends, check out our related blogs:

  • CCD vs. CMOS Image Sensors in Machine Vision Cameras
  • CCD vs. CMOS Image Sensors in Machine Vision Update
  • Can small pixel CMOS Image Sensors be Useful in Machine Vision?
  • CCD vs. CMOS Image Sensors in Defense Cameras
  • CCD vs. CMOS in Traffic Applications

Last Updated: 2025-09-04 19:06:06