Last Update: 4th May 2024
Introduction.
My son said I may try his Sony ZV-E1 while he tried my Fuji XT-5. The Sony ZV-E1 uses the same FF 12MP BSI sensor as the Sony A7S III. A camera like this should be tested. I would have liked to include my Fuji XT-5. The test results are exciting and reveal much about what to expect from various cameras. For example, the Sony ZV-E1 pixel area is 5 times larger than the Olympus E-M1 III and almost 20 times larger than the Olympus XZ-2. How much do these pixel area differences impact the IQ of these cameras? What should we look for, and how will you test these cameras?
Sensor Sensitivity is an indicator of the sensor's Optical and Quantum efficiencies. That means larger pixel areas capture more light, right? The secret is to study shadow details because increasing sensor sensitivity means capturing more shadow information. What kind of shadow differences do you expect to find between the Sony ZV-E1 and an older Olympus XZ-2? While I am not testing for noise, what do you expect to see from these 2 cameras? Does the sensor's pixel control wiring add noise?
Preparing my Test Studio
Each camera's sensor is technically different. My knowledge of digital cameras helped me plan pixel area tests. For example, pixel area reveals more about sensor performance when comparing digital cameras. Sensor size (diagonal measurements) is an indicator of the sensor's optical characteristics. I created the chart below to illustrate the pixel area variances of the cameras I tested.
The chart lists pixel count in red. Why is it important to consider pixel count? Because pixel count determines the sensor's total pixel area. For example, go to the 12MP (FF) sensor on the horizontal axis and compare its pixel area to the 12MP (1/1.7") sensor on the vertical axis. You can compare all the sensor sizes in this chart with this technique. That means we are evaluating pixel area and not sensor size. For example, how much more detail should the Olympus E1 capture over the E-M1 III? Does the sensor's quantum and optical efficiencies influence these camera comparisons?
The only benefit of sensor size is commercial. It's technically meaningless and reveals nothing about the sensor's ability to capture more data. For example, it's better to focus on the sensor's diagonal measurements. The reason is the lens image circle has to cover the complete sensor. This explains the more light theory confusing so many FF enthusiasts or the equivalence factor when comparing the optical differences between M43, APC, and full-frame cameras. See the table below for more.
How should we study these controlled image quality tests consisting of different sensor sizes and pixel areas? Take a few moments to prepare yourself, select a few cameras (pixel areas), and write down what you like to learn from these tests. For example, how many more shadow details do you expect to see from the 12MP FF sensor over the smaller 1/1.7" sensor? Also, study the Fuji X-T5 or Medium Format 100MP sensor and explain why their shadow details are technically similar to the 20MP Olympus sensor. Why would one expect to see more noise from these two Fuji cameras..?
Let's study the different test images...
All the noise filters were off while taking 4 RAW files with each camera. The Olympus Enhanced RAW Files were converted in Workspace (No NR), and I used the Photoshop 2024 Raw Converter (No NR) for the rest. I brightened the shadows to reveal the captured details of each camera. All the cameras were optimized to deliver better detail and IQ. One typically expects less visible noise from a saturated sensor with higher SNR values. That said, these test images are all about detail...
The test images are best viewed on a large display. Click on the first image...
I cropped the above samples. The goal is to assist readers in studying the details. I upped the shadows and prepped them for the web. I did no NR or color changes. These converted raw files give a good indication of the captured sensor data. Studying my reader's feedback, it's clear that each person sees the results differently. Knowledge and regular practice help photographers get good results from different cameras. I expected more IQ differences between 20 years and 20X pixel areas.
How does one explain the increased noise levels of the E1, E500, E-620, and EP3? One would typically expect less noise from fewer pixels with less control wiring. Older image sensors have more noise because their quantum and optical efficiencies are lower. That means a lower photon-to-electron conversion rate with older image sensors. This translates into losses and more noise...
How would you explain the increased noise levels of the Panasonic LX-10?
Conclusion
Best Siegfried
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