Why Does Canon Use Smaller Sensors in Their DSLRs Compared to Nikon?
Canon and Nikon, two of the leading manufacturers in the DSLR camera market, both produce cameras with Full Frame sensors as well as those with smaller cropped frame sensors. The choice of sensor size has a significant impact on the image quality, performance, and cost of the cameras. This article will explore the reasons behind Canon's decision to use smaller sensors in their DSLRs even though they have some of the best lenses in the industry.
Historical Context and Kodak Fabrication Set-Up
Canon's utilization of smaller sensors is rooted in their historical partnership with Kodak. Canon had leveraged the same fabrication set-up used for the Kodak DCS 520, also known as the Canon EOS D2000, which featured a 1.6x crop sensor. The use of this fabrication set-up likely influenced Canon's design and implementation of the APS-H offering in Canon's 1D series, which further solidified the 1.6 crop factor in their camera design. Additionally, Canon's DCS3, released in 1995, had a 1.5x crop factor, but they switched to 1.6x with the DCS520, a choice that may have ultimately influenced their APSC camera sensor size.
The Role of Crop Factor in Sensor Size
Most manufacturers use a 1.5x crop factor for their APS-C cameras, while Canon employs a 1.6x crop factor. This marginal difference is often attributed to the first sensor design that Canon used, making it a legacy choice rather than a specific advantage for image quality. Crop factor, or focal length multiplier, is a term used to describe the difference between the effective versus actual focal length of a lens when used on a camera with a smaller sensor. A 1.6x crop factor means that a 50mm lens, for example, will be equivalent to an 80mm lens when used on a Canon DSLR with a 1.6x crop factor sensor.
Engineering Trade-Offs and Sensor Size
At its core, sensor size is an engineering trade-off between different variables. These include optical performance, physical size, cost, and, ultimately, the image quality achieved. While physics dictates that a larger sensor can capture more light and detail, there are numerous factors that influence the decision to use a specific sensor size. These factors can include the size of the lens mount, the cost of the sensor, and the optical design of the lens.
Canon's Market Share and Sensor Design
Despite using smaller sensors, Canon's market share is significantly larger than that of Nikon. In 2019, Canon held a 48% share of the camera market, compared to Nikon's 14% and Pentax's less than 2%. This dominant market position suggests that Canon's sensor design choices are not detrimental to their success. One key factor in Canon's success is that they manufacture their own sensor chips. This in-house production allows Canon to closely control the design, ensuring optimal performance and integration with their lenses and camera bodies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Canon's decision to use smaller sensors in their DSLRs is a result of their historical partnership with Kodak, engineering trade-offs, and legacy design choices. While the 1.6x crop factor may be slightly smaller than the 1.5x crop factor used by most manufacturers, it does not necessarily equate to inferior performance. Furthermore, Canon's significant market share and use of in-house sensor production indicate that their sensor design is a strategic choice that aligns with their competitive strategy.