camera or full-frame digital camera in the 35-mm format. A typical
compact camera sensor will be no larger than the two-thirds-inch
selection shown in the diagram, and camera phones will be around
the one-third-inch size. It is easier to get low noise with bigger sensors
for a given pixel count because of their better light-gathering charac-
teristics. Note the sensor size for the new Four Thirds standard and
also its shape, which is slightly squarer than either the 35mm full frame
or crop factor sensors. The measurements themselves are a bit confus-
ing, being based on old Imperial measures that hark back to television
camera tube sizes from the mid-20th century.
Because compact cameras are more prone to noise, higher pixel
counts do not always translate to better image quality when crammed
into the smaller available area. This is a weakness for microstock
use—remember that those dreaded image inspectors will check your
uploaded shots at 100% on screen and will reject any with excessive
noise. Currently, Fuji compact cameras in the “F” series that began
with the F10 model and has progressed through several model itera-
tions are generally regarded as having the best performance at high
ISO, using their own unique sensor design (Figure 6.4). But do check
the online review sites for the latest product reviews. Manufacturers
deal with small sensor noise by applying more aggressive noise reduc-
tion and that can impact adversely on image quality.
FIGURE 6.3 © Douglas Freer
THE BEST DIGITAL CAMERA FOR YOU 107