photosensor (matrix) of camera

In general, the photosensor is ​​account for  image quality of the camera. The photosensor is ​​a semiconductor wafer containing a large number of light-sensitive cells - pixels are grouped into rows and columns. The aim of these cells is to capture light and convert it into electrical charges, which the camera's processor converts the
image. Various photoelectric sensors have their own characteristics, so when "reflex" should pay attention to the pixel resolution, size and sensitivity of the matrix, as well as its type. For novice photographers the best option would be to the camera with a CCD-matrix with a system of protection or cleaning it from dust.


The resolution and size of the matrix

Resolution is measured in megapixels, and shows how many pixels from the consists of a matrix. The higher the resolution, the better the picture quality, the more fine detail a camera can be reflected in the picture. However, to base their choices only on this parameter should not be, because the size of the matrix is ​​also important. Most of the matrix takes more light and makes less noise.

So, if you compare two cameras with the same dimensions of the matrix, but different resolution, the choice should be given a lower resolution camera matrix, as it will get better images with more colors.

In the most high quality DSLR mounted photoelectric sensors 24x36 mm, that is, their dimensions are equivalent to the size of a frame of 35mm film. In the more common cameras used a matrix of reduced size. The smaller the matrix, the potentially worse picture quality and more depth of field.


The sensitivity matrix (ISO)

Usually ranges from 50 to 3200. High values ​​of sensitivity to allow a clear shot at dusk or at night, but the inevitable emergence of digital noise. Currently, there are a DSLR with very high, up to tens of thousands, ISO, however, to choose the camera, focusing on this option makes sense only to lovers of reporter shooting.

Type of matrix

Currently, the DSLR uses two types of sensors: CCD (charge-coupled device, in English CCD - Charge-Coupled Device) and CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor, in English, CMOS - Complementary-symmetry/Metal Oxide Semiconductor .) The difference between them is the noise level. Give the best image quality CMOS sensor the last generation (they are provided with some models of cameras that were released after 2006). And the image quality for digital cameras with CCD sensors will be better, more powerful processor is the camera. It is important to note that the noise reduction system of the processor not only can reduce the noise created in the camera's sensor