【Illustrated Guide】Explaining Image Sensor Sizes

What is Image Sensor Size?

One of the most critical factors determining a camera’s performance is the image sensor size. A larger sensor captures more light, leading to better image quality and lower noise performance.

In this article, we will thoroughly explain the different types of image sensors, their characteristics, and the pros and cons of each!

【What You Will Learn in This Article】

✅ Types and Differences of Image Sensors
✅ Characteristics of Full-Frame, APS-C, 1-inch, and More
✅ How Sensor Size Affects Image Quality
✅ How to Choose the Right Sensor Size for Your Needs
✅ Key Points for Selecting Cameras for Professionals and Beginners

Common Image Sensor Sizes

1/2.3-inch Sensor (For Smartphones & Compact Cameras)

• Size: Approx. 6.3mm × 4.7mm
• Usage: Smartphones, compact digital cameras
• Advantages:
  ✅ Lightweight & compact for easy shooting
• Disadvantages:
  ❌ Poor low-light performance, more noise
• Recommended for:
  📷 Those who want a lightweight and convenient option for travel & everyday photography.

1-inch Sensor (For Premium Compact Cameras)

• Size: Approx. 13.2mm × 8.8mm
• Usage: High-end compact cameras, video cameras
• Advantages:
  ✅ Higher image quality than 1/2.3-inch sensors
  ✅ Allows for background blur (bokeh)
• Disadvantages:
  ❌ Narrower dynamic range compared to interchangeable-lens cameras
• Recommended for:
  📷 Those looking for a compact camera with high image quality.

APS-C Sensor (Standard for Mirrorless & DSLR Cameras)

• Size: Approx. 22.3mm × 14.9mm (varies slightly by manufacturer)
• Usage: DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras
• Advantages:
  ✅ High image quality with a good balance of price and performance
• Disadvantages:
  ❌ Smaller dynamic range and less background blur compared to full-frame sensors
• Recommended for:
  📷 Beginners to intermediate users, those looking for cost-effective performance.

Full-Frame Sensor (For Professionals & High-End Users)

• Size: 36mm × 24mm
• Usage: Professional DSLR and mirrorless cameras
• Advantages:
  ✅ Best image quality, background blur (bokeh), and low-light performance
• Disadvantages:
  ❌ Expensive, with larger camera bodies and lenses
• Recommended for:
  📷 Those who want to take professional-quality photos.

Medium Format Sensor (For Ultra-High Image Quality)

• Size: 44mm × 33mm or larger (varies by manufacturer)
• Usage: Studio photography, commercial photography
• Advantages:
  ✅ Extremely high image quality with rich tonal gradation
• Disadvantages:
  ❌ Very expensive and difficult to handle
• Recommended for:
  📷 Professional commercial photographers, those working in advertising and fine art photography.

How Sensor Size Affects Camera Performance

Image Quality and Noise

A larger sensor allows more light per pixel, resulting in lower noise and higher image quality. If you need clear images in low-light conditions, a full-frame or larger sensor is recommended.

Depth of Field and Bokeh

Larger sensors create a shallower depth of field, leading to more pronounced background blur (bokeh). For portrait photography, a full-frame or medium format sensor is ideal.

Crop Factor and Lens Selection

Cameras with smaller-than-full-frame sensors introduce a crop factor, making lenses appear to have a longer focal length. For example:

APS-C (crop factor ~1.5×): A 50mm lens provides a field of view equivalent to 75mm on a full-frame camera.
This factor is crucial when choosing lenses, especially for telephoto or wide-angle photography.

Sensor Size Comparison

The following image compares various image sensor sizes. The larger the sensor, the more light it can capture, leading to higher image quality.

Which Sensor Size Should You Choose?

Usage	Recommended Sensor Size
Smartphones & Compact Cameras	1/2.3-inch, 1-inch
Travel, Vlogs, Lightweight Setup	1-inch, APS-C
Beginner DSLR/Mirrorless Cameras	APS-C
Professional Photography	Full-Frame
Commercial & Advertising Photography	Medium Format

Summary

Image sensor size is a crucial factor that affects both image quality and shooting style. Choosing the right sensor size based on your needs will help you find the perfect camera for your photography.

Use this guide as a reference to select the best camera that suits your shooting preferences and requirements!