Why 3CCD is the gold standard
In the world of vintage video, 3CCD (three charge coupled device) was the hallmark of professional and high end consumer equipment. Modern phones use software to guess colors. 3CCD cameras capture them physically.
Standard sensorSingle chip (CMOS)
One sensor with a Bayer filter. It samples colors in a grid and guesses the gaps. Often feels digital and thin.
3CCDThree chips
A prism splits the light into red, green and blue, and each color gets its own sensor. No guessing. This is what creates that dense, rich, analog feeling image.
The aesthetic benefits
- True color depth. Every pixel is recorded in full RGB, so colors feel solid rather than washed out.
- The glow. CCD sensors handle light differently than modern CMOS. They have a natural bloom in the highlights that feels romantic and cinematic.
- Superior skin tones. This is why we prefer 3CCD for weddings. It renders complexions with a warmth and realism that digital filters cannot replicate.
Where you will find it
We built the Signature Glow look around 3CCD. All four of its JVC Everios record on three chips, which is the dreamy nostalgia the look is named for.