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[OM] Re: What to buy, what to buy.

Subject: [OM] Re: What to buy, what to buy.
From: AG Schnozz <agschnozz@xxxxxxxxx>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 10:33:52 -0700 (PDT)
Dr Flash wrote:
> A 4/3 sensor is 17.3x13mm and when cropped to 8x10 ratio
> gives 16.25x13mm for a total area of 211.25 square mm.  A Canon
> 1.6X crop sensor is 22.2x14.8mm and when cropped 8x10 is 18.5x14.8mm
> for a total are of 267.14 square mm or 26.5% larger.  A Nikon 1.5X crop
> sensor is 23.6x15.8mm for a total area of 312.05 square mm or 47.7%
> larger.  A Canon 5D sensor is 35.8x23.9mm and cropped 8x10 is
> 29.88x23.9mm for a total area of 714.13 square mm or 338% larger.
> 
> Sorry, but I don't find much parity in these numbers.

Ah, but surface area is NOT the appropriate calculation to use in 
enlargability.  You use linear dimension of the shortest side.  In this case we 
are comparing 13mm, 14.8mm, 15.8mm and 23.9mm. Some would argue that you would 
use the diagonal measurement.

So, recalc this based on 13 vs 14.8, 13 vs 15.8 and 13 vs 23.9.

Resolution is a linear issue, not an area issue.

However, if you are talking about light-gathering capabilities (assuming 100% 
fill), the larger sensors would definitely have an edge, but we aren't always 
seeing it in actual practice. According to the surface area calculations, the 
Canon 5D should have 2.67 times better noise control over the 30D.  Does it?  
It depends.  Also, under this same argument, the 5D images should be 2.67 times 
better than the 30D images.  Are they better?  Absolutely--even Ray Charles 
could have seen the difference.  But how much of that difference is due to 
greater surface area, linear dimension or lens issues is debateable.  In all 
honesty, I doubt anybody can prove that the 5D is 2.67 times better than the 
30D.

It ain't all surface area.  Does it help?  Sure, but then you run into other 
issues.

Have I swallowed the 4/3 cool-aid?  Yes and no.  I would love to have a FF 35mm 
camera that takes my Zuikos.  But for the low percentage of shots where I 
actually could use that capability, I cannot justify the purchase of a FF 35mm 
digital camera yet.  Maybe someday i'll pick up a secondhand Canon FF camera, 
but not until they are in my bargain-basement price category.

Actually, a Digital Rebel with a FF sensor for $475 USD would be pretty 
compelling.

AG


      
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