When you point a CMOS camera at the stars, photons hit tiny photodiodes on the sensor. Each photodiode converts light into an electrical charge proportional to the brightness it detects.
Unlike older CCDs, CMOS sensors amplify and read each pixel individually right on the chip. This means faster image capture and less power usage. Plus, on-chip noise reduction helps keep images crisp by minimizing electronic interference—crucial when capturing faint galaxies and nebulae.
