APS-C: Difference between revisions
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==The smaller photo sensor== | ==The smaller photo sensor== | ||
This is known as the ''cheaper'' type of digital cameras. At about 25mm by 16mm the sensor is simply 1.5x smaller than a [[full frame]] sensor. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this. | |||
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<div class="panel-heading">''' | <div class="panel-heading">'''APS-C for cost-efficient solutions'''</div> | ||
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Back in the [[analog]] days, Advanced Photo System (APS) was an attempt to introduce a new film standard. The type-C for classic was a 25mm x 16mm film, smaller than the regular 35mm film. It did not work well, as it was introduced too late just as [[digital]] photography was taking off. | |||
Manufacturing image sensors is a challenging process, without going into too much details, the larger you make the sensor the more likely it will have some defects. That is why, larger sensors are more expensive. It is actually a coincidence that 35mm film was just about the size that it was possible to manufacture an image sensor. | |||
By making the sensor a bit smaller, it is possible to '''a)''' get more sensors per manufactured wafer and '''b)''' have a higher proportion of the manufactured sensors that are functional. | |||
A smaller light sensitive area makes the job of the lens also easier, light has to be bundled to a smaller area, allowing lenses to be built that are smaller and lighter (and cheaper). | |||
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=== But smaller sensor is not as good as a larger sensor, is it? === | |||
There is a lot that goes into the quality of the sensor. But everything else being equal, the sensitivity of an image sensor is basically proportional to the area of each [[Megapixel|picture element]]. The larger each [[Megapixel|picture element]] the more sensitive the sensor. The size of each [[Megapixel|picture element]] depends on the [[resolution]] of the sensor. A 12 [[Megapixel]] sensor (of the same type) has twice as large [[Megapixel|picture elements]] as a 24 [[Megapixel]] sensor, so each element is more sensitive, but the overall [[resolution]] is worse. | |||
As [[full frame]] sensors are larger, for the same [[resolution]] they have [[Megapixel|picture elements]] that are about 1.5x larger, and they are therefore more sensitive. Technically a 12 [[Megapixel]] APS-C camera could be more sensitive than a 24 [[Megapixel]] [[full frame]] camera. But the size of the [[Megapixel|picture element]] is not the only criteria. As they are sold for a higher price, [[full frame]] sensors are (sometimes) made using a better process and therefore are better even for the same [[Megapixel|picture element]] size. | |||
See a [[Most equipment is more than good enough|comparison for a practical example]], you will notice that for most practical purposes those differences do not really matter. APS-C [[digital]] [[cameras]] are excellent, do not let anyone fool you. | |||
=== Further Reading === | |||
* [[Combine APS-C and full frame cameras]] | |||
* [[Most equipment is more than good enough]] | |||
=== APS-C equipment on this wiki=== | |||
====[[Cameras]]==== | |||
<DynamicPageList> | |||
category = Cameras | |||
category = APS-C | |||
suppresserrors=true | |||
mode=inline | |||
</DynamicPageList> | |||
====[[Lenses]]==== | |||
<DynamicPageList> | |||
category = Lenses | |||
category = APS-C | |||
suppresserrors=true | |||
mode=inline | |||
</DynamicPageList> | |||
[[Category:Cameras]] | [[Category:Cameras]] | ||
{{Photodisclaimer}} | {{Photodisclaimer}} | ||
Revision as of 21:17, 28 November 2020
The smaller photo sensor
This is known as the cheaper type of digital cameras. At about 25mm by 16mm the sensor is simply 1.5x smaller than a full frame sensor. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this.
Back in the analog days, Advanced Photo System (APS) was an attempt to introduce a new film standard. The type-C for classic was a 25mm x 16mm film, smaller than the regular 35mm film. It did not work well, as it was introduced too late just as digital photography was taking off.
Manufacturing image sensors is a challenging process, without going into too much details, the larger you make the sensor the more likely it will have some defects. That is why, larger sensors are more expensive. It is actually a coincidence that 35mm film was just about the size that it was possible to manufacture an image sensor.
By making the sensor a bit smaller, it is possible to a) get more sensors per manufactured wafer and b) have a higher proportion of the manufactured sensors that are functional.
A smaller light sensitive area makes the job of the lens also easier, light has to be bundled to a smaller area, allowing lenses to be built that are smaller and lighter (and cheaper).
But smaller sensor is not as good as a larger sensor, is it?
There is a lot that goes into the quality of the sensor. But everything else being equal, the sensitivity of an image sensor is basically proportional to the area of each picture element. The larger each picture element the more sensitive the sensor. The size of each picture element depends on the resolution of the sensor. A 12 Megapixel sensor (of the same type) has twice as large picture elements as a 24 Megapixel sensor, so each element is more sensitive, but the overall resolution is worse.
As full frame sensors are larger, for the same resolution they have picture elements that are about 1.5x larger, and they are therefore more sensitive. Technically a 12 Megapixel APS-C camera could be more sensitive than a 24 Megapixel full frame camera. But the size of the picture element is not the only criteria. As they are sold for a higher price, full frame sensors are (sometimes) made using a better process and therefore are better even for the same picture element size.
See a comparison for a practical example, you will notice that for most practical purposes those differences do not really matter. APS-C digital cameras are excellent, do not let anyone fool you.
Further Reading
APS-C equipment on this wiki
Cameras
Nikon Z FC, Nikon D500, Nikon D7100, Nikon D90
Lenses
These pages are for Amateur Photographers and not really for seasoned photographers and professionals. I have no affiliation or commercial interest with any brand/make. I write from my own experience. I ended up using mainly Nikon, so I am more familiar with this brand than others. See price for notes on pricing as well as photography related links.