Binning
CCD binning is the process of combining adjacent pixels on an image sensor into one
larger pixel. Combining pixels in this manner allows the detection of fainter signals
leading to a greater sensitivity. Because pixels are grouped together, this also leads to
a loss of resolution of the image. The illustration below shows an example of 2 × 2 binning.
The four highlighted pixels are grouped into one larger pixel.
The illustration below shows an example of 3 × 3 binning. The nine highlighted pixels are
grouped into one pixel. This allows for detection of a fainter signal in image analysis, but
results in a loss of resolution compared to 2 × 2 binning.
When performing image capture on the Amersham ImageQuant 800, it is possible to
adjust the binning settings for either greater sensitivity or greater resolution. Increasing
the sensitivity results in a decrease in the exposure time. The option for this is found
under Advanced settings in the method window for all Chemiluminescence and Fluo-
rescence imaging. To change the binning settings, use the following procedure.
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3 Handle methods in ImageQuant 800 control software
3.3 Advanced settings
