DSLR Sensor Types
Understanding the different sensors sizes and the differences can be quite confusing. Try not to get to bogged down with the numbers, just remember that the size and quality of the sensor in a DSLR is more than 9 times the size than that of a compact camera, making them very powerful. All DSLR sensors have the ability to capture data rich files that produce fantastic quality prints.
There are currently four sizes of sensor used in a DSLR, ranging from 22mm to 44mm. The sensor is measured diagonally and are measured in either metric or imperial, for example, 22.2 X 14.8mm or 4/3in. To make it more confusing for you the sensor size is also designated as either Four of Thirds, APS-C, 35mm or 6x4.5cm.
Four of Thirds Format
Originally designed by Olympus and Kodak, the Four of Thirds is an open format format for DSLR allowing different lenses made by different manufactures to be interchangeable. Olympus and Kodak have now been joined by Panasonic, Lecia and Sigma. The sensor is 22.5mm diagonally, this is larger than the sensors in compact cameras but smaller than the APS-C sensor, which is more commonly used in DSLRs. The lens multiplication factor is 2x, doubling the focal length of lenses based on the 35mm film format.
APS - C Format
Advanced Photo System, (APS) was a film format that was quickly swept away by the invention of digital compact cameras. Now the system has given its name to the most commonly used DSLR sensor, APS-C. The name was given because the imaging area is around the same size as the APS films’ frame size of 25.1 x16.7mm. To add more confusion to the format different SLR models come with different APS-C sensor sizes, Sony’s APS-C measures 21.5 x 14.4mm, Nikon’s DX sensor size is 23.7 x 15.7mm and different Cannon models come with different sized APS-C sensors. Pixels range from 8MP to 15MP.
35mm Format
The 35mm Format is also known as the full-fame sensor because the sensor is the same size as a 35mm film frame. 35mm format senor offers pixels counts of between 12MP and 25MP, the sensor also alongs for shorter depths of field and a clearer brighter viewfinder. The 35mm format is only found in a small number of high end cameras. Although though this type of sensor produces fantastic quality images the cameras are heavier, bulkier and more expensive than cameras with the APS-C sensor. Cameras also need a higher capacity memory cards and image files will take up more space on your computers hard drive.
6 x 4.5cm Format
Also known as Medium format sensors as they are similar to the film size of the medium-format camera. These sensors have pixel counts of 22MP, 39MP and 50PM. The most common manufacture of the medium format sensor is Kodak. Of course cameras with medium format sensors don’t come cheap.
