Sensor surface area counts. Nothing beats more recording more total signal. With regard to signal, lens surface area counts just as much. So bigger is better when recording as much information as possible is a priority. While this is true, it is incomplete.
Photography's Not Just About Maximizing The Signal
Making photographs involves much more than simply recording the highest amount of light possible.
- Some people prefer the convenience of zoom lenses. These have less surface area than fast prime lenses.
- Some people prefer the convenience if using smaller and lighter systems and these typically offer smaller surface areas.
- Some people prefer the aesthetics of prime lenses with smaller surface areas.
- Some activities require using apertures that negate the advantage of lens high surface areas
- People who enjoy lenses they already own want to continue using those lenses
- Camera and lens costs typically increase as sensor and lens areas increase.
This list is unfinished which just shows how many variables come into play when choosing cameras and lenses. This implies using multiple systems is not always driven by GAS.
Sensor Area Alone Means Nothing
Roger Cicala wrote a blog post "
Why Sensor Size Matters". He points out pixel size (pixel pitch) is an important consideration as well. Here's a summary and his conclusions about the relationship between pixel pitch and sensor area.
- "Noise and high ISO performance: Smaller pixels are worse. Sensor size doesn’t matter.
- Dynamic Range: Very small pixels (point and shoot size) suffer at higher ISO, sensor size doesn’t matter.
- Depth of field: Is larger for smaller size sensors for an image framed the same way as on a larger sensor. Pixel size doesn’t matter.
- Diffraction effects: Occur at wider apertures for both smaller sensors and for smaller pixels."
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Smaller sensors do offer some advantages, though, and for many types of photography their downside isn’t very important."
In general, newer cameras use more efficient sensor technologies. Increases in quantum efficiency and dual-conversion gain photodiode are just two examples of how newer cameras with smaller sensors can outperform older cameras with larger sensors.
If your options are not bound by lenses you already own and enjoy – if and you ego can take it, choose a sensor area that is compatible with all the aspects of your photography.
When affordable, use different systems for different purposes. Don't assume owing systems with different attributes simply represents a lack of self-control.
