When buying a camera, it doesn’t matter which one: a professional class or an ordinary budget compact for shooting friends and family outdoors, I want the pictures to be high-quality, and the device itself gives as much freedom as possible. Knowing which matrix is better for the camera, you can avoid falling into a stupor in the store when you see two models of different brands that look the same, but cost very differently. It's all about the sensor, which is responsible for what image will be obtained and how flexible the scope for using the camera will be with the owner.
Content
Some technical details
Matrices of digital cameras are divided into two main types according to the applied semiconductors and information reading technology.
- The type of CCD (CCD) matrix is the most common. This is a fairly cheap technology, image information is read sequentially from each cell.
- CMOS CMOS sensors are more expensive, but more efficient in terms of speed, because they allow you to read data from all photosensitive elements at once. Such sensors are installed in expensive cameras, since no manufacturer will pass by the chance to provide the user with the possibility of shooting with very low shutter speeds, which in turn complicates the hardware-software complex.
Most custom-grade cameras are equipped with CCDs. At the same time, the expected condition is set: to obtain really high-quality images in natural light (or in insufficient light) it is better to use a tripod, since the exposure time will be significant. Similarly, it will not be possible to take pictures extremely quickly, since it takes time to receive and process the image.
Some manufacturers solve the latter problem quite simply: equip cameras with a memory buffer. Frames are placed there before processing, when shooting is carried out in the so-called sports mode - a series in a short period of time.
Expensive cameras equipped with CMOS sensors allow you to take pictures “with hands” with a low shutter speed, have high photosensitivity and low noise level. With the help of such equipment it is possible to perform exposure metering, the autofocus time is reduced, naturally, it is easy to make a good shot.
Another technology that is used in the most expensive photo equipment is multilayer arrays. This is not another item in the list of “matrix types”. The photosensitive zone of such devices consists of three layers of CCD, each of which reads only one color. As a result, the image quality is amazing. Equipment with this technology is especially marked: 3CCD.
The last thing worth mentioning is the technological dimensions of the matrices. CCD sensors can be made small, they are built on silicon elements. A CMOS matrix is large enough, which is another rational argument in favor of their use in expensive professional equipment.
Quality Score
By asking yourself which camera matrix is better, you can quickly get an answer without having to delve into the technological features. Pay attention to the following characteristics:
- declared number of megapixels in the characteristics of the camera;
- the effective number of pixels that responsible manufacturers indicate in the documentation for the camera;
- possible sizes of images that can be taken with the camera.
Manufacturers of cheap camera models are often cunning, indicating, first of all, the dimension of the picture and exposing huge numbers as an effective advertising move. This does not mean the quality of the images taken. The types of camera matrices can be of different classes.However, if the sensor does not have sufficient resolution, large output images will have low detail and a high noise level.
The ratio between the declared megapixels of the matrix and the number of effective points will tell even more about the quality of the camera. This directly indicates the optics used. If the hardware is carried out responsibly, the declared and effective number of pixels will be almost the same, which not only positively characterizes the selling price, but also is directly responsible for the quality of the images.
Photosensitivity and noise
The photosensitivity of the matrix is another characteristic that describes the camera. It’s worth buying a camera, focusing on the planned application possibilities. Today, in the documentation in the photosensitivity column, you can find very high numbers - up to 51,000 or more. However, this does not directly indicate the ability to take high-quality pictures. There are no recommendations what should be the photosensitivity. Everything works as follows:
- to obtain a good image, it is required to provide shutter speed, the time of which depends on the level of illumination and photosensitivity of the matrix;
- in medium and low light you have to use a tripod;
- if you want to continue shooting “with your hands”, you can programmatically change the level of photosensitivity of the matrix in the camera settings.
However, high light sensitivity with a low shutter speed is a direct way to noise in the picture. Increased graininess, the appearance of mosaics are those features that are annoying and require careful secondary processing of the image.
The level of photosensitivity is decisive only with a clear understanding of the exact conditions in which the camera will be used. For example, when working with a tripod, you can buy a camera with a high indicator, this will give wide shooting opportunities in a variety of lighting conditions without the use of a flash.
Physical geometry of the sensor
The physical size of the camera’s matrix in millimeters is another factor that is not only directly responsible for the quality of the images, but also very much forms the price of the camera. For the best models, the aspect ratio, which is based on the standard 35 mm film format, is close to one. The cheaper the model, the higher the “crop” indicator, trim, which indicates that the matrix is smaller in size.
The smaller the sensor area, the lower the coverage of the visual space in front of the lens and:
- below the total amount of light that falls on the matrix, therefore, it is necessary to increase photosensitivity and increase digital noise;
- more small details are lost, blur appears, this is caused by small sizes, to which the frame is converted.
High crop values in the camera also mean that the difference in the illumination of objects in the field of view of the camera will be smoothed out, which very negatively affects pictures taken in the evening without a flash, for example.
The dimension factor is indicated in the documentation for the camera. It doesn’t matter if you are guided by a budget or professional model - it would be better to buy a device with a geometrically large matrix.
Conclusion
It is impossible to say which matrix is better. Choose a camera based on the modes in which it will be used. It is impossible to conduct a comprehensive comparison of the matrices of cameras - each will lose in some case.
Correctly predicted shooting conditions will allow cameras even with relatively mediocre arrays to take very good pictures. The main factor that must be taken into account is the geometric dimensions of the matrix. Those who want to get really large images in pixels also need to pay attention to the number of effective megapixels of the camera.
