What's the difference between Mat::clone and Mat::copyTo?

Question

I know \'copyTo\' can handle mask. But when mask is not needed, can I use both equally?

http://docs.opencv.org/modules/core/doc/basic_structures.html#mat-clone

Answer 1

Mat::copyTo is for when you already have a destination cv::Mat that (may be or) is already allocated with the right data size. Mat::clone is a convenience for when you know you have to allocate a new cv::Mat.