Your Favorite Camera Sensor?

[Dogman]

Not sure why you think the XE2S is out of date just because it has been superceded by the XE3. The F2 didn't become out of date when they introduced the F3. I have an XE2 and an XT2. I don't hesitate to use the XE2, and I'm not planning to "update" it.

No. I don't consider the X-E2S to be out of date at all. It's just no longer a "current" camera. Fact is, I don't usually buy current stuff. I bought my X-Pro1 and X-T1 cameras after they were discontinued and in almost new condition--saved a lot by doing so. The X-E2S was an open box deal. I figure I'll get a lot of years of use out my Fuji cameras and I really don't see any reason to upgrade to the newer models.

 

[DwF]

I said third gen Fuji XTrans... which I thought was the 24mp models.

I have to agree this third generation x trans is really good.

 

[agoglanian]

I haven't really been blown away by too many digital cameras (that's not to say I didn't enjoy using them or get good files from them). I'd really never come across any that output images I really liked right from the camera until semi-recently.

I think the sensor in the Ricoh GR is fantastic (though I think it's the sensor / lens pairing working in perfect harmony). But the caveat is that I love it in black and white and less so in color.

I reallly, REALLY loved the output of the M Monochrom and I would love to try one again someday. Presently I am very much enjoying the output of the M10 and I think the colors out of the camera are finally in tune with what I like.

Though typically I prefer a monochromatic workflow anyways 🙂

 

[Godfrey]

It's very hard to decouple the "look" produced by a sensor from whatever lenses it is used with as well. The combination of sensor and lens comprises the complete optical system which produces the image's look and feel.

My ancient Olympus E-1 with the Olympus Zuiko Digital lenses matched to it produced results way over its technical specifications (5Mpixel, only really 'clean' to ISO 400 when new; better now with newer raw processing technology).

My current Leica M-D and SL cameras produce outstanding results with nearly all of my Leica M, R, and SL lenses. Since these are the only cameras I use anymore, really, I would have to say they have my favorite camera sensors of today in them.

G

 

[emraphoto]

I used to shoot an Fuji S5 pro quite a bit. I've never had a lot of patience for post work and after captioning/tagging a load of files for the wires I don't have time for extensive editing. Being able to get the jpegs dialed in right has been a significant purchasing factor for me.

For me the only cameras I have really sorted that formula out on are the S5 pro and X100s

 

[agfa100]

Another vote for the Ricoh GXR M module for b&w, and my Sony RX-1 it just does so much right.
wbill

 

[teddy]

I love the Fuji XE-1 colours for skin tones. For things I like the Sony a7. The a7 has a particular look I think.
From what I see of others examples, the Canon 5D and the M9 are my favourites also.

My favourite of all? Olympus colour. I think it had the best sensor colour coming out of the e500 to e600 series.
It was punchy, accurate skin tones, well rounded and at best - more balanced to accurate. I used to have the Olympus e-520 and I have to say I miss it's colour reproduction.

Sony a7, Leitz Summicron R 50/2 II

Sony a7, OM Zuiko 50/1.4 MC

Fuji XE-1, Fujinon 35/1.4 R APSH

Fuji XE-1, Fujinon 35/1.4 R APSH

Olympus e520, Zuiko 14-42 ED

Olympus e520, Zuiko 14-42 ED

 

[Pioneer]

Wow. Tough one. I have had several over the years that I liked.

The Canon 5d classic was an early one, still have that camera.

I still enjoy working with the Pentax *ist D and the K10D. The sensor output from both of them is beautiful.

My M9 sensor was a favorite for many years and still ranks pretty high in my mind.

Right now I use my M Typ 262 almost as much as any digital and really enjoy working with those files as well.

But, if I had to pick one I think I would choose the sensor from my Sigma DP3M. The software is a PITA but I have never owned a digital camera that gave me such gorgeous color and black and white images. I know that part of it probably has to do with the lens, but the entire package gives beautiful output. I just wish that Sigma could come up with a better software package to work with!!

 

[jonal928]

The Nikon D2x have one of the best sensor in the low ISO levels. Same gous to the mighty SIGMA DP Merrills camera family, and the LEICA M8.

 

[shawn]

But, if I had to pick one I think I would choose the sensor from my Sigma DP3M. The software is a PITA but I have never owned a digital camera that gave me such gorgeous color and black and white images. I know that part of it probably has to do with the lens, but the entire package gives beautiful output. I just wish that Sigma could come up with a better software package to work with!!

Yes, that does give beautiful images. I really enjoyed the shots out of mine when I had it. If you have a Mac try Iridient Developer for the DP3M. *Much* faster processing of X3F files than SPP and easier to deal with.

Shawn

 

[Kent]

However important sensors are, we must not forget that they only shine when the lenses help them.

Having said that, the sensor in my Nikon Df seems to get the very best out of any lens!
Simply amazing.

If I want a universally good sensor that offers some more resolution than the Df, I use the Sony A7II.

When it comes to ooc B&W JPEG there is nothing better than the Leica M8.

The sensor of the Olympus E-P3 is pretty neat, too.

And some that regularly surprise me are the ones of the "old" Pentax K100D (great colours) and of the Sigma DP1s (as long as you don't shoot higher than ISO100).

 

[jsrockit]

However important sensors are, we must not forget that they only shine when the lenses help them.

I would say light, composition, and content are just as important if not more so.

 

[Timmyjoe]

By far my favorite sensor is the one in my Leica M9. Reminds me of the Ektachrome EPP100 I shot so much of in the 1990's. Only drawback is that it needs a lot of light.

Second favorite is the one in my D4/Df (same sensor), which pretty much works great in any level of light.

Third favorite is the sensor in my Canon 6D. Not as light sensitive as the D4/Df sensor, but really nice colors down to pretty low light situations.

Best,
-Tim

 

[LukeBanks]

Easy. The Fuji 6.3mp Super CCD. I bought an F11 compact when it was released around 2005 and used it for more than 10 years. It finally died on me last year and was instantly replaced by an F31fd for £12 from ebay. The black and white images it produces are stunning straight out of the camera.

 

[Cyriljay]

I love the M8 sensor 9 ( Leica -Chrome look )

 

[Avotius]

My Sony A7R's 36mp sensor is just a peach. As much as I know I should sell the camera while it still has some value and consider upgrading to the more modern and refined A7's I cant help but still be amazed by the 36mp sensor in a very flawed package.

 

[Rob-F]

M9.

Best there is, best there was, best there ever will be.

The M9 has a great sensor. This is true.

I just hope it stays that way, post-sensor replacement.

 

[raid]

We will know soon, Rob. Brian S thinks that he cannot tell the difference unless he really looks hard for subtle changes.

 

[airfrogusmc]

Leica MM (original)

For color Leica M 10

 

[gnuyork]

I don't have a whole lot of experience trying different sensors but for slide film-like colors, nothing beats the Sigma Foveon Merrill sensor. It's tops.

I'm also keen on the ancient 5DKII. I can get nice film like colors out of it.