Michele
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 26, 1999
- Messages
- 2,283
I am currently using 2 very old digital cameras, bought in 2004, very behind the times. A digital rebel and an Olympus P&S, big and bulky. Mostly using the DSLR. However there are times when I just want one of those new P&S that I can carry in my pocket. Just for quick daytime pics, I'm not expecting alot.
My question is, I know that sensor size is important for good noise-free shots but I am not knowledgeable enough to be able to translate sensor speak.
Went to dpreview and I see things like 1/2.5" or 1/3" or 1/17" for the sensor size on the P&S cameras so I thought well I'll see how that compares to a Dslr to know which would be better. Well they are all listed like 23.7 x 15.5 mm. Well how do those compare? What is a decent sensor size on a P&S going to be?
Also, I remember seeing some talk recently about how you don't want too many megapixels on too small of a sensor because that will give you alot of noise, so how many megapixels is too many?
They are listing things like effective pixels and sensor photo detectors, but I don't know what I'm looking for. Also, sensor type, what do I want?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. TIA!!!
My question is, I know that sensor size is important for good noise-free shots but I am not knowledgeable enough to be able to translate sensor speak.

Went to dpreview and I see things like 1/2.5" or 1/3" or 1/17" for the sensor size on the P&S cameras so I thought well I'll see how that compares to a Dslr to know which would be better. Well they are all listed like 23.7 x 15.5 mm. Well how do those compare? What is a decent sensor size on a P&S going to be?
Also, I remember seeing some talk recently about how you don't want too many megapixels on too small of a sensor because that will give you alot of noise, so how many megapixels is too many?
They are listing things like effective pixels and sensor photo detectors, but I don't know what I'm looking for. Also, sensor type, what do I want?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. TIA!!!
