Each sensor has its own advantages and disadvantages over another. Below, you see all the available sensor sizes. For this article, we will focus on Medium format, Full frame, APS-C (crop sensor), and M4/3 (Micro four thirds). Those are the 4 most commonly used sensor sizes in photography.
Every single modern camera has a digital sensor, and in general, we are told that larger sensors will give you better image quality because the largest sensor can acquire more information than the smallest one and therefore produce a better image. If you have two cameras with the same number of megapixels but different sensor sizes, the one with the larger sensor will usually produce better photos because the individual pixels are much larger on the biggest sensor, also giving you better dynamic range and depth of field. So the purpose of a pixel is to absorb light and produce an electrical signal that is then converted into a digital image signal.
"Sensors are typically the most expensive part of a camera to manufacture, and the larger you go the pricier the camera gets."
1. Medium Format
The biggest camera sensor on the market, which is the wider range. This sensor size typically ranges from around 43.8×32.9mm to 53.7×40.2mm.
Medium format cameras are known for producing high-quality photographs and delivering near-perfect accuracy when it comes to color reproduction. This is why this kind of digicam is usually used in fashion and advertising photography.
Medium format cameras are larger than the other cameras, which means they are heavier and more inconvenient to use. There are exceptions, but when you reduce the size, you may lose some of the format's advantages. The cameras are also getting pricey as well, so they are expensive for someone who is just starting in this field or even for a semi-professional photographer.
2. Full-frame
The dimensions of a full-frame camera sensor are roughly 36 x 24 mm, which largely enhances the ability to capture more light. As we mentioned before, capturing more light provides additional flexibility in low-light situations and more control over selective focus, depth of field, and dynamic range.
These sensors are used in many professional cameras, including the flagship DSLR and mirrorless models in many manufacturers’ lines.
Full frame cameras come with larger sensors, which means heavier camera bodies and are significantly more expensive.
3. APS-C (Crop Sensor)
The APS-C camera sensor size shares an area of roughly 23.60 x 15.60mm.
APS-C sensors are cropped sensors that are generally cheaper and easy to travel with than the full-frame and medium format cameras.
Many prominent photography brands like Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, and Sony are the foremost APS-C manufacturers, and most of the cameras using this sensor size are aimed at beginners, intermediate, and semi-professional photographers.
These sensors generally don’t capture photographs in as magnificent elements in low-light and struggle to achieve as immersive a bokeh effect.
4. Micro 4/3rd (Micro four thirds)
This type of sensor was introduced by Olympus and Panasonic in 2008. With a 17 x 13mm dimension in a light mirrorless camera, which makes them ideal for transport and cheaper. If the budget is a concern, this is worth considering.
For people who like wild photography and want to get closer to their subject, micro four-thirds sensors can excel in this regard.
If you are looking for high performance in a low-light situation, this kind of sensor or camera won't be the best option.
Small sensors mean poor low-light performance and have a lower dynamic range than the other sensors.
Every camera is different, but your skill as a photographer is more important than the camera sensor, body,...etc
Buy a camera, learn how to use it, and experiment until you reach its limitations. Then, think about upgrading.
Leave me a comment below if you have any questions.
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