Abstract: A progressive-scan charge-coupled device (PSCCD) camera (2) may capture an entire frame of an image of an optically readable code. The camera generates a histogram or probability distribution function (PDF) of the images and uses the histogram or PDF to automatically adjust the contrast of the image. The camera also generates a cumulative distribution function (CDF) which is used to automatically adjust the illumination intensity including the brightness of the image and the duration over which the image is obtained. The captured analog video image is converted to a digital video image which may be output over the camera's bidirectional bus interface (14) to a component outside of the camera. Updated programs, parameters and other information may be sent in the opposite direction over the bus interface to the camera. The camera may be mounted at a fixed station or may be incorporated into a portable unit, and may be hand-held and/or battery operated.