However, the results still may be better than those from a smartphone camera, especially for portraits of people.Īmong other variations in this category are 1/3.2, 1/2.3, 2/3, 1/3.2, 1/1.2, and 1/1.8. With sensors as tiny as 1/2.7-inch (5.37mm by 4.04mm), it’s no mystery that smartphones are making serious inroads on compact-camera sales. While such tiny sensors are cheaper to manufacture, their smaller pixels crank up image noise and reduce dynamic range, resulting in less-than-superlative images. As a point of reference, these small-sensor definitions are derived from the size of video camera tubes used in CRT TVs circa the 1950s.ġ/1.7 inch (7.6mm by 5.7mm): Among the largest sensor sizes used in compact cameras, these sensors allow larger pixels for improved noise performance over standard pocket point-and-shoots. Larger pixels more ably handle gaps in brightness to reproduce better image detail.ġ/2.5 inch (5.76mm by 4.29mm): This size is among the smallest sensors, typically used in low-priced point-and-shoot models. The last two sizes listed below make no practical sense. Wikimedia CommonsĬamera sensor sizes and crop factors. And in 2012, Sony released the pocket-size Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 digital camera, which uses a 1-inch (13.2mm by 8mm) sensor with a 2.7x crop factor. The new Olympus OM-D E-M1, the Olympus Pen E-PL5, and the Panasonic Lumix GH1 use this sensor.ĬX format (1 inch): Announced in 2011, Nikon’s CX format has been adopted on the Nikon 1 camera system. It has a 2x crop factor, which doubles the effective focal length of a mounted lens. A Canon APS-C sensor measures 22.2mm by 14.8mm while the Sony, Pentax, Fujifilm, and Nikon (DX) versions range from 23.5mm by 15.6mm to 23.7mm by 15.6mm. The Ricoh GR (23.7mm by 15.7mm), the Canon EOS M (22.3mm by 14.9mm), the Sony NEX line, and Fujifilm cameras all use APS-C sensors.įour Thirds (17.3mm by 13mm): Roughly a quarter of the size of a full-frame sensor, Four Thirds is an open DSLR standard created by Olympus and Kodak and is used in all Olympus and Panasonic Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds DSLRs. Olympus OMD EM-5 Micro Four Thirds cameraĪPS-C (23.6mm by 15.8mm): Most major-brand prosumer and enthusiast DSLRs from Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and Sony use an APS-C sensor-but not all APS-C sensors are equal. With more built-in functionality than CCDs, CMOS sensors work more efficiently, require less power, and perform better for high-speed burst modes. Although CCD is still prevalent in budget compact models, its basic construction and greater power consumption have for the large part prompted camera manufacturers to replace it with CMOS alternatives.ĬMOS has been considered an inferior competitor to CCD, but today’s CMOS sensors have been upgraded to match and even transcend the CCD standard. The most common types of sensors are CCD (charged coupled device) and CMOS (complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor).ĬCD is one of the oldest image-capture technologies for digital cameras and has long offered superior image quality compared with CMOS sensors, with better dynamic range and noise control. Even if you don’t know a CCD from a CMOS from a Four Thirds from an APS-C, this guide breaks down that intimidating alphabet soup and walks you through the sensors you’re likely to encounter.
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