The Science of Camera Sensors

[@MMaven]

John Hess deserves some kind of an award for his articulate, accurate and very long description of a very complex set of terms and concepts without messing up. Very impressive!

[@paristo]

+MichaelTheMentor Best thing is that he doesn't mix there analogies, and he doesn't invent new things but stick to the points and the correct technical terms. Like how many would have already made the mistake and started to talk about "buckets", "rain" "total surface area" etc? He simply explained the technology to the point that the video can be shown even to non-tech savvy person and get understood.

[@DANNY40379]

+MichaelTheMentor send him a trophy?

[@mysonsdad]

I wholeheartedly agree. I have a msee degree and haven't seen a more to-the-point explanation of these topics. The details can put the average student to sleep in a nanosecond but he ties it all together rather nicely. Great job. Makes me want to dust off some books I have on the topics.

[@daviewz9335]

The video was "meh." It didn't really explained the concept, but just gave a bunch of facts, trivia, and a motivational speech at the end. I give it an "A+" for it's cohesive explanation of random facts and trivia about film and digital camera sensors, and a *"F-"* for explaining the _science of camera sensors._

[@sundedvzm7391]

Michael The Maven well said

[@jimjulian]

I'm an electrical engineer (and a photographer) and I enjoyed this throughly. It's not often I see the phrase "P-N Junction Diode" outside of my work. Thank you for a job well done.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

+Jim Julian My hat is off to you! My grandfather was a civil engineer. My Dad grew up in the 40s and wanted to become an electrical engineer but my grandfather persuaded him not to because there's no future in electronics. So he became a mechanical engineer.

[@RCAvhstape]

+Filmmaker IQ I am also a photographer and an electrical engineer and everything Jim Julian said rings true. All your vids are good, this one is great. The explanation of the silver gelatin film alone is worth it.

[@doceigen]

+Jim Julian This video was really rudimentary and glossed over MANY important details. But only one... that I could mention is, the cartesian layout of photo cells. In the video they are shown as similar to grid paper, that perfectly rectilinear set of XY points connected by linear functions made popular as 'Cartesian paper'. But in actuality, a lot of the operations of modern photo sensitive arrays is not in those perfectly square shapes and not in the lines shown. Do a patent search on each companies' products who make these chips, and you'll each one has a different architectural topology and in fact, a number of newer implementations have left two dimensional surfaces behind, moving their architectures into the realm of 3D lattice spaces, multi-layers, and multi-functional overlapping systems. NOW... add to that, the lens caps themselves. Not the lens cap you know of where you snap, bayonet or screw a cover on a lens to protect it from the outside environment, but a lens cap that is actually built on top of the semiconductor bulk which affects the paths of the photons before they strike the semiconductor top surface. Imagine being able to sample a pattern of areas and determine illuminances or to move parts of the image from one space to another to compensate for movement, de-focusing, lighting differences, low contrast, and more. NOW... consider being able to do all these pre-semiconductor manipulations on the impinging light field, in real time, and apply artificial intelligence to the patterns in such a way that operations are both determined and carried out 'on the fly'. Think then of these lens caps as pre-processors, successfully modeling YOUR 'retinal ganglion pre-processors' that each of you didn't even know you had, and you can see that we are moving into a state of technologies, where an intelligent camera is far beyond what you thought could be achieved through microprocessor post processing systems, alone. THAT gets you closer to what 2015 is all about. Everything covered in this video is more like the 90's. My current state of the art is 4K x 4K by 256 processing layers, in a 20 um layer, so that's 256 vectors, I can affect across every pixel of a photosensitive device, on a whim. And that 'whim', is not human.

[@derrickcummings3990]

i like the first concept being a diod, instead being cmos and ccd manufacture those still run on semiconductur principle leaving that aside, why not use more wires to read out the "eV or voltage" syncron or with other words all at once if its a question to a electric circuit there are electric circuits that can do this a example would be the a-syncron adder, that electric circuit read out the status in more steps while a synchron adder electric unit reads out all the status´s (eV or voltages) syncron or with others word all at once but coming from year 2021 that is a very old and passed problem why relay on a dinosaur electric unit (such as the a-syncron adder) if the waver has to be turned around grind could be the answer if the bus (thats the amount of transer wires) is a problem then just increase the bus if a other electric unit is the problem a cache would be a solution (what is for example used on HDD´s) upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/66/CCD_charge_transfer_animation.gif in the video for the CCD semiconductur the shift_register is talked about they call it parallel(syncron) and serial (a-syncron) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shift_register that serial or parallel are just other words for syncron and a-syncron or all at once

[@LanaaAmor]

semiconductors is a high-school topic, being an engineer has nothing to do with it.

[@benfrizzy6728]

Very talented speaker. I can't even explain how to make an omelette this clearly.

[@imitatioDei]

Omelette is hard just start with scrambled eggs

[@mpireoutdoors5274]

Don't worry. I can't even make an omelette.

[@galericulus9736]

Totally professional, articulate and erudite. What a tour-de-force. This is the bench mark for anybody intending to record an explanatory video on any subject whatsoever, especially a difficult one like this. I'm not sure whether he was reading a prepared text or improvising as he went along, but either way his faultless delivery without ums and ers, together with the injection of contrast and variation in tone, made this a joy to listen to instead of the usual boring trials imposed upon us by the vast majority of public speakers. Bravo. And sincere thanks.

[@musaran2]

Of course it is prepared. Improvisation is never so structured, balanced and to the point.

[@muatao9943]

OMG. This is one of the best videos I've seen. I'm 54 years old and you make me want to enroll in a chemistry and physics class. I'll be rewatching this video because I really would like a better understanding of camera sensors. Thank you for your intelligent and articulate explanation!

[@geowal91]

I was pleasantly surprised by how good this vid was. I’m an electronic engineer who has made digital cameras. Apart some a few insignificant details this was bang on and very informative!

[@marianrodleitner2430]

That little speech at the very end gave me the chills!! Thank you for this great video.

[@Lyf4rMusic]

LITERALLY ONE OF THE BEST VIDEOS EVER ON KZbin. The way you kept the pace of the video and the explanations thorough, going in as deep as the very basic of composition of the diodes and their working, just made this video for me!

[@flantc]

This is one of the best explanations on camera sensors. It accurately got to the core functions of each technology without going too deep or shallow. As an engineer with a physics background I enjoyed it, and anyone who has an interest in understanding the technology of devices they use everyday can understand it. It is such an accessible explanation of camera sensors it enhances the magic of the technology rather than diminish it.

[@rustyharris9481]

Nice to see someone break down the basics of something a lot of people have no idea. Been a photographer for over 30 years. Also, around the 10:28 mark, if you have the understanding of crosstalk (noise) you'll understand why stuffing more pixels on your cell phone camera sensor, does not equate to a better photo image, ESPECIALLY in low light situations.

[@wissalzaher4868]

I've watched many videos to try to grasp the concept but nothing was as clear, articulate, well explained as this. Sir, thank you from the bottom of my heart !

[@pallab900]

Man I know all these transistor and diode stuff but the way you explained it is better than most of the tutorials online. That was really great.

[@gabrielgolan7604]

I have taught this material for many years at an undergraduate photography program in Israel. This video is great, visualising and simplifying a complex subject. Great work John! Thanks.

[@DirtySanch3z]

this is, by far, the most accomplished and yet fairly easy to understand deep dive into this topic I've seen...appreciated

[@britcom1]

I just want to say to John Hess that I really appreciate all his work on this series and it has been a great help to me and my film making. I think it is the best film making series on KZbin. Thanks John!!

[@fhajji]

I adore these explainers. They are at the exact technical level I am seeking.

[@MichaelNatrin]

You just explained basic p-n junctions and camera sensors better than any professor I had in engineering school. Good job.

[@dominicrooney7698]

Science, magic, and inspiration? As a studying new photographer/film-maker who only came across this video for (and only expecting) technical info, I say, Yes please and thank you so much!

[@shinma989]

Couldn't have hoped for a more perfect closing statement. Thank you John.

[@polarlarve]

This channel is and always has been amazing.. I wish you would get overexposed just as much as my photos do.

[@toyotagaz]

polarlarve good one 😂😂😂

[@tarekhassan4422]

Bro you are the only one who made a detailed video on this, thank you

[@RinoaL]

i enjoy how you dont really say any obvious misinformation in your videos. you do your fact checking well!

[@H-Visage]

This is one of the most Comprehensive and best videos i've EVER seen! You basically explained everything we need to know about this sensor WITHOUT over complicating things!

[@bulksimpson1296]

I’m a broadcasting engineer and absolutely love nerd stuff like this!! Thank you so much!!!!

[@slr7075]

In a electronics major and having a passion for photography, I enjoy seeing how both can come together and provide the essence of digital photography in today's technological time. Excellent video and thank you for making this!

[@TheBill3333]

I'm glad someone can pull together the important facts and then deliver them to a non technical observer. Great lecture.

[@manohargupta]

man loved it loved it ...... u are true teacher every child deserves thank you for being so articulate and patient...

[@hoovboy14]

A complicated science explained very succinctly. I love these videos. Anybody who hasn’t watched their videos about how camera lenses work should check those out. Keep doing what you’re doing, John! Loving it.

[@buioso]

This is one of he best channel on youtube.

[@uddiptalukdar]

Another of your best! And, the best part is this video in the end transcends the level of being an educational video and become a story! Salute!

[@liyueh29]

One of the best instructors I've seen online!

[@drtvcheng]

This video deserves a place in the Smithsonian permanent collection. Hess would be conferred a title of sensei in Japan for being such a brilliant teacher. Thank you.

[@krane15]

The best explanation on sensor technology ever. I wish I'd had this in film school.

[@StevePotgieter]

That was something I did not know I needed to know. Seriously, I had no interest in knowing this but you somehow got me to watch the entire video and now I'm glad I did.... Thanks.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

+Steve Potgieter Makes you think of all the brilliant stuff that happens when you take a selfie ;)

[@StevePotgieter]

Magic!

[@GuyECS]

Excellent. John Hess you did a marvelous job explaining a very complex technology.

[@zephyr4712]

This is the content of extraordinary quality! As a theoretical physicist I'm definitely gonna support You on the Patreon, Sir!

[@EmmanuelSteinitz]

excellent video, the narrating is very well done and comprehensive. Haven't seen that for a while. Thanks a lot !

[@naufalmEZa]

Explanation so good, my Observational Astronomy Professor directed our class to this video. Kudos!

[@CyReNiUsX]

These videos are actually quite underrated. Well done!

[@chineweliukegbu9762]

Clear and unambiguous explanation, thank you Sir. Indeed knowledge has increased. May God help us use these knowledge to His own glory.

[@sparkybluefox]

Mr Hess. This video presented very complex concepts in such a clear and concise manor that it has floored me! Great work! Your inspirational closing comments complement the video! BRAVO ! SBF

[@echo173]

Honestly a good bit of this went over my head but from the amazing speaker to the helpful post work to make the video, awesome work.

[@bluefranswa]

one of the most informative videos on youtube.

[@lahiruekanayake9541]

This is the first video of yours which I came accros accidently. At the begining I was concerned about the length of the video, but until the it is very interesting and fun to watch. This a very informative and impressive video. Thank you very much for sharing this knowledge with us.

[@juffan]

So much of this went way over my head, but by the end I think I learned something. How dare you teach me things!

[@Lifes1BeautifulRide]

This video was nothing short of magic! I loved how well you explained the process and the visuals were so very helpful. This was informative and entertaining!

[@spacee3249]

Your physics/chemistry explanation is 100/10 dude! Thank you

[@JDHR35]

This is a fantastically presented video, that really makes you understand the subject. Thank you.

[@MartinGeorgeBerishaj]

John P. Hess! not king enough sir! Hahaha. Once you started you personal feelings in the beauty of it all I looked down at the counter and was like, "No! it's over already!?" Loved it so much it went by in two seconds. Thank you so much. Well done.

[@hookem234]

Fantastic video and explanation! -From an electrical engineer and photo enthusiast

[@Rich2241]

Wonderfully concise and clearly delivered. My only nit is at 4 minutes, I think you mean respectively, not respectfully. A great piece. Thanks.

[@igbatious]

This video is both high level, super detailed, yet totally understandable

[@AmitRaka79]

Wow that's a most simplest explanation for CCD and CMOS sensor ❤️❤️ beautifully presented and displayed.

[@EmporiumDigitalStudios]

You are absolutely great at explaining things and contributing to our field in a very comprehensive, fun and exciting way. Congratulations John. Serously, you are making great stuff. You deserve a lot!!

[@uttaradeshmukh1243]

Greetings, Mr. John Hess! First off, I sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for this video as my son had a project on camera sensors and this video helped him A TON !! Very skillfully and expertly explained!! Hats off !!

[@JoseGarcia-lw8gf]

I'm impressed with all the theory that comes back the image formation at image sensor. Now I'm aware about the physics that involves camera sensor and how it works at an electronic level. Thanks!

[@BasicFilmmaker]

Great stuff as always John. Really points out the science and engineering that go into this technology, which I think is under appreciated. Thanks for what you do here on this channel!

[@imjyun]

wow , he explains a complex thing with such ease and understandable, subscribed

[@andypotter3]

Really really great video John, thank you very much for creating and sharing

[@iykecrixngadiuba2589]

Its incredible how John Hess breaks down the science part of film making, i just wonder why i have not started watching his videos until now

[@DominicProMax]

Just went over semiconductor theory in my modern physics class. Glad to see what I'm learning applied!

[@sxyqt3.14]

Good job dude.. more is needed on any science

[@nirothav1105]

This is the second video where I've been mind-blown and guess what? I've subscribed. Great videos - keep 'em coming!

[@RXP91]

That summation on standing on the shoulders of giants, how lucky we are and to use that technology to create something great is a life mantra of mine. If you are mindful, you can apply it to everyday life that seems mundane to some. When you turn on a tap, just think about the engineering and science that went into that. It's practicing gratitude and it's incredibly meditative. Amazing video on the topic - you should have a course with The Great Courses/Teaching company!

[@americanmacgyver]

Thanks!

[@ArtemSmaznov]

Thank you, I have been looking for at least a decent explanation of how sensors work for months and this video just blew away my expectations.

[@JBlongz]

Excellent. I want all my professors to teach like you.

[@aaaaaa7181]

A clear and thorough explanation , Thank you very much.

[@redwolf155]

Amazing. Best explanation i ve had the chance to learn to so far

[@WAQWBrentwood]

Until I saw this I never understood why CCD didn't have "rolling shutter" effect versus CMOS. Awesome vid!

[@infundere]

wow how complete and beautifully animated video, thank you, sir.

[@VanlockFR]

Very very well explained ! And even better : your conclusion I strongly agree with ! :) We need to stay in that positive and creative state of mind to make the world better !

[@oscararevalo9806]

I just got interested in science again, great video!!!!

[@bellum6439]

Being a photographer myself, i ate some shrooms and watched this video, wondering how the hell camera really takes its pictures. I watched the whole vid, and the metaphysic stuff in the end made me feel some kind of a break of the 4th wall, leaving me comepleteley tripping. Greatest video on KZbin. I need too rethink my whole life.

[@djrbfmbfm-woa]

thank you dear sir for your most informative videos. you are very enthusiastic about art. that is a very good thing. thx 4 your videos. j.

[@LenniD23]

Thank you for this, I came here after wondering about stars and how their light travels into our view through time. Had no interest in photography but will now have a deeper and profound appreciation for this technology every time I take a "Photo". Cheers

[@prestonransome5362]

Another great presentation, Brother John.

[@vaishviksatyam]

You are a Brilliant narrator John.

[@randall.chamberlain]

Fantastic, I mean, simply fantastic explanation.

[@MrHookshanks]

Probably the most interesting video I have ever watched!!! So well done.

[@buingocnam87]

Very interesting and informative. Thank you so much.

[@gregbarbosa0]

Thanks for a highly informative video! I definitely learned a lot. The rolling shutter effect explanation made perfect sense.

[@davidrojas6457]

I came for info on camera sensors. I stayed for that epic outro.

[@DIYCameraGuy]

Great info as always. Thanks for all of the hard work you do putting this show together.

[@Gorkab]

Damn, so this is why smartphones cameras always record strange motion when it comes to simple travelling motion! It's just so distinguishable that you just always know it's that type of "camera" one person uses! Thanks John for yet another great video :)

[@original12310]

It was a wonderful video to watch. Thank you very much sir.

[@rancegarrett3696]

Very informative! You delivered well too! Very inspiring at the end!

[@arandomuser11]

You just completely blew my mind! That was my first time watching one of your videos. I was struggling to keep up with all that chemistry talk. :)

[@arandomuser11]

+A Random User I subscribed, by the way.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

Awesome thank you! Not all of videos will get that deep in the science but we occasionally like to nerd out

[@arandomuser11]

+Filmmaker IQ Haha, yeah man, that was great. I was pretty impressed at how granular you got with the science. I saw the title on Digg Video and clicked through. I was just expecting to learn how the different types of sensors work!

[@tdcattech]

Excellent video. There's motivation right there to go out and shoot.

[@SymonSaysTV]

You do a very good job John! Keep it up.

[@idontwantacallsign]

Great video. Well explained. I work in the Silicon industri making FZ silicon (IGBT, Thyristors) so I know of N-type and P-type etc. But the common guy or girl don't. Often people dosen't know that they wouldn't have a computer a smartphone or a digital camera without Silicon.

[@HalParadise]

Great stuff. I always wanted to know the advantages and disadvantages of CMOS vs. CCD, and you made it clear in this video. Thank you.

[@ialexvd11]

Beautifil material!! You have a gift to teach

[@LunatiqueRob]

Amazing video. Articulate, informative, concise, and authoritative.

[@dietc909]

This channel is the Vsauce of film

[@FilmmakerIQ]

+mateo burbano and as always, thanks for watching

[@moveinmaldives2080]

>

[@johnspotify7691]

Sheeit. It is

[@georgerickard5509]

+Filmmaker IQ The chemical symbol for phosphorous is P, not Ph. Great video though! Even having been a physics student, this is probably the clearest explanation of these devices I have come across. Keep up the good work

[@FilmmakerIQ]

+George Rickard - Wow, totally missed that one. thanks for the correction. Now the lashings will begin at sundown.

[@sprusz95]

Amazing and interesting video! Makes you think a bit more every time you press the shutter.

[@angelrojas6641]

This no doubt is the best video i have seen

[@petermcpartland9682]

Super talented teacher. Thanks for your vids :)

[@chrislongley]

Incredibly thorough, great job.