CIS Vs. CCD Scanners

Like most technologies, there are multiple types of scanners to choose from. Depending on several factors, one technology may be better suited for a person’s use. One area of ongoing debate has been whether the CIS technology for imaging documents and pictures is superior to the CCD technology.

CIS Technology

CIS scanners use an array of LED lights to produce the light necessary to scan an image.

CCD Technology

CCD scanners use a series of mirrors and lenses to project a light onto the material being scanned.

Popularity

CCD scanners are far and away more popular than CIS scanners, which have all but disappeared in recent years.

Scan Quality

According to PC Magazine, the scan quality on a CCD scanner is slightly better than the quality using a CIS scanner. CIS scanners do have trouble scanning the gutter of a book placed against the glass, so any words or images in that recess come out blurry in the scan.

Size and Electricity

A CIS scanner can be designed to take up much less space since space to angle mirrors is not necessary. CIS scanners can also use less electricity than a CCD scanner.

References

• PC Magazine: Scantastic!
• Spyder Bytes: What You Should Look for When Buying a Scanner