What Is a 3 Chip Camera?

3 chip camera have three sensors.

The 3 chip cameras use three "chips" or "sensors" to capture either a still or video image. The result is a higher quality picture than single chip cameras produce. Today 3 chips are found in consumer cameras.

History

Single chip cameras capture color with a single sensor.

Before 3 chip cameras were single chip cameras that are still used today in cheaper camera models. These cameras use a filter to split the three main colors: red, green and blue, to be captured by the single sensor.

Three is Better Than One

Cameras with three chips split the red, green and blue light waves with a prism so that the sensors only receive one color each. This means there is more color depth and three times more information resulting in an overall higher quality picture.

Today

Different camera types use 3 chip technology, including stills and video cameras. There are two main types of "chips" or "sensors" on the market today, which are CCD and CMOS.

References

• 3CCD Camcorders: 3CCD Video Imaging System Information
• Kdmc: One Chip vs. Three Chip