Yes, this is a good book. Yes, I consider it to be five stars. But am I missing something? There is a second edition of this book published in 2007 - Cmos/Ccd Sensors and Camera Systems (Press Monograph) - by the same author as this book. It has been updated and has much of the same information as this one, written in 1996. Unless I'm missing the fact that there is a treasure map in this out-of-print edition, I'd say go with the new version and leave the used book sellers with their two hundred dollar price tags.
What is in this book? It does have good information on CCD array architecture concepts and theory of operation. It includes information on full-frame, frame transfer, inter-line transfer, progressive scan, and time-delay and integration. Camera specifications are traced to array performance parameters. It provides the background information you'd need to specify arrays and cameras using radiometric concepts. Since image quality can only be assessed by visual interpretation, both the display and the observer are integral parts of the imaging "system." Thus CRT display performance and the resolution/addressability ratio are covered in detail. There are examples included that illustrate sampling theory and aliasing. Noise analysis includes random, shot, fixed pattern, and quantization noise. Camera design issues discussed include "aperture" correction, gamma compensation, and compatibility with current video standards. Other topics include dark current, responsivity, dynamic range, and intensified CCDs. Its target audience is primarily the system integrator looking for information needed to specify a system that functions in a particular way. However, engineers who just want to know "how things work" should enjoy it too.