Sellers and manufacturers of cameras try to draw the attention of buyers to the number of megapixels and to keep silent about such an important parameter as the physical size of the matrix. Of course, this is unfair, but marketing has not been canceled, and it successfully dictates its conditions, so manufacturers and sellers are simply forced to give users what they want.
Why is matrix size so important?
The number of megapixels does not affect quality at all. It only determines how large the image will be. The picture may be just huge, but bad. And for it to be of good quality, a large matrix size is needed. This information is not new, but it is intentionally forgotten even in stores.
Meanwhile, a good size of the camera’s matrix (not maximum, but just good) is more important than resolution, because the image quality and how much light will get to the sensor depends on it. Resolution plays a role only when you plan to print photos on large media. For example, to print photos in A1 format, a high resolution is needed, but even here 4 megapixels will be enough. But for printing on ordinary photo paper measuring 10 x 15 cm, a resolution of 2 megapixels is suitable, no more. In general, most users upload photos to social networks, where they undergo preliminary compression.
What is matrix size ?
This is the ratio of the actual size of the camera matrix to the standard film size, which is 35 mm. Let us explain: modern cameras have cropped (cropped) matrices, so their size most often is not equal to half the standard. However, it is always indicated in a fractional value (for example, 1 / 3.2 ″), and the buyer is completely confused.
Often people see great importance and think that it’s good, but in fact, great importance in the denominator is bad. After all, the larger it is, the matrix size of the video camera or camera will be smaller, which means that the quality of the pictures will be worse.
Typical sizes
Depending on how expensive or good the camera is, the size of the matrix can be small, medium or large. Below we present the typical sizes that are found most often.
Let's start with the smallest matrices:
- 1 / 3.2 ″ - matrices with this size are the smallest. Nothing worse on the market. Seeing such a parameter in the characteristics of the camera, you should not buy it. The physical size here is 3.4 x 4.5 square millimeters, and no more or less decent camera will be equipped with such a small matrix.
- 1 / 2.7 ″ - this size is also small (4 x 5.4 square millimeters) and is found only in cheap cameras.
- 1 / 2.5 ″ - the physical size of the matrix with this ratio is 4.3 x 5.8 square meters. mm Most modern "soap dishes" in the middle price range are equipped with such sensors. We can say that this is the standard even for modern mirrorless and cheap SLR cameras.
- 1 / 1.8 ″ - the geometric size of the sensor is 5.3 x 7.2 square meters. mm From here begins the category of more or less decent cameras. Expensive mid-level SLR cameras can be equipped with a sensor with such geometric parameters. Also, simple small soap dishes can have such matrices.
- 2/3 ″ - the ratio at which the physical size will be equal to 6.6 x 8.8 square millimeters. Sensors with this parameter are used in expensive SLR and compact cameras with interchangeable or non-replaceable optics.
- 4/3 ″ - matrices with this ratio are used exclusively in expensive cameras. Here the size is 18 x 13.5 square meters. mm
- DX, APS-C. Rarely is size indicated by letters. If you see such a parameter, it means that the matrix in the camera is larger than the previous format, and its size is 24 x 18 mm. It corresponds to a half frame of 35 mm. These matrices are quite popular and can often be seen in semi-professional cameras. They are cheap to manufacture, and the pixel size remains large even with a resolution of 11-12 megapixels.
- Full-frame matrices. In size, they correspond to the classic frame of 35 mm, and their size is 36 x 24 square meters. mm There are few cameras with such matrices on the market. These are professional models that are very expensive. The matrices themselves are difficult to manufacture, which explains the high cost of cameras created on the basis of these sensors.
How to determine the size of the matrix?
Make it easy. It is always indicated in the technical specifications for any camera. But it can even be done visually. For example, digital cameras with 1 / 2.7 ″ image sensors will be small, lightweight. But a camera with a 1 / 1.8 ″ matrix, all other things being equal, will be slightly larger and heavier.
Size affects the weight and volume of the camera, because the dimensions of the optics are closely related to the geometric parameters of the sensors. Professional photographers can "by eye" determine what size of the matrix is used in a particular camera.
Noises
The graininess in the photo is one of the most common defects that may be in the photo. If the camera has a small matrix, then the amount of light falling on it is also small. Because of this, in limited light (for example, indoors), such cameras take photos with grit (noise). Under equal conditions, a camera with a 1 / 1.8 ″ image sensor will take a photo with less noise compared to a 1 / 2.3 ″ image sensor. Of course, in the appearance of noise, internal electric processes, defects or matrix heating also take place, but this does not apply to our topic.
Conclusion
Remember that a camera with a resolution of 20 megapixels and a matrix size of 1 / 2.3 ″ will make the photo in quality worse than a camera with a resolution of 8 megapixels, but a matrix with a size of 1 / 1.8 ″. So the point here is not at all the resolution, which affects only the image size. It generally does not play a role in the current conditions, because basically people "upload" their photos to social networks where no one will open their original size.
Remember: the size of the matrix refers to the physical real size of the sensor used, which has the greatest impact on image quality. When choosing a camera, first of all, pay attention to the geometric dimensions of the sensor, which are always indicated in the characteristics. And only then look at other parameters, including resolution.