CCD/CMOS sensor programming

Hello fellow POTNers. I have been interested in programming CCD sensors for a while now. It has been kind of hard to get in to so I'm hoping someone out here could help me out.

My goal is to be able to programming image sensors, not necessarily build complete cameras. I purchased this book knowing well that the components are hard to source. The theory on the other hand should give me a nice start.

Anyone know of any alternate components, or any resources where I could research for some alternate components? Googling is in progress no doubt.

Anyone have experience with this?

Are you trying to buy a cmos sensor such as something built by Aptina?

You can try searching electronics distributors such as Arrow or Digikey. They usually carry some stuff. Here's an example of a 5mp Aptina sensor.

http://components.arro​w.com …ail/47114660S99​07501N4468

I assume you need to build a custom PCBA too control the sensor or buy a development kit?

I work in the R&D department off a camera company, so many of my coworkers do such work.
But I don´t have clue about electronics

@imjason: I'm looking through that sensor. Also Sparkfun has some good stuff to play around with. I'll keep you posted as I research a bit more on this.

@ZoneV: If you could scrap up some suggestions from them, even really basic ones, I'd really appreciate it!