A method for reducing smear in video images generated by a frame transfer CCD imaging system having an array of charge coupled devices. The video images comprise successive image frames, each frame including an array of image pixels corresponding to the array of charge coupled devices. The pixel array has a plurality of rows and columns. Each frame is temporally separated from a next successive frame by an integration time interval during which light falling upon the array of charge coupled devices is integrated to produce integrated charge samples representative of image frame pixel values, and by a transfer interval during which the charge samples are transferred from an imaging area to a storage area.