The resurgence of interest in CCD photography, likely to be on the upswing in 2025, may have gone unnoticed to some, while others are drawn to the technology, just like vinyl to music enthusiasts, by the aesthetics of classic photography associated with image captures on digital cameras with CCD sensors. These images, acknowledged for their high sensitivity to light, low noise, and excellent ability to capture details, tend to reflect nostalgia and the vintage look, which some say are almost 'film-like.' CCDs offer a natural, vibrant color palette straight out of the camera. Compared to COMS sensors, there is an appreciable difference in the rich, organic colors and smooth tonal transitions with the images generated.
While the trend is related directly to the interest of retro trenders, film photography enthusiasts influenced by the ever-increasing cost of film for film photography and the recurring timeline cost for associated services, may venture into alternative genres or other options, including the CCD challenge, as well.
For enthusiasts, digital cameras with CCD sensors, be it the digital SLR, bridges, and compacts are still easily available on auction listings or brick-and-mortar store shelves, some mint and hardly used, others priced for the asking. These are vintages, of course, as they were manufactured more than 10 to 15 years ago with technology already deemed redundant and have been bypassed.
With the abundance of choice, picking one up for enthusiasts who are just starting out, could be a maze of bewilderment. For others with experience, the urge to expand into the collection may just be a hike back down memory lane.
For the interested and discerning few, here's a quick look at the cameras and lenses from the low-end of the auction market I have in my collection and the ones I used recently. One of these could be one you are likely to pick up.
Nikon D200, 10.2MP CCD, 2005
The Nikon D200, the prosumer workhorse announced by Nikon in 2005, is a robust body with a magnesium alloy chassis with rubber gaskets around body seams, controls, and compartment doors for a very effective environmental seal, and highly functional controls and performance close to the professional D2. The camera has a DX-format 12.2MP CCD sensor fitted and a new AI aperture ring connector that supports A/M modes and metering with AI manual focus lenses built from 1977 onward.
The D200 has a shutter speed range of 1/30 to 1/8000 second with 1/250 second X-Sync speed, ISO speed range of 100-2500 and 3200 with boost, built-in flash, and a 2.5-inch 230,000 pixel LCD monitor with high-resolution anti-aliased fonts. Metering is done using a 1005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II, which autofocuses with the Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module with 11-area AF. The camera can capture high-resolution images at up to 5 frames per second and has a Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module with an 11-area AF.
The D200 is weighty though, as it weighs 830 grams body only, but having great ergonomics and soft rubber skin that makes holding the camera easy and steady. The top panel LCD and other functions (buttons layout) are laid out sensibly and are easy to read, learn, and get used to. Images are rendered with superb clarity and smooth color gradations.
Nikon D80, 10.2MP CCD, 2006
The enthusiast-grade Nikon D80, launched by Nikon in 2006, replaces the very popular D70 with interesting updates including a 10.2MP DX-format CCD sensor, improved AF, wider flash coverage, higher capacity battery, and larger LCD monitor. The D80 sits between the entry-level D50 and the prosumer D200. Like the D200, the D80 is also fitted with the AF screw drive mechanism, making it usable with almost all F-mount Nikkor lenses including G- and D-type AF Nikkors. Image storage is on SD/SD-HC cards.
The camera has an electronically controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter with a shutter speed range from 30 to 1/4000 second, plus Bulb, and ISO sensitivity from 100 to 1,600 (up to ISO 3200 with boost). Metering options include 3D Color Matrix II, Center-Weighted, and Spot, and they share the same bright, sharp, and smooth, 170° wide viewing angle 2.5-inch 230,000 pixel LCD monitor as the D200 and D2X. The same as on the D50 is the AF-A mode, which automatically switches from AF-S (single autofocus) to AF-C (continuous autofocus) if subject movement is detected.
The D80 is, however, missing the 'Non-CPU Lens Data' menu item for entering information about non-CPU lenses, and the AI aperture ring connector for full-aperture metering with older 'AI' lenses. When used with these old-school manual focus lenses, metering on the D80 is stop-down. Earlier enthusiast-grade models, the D70 and D70s, were also fitted with the AF screw drive mechanism, while entry-level models (D40, D60, D3000, D5000) do not. The follow-up D90 has a 12.9MP DX-format CMOS sensor.
Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro, 6.2MP SuperCCD, 2002
The Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro, announced in 2002, is fitted with an almost-APS-size 6.2MP SuperCCD sensor with images that can be selected to be generated at 12MP or any of the other three option sizes. The body is based on the Nikon N80 (F80), modified by Fujifilm to include its proprietary image sensor and electronics. The model even comes with the Nikon F-mount, meaning the camera can be mounted and used with almost all of the lenses made for Nikon 35mm SLR cameras.
The camera is AF, with an electronically controlled focal plane shutter with a speed range from 30 sec. to 1/4000 second, with ISO sensitivity from 100-1600, built-in exposure metering and pop-up flash, and sound recording capability. The camera is comfortable to hold and lug around, none too heavy with a body weight of 760 grams without batteries or other add-ons. The S2 Pro also features a control layout that does ring a bell with the Nikon D100 (as both were based around the F80/N80).
Unique to the Sx Pro series are the SuperCCD sensors designed with the photodiodes oriented diagonally instead of the horizontal and vertical orientation of the others. This allows images generated from the sensor to be interpolated to a huge 12MP size, or set to one of three other lesser size settings. Image quality, as seen below shot with an AF-Zoom Nikkor 35-70mm 1:3.3~4.5, is to the standard of what the CCD sensors are acknowledged for.
Sony DSLR-A350, 14.2 MP CCD, 2008
The Sony DSLR-A350, a.k.a. Alpha A350, introduced by Sony, is one of the company's top-tier consumer digital SLR cameras for 2008. The camera has a 14.6MP CCD sensor, the second-highest pixel count for an APS-C format DSLR after the Pentax K20D (which has a 14.6MP CMOS sensor). It also has a variable-angle LCD that supports live view shooting, activated via a Live View mode unique to Sony.
The A350 has a focal-plane shutter with a speed range from 30 to 1/4000 second, plus B, flash sync at 1/160 second, ISO sensitivity from 100 to 3200, and a 2.7-inch 230,400 dot LCD. Metering is Multi-segment, Center-Weighted, and Spot. Dynamic Range Optimization corrects the extremes of highlights and shadow details, while Super SteadyShot with sensor-shift image stabilization (up to 3.5 stops as claimed by Sony) for clearer images. The A350 is specific in that it uses only the NP-FM500H battery pack.
While the A350 was positioned as a consumer-friendly DSLR, its stunning CCD capability should cater to beginners and advanced amateurs alike. The camera was also praised for its ease of use, especially with features like the tilting LCD and user-friendly interface. The A350 was updated by the A380, which has a similar 14.2MP CCD but is commented as performing below the A350.
Olympus E-500, 8MP CCD, 2005
The 8MP CCD Olympus E-500 (Olympus EVOLT E-500 in North America), launched by Olympus in 2005, was released as an economical option in the DSLR market. The camera is part of Olympus's Four Thirds System and has a Kodak KAF-8300CE, a CCD sensor well-known in areas of specialized photography, such as astrophotography. The camera is compact and lightweight, weighing just 435 grams, with a fiberglass-reinforced plastic shell built for durability. The camera also features Olympus's Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system, which keeps the sensor clean by shaking off dust during startup.
The E-500 has a shutter speed range from 60 to 1/4000 second, ISO sensitivity from 50 to 3200, and a 215,000 dot 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD monitor. The camera is recognized for its image quality and user-friendly features, with functionalities that include a 3-point phase-detection autofocus system that can operate in Single Shot AF, Continuous AF, and Manual focus modes, a 49-zone metering, spot metering, and various exposure modes, including 25 different exposure settings, are easily managed by the camera straightforward control layout.
Good and fully working condition E-500s are still sought after by CCD enthusiasts currently. Olympus cameras (covering both the 4/3 and Micro 4/3 systems) render excellent mid-tone colors come with 2x crop-sensors and can easily be adapted to use OEM and other brand name lenses via appropriate lens adapters. A standard normal 50mm lens, when mounted on a 4/3 or Micro 4/3 camera will be equivalent to a 100mm short-tele on a full-frame camera.
Pentax K-m, 10.2MP CCD, 2008
The Pentax K-m, introduced in 2008, is a compact and lightweight entry-level DSLR camera, lined up below the K20D and K200D as it was launched. The camera, though lacking some advanced features (including the weather-sealing) of higher-end models, provides an easy and rewarding DSLR experience for beginners with features that include a 10.2MP CCD sensor, a compact body, a control system for easy one-handed operation, and a lightweight kit lens with a KAF-2 mount, the SMC PENTAX-DAL 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL. The K-m is powered by 4xAA Lithium, Ni-MH Rechargeable, or Alkaline batteries, and images are stored on SD/SDHC cards.
The camera has a deep and slightly narrow hand grip, just right and comfortable for smallish hands, and comes with direct and easy-to-operate controls. All buttons and functional controls, including the joystick pad, with Play, Info, Menu, and Delete buttons, and directly above the Play button is an ‘e-dial’ for adjusting aperture, shutter speed, sensitivity, and EV compensation settings, are on the right of the LCD screen.
The camera is fitted with a Pentaprism viewfinder with a 96% display of the field of view, a 230,000 dots 2.7-inch LCD monitor, a shutter speed range from 30 sec to 1/4000 second with X-sync at 1/180 sec, continuous shooting at 3.5 frames per second, Auto ISO sensitivity up to 3200 with manual setting from 200 to 3200, sensor-shift image stabilization. The images here are shot on the K-m mounted with a SMC Pentax 50mm 1:1.4 legacy lens, in manual exposure mode.
The Final Cut
These digital SLR cameras are what I consider as ultimate of the selection, except maybe for a higher priced FinePix S3, or S5 Pro, to place it on the spot at the top of the hill, or jumping the bandwagon to medium or other formats which could be just as exciting. No matter the choice, there are no reasons why you should not enjoy the image and experience the CCD challenge, and with this lot, at a fraction of what you will pay for compared to the latest and the most updated digital SLR camera system on the market. Enjoy!
p.s. As you have noticed, I am ushering the 5:4 image format for this presentation, thanks!
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