CMOS In complementary metal oxide semi conductor sensors (CMOS sensors), electric circuitry next to each photosite converts light energy into voltage, which is then processed and measured and then converted into a digital signal. There are also two types of CMOS sensors. These two types are passive pixel and active pixel. Passive pixel CMOS sensors are lower in cost than CCD sensors, are not prone to blooming, and use less power than active pixel CMOS sensors. However, they do lack in ability to present a high dynamic range, and have a high fixed noise pattern as a result. Active pixel CMOS sensors have similar advantages to passive pixel CMOS sensors, but have a higher signal to noise ratio. Each photosite has its own amplifier, making measurement significantly faster. Active pixel CMOS sensors are usually used in cell phone cameras, web cameras, and some DSLRs..
Foveon X3 Foveon sensors are a type of CMOS sensor used in digital cameras that uses an array of photosites consisting of three vertically stacked photodiodes each. Each photodiodes reacts to a different wavelength of light, based on how deep each wavelength penetrates the silicon layers. This method of light collection is similar to the process in which traditional film reacts to light.
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