Sensor size is one of the factors that determine image quality; the rule is the larger the sensor is, the more sensitive to light it is, and that benefits image quality.
In small sensors light spills across sensor, causing a kind of internal flare and reducing overall image contrast, while this is not happens with larger sensors.
In general, there are three basic size categories for sensors:
Four Thirds: Small, like sensor of phone camera, point and shoot cameras.
APS: Large sensor, found in consumer DSLRs and Pro consumer DSLRs.
Full Film Format. Larger sensor, found in Pro DSLRs.
Large sensors are available in large cameras (Like Canon 5D), small sensors are available in small cameras like point and shoot, smartphones and tables. This leads us to the conclusion that even if you have a camera with high resolution (More megapixels such as 10 MP) but its sensor is small; you are going to get bad image quality. This fact may seem frustrating to many!
Cameras with larger sensors performance better in low light condition, and allowed you to use higher ISO setting. In addition, you will get better print photos when using camera that has larger sensor.
Most DSLR cameras fall into the APS size range (14mm by 21mm to 16mm by 24mm) or what is referred to as a “crop sensor”; often described as 1.5x, 1.6x, or 2.0x crop factors.
Last other factor about image sensor size; it is the depth of field, where the sensor size
affects the viewing angle of the lens. In larger sensors, you will have more field of view, while in smaller sensors; the angle of view is magnified.
Here is an example for this matter: Let us say you have two cameras, a crop sensor camera, let us say Canon T3i, and Full frame camera like Canon 5D, and you have 50mm prime lens for both cameras. Now, the result field of view of both cameras is not going to be the same; in the full frame, you will have the same focal length, which is 50mm, while in the crop sensor camera you are going to have about 75mm (Focal length 50mm × crop factor 1.6 = 80). Because of this factor, the APS or crop sensor camera works well in wildlife photography, where a200mm telephoto lens will give 300mm focal length in crop sensor camera, on the other hand, 200mm will stay 200mm in Full frame camera. And as a result of this, Full frame camera works better in wide-angle photography like landscapes, where a 16mm lens will give you extreme wide field of view in Full frame, but 16mm will cropped to 24mm in crop sensor camera.
The crop factor number varies slightly between camera brands – 1.6 for Canon and 1.5 for Nikon, Pentax, and Sony since they have slightly larger sensor sizes.
To choose the camera with the ideal sensor size for you, try to make comparison between different models and brands, many online photography stores offer this feature. The ideal sensor size depends on your use as well as type of photography.
Last other factor about image sensor size; it is the depth of field, where the sensor size
affects the viewing angle of the lens. In larger sensors, you will have more field of view, while in smaller sensors; the angle of view is magnified.
Here is an example for this matter: Let us say you have two cameras, a crop sensor camera, let us say Canon T3i, and Full frame camera like Canon 5D, and you have 50mm prime lens for both cameras. Now, the result field of view of both cameras is not going to be the same; in the full frame, you will have the same focal length, which is 50mm, while in the crop sensor camera you are going to have about 75mm (Focal length 50mm × crop factor 1.6 = 80). Because of this factor, the APS or crop sensor camera works well in wildlife photography, where a200mm telephoto lens will give 300mm focal length in crop sensor camera, on the other hand, 200mm will stay 200mm in Full frame camera. And as a result of this, Full frame camera works better in wide-angle photography like landscapes, where a 16mm lens will give you extreme wide field of view in Full frame, but 16mm will cropped to 24mm in crop sensor camera.
The crop factor number varies slightly between camera brands – 1.6 for Canon and 1.5 for Nikon, Pentax, and Sony since they have slightly larger sensor sizes.
To choose the camera with the ideal sensor size for you, try to make comparison between different models and brands, many online photography stores offer this feature. The ideal sensor size depends on your use as well as type of photography.
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