Sensor Sizes

Understanding sensor sizes is crucial for photographers when selecting a camera, as it affects image quality, depth of field, and field of view. Here's a guide to sensor sizes available in digital cameras, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm models.

Canon Full Frame

Canon Full Frame sensors are equivalent to 35mm film and are featured in both DSLR and Mirrorless models, offering wide dynamic range and low light performance.

Specifications:
  • Sensor Size: 36 mm x 24 mm
  • Crop Factor: 1x
  • Example Models: Canon EOS 5D series, Canon EOS R series

Canon APS-H

Canon APS-H sensors offer a unique balance between Full Frame and APS-C, providing a wider field of view than APS-C sensors.

Specifications:
  • Sensor Size: 27.9 mm x 18.6 mm
  • Crop Factor: 1.3x
  • Example Model: Canon EOS-1D series

Canon APS-C

Canon's APS-C sensors are common in entry-level DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, known for their smaller size and crop factor.

Specifications:
  • Sensor Size: 22.2 mm x 14.8 mm
  • Crop Factor: 1.6x
  • Example Models: Canon EOS Rebel series, Canon EOS M series

Nikon FX (Full Frame)

Nikon FX sensors provide professional-level image quality and low-light capabilities.

Specifications:
  • Sensor Size: 36 mm x 24 mm
  • Crop Factor: 1x
  • Example Models: Nikon D850, Nikon Z7

Nikon DX (APS-C)

Nikon's DX-format sensors are great for action and wildlife photography due to the extra reach provided by the crop factor.

Specifications:
  • Sensor Size: 23.5 mm x 15.6 mm
  • Crop Factor: 1.5x
  • Example Models: Nikon D3500, Nikon Z50

Sony Full Frame (FE)

Sony FE sensors are known for their performance in Sony's mirrorless lineup.

Specifications:
  • Sensor Size: 36 mm x 24 mm
  • Crop Factor: 1x
  • Example Models: Sony A7 series

Sony APS-C (E)

Sony's E-mount APS-C sensors offer a compact solution without compromising on image quality.

Specifications:
  • Sensor Size: 23.5 mm x 15.6 mm
  • Crop Factor: 1.5x
  • Example Models: Sony Alpha DSLRs, Sony A6000 series

Fujifilm Medium Format

Fujifilm's Medium Format sensors provide exceptional detail and are significantly larger than Full Frame, perfect for high-resolution photography.

Specifications:
  • Sensor Size: 43.8 mm x 32.9 mm
  • Crop Factor: Approx. 0.79x relative to 35mm film
  • Example Models: Fujifilm GFX series

Fujifilm APS-C

Fujifilm's APS-C sensors are found in their X-series cameras, offering excellent image quality and color reproduction.

Specifications:
  • Sensor Size: 23.6 mm x 15.6 mm
  • Crop Factor: 1.5x
  • Example Models: Fujifilm X-T series, Fujifilm X-Pro series

Summary

Each sensor size, from the different Full Frames to APS-C and Fujifilm's Medium Format, offers different advantages for photographers. Whether you need the expansive detail of Medium Format or the agility of APS-C, there's a sensor to meet your needs.