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Trendspotting: Large-sensor compact cameras

By Leonard Goh, CNET Asia
Oct 07, 2009

In digital cameras, one of the most important components is the image sensor. Traditionally, it has been said that a larger sensor equates to better image quality as there is more surface area for light to fall on to capture the image.

So what constitutes a large sensor? To get a better perspective, click on the image on the right to see a scaled representation of the commonly used sensor sizes found in digicams. For this feature, we refer to large sensors as Four Thirds and bigger, so shooters such as the Canon PowerShot S90 and G11 are not included as the sensors used in them are no bigger than the nail on your pinkie finger.

Typically, large sensors are used only in dSLRs but lately they've been finding their way into more compact shooters such as those utilizing the Micro Four Thirds standard. However, currently such snappers are geared more toward enthusiasts who may view these cameras as a bridge between conventional point-and-shoots and dSLRs.

Given how digital imaging technology is still evolving, we believe that large-sensor compacts will become a staple for the imaging industry in the future. Here's why.

These days, digicams are getting more affordable and photography is becoming an easily accessible hobby. Naturally, users with point-and-shoots will want to upgrade to a more advanced camera, such as a dSLR, that produces better picture quality. However, dSLRs tend to be bulky and heavy. Which is why a compact camera with a larger sensor and operates like a dSLR is an ideal compromise.

So what are the options available now?
The Micro Four Thirds system announced last year is probably one of the best representations of a large-sensor compact shooter. The 12-megapixel Olympus E-P1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1, though targeted at mainstream users, have attracted the attention of professional photographers.

On Leica's end, the German company recently announced the world's first full-frame digital rangefinder, the M9, and the X1, a compact camera with an APS-C-sized sensor. However, this duo is priced beyond the reach of the average consumers. For something more affordable, shutterbugs can look to the Sigma DP2, a point-and-shoot with fixed focal length lens and an APS-C-sized sensor. Although its thunder may have been stolen by the X1, the DP2 still has a small group of followers who rave about the camera's excellent picture quality.

Is there a compact professional camera?

Professional photographers these days use high-end dSLRs for work and these equipment tend to be bulky and heavy. But there are compact professional cameras. Acclaimed photographer Henri Cartier Bresson (1908-2004) chose Leica rangefinders for his works because they are light and the small footprint don't draw attention to him.Hence, he can take pictures where the subjects are at their most natural.
Looking forward
Interestingly, major players such as Canon and Nikon have yet to catch up to the large-sensor compacts fray. We contacted some brands to see whether consumers can expect similar offerings from them soon, and here are their response.

Andrew Koh, director and general manager of Canon Consumer Imaging and Information Division of Canon Singapore, said that having a larger sensor is one way to yield better picture quality, but a more cost-effective method is to improve the image processing algorithm and processors. He also mentioned that the company views the Micro Four Thirds system as a niche market and the firm will continue to focus on its dSLR business instead. The company was tightlipped when asked whether it would develop a system similar to Micro Four Thirds. We think there is a chance that Canon may produce a compact interchangeable lens system simply because the M9 has showed that it is possible. Lens-mount wise, if Canon does churn out such a camera, it would require adapters to attach current EOS optics on it.

On Nikon's end, the Japanese imaging giant was not able to comment on whether the company is making a camera like the Leica X1. The company did mention several years ago that it was planning to create such a shooter. However, nothing has materialized since. Looking back Nikon's history, its S-series rangefinder cameras which were well received in the 1960s will be ideal for implementing a large sensor due to their compact footprint. It will also be a boost for the company to revive this lineup, just as Olympus did with its Pen-family shooters.


A fake picture of Fujifilm's Micro Four Thirds camera that's circulating online. (Credit: Photo Rumor.com)
There are speculations online pointing to Fujifilm entering the Micro Four Thirds consortium, and the company will use its award-winning EXR sensor in the rumored M-S10 camera. We won't be surprised if Fujifilm join Olympus and Panasonic in the Micro Four Thirds family because word on the Web has it that Fujifilm is holding back its production of Nikon F-mount dSLRs and that the partnership between these two companies have ended. So in order for Fujifilm to reach out to the more savvy users, the Micro Four Thirds system is an ideal platform where lenses and accessories are already available. We contacted the Japanese firm regarding this rumor, but like Nikon, the firm has no comments.


Samsung's NX camera is slated to be available by PMA 2010.
For Samsung, the Korean chaebol has the NX-series which is currently still under development. It is an interchangeable lens system, too, like Micro Four Thirds, though it will use the bigger APS-C-sized image sensor. This is where Sony comes in. In September, UK-based magazine Amateur Photographer spoke to Sony's excutives regarding the impact of Micro Four Thirds-like systems on the firm. The Japanese electronics giant expressed interest in developing such cameras but it won't join the Micro Four Thirds camp. It further added that if it does produce interchangeable lens system shooters, it will be better than the NX lineup.

Conclusion
Digital point-and-shoots have been around for a while and it's about time it evolve to fill the gap between compacts and dSLR. The Micro Four Thirds system has started the trend, and we think it's only a matter of time within the next couple of years that other brands will follow suit. Don't expect point-and-shoots to be phased out because it will still cater to the majority of consumers, but we believe advanced compacts with large sensors will see the biggest growth in the industry.


Tags: DSLR, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Sensor, Fujifilm, Imaging

 

 

    Talkback
metoo says...
It may be right that the micro 4/3's system will be a good seller. The premise that a "full-frame digital" camera is close to "an "APS-C-sized sensor", however, is misleading. Your words "The Micro Four Thirds system announced last year is probably one of the best representations of a large-sensor compact shooter" equates the "micro" size to "large-sensor". "Full-frame" and "large-sensor" is far from the same.

Here is a visual comparison of the term "full-frame".

en.wikipedia.org...
(actual sizes at:
commons.wikimedia.org...)

Oct 07, 2009 20:37
 
 
gohleonard says...
Hi metoo,

based on what is currently available on the market, Micro Four Thirds cameras take up a good portion of compact, interchangeable lens system shooters. The reason why i classify Four Thirds sensors (same ones used in Micro Four Thirds snappers) as large sensors, is because they are used in some dSLRs, too. I agree with you that APS-C and full-frame sensors differ in size by a fair bit, according to the picture i have at the top of the story. Hope that can clear some misunderstanding you have.

Oct 08, 2009 00:29
 
 
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