A CMOS imaging array includes a plurality of individual pixels arranged in
rows and columns. Each pixel is constructed the same and includes a
photodetector (e.g., photodiode) receiving incident light and generating
an output. A first, relatively lower gain, wide dynamic range amplifier
circuit is provided responsive to the output of the photodetector. The
first circuit is optimized for a linear response to high light level
input signals. A second, relatively higher gain, lower dynamic range
amplifier circuit is also provided which is responsive to the output of
the photodetector. The second circuit is optimized to provide a high
signal to noise ratio for low light level input signals. Subtraction of
output signals from the amplifier circuits, preferably after gain
compensation, can be used to detect moving objects in the scene where the
integration times for the two circuits are not the same, e.g., are
staggered in time or have a different period.