What does the term "image sensor" indicate in CCTV systems?

The term "image sensor" in CCTV systems refers to the component that captures light and converts it into an electronic signal. This is a crucial function, as the quality and characteristics of the image generated by a CCTV camera depend heavily on the image sensor's capabilities. When light hits the image sensor, it is transformed into an electrical signal that can be processed to create a visible image. The type of image sensor used—such as CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor)—affects various factors like image resolution, performance in low-light conditions, and overall image quality.

In contrast, other options describe different components or functionalities within a CCTV system. The mechanism for storing video footage refers to devices such as DVRs or NVRs, which hold the recorded video data. A software application for analyzing video feed pertains to systems designed to interpret and identify movement or patterns in the captured imagery, and tools for adjusting camera angles relate to physical equipment like pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) mechanisms rather than the function of capturing an image. Thus, understanding the role of the image sensor is fundamental to comprehending how CCTV systems operate and deliver visual surveillance.