Camera sensors comparison
Camera Sensor Size Comparison – Which one is right for you? — The School of Photography
Comparing Camera Sensor Sizes is a total minefield but fear not my photography friends, we have it all explained here and we’re giving you a downloadable sensor size comparison chart to help you now and forever more! Should you get Full frame or Aps C or Micro 4 3? What different visual effects do sensors create? Do you need different lenses? Is it worth buying one over the other? What does it all mean?!?!
Here I’ll be explaining all about Full frame, crop factors and the effects different sensor sizes have on the focal lengths of lenses. I’ll be showing you all of this visually with 3 different cameras to show you the effect they actually have on your photography.
Download your sensor size chart and comparison guide below.
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What is a Camera Sensor?
Let’s keep this simple! A camera’s sensor is what captures the light and creates an image, in the old days it was camera film that captured the light. Now it’s a digital chip, commonly known as a camera sensor.
The green part is the camera’s sensor. This captures the light and creates the image.
Why the different sensor sizes?
There are 3 common sizes of camera sensors and here they are in order of big to small:
Full frame sensor – 35mm along its longest edge (based on the old 35mm negative size).
APS-C Sensor (also known as Crop Sensor) – 22mm along it’s longest edge.
Micro 4 3 sensor – 17mm along it’s longest edge.
Camera sensor size comparison chart
The main difference between a Micro 4:3 sensor, a crop sensor (APS-C) and a full frame sensor is its size.
In general, the bigger the sensor, the bigger the camera body will be and more information will be captured. Full frame cameras also tend to be more expensive.
There are two main reasons camera companies make different size sensors. The first is cost – it cost less to manufacture smaller sensors therefore that cost can then be passed onto the customer. In this very competitive world of ‘What camera should I buy?’ cost makes a big difference in your decision.
The second is size – Full frame cameras are bigger and heavier, so some people chose the crop sensor or Micro 4 3 system to make their kit smaller and lighter. Not only will the camera body be smaller but so will the lenses and all the accessories. There is a significant difference in kit size and weight between a full frame camera and 3 lenses vs a Micro 4 3 camera and 3 lenses!
Three different cameras that use different sensor sizes
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Sensor size comparison and lenses
A lot of confusion lies here but again I will try and keep it as simple as I can.
The camera’s sensor size does not affect the lens, it affects the focal length of the lens. To learn more in depth knowledge on focal lengths click here but to put it in a nutshell, your ‘focal length’ is how far zoomed in or out you are, it’s your ‘angle of view’.
You will get a different visual effect when taking a picture at the same focal length with different sensor sizes. In the video you will see me put this to the test by visually doing a sensor size comparison on different cameras. In the test I take a picture in the same spot, with the same focal length (35mm) but with different camera sensor sizes. Below are the results of that test.
Three photographs taken with three different camera sensors in the same spot at the same focal length
As you can see from the images above, as the sensor size gets smaller the image crops in a bit, hence the term ‘crop sensor’.
How to compensate for different camera sensor sizes
Let’s think of it like this, the smaller the camera sensor, the more cropped in your shot will be, at the same focal length.
So, to get the same visual effect on smaller sensors, you simply zoom out a bit. Yes, it really is that simple. Below is a sensor size comparison chart that shows the equivalent focal length to use on different camera sensor sizes.
Camera sensor sizes comparison chart with equivalent focal lengths
As you see by the comparison chart above you zoom out to get the equivalent visual effect in the photograph. E.g. if you were using a full frame camera and you were shooting at a focal length of 35mm then swapped the camera for a APS C (cropped sensor) one, you would have to zoom out to a focal length of 22mm to get the equivalent look. Let’s look at a visual representation of this in the images below.
Three photographs taken with three different camera sensors in the same spot at different focal lengths
Above is a sensor size comparison showing three different pictures taken in exactly the same spot but with different camera sensor sizes.
As the sensor size decreases so does the focal length and it’s this that gives you the same visual effect. Again, it’s as simple as this, to get the same visual effect from larger to smaller sensors, simply zoom out a bit. If you want to be exact, use the camera sensor size comparison chart above, you can even download it as a pdf via the form below so you can keep it in your camera bag and refer to it as you need.
For more in depth knowledge of focal lengths and lenses to use in photography, click here.
Free Camera Sensor Size Chart and Comparison Guide
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Pros and Cons of Big and Small Camera Sensors
Full Frame Sensors
Pros
Bigger sensors mean more detail – Comes into effect if printing very big images or doing high end retouching and digital manipulation.
Better in low light situations – A bigger sensor has bigger pixels which means each pixel can capture more light and this creates less noise at higher ISOs. To learn more about ISO and noise, click here.
Cons
Bigger camera bodies and bigger lenses – Full frame sensor kits are a lot larger and heavier. Don’t forget, the bigger the camera the bigger the lenses and tripod needed.
When you start carrying around a full frame camera, 3 lenses and a tripod that will take its weight, you’ll notice the difference believe me! Expensive – Full frame cameras tend to be more expensive. Not only this but the lenses and accessories for full frames are also more expensive so make sure you have deep pockets!
APS C and Micro 4 3
Pros
Smaller kit – In contrast to the above these kits are a lot smaller and lighter, particularly the Micro 4 3 system. If you want to carry around a small kit with light tripod, then this will be the way to go.
Cheaper – In general smaller sensor cameras are cheaper, particularly the APS C system. The APS C (crop sensor) system is the most common and therefore there are a lot of camera brands competing for your money and that’s where bargains can be had. The most cost-effective system is the starter camera kits most of the big names offer. Remember, it’s not what you’ve got it’s what you can do with it so don’t be fooled by spending big money to get great shots!
Cons
Lower quality than full frame – But let’s be clear on this, because APS C or Micro 4 3 is lower quality than full frame, doesn’t mean it’s ‘low quality’.
These days all of these cameras produce fantastic results. See below examples of photographs taken with a Full Frame and Micro 4 3 sensor. More noise at higher ISO – Smaller camera sensors tend to perform worst at high ISO’s. This will come into play in low light situations.
Conclusion
London at night taken with a mirco 4 3 sensor
London at night taken with a full frame sensor
Can you notice the difference? At the end of the day just figure out what it is you will be using your camera for. Will you be printing big prints? Will you be retouching or doing heavy manipulation to your photography? How much money do you want to spend? And how much you want to carry around with you?
Answer those questions and chose your system around that. As mentioned previously – It’s not what you’ve got, it’s how you use it.
A good photographer will be able to take good pictures with any camera. For proof of this, click here.
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About the author
Hi, I’m Marc Newton and I’m a photographer, educational speaker, author, teacher of photography and the founder of The School of Photography. Follow my personal work on Facebook and Instagram.
Photography, equipmentThe School of PhotographyCamera Sensor Size Comparison, sensor sizes2 Comments
0 LikesCamera Sensor Size in Photography
Have you thought about what the “best” camera sensor size is? The importance of camera sensor size plays into choosing your manufacturer, lenses, bodies, and so much else about your photography! Some genres gain significant advantages when using one format over another.
The general trend is larger is better but you might find some surprises below!
In this guide to understanding camera sensor size, I’ll be going over not only the most popular formats but how to make the best of them. We’ll look at everything from the sensor size of smartphones to medium format professional bodies and what each has to offer to your photography. Handy sensor size comparison charts will also give you a clearer picture of what you’re working with.
- What does camera sensor size mean?
- Sensor size comparison chart
- The importance of camera sensor size
- What’s the best camera sensor size?
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What Does Camera Sensor Size Mean?Digital camera sensor size is a topic only made complex by the varying needs of the photography community.
However, understanding what a sensor is, is not. The sensor is the region of a digital camera that’s sensitive to light and records an image when active.
Sensors are usually measured in millimeters (and sometimes inches). For example, full-frame sensors are as close to standard 35mm film as possible (35.00 x 24.00mm). Sometimes, you’ll see some variation within 1-2mm within a format. APS-C has quite a bit of variation between brands.
Camera sensor size and image quality are correlated. But bigger doesn’t always mean better! Smaller sensors have not only uses but distinct advantages that we’ll discuss below.
Camera resolution, also known as the megapixel count is a measure of the number of individual photosites on a sensor. Megapixels and digital camera sensors have other relations we’ll get into later. But for now, you can relate megapixels (MP) to detail.
Digital Camera Sensor Size Comparison ChartWhile numbers give us a good idea of what the different sizes are, it’s sometimes a challenge to truly visualize.
This camera sensor size comparison chart displays the relative difference between each of the most common camera sensor formats on the market.
Camera Sensor Size and Types Comparison
The sensor size of mobile camera phones is variable in size but a 1/2.55″ sensor (used by the iPhone 11) is on the larger end of the spectrum.
1-inch camera sensors are the next size up and are used in most compact cameras. At 12.80 x 9.60mm, they are also large enough to capture a decent amount of light. The phantom 4 drone uses a 1″ sensor, as do many bridge (advanced compact) camera sensors.
Micro 4/3rds sensors at 17.00 x 13.00mm is the first step for interchangeable lens cameras. Swappable lenses give you creative flexibility and better image quality compared to the all-in-one zoom lenses on compact cameras. Panasonic and Olympus are the main Micro 4/3rds brands available.
Next comes APS-C camera sensor size, which shares an area of roughly 23.60 x 15.60mm. Many brands add or take away a mm here. Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Pentax, and Sony are the major APS-C manufacturers, and most of the cameras using this sensor size are aimed at beginners and intermediate photographers (with a few exceptions).
Getting started with an APS-C camera is one of the most popular tips in our beginner’s photography guide.
Full-frame sensor size is often used as a baseline for crop factor and other measurements. At 35.00 x 24.00mm, these sensors are the largest you’ll find in consumer models. Common full-frame camera brands include Sony, Canon, and Nikon, and most of the models are aimed at advanced and professional photographers.
If you want the biggest camera sensor sizes, you’ll need to be looking at medium format, which is a wider range, usually around 43.80 x 32.
90mm to 53.0 x 40.20mm. From there large format also exists, but now we’re looking at six-figure prices. These camera sensor sizes are aimed at special needs, like for example, photographers that need an immense resolution for printing big images.
Is the camera sensor size important? Absolutely – but it’s not (always) as linear as “bigger is better.” Understanding camera sensor size comes down to knowing the advantages each format has to offer. Once you do, you’ll be well equipped to choose what sensor size best suits your needs.
Camera Sensor Size and Image Quality
Differences in camera sensor size definitely impact image quality. But it’s important to determine what we mean by “image quality.” Are we talking about photo quality; how large of a print we can make? Sharpness? Resolution? Dynamic range? Depth of field?
As it turns out, even smartphone sensor sizes are innately good enough to make prints indistinguishable from a pro-level body leaving aside dynamic range and shallow depth of field.
Therefore, we need to dive deeper into more details apart from the generic “Image quality” of a determined camera sensor size.
Camera Sensor Size vs Megapixels
Camera sensor size and resolution aren’t necessarily related to one another. A 20 MP phone camera and a 20 MP full-frame camera both have 20 million pixels and the same resolution. However, they don’t have the same image quality because the camera sensor size and pixel size make a difference.
A larger sensor allows you to have larger pixels relative to a smaller sensor with the same resolution. The larger pixels on the full-frame camera are more efficient at gathering light. They are not only more sensitive but have better dynamic range, allowing to get tack-sharp photos.
In good lighting and with modern technology, the gap is marginal. But as soon as the lighting grows even a little challenging, the impact of sensor and pixel size becomes increasingly obvious.
Camera Sensor Size and Focal Length
Sensor size and crop factor is not nearly as complicated as it appears to be.
Multiplying the crop factor of a sensor by the focal length of the lens gives you the equivalent view as if you were using a 35mm camera (a full-frame camera). For example, using a 35mm lens with an APS-C sensor with a 1.5x crop factor, gives you the equivalent of a 50mm view on a full-frame body. The smaller sensor window cuts down on the view provided by the 35mm lens. Easy!
Crop factor offers an easy mathematical conversion back to full-frame. However, if you aren’t trained on a full-frame view it’s not really important to keep thinking about viewpoints across formats.
Crop factor does give you additional reach as well, giving smaller sensors advantages when shooting subjects from afar. A 200mm lens on a Micro 4/3rds body (2.0x crop factor) has the reach of a 400mm full-frame camera and weighs quite a bit less.
Camera Sensor Size and Depth of Field
Sensor size and aperture settings is important to understand because aperture has a similar effect on depth of field. When we stop down the aperture from f/2 to f/2.8, the amount of our subject in focus increases. Using a smaller sensor with a given lens aperture has a similar effect.
According to this, smaller camera sensor sizes offer a smaller depth of field as compared to bigger camera sensor sizes (when using the same aperture and focal length). Similarly, the smaller the size of your camera’s sensor, the further away the hyperfocal distance will be.
*Please note that we’re considering the same focal length in this camera sensor size vs. depth of field comparison. If we consider the same field of view, the depth of field will be narrower in cameras with larger sensors and larger in cameras with cropped sensors.
Sensor size’s effect on aperture is roughly a stop of light per step of area. If we use medium format as a baseline, full-frame offers a stop less of depth of field in terms of aperture. For example, f/2 on full-frame is equivalent to f/2.8 on medium format in terms of depth of field.
APS-C is a stop less than full-frame, and 2 stops less than medium format. For the purpose of subject isolation, f/2 on APS-C has the look of f/2.8 in full-frame and f/4 medium format. Micro 4/3rds is another stop below, and so on down the line.
You can learn more about this in our DoF in photography article or in our PDF photography basics guide.
Camera Sensor Size in Low Light Photography
ISO and camera sensor size are also related; ISO 800 on Micro 4/3rds camera sensors won’t look nearly as clean as ISO 800 on full-frame sensors. To keep things simple, just be aware that ISO isn’t a consistent standard across brands, let alone sensor frame sizes.
I cover ISO and noise in photography with a bit more depth here!
If you love night sky photography, including Photographing the Milky Way or shooting Northern Lights, you want both large-aperture lenses and a camera with a large sensor size. Full-frame sensors are a good camera sensor sizes if you enjoy low-light photography because they are currently the best balance between sensor and body size.
Aurora shot with an entry-level Canon APS-C sensor (left) and with a Nikon Full-Frame sensor
You can learn more about ISO in photography in our guide.
Which is the Best Camera Sensor Size?Now that you know how camera sensor size affects photo quality we can discuss what is a good sensor size for you? Unfortunately, the answer is another question: what are your needs as a photographer?
If you’re a photographer who regularly makes large poster prints and wants the maximum amount of dynamic range and resolution, full-frame and medium format are the best choices for you.
Full-frame is the best balance between body size, depth of field, low-light performance, and resolution you’ll find in today’s market. Portrait, fashion, astro, and landscape photographers usually find the most benefit from full-frame on up, despite the price and weight tax.
Image taken with a Nikon Full-frame sensor
However, APS-C camera sensor sizes are still highly relevant. APS-C compared to full-frame sensors have a smaller depth of field, resolution and pixel size. In exchange, body and lens sizes are reduced. And the range boost offered by the crop factor makes them great choices for generalist photographers who want a bit of everything.
Micro 4/3rds has a significant crop over full-frame while still providing professional-level image quality. Wildlife, street, and documentary photographers may find the extra reach combined with the size of the bodies and lenses perfect for their needs.
When looking at 1″ and 1/2.55″ smartphone and iPhone sensors, since they tend to be fixed lens models, you should give much more thought to what other features the camera is providing.
My personal experience with camera sensor sizes
As a personal experience, I started my photographic journey with an APS-C camera sensor size (Nikon D3200). This sensor fulfilled all my needs when I was starting and doing generic photography, but after a couple of years it fell behind in many aspects as I turned to shoot mostly landscape and night photography.
Milky Way Image shot with my first Nikon D3200 (APS-C sensor)
I decided to make the leap for a full-frame camera sensor (Nikon D800), and it was one of the best decisions I ever made, having a substantial improvement in the results of my landscape images.
Milky Way Image shot with the Nikon D800 (Full-Frame sensor)
My advice is, if you’re new to photography, start with a small camera sensor size like APS-C and, once you know your real photographic needs, decide the best camera sensor size according to your needs.
As you shoot and improve, you’ll see naturally if an upgrade to a full-frame camera sensor size is worth it or not, as bigger camera sensor sizes are not only heavier and pricier but also require a bigger investment in lenses, computer hardware, etc.
Below you’ll find the answer to some of the most common questions I receive related to digital camera sensor sizes.
What is My Camera Sensor Size?
Your camera sensor size is likely smartphone-sized (variable but close to 1/2.55″), 1″, Micro 4/3rds, APS-C, or full-frame. You can see the camera sensor size in the specs of your camera.
How Does Camera Sensor Size Affect Photo Quality?
Sensor size mostly affects depth of field, light gathering, ISO performance, field of view, and dynamic range.
Each of these has an important impact on the final image you create.
Is a Bigger Camera Sensor Better?
If you value large depth of field, low light performance, and need the best possible dynamic range performance, then a larger camera sensor size is definitely better. If you value size, weight, performance to value, and don’t care for large depth of field, then smaller camera sensors have more to offer you.
How is Sensor Size Measured?
Sensor size is measured using the length and width of the rectangular sensor in millimeters (mm). Camera manufacturers have chosen particular sensor sizes to create lens selections around.
How Big is a Full-Frame Sensor?
Full-frame, at 35.
00 x 24.00mm, is the largest commonly available sensor format. APS-C is the next size down, the Micro 4/3rds, then 1″, and from there you can find most of the smartphone camera sensor sizes, like 1/2.55″.
How Can I Compare Different Camera Sensor Sizes?
The best way is to check the specifications of the different camera models. Alternatively, have a look above at the camera sensor size comparison chart I’ve laid out!
What is the Largest Camera Sensor?
There is no limit to large format sensors. The largest commonly available sensors are in medium format cameras, ranging from 43.80 x 32.90mm to 53.0 x 40.20mm.
What’s the Best Camera Sensor for Low-Light Photography?
The larger the sensor the better when it comes to low-light.
However, full-frame is the best balance between price, choices, size, and features right now.
What’s the Best Camera Sensor for a Large Print?
The larger the sensor the better for optimal dynamic range and resolution. If you print especially large, look into medium format. Otherwise, high-resolution full-frame cameras offer the best performance for large prints.
Conclusion
Camera sensor sizes is a geek topic that can get into very technical details. My goal, however, was to show camera sensor size explained in a digestible and easy way.
The best camera sensor size doesn’t exist, but it depends completely on your needs.
Before choosing which is the best for you, make sure you are familiar with the different camera sensor sizes in the market, what are the pros and cons of each sensor size, and try to make a balance between your budget and your photographic goals.
Camera doesn’t make the photographer but the right camera sensor size will help you take the images you’re dreaming of!
Please let me know any questions related to digital camera sensor size on the comments!
Camera sensor comparison
Rating of camera sensors under various shooting conditions. Comparison of camera arrays used in phones, tablets and action cameras.
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from 9020₽
Sony IMX378 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (2)
Total score
8.43
Daylight
7.61
Room
9.41
More details
#43
from 5570₽
Sony IMX486 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (9)
Total score
8.4
Daylight
7.44
Room
8.9
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#44
from 22100₽
Sony IMX345 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (1)
Total score
8.34
Daylight
7.28
Room
9.
13
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#45
from 13900₽
Samsung S5K3P9SP04-FGX9
List of gadgets (3)
Total score
8.34
Daylight
8.48
Room
6.83
More details
#46
from 9810₽
Sony IMX582 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (22)
Total score
8.31
Daylight
8.99
Room
5.81
More details
#47
from 28800₽
Sony IMX600 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (11)
Total score
8.29
Daylight
8.93
Room
6.77
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#48
from 6030₽
GalaxyCore GC5035
List of gadgets (6)
Total score
8.26
Daylight
6.29
Room
9.1
More details
#49
from 18400₽
Sony IMX498 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (1)
Total score
8.
15
Daylight
8.26
Room
8.09
More details
#50
from 13700₽
SK Hynix Hi-1634
List of gadgets (1)
Total score
8.06
Daylight
8.01
Room
6.6
More details
#51
from 7230₽
Samsung S5KGM1
List of gadgets (15)
Total score
8.03
Daylight
8.85
Room
5.39
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#52
from 11500₽
Sony IMX586 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (29)
Total score
7.95
Daylight
8.82
Room
5.2
More details
#53
from 13700₽
Samsung S5KGD1
List of gadgets (34)
Total score
7.95
Daylight
8.71
Room
5.
2
More details
#54
from 8550₽
OmniVision OV13855
List of gadgets (6)
Total score
7.92
Daylight
7.5
Room
8.51
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#55
from 6900₽
OmniVision OV12870
List of gadgets (3)
Total score
7.87
Daylight
7.25
Room
8.71
More details
#56
from 10200₽
Sony IMX476 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (1)
Total score
7.87
Daylight
8.4
Room
6.4
More details
#57
from 12800₽
OmniVision OV16885
List of gadgets (3)
Total score
7.75
Daylight
8.01
Room
7.39
More details
#58
from 7890₽
Samsung S5K2P7
List of gadgets (4)
Total score
7.
72
Daylight
7.98
Room
7.81
More details
#59
from 13700₽
Samsung S5K3T2
Gadget list (15)
Total score
7.64
Daylight
8.46
Room
4.97
More details
#60
from 10200₽
OmniVision OV32A1Q
List of gadgets (1)
Total score
7.64
Daylight
7.81
Room
6.32
More details
#61
from 7760₽
OmniVision OV12A10
List of gadgets (3)
Total score
7.58
Daylight
6.97
Room
8.74
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#62
from 10500₽
Sony IMX576 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (10)
Total score
7.58
Daylight
8.6
Room
5.
65
More details
#63
from 11000₽
OmniVision OV16A1Q
List of gadgets (3)
Total score
7.53
Daylight
7.7
Room
6.12
More details
#64
from 26900₽
Sony IMX338 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (1)
Total score
7.44
Daylight
8.43
Room
7.7
More details
#65
from 5040₽
Sony IMX398 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (7)
Total score
7.42
Daylight
7.36
Room
8.68
More details
#66
from 7890₽
Sony IMX362 Exmor RS
Gadget list (8)
Total score
7.39
Daylight
6.91
Room
8.82
More details
#67
from 7890₽
Sony IMX471 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (25)
Total score
7.
33
Daylight
7.81
Room
5.76
More details
#68
from 3380₽
OmniVision OV4689 OmniBSI™-2HDR
List of gadgets (1)
Total score
7.16
Daylight
5.7
Room
9.33
Details
#69
from 9220₽
Sony IMX350 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (2)
Total score
7.16
Daylight
7.95
Room
5.03
More details
#70
from 14600₽
Samsung S5K3P9SP
List of gadgets (12)
Total score
7.13
Daylight
7.53
Room
5
More details
#71
from 14100₽
Samsung S5K3T1
List of gadgets (3)
Total score
7.11
Daylight
7.92
Room
4.
55
More details
#72
from 4640₽
Sony IMX220 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (2)
Total score
7.08
Daylight
8.09
Room
8.2
More details
#73
from 8950₽
Samsung S5K3P9SX
List of gadgets (4)
Total score
7.05
Daylight
7.44
Room
4.78
More
#74
from 6830₽
Sony IMX319 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (1)
Total score
7.02
Daylight
6.12
Room
8.54
More details
#75
from 4970₽
Sony IMX371 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (7)
Total score
6.99
Daylight
7.75
room
4.69
More
#76
from 13300₽
Sony ISX014 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (1)
Total score
6.
97
Daylight
6.07
Room
8.79
More details
#77
from 7090₽
Samsung S5K4E2
Gadget list (3)
Total score
6.88
Daylight
5.79
Room
8.34
More details
#78
from 8750₽
Sony IMX376 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (5)
Total score
6.77
Daylight
7.56
Room
3.82
More details
#79
from 29800₽
Sony IMX268 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (1)
Total score
6.71
Daylight
5.87
Room
8.31
More details
#80
from 4310₽
GalaxyCore GC2385
List of gadgets (2)
Total score
6.71
Daylight
4.58
Room
8.
96
More details
#81
from 15400₽
Sony IMX351 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (1)
Total score
6.69
Daylight
7.11
Room
3.68
More details
#82
from 6630₽
Sony IMX377 Exmor R
List of gadgets (4)
Total score
6.66
Daylight
6.54
Room
8.57
More details
#83
from 7290₽
GalaxyCore GC8034
List of gadgets (5)
Total score
6.6
Daylight
5.67
Room
6.52
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#84
from 13100₽
Sony IMX260 Exmor RS
Gadget list (1)
Total score
6.49
Daylight
6.43
Room
8.15
More details
#85
from 4440₽
Sony IMX149 Exmor
List of gadgets (1)
Total score
6.
38
Daylight
5.42
Room
7.89
More details
#86
from 7890₽
Samsung SK54H7
List of gadgets (1)
Total score
6.35
Daylight
6.77
Room
2.47
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#87
from 4770₽
SUNNY Q13S01B
List of gadgets (1)
Total score
6.32
Daylight
6.66
Room
4.19
More details
#88
from 6760₽
Sony IMX300 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (3)
Total score
6.24
Daylight
7.36
Room
3.71
More details
#89
from 4840₽
Hynix Hi-551
List of gadgets (3)
Total score
6.18
Daylight
4.69
Room
6.
35
More details
#90
from 4970₽
Samsung S5K3P8
List of gadgets (4)
Total score
6.15
Daylight
6.77
Room
3.12
More
#91
from 7620₽
OmniVision OV12830
Gadget list (1)
Total score
6.1
Daylight
6.57
Room
3.88
More details
#92
from 8290₽
ON Semiconductor AR1335
List of gadgets (3)
Total score
6.01
Daylight
6.32
Room
3.74
More
#93
from 7090₽
Sony IMX298 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (9)
Total score
5.9
Daylight
6.66
Room
5.65
Read more
#94
from 7360₽
Sony IMX240 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (3)
Total score
5.
9
Daylight
6.63
Room
3.96
More details
#95
from 4770₽
SUNNY P5V40A
List of gadgets (1)
Total score
5.9
Daylight
4.78
Room
7.16
More details
#96
from 9550₽
Sony IMX234 Exmor RS
List of gadgets (1)
Total score
5.87
Daylight
6.6
Room
3.88
More details
#97
from 7620₽
Sony IMX278
List of gadgets (1)
Total score
5.79
Daylight
6.24
Room
5.56
More
#98
from 12600₽
Hynix Hi-846
List of gadgets (2)
Total score
5.76
Daylight
4.97
Room
4.92
More details
#99
from 5700₽
Toshiba T4KA7
List of gadgets (2)
Total score
5.
7
Daylight
6.94
Room
3.4
More details
#100
from 4970₽
GalaxyCore GC5025
List of gadgets (14)
Total score
5.62
Daylight
4.38
Room
5.59
Read more
Overview and comparison of CCTV sensors
- Details
- Views: 30886
This question arose regularly and not without reason - some especially cunning sellers under the guise of a Sony sensor send a replacement for a cheaper Chinese version. For example, during the shortage of Sony sensors in 2017, the replacement of Sony IMX322 with SC2035 very often came across without notifying the buyer. In this case, it was a shame, since the Chinese sensor had worse characteristics and was cheaper, but was sold under the guise of a more expensive one. Similar questions arise now, so a table was compiled with photographs of sensors, according to which everyone can determine which sensor is installed in his camera.
To do this, just remove the IR filter with the lens and compare the appearance of the matrix with the picture from the table.
| Sensor name | Appearance | Resolution | Sensitivity | Description | Link to pdf from manufacturer |
| Sony | |||||
| IMX238 | A very popular sensor in its time. Used in cameras of the 960H standard (later called AHD-L) and AHD cameras AHD-M under the guise of a 1.3MP solution. It has excellent sensitivity, which gives a high-quality night picture. Replaced IMX138. Currently out of production, the IMX225 is used instead, which has even better performance. | ||||
| IMX122 | |||||
| IMX222 | |||||
| IMX322 | The most popular 2MP sensor. It has been used for a long time in both AHD-H and IP cameras. He had excellent characteristics and high sensitivity, for which he fell in love with many. | ||||
| IMX323 | 2MP sensor, considered to be the successor to the IMX322, but with slightly worse performance. The Chinese did not manage to get the same high-quality picture on its basis, because it did not receive much recognition. | ||||
| IMX291 | Excellent 2MP sensor. It has even more impressive performance compared to the IMX322. It is used in cameras of elite and Low Illumination series. | ||||
| IMX307 | New 2MP sensor from Sony Starvis series. Now it is increasingly being used instead of the IMX291, as it has comparable characteristics, but at a lower price. Version 110 pin LGA (IMX307LQR) | ||||
The same matrix from Sony, but with 112 pin BGA (IMX307LQD). The price is even lower due to the rejection of precious metals. The image quality is the same. | |||||
| IMX185 | |||||
| IMX178 | |||||
| Omnivision | |||||
| OV9710 | |||||
| OV9712 | |||||
| OV9732 | |||||
| OV2710 | |||||
| OV4689 | |||||
| Aptina | |||||
| AR0130 | |||||
| AR0237 | 2MP sensor from Aptina (ON Semiconductor). 
| ||||
