Doug Kerr
Well-known member
You've seen me make fun of the "Vidicon bottle diameter" convention for describing digital camera sensor sizes - especially the "inverse" form that leads to descriptions such as "1/2.8 inches".
But, upon reflection, I realize that we can make use of this system to get a handy way to readily compare sensor sizes over a range that is of considerable interest to us. This scheme is largely propelled by the wide acceptance of the "four thirds system", for which the standard sensor size can be described as "four thirds". I don't say "inch", as that suggests that some dimension of the sensor size is "4/3 inch".
But if we start by acceptance of that convention (perverse as its origins are), we find that we can describe a lot of sensor sizes of interest to us in "thirds". Now, "thirds" of what? Well, just "thirds".
And I will spell out the number names involved to further get rid of the notion that this is actually a dimension in some recognized unit.
Of course, these designations are "nominal", and do not express a precise sensor dimension.
So let see how that works out for some formats of interest to us. I will mention a camera model or format size family; in some cases, afterwards, I will state in square brackets other familiar names for this format family.
Best regards,
Doug
But, upon reflection, I realize that we can make use of this system to get a handy way to readily compare sensor sizes over a range that is of considerable interest to us. This scheme is largely propelled by the wide acceptance of the "four thirds system", for which the standard sensor size can be described as "four thirds". I don't say "inch", as that suggests that some dimension of the sensor size is "4/3 inch".
But if we start by acceptance of that convention (perverse as its origins are), we find that we can describe a lot of sensor sizes of interest to us in "thirds". Now, "thirds" of what? Well, just "thirds".
And I will spell out the number names involved to further get rid of the notion that this is actually a dimension in some recognized unit.
Of course, these designations are "nominal", and do not express a precise sensor dimension.
So let see how that works out for some formats of interest to us. I will mention a camera model or format size family; in some cases, afterwards, I will state in square brackets other familiar names for this format family.
"One inch": Three thirds
(Micro) Four Thirds system: Four thirds. (Duh!)
"APS-C": Five thirds [1.6x]
"APS-H": Six thirds [1.3x]
"Full-frame 35-mm": Eight thirds
Hasselblad X1D: Ten thirds
Just thinkin'.(Micro) Four Thirds system: Four thirds. (Duh!)
"APS-C": Five thirds [1.6x]
"APS-H": Six thirds [1.3x]
"Full-frame 35-mm": Eight thirds
Hasselblad X1D: Ten thirds
Best regards,
Doug