Since the great number of elements constituting a unit pixel having an
amplification function would hinder reduction of pixel size, unit pixel
n,m arranged in a matrix form is comprised of a photodiode, a transfer
switch for transferring charges stored in the photodiode, a floating
diffusion for storing charges transferred by the transfer switch, a reset
switch for resetting the floating diffusion, and an amplifying transistor
for outputting a signal in accordance with the potential of the floating
diffusion to a vertical signal line, and by affording vertical selection
pulse .phi.Vn to the drain of the reset switch to control a reset
potential thereof, pixels are selected in units of rows.