Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What technology is used in digital cameras as a replacement for film?

1. Charge-coupled device (CCD)

2. Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)

3. Image sensor

4. Photoresistor

The correct answer is: Charge-coupled device (CCD)

The technology used in digital cameras as a replacement for film is primarily the charge-coupled device (CCD). CCDs are semiconductor devices that convert light into an electronic signal, allowing for the capture of images in a digital format. This technology was widely adopted in early digital cameras due to its ability to produce high-quality images with good sensitivity and low noise. CMOS technology has also become prevalent in digital imaging, especially for newer camera models, due to its lower power consumption and integration capabilities. While CMOS is indeed used in many digital cameras today, the question focuses specifically on the technology widely recognized for its role in the transition from film to digital imaging. An image sensor is a broader term that encompasses both CCD and CMOS technologies, referring to the components that capture light to create images. Similarly, a photoresistor is not directly related to digital imaging; it is a type of resistor whose resistance varies with the amount of light falling on it, but it does not capture images like CCDs or CMOS sensors do. Thus, the choice of CCD aligns closely with the historical context and the first technology utilized in the digital camera revolution.