Image sensor

An image sensor in which a plurality of linear image sensor ICs are arranged linearly, the sensor comprising:

• a light receiving element circuit array in which a plurality of light receiving elements that output an output signal in accordance with the amount of received light are arranged in a first resolution;
• a reset circuit element array that initializes the light receiving element circuit array;
• a switch element array that connects the output terminals of the plural adjacent light receiving elements;
• a first amplifier circuit array that conducts an impedance conversion of the output of the light receiving element circuit array;
• a sample/hold circuit array that temporarily holds the output of the first amplifier circuit array;
• a second amplifier circuit array that conducts an impedance conversion of the output of the sample/hold circuit array;
• a read switch element array that reads the output of the second amplifier circuit array;
• and
• a scanning circuit array that controls the read switch element array,
• wherein the first resolution and the resolution of 1/n of the first resolution change over by plural times.