Camera Sensors: Does Size Really Matter?
Posted in HDSLR Techie Stuff on April 21, 2011
When it comes to the sensor for digital filmmaking, bigger is, quite simply, better. Unlike the Megapixel myth of bigger is always better in still photography, the physical size of a camera sensor will better determine the end quality of your video clips. When light strikes the sensor, it is converted into electrical signals, thus the larger sensor is able to capture more details than the smaller sensor of prosumer camcorders.
The large sensors available in the 35 mm DSLR cameras, coupled with superb lenses available for these bodies, can become the difference between a cinematic, shallow depth-of-field, selective focus shot, versus a deep focus “video” look.
One of the biggest sensor cameras on the market is the Canon 5D Mark II, with a full-frame, 35mm sensor. This is the camera that has changed 35mm digital filmmaking
That said, there is always an exception to the rule. In this case, the exception to the bigger-is-better rule is the younger sibling to the 5D MII – the 7D. The 7D has a cropped sensor, but offers 24p and 60p shooting – allowing for high-quality and slow motion cinematic filmmaking.
I believe the best of both worlds is yet to come – a full frame sensor camera that shoots 24p and accepts interchangeable lenses!
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