willie_901
Veteran
Image quality decreases as sensor size decreases. But cameras with larger sensors cost more. Except for the M9, cameras with larger sensors are large and heavy. They also require more expensive lenses to take full advantage of the sensors' potential.
As sensor size decreases so does flexibility for applying reduced DOF for creative effect. Of course if one's style does not depend on focus isolation, this is an advanyage.
Lenses with shorter focal lengths (required for wide angles-of-view with smaller sensors) are more difficult to manufacture and generally are less optically competent. Except for flare, these problems can be offset by in-camera optical correction or RAW file parameters based on data stored on board the lens.
After a year of using cameras with micro-4/3, APS-C, and 135 format (a.k.a. full frame) sensors, I decided APS-C was the smallest sensor size I could tolerate. I have no problem with the a well-designed 23 mm focal length lens/sensor combination. While excellence in optical engineering and post-acquisition lens correction strategies may solve the short focal length issues for wide-angles-of view, I don't see much chance of small sensors performing as well as larger sensors for the next few generations of cameras (3-6 years). The DOF issue can't go away until radical changes lens technology are commercially available.
As sensor size decreases so does flexibility for applying reduced DOF for creative effect. Of course if one's style does not depend on focus isolation, this is an advanyage.
Lenses with shorter focal lengths (required for wide angles-of-view with smaller sensors) are more difficult to manufacture and generally are less optically competent. Except for flare, these problems can be offset by in-camera optical correction or RAW file parameters based on data stored on board the lens.
After a year of using cameras with micro-4/3, APS-C, and 135 format (a.k.a. full frame) sensors, I decided APS-C was the smallest sensor size I could tolerate. I have no problem with the a well-designed 23 mm focal length lens/sensor combination. While excellence in optical engineering and post-acquisition lens correction strategies may solve the short focal length issues for wide-angles-of view, I don't see much chance of small sensors performing as well as larger sensors for the next few generations of cameras (3-6 years). The DOF issue can't go away until radical changes lens technology are commercially available.