Sensor Size

[thesilencer]

Which sensor size is the best

2/3inch 1/8inch or 1/2.5inch

I was thinking of buying a A95, however, the IXUS 40 just came out www.canon.co.jp/Imaging/ixus40/index-e.html. I'm very tempted, but it has a 1/2.5inch CCD size. Is this bad?

Thnx

[pianoplayer88key]

given the same resolution, typically the bigger the sensor, the better the images. You can use a 5 megapixel 2/3" sensor at higher ISO settings than you can a 5 megapixel 1/2.5" sensor. Although, it may be close with the IXUS 40 vs the A95 - the IXUS 40 uses a 4 megapixel 1/2.5" CCD and the A95 uses a 5 megapixel 1/1.8" CCD.

However, there are some recent sensors that seem to have better results than originally expected, for example the 7 megapixel 1/1.8" CCD that's being used in a few new cameras now. I will let other people with more expertise than me reply to this thread and fill you in.

[rg7]

There are small differences between sensor sizes, and while any size is fine if you're only taking snapshots, there are some things you should know if you want to take large pictures.

If you've ever looked at a 4 or 5 meg. photo at 100%, then you know the images appear enourmous. Now, a 1/1.8 inch ccd captures the image on a rectangle roughly the size of this:

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It's teeny compared to the full sized image! Now, the bigger the ccd size, the bigger the individual pixel, and thus you get higher definition and sharpness. The ccd size is roughly the same as comparing normal 35mm film to medium format (i believe that's the term) film. Essentially, with a bigger CCD size, you can blow the image up bigger while retaining the same sharpness and definition.

[Mikefellh]

Here's the image Steve usually posts to show sensor sizes:

[Mikefellh]

BTW, you must mean 1/1.8, not 1/8...1/8 is REALLY tiny.