What matrix for the camera is better

In 1981, Sony introduced the world's first digital camera. Inventors created a digital film substitute - a matrix. This breakthrough gave the opportunity to make thousands of pictures and save them in digital form. The image quality has become dependent not only from optics, but also from the size and properties of the matrix.

What are these properties? First, remember how the image is formed. The camera matrix is \u200b\u200ba grill with a dense structure. It consists of tiny photosensitive elements - photodiodes. The light assembled by the lens falls on the matrix. Photodiodes convert this light into an electrical charge. Then the charge enters the processor. He "reads" received charges and transforms them into a digital language. After that, a pixel is created. It keeps information about brightness and color shades, in the form of numbers and bits. Each pixel repeating the location of the photodium is placed on the image. Millions of tiny pixels form a snapshot that is recorded on the memory card.

The matrix is \u200b\u200bthe perceiving part of the camera. When photons of light fall on it, it converts them into electricity.

Now consider which matrix parameters affect the quality of the picture:

physical size;
photodiode size.

Two of these parameters affect:

photosensitivity;
sharpness;
permission;
dynamic range of colors.

The standard size of 35mm film was used as the basis to create a template. Most cameras have 35 mm (24x36 mm) matrix. Such a size allows maximum capture a lot of space in the frame. Most matrix has a number of advantages. But the production of these sensors are relatively expensive. To make the equipment more affordable, reduce the size of the matrix have begun. In amateur SLR is reduced by 1.5 times - the size 36h24 mm size 15,7h23,6 mm. "The decrease in 1,5 times" called crop factor. In the "soap dish" the matrix is \u200b\u200breduced 5 times by 35 mm. The smaller the size of the matrix - the less space it will be able to capture.

With the same location of recording small cuts the frame matrix. A very common misconception that changing the focal length.

Each matrix is \u200b\u200bsensitive. It depends on the size of the photodiode. The greater the photodiode, the more "useful" light it receives. Later, with a large photodiode camera allows you to:

Taking pictures at high ISO without digital noise.
Use a faster shutter speed to get a sharp image.

In the matrix, with larger pixels over a wide dynamic range of colors. But it is impossible to increase the size of the photodiode in a small matrix. If you do this, then decrease the number of megapixels (resolution).

Look at the characteristics of two cameras. Canon 1Ds Mark II - full-frame, but because of the large pixel size has a maximum resolution as the Nikon D7000 / 5100.

This occurs because the resolution is determined by the number of pixels per inch (ppi or dpi). The smaller size photodiode - the more pixels will fit in one inch. One million pixels is called mega pixels. But their importance strongly overestimate marketers. High resolution, you will need only when printing large images. In order to print photo 10x15 cm, 2 megapixels will suffice. For clarity, take any image with higher resolution. In the graphical editor reduce it to 50%. Compare the two images. They look exactly the same. You will notice a loss of detail, only if the zoom.

For example, I use Nikon D5100 camera.

Stripping from the above, we can conclude: the physical size of the matrix and its properties - and there is an indicator of quality. For macro photography, the image detail and number of pixels are more important. For shooting in poor lighting, a more photosensitive matrix will fit. For amateur shooting, high-quality "digurities" with a small matrix can be approached. Remove what you have. After all, in order to get a good photo, do not need expensive technique. Whatever your matrix, it will not provide a deep meaning of the picture or fascinating landscape.