An imaging system, such as for recording images as digital data, comprises a plurality of imaging chips. Each chip includes a plurality of imaging elements; a data-in input, the data-in input accepting control data of a first type and control data of a second type, the control data of each type having an effect on at least one operational aspect of the imaging elements; and a selection input, the selection input selectably causing the imaging chip to ignore control data in the data-in input. A data-in line is common to the data-in input of all imaging chips. By controlling the selection input to all chips, the chips can be loaded with control signals in parallel, or in serial, with control data specifically intended for each chip.