How much of a difference does size make?

Last Update: 4th April 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 12MP FF 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 determined by the Optical and Quantum efficiencies of the pixels. That means larger pixels should capture more light and convert more photons into electrons, right? The secret is to study shadow details because more sensitive sensors capture more info in the shadows. How many shadow detail variances do you expect to find between the Sony ZV-E1 and the older Olympus XZ-2? While I am not testing for noise, what do you expect to find between these 2 cameras? Those studying my articles have enough information and knowledge to evaluate these questions.

I included several Olympus cameras in this test. We can learn much from the different pixel areas of these cameras. For example, the pixel area of the Olympus E-1 is 3 times larger than the EM1 III. It is sometimes easier to simulate sensor differences with the equipment you have...

Why do golfers use a handicap? It lets experienced and weaker golfers play competitively. It's safe to say equivalence is often applied like a golf handicap. That means equivalence sets unnecessary restrictions on M43 photographers. Do we need a handicap to evaluate cameras? Each camera is unique and should get a chance to showcase its capabilities. The only variable that should be the same is the test studio. I applied this basic philosophy to the test images further down.

Preparing the Test Studio

The test image had a 4EV variance between the brightest and darkest parts. Each exposure was set at the brightest point with the camera's spot meter. Each sensor's Saturation and SNR levels were 4 stops lower in the shadows. Study the photons to electrons graph in this article for more about sensor saturation and SNR levels. Every digital photographer should know this graph...

Every sensor is technically different. This knowledge helps us to plan our camera tests correctly. One typically focuses on pixel area and not sensor size when evaluating the technical aspects of image sensors. Sensor size only determines the optical characteristics of the camera. I created the following chart to help you study the different pixel areas of the tested cameras.

The chart shows each sensor's megapixels in red. 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. We can compare all the sensors in this chart. That means we are focussing on pixel area and not size! For example, how much will the Olympus E1 shadow details differ from the Olympus E-M1 III?

Sensor size is a marketing tool used to entice those with little knowledge. It's meaningless and tells us nothing about the sensor. For example, it's more effective to focus on the diagonal measurements of the sensor. The reason is the lens image circle has to cover the complete sensor. This explains the more light "effect" FF enthusiasts rave about or the equivalence factor when comparing the optical differences between M43, APC, and full-frame lens mounts. See the table below.

How should we study these controlled image quality tests on different sensor sizes and pixel areas? To prepare yourself, take a few moments, 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 from the 12MP full-frame 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 could technically be similar to the 20MP Olympus M43 sensor. Why is image noise a potential challenge for these two Fuji cameras..?

Olympus C-770UZ  (4MP) - ISO64, f3.2, 1/160 - OOC JPEG and not edited...

Let's study the different test images...

All the noise filters were off while taking 4 RAW files with each camera. The Olympus RAW files were converted in Workspace with no NR, and I used the Photoshop 2024 Raw Converter with 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...

What were my camera configurations? I used the 17mm f1.2 lens on my M43 cameras and the 50mm f2 macro lens on my 4/3rds DSLRs. The Canon 6D II had an EF 35mm f2.0 lens, and the Sony ZV-E1 had a 55mm f1.8 Zeiss lens. That means I used my tripod distance to the image to compensate for lower megapixel sensors and the different focal lengths. I used Manual Exposure with an Aperture of f3.5 or f4 on these cameras. I also used the 2s timer and +1EV ETTR on each camera.

I used the same white balance (marker) to convert the raw files.

Conclusion

You don't need an expert to tell you the Olympus XZ-2 and Sony ZV-E1 image results are very similar. For example, I couldn't find 20 times more image details for the Sony. That means the Olympus XZ-2's image details compared well to the Sony ZV-E1 with its 20 times larger pixel areas. The 20-year age difference between some cameras also didn't make a big difference. Finally, less than 100% pixel area differences seem insignificant. That means one can ignore the sensor sensitivity differences between M43 (Live MOS) and APC (Standard CMOS and BSI) sensors. What makes a real difference is knowledge, lens selections, and regularly using Workspace and one's Olympus camera.

I used the Olympus E-M1 II for years and the E-M1 III for +18 months. These are exceptional cameras with excellent IQ, speed, and functionality. The most fascinating part about them is the 20MP Live MOS sensor. I would love to see the specifications Olympus used to find this sensor.

What does one learn from this? We simply can't trust those repeating the same meaningless size and capture phrases. Photographers are rediscovering older cameras and image sensors. For example, the TruePic processors and 16MP sensors used in cameras like E-M1, E-PL9, E-M5 II, and E-M10 II/III deliver excellent results. You will get a better camera by evaluating functionality, speed, application, and form factor. Any camera is a joy in good light with good user experience and knowledge.

Those photographers who make a habit of developing their Enhanced Raw files and Image Editing skills have an advantage. The benefits of improving one's knowledge plus camera and editing skills are remarkable. I often write about the benefits of converting your Olympus Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace. Also, see this video reviewing the Enhanced Raw Format and Workspace.

See this article I did on 12MP versus 100MP printed samples.

Best Siegfried

Spot the difference between 12 vs 100MP images

Last Update:- 25th April 2024

Introduction.

Watch this video from Chris Hau and his team comparing the Sony A7S III and the Fuji GFX100S. Chris asked if they could see the image quality differences between these 2 cameras? Before watching the video, list the points you will use to help you find any differences between these cameras.

Which one of the following two options do you trust more? The 1st option is theoretically analyzing the results from these two cameras, and the 2nd option is the oversimplified "size and capture," which is constantly abused to promote the virtues of higher resolution and full-frame cameras.

Why is this exercise meaningful?

Some will say it's only a fun video. While light-hearted videos have a role, the impressions they leave are enough to influence the buying behavior of many. The fun part is to study the images.

How did I identify the right camera for each photo?

- Pixels capture Photons

The Sony A7S III pixel area is 386% larger than the GFX100S. Both cameras use BSI sensors. The Sony should extract more shadow details because the larger pixel areas improve sensitivity.

- Depth of Field

Chris applied the same camera settings for both cameras. This means the Fuji has a smaller DOF with more background blur. It was difficult to see any differences because the subject versus background distances influenced the results. You need to review the images carefully to see any differences. 

- Image noise

Fuji has 8.5 times (102/12) more pixels with control circuits, whereas the A7S III has only 12MP. Each control circuit adds noise to the sensor's noise floor. It's normal to see high-resolution sensors with more visible noise. For example, a similar story is the Olympus Pen F versus the A7R IV. It needed more planning to manage the visible noise (SNR) from the Sony A7R IV than my Pen F.

Study this article for more on the different types of image noise...

Conclusion

How many photographers are tricked by undisclosed promoters voicing wild claims about the roles of sensor size and resolution? Instead of studying the functional benefits of various cameras, we see those who never prepared articles or theoretical papers repeating the wildest statements...

The answer is to focus on shadow details, DOF (background blur), and shadow noise. You won't find any optical and technical "size and capture" trademarks like a full-frame look, noise-free image, better image quality, "less" lens diffraction, subject isolation, dynamic range, bokeh, or the GFX100S captures more light. Chris said he edited the photos but gave only a few details.

Here is a summary of what I found:

- First round - B is Fuji. (DOF and shadow noise)

- Second round - A is Fuji. (DOF and shadow noise)

- Third round - A is Fuji. (Mainly DOF with some loss of detail under the balconies)

- Fourth round - The left one is Fuji (Mainly DOF - study the background carefully)

- Fifth round - The right one is Fuji. (We need to see the focal point? A very tight DOF)

It was difficult to spot shadow detail differences. The tight DOF and the image editing made it difficult to analyze these images. It would be nice to see an example like the one below for each camera. See this example of editing deep shadows with an Enhanced Raw File and Workspace.

See this article analyzing the shadow details of 15 cameras.

Any thoughts

Siegfried

An example of the Sony A7R IV at ISO3200. The sensor was not fully saturated.

Additional opinions:-

- See the video from Jimmy (RED35). Is 20MP enough?

- See the 2 parts response from Joseph Ellis to the above video.

- SLR Lounge with a 90-second overview of Megapixels

- See this video from Duade Paton for an engaging overview