015 - Fundamentals of Photography: What is Sensor Size and Why does it Matter?

When you are choosing which camera to purchase, you are going to hear about sensor size. It’s an important distinction between different types of cameras. There isn’t one ‘right’ and one ‘wrong’ sensor size. Every sensor has different advantages and disadvantages to it. So, how do sensors affect the pictures you are going to take? And which sensor is the right one for you to choose? Those are questions you should be able to answer at the end of this episode.There are four sensors we are going to talk about today. In order of smallest to biggest they are:Four ThirdsAPS-CFull FrameMedium FormatSensor SizesFour ThirdsA four-thirds sensor is ¼ the size of a full-frame sensor.For wildlife and sports photographers, the equivalency factor can be a huge advantage. On a micro four-thirds camera system, you can get a lens that reaches a 600mm focal length in a lens body that is more than half the size and weight of a full-frame equivalent. Light equivalencies. So, just as we need to double the focal length of lenses, we need to think the same way with aperture. On a micro four-thirds lens, you will need to nearly double the stops of light to reach the full-frame equivalent in terms of f-stops.APS-CCanon 1.6x crop factorOther companies 1.5x crop factorYou would commonly find APS-C sized sensors in entry-level and enthusiast-level camerasThey come with the same limitations on low light performance, depth of field, and aperture equivalences that four-thirds sensors do, although at a lower factor. On these sensors, you will need to magnify the focal length of a lens by 1.5 or 1.6 depending on the brand. The same goes for the aperture equivalencies.Full FrameFull-frame sensors are based on 35mm film equivalents. They are the industry standard for how focal length makes an image look and how a lens functions in practice. So the advantages are pretty clear, you get the most advanced tech and amazing glass as well as most commons primary focus for their R&D.But there are some pretty clear disadvantages as well. Price and what you are giving up in a low-end full-frame.  It also comes in the size and weight of big and fast lenses.Medium FormatMedium format is the big sibling of all of these sensors.It is about double the size of a full-frame sensorThese cameras offer some of the very best resolutions, image detail, and just pure quality.These cameras tend to be quite slow (about 2-3 fps) and traditionally very large, although that is changing.The other disadvantage to these systems is the price, as entry-level cameras currently cost $5,000 and go up from thereMicro four-thirds systems tend to be some of the most price-conscious and work amazingly well as travel-based cameras.APS-C today is represented primarily by Fujifilm’s X-series (although Sony does still have some APS-C cameras). The X-series is seen as some of the most fun cameras to shoot with today and is frequently touted as having amazing iJoin us bi-weekly as we explore the world through the lens, uncovering hidden gems, and sharing insider tips to elevate your photography game. From capturing breathtaking landscapes to immersive cultural portraits, each episode is packed with practical hacks, creative ideas, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust and unleash your creative potential. Subscribe now and join our global community of adventure seekers and photography enthusiasts on the Travel and Adventure Photography School! Find all the show notes and connect with Robert:Website: robertmasseyphotography.caInstagram: @robertmasseyphotography