This is a small article about a small difference in the size of the matrices of the cropped Nikon DX and Canon APS-C cameras.
Matrix size for Nikon and Canon APS-C cameras
Most cropped cameras Nikon and Canon have APS-C matrix format (Advanced Photo System type-C).
Everyone knows that crop factor for cameras Canon APS-C is Kf = 1,6. And for cameras Nikon APS-C (aka Nikon DX) crop factor is Kf = 1,5. Higher value crop factor Kf - the smaller the sensor is used in the camera. It would seem that the difference between cropped Nikon and Canon cameras is a mere trifle - 1.6 versus 1.5 (approximately 7%), but in fact Kf shows only the ratio of frame diagonals. The area of the matrix (its actual size) is equal to the ratio of the squares of the linear dimensions.
It is easy to calculate that the physical dimensions of cropped cameras Nikon and Canon APS-C format differ by (1,6 * 1,6) / (1,5 * 1,5) = 1,14. It means that the matrix in Canon APS-C cameras is 14% smaller than the matrix in Nikon APS-C cameras (Nikon DX). I have never met a figure of 14%, apparently nobody wants to talk about it. Matrix size in a SLR camera is a very, very important indicator when choosing a camera and affects a bunch of nuances, in more detail here.
But in fact, the indicators Kf = 1.6 and Kf = 1.5 are slightly approximate. If you take two APS-C cameras Nikon and Canon, for example, Nikon D5200 и Canon 650D then their matrices differ in size by only 10%. It is easy to calculate. Matrix size Canon 650D is 22,3 x 14,9 mm (proof link), and Nikon D5200 respectively 23,5 x 15,6 mm (proof link) Thus the area of the matrix Nikon D5200 is 366,6 sq. Mm vs 332,27 sq. Mm у Canon 650D... Total - the difference is 10%. Of course, this is not 14% calculated by the crop factor, but nevertheless differences by as much as 10% cannot be ignored. This small difference affects, for example, the fact that Canon launches a Canon EF-S lens 15-85mm 1:3.5-5.6 USM IS to reach EGF 24-136 mm.
You will find a lot of interesting information about cropped cameras and their application in the section Crop Evolution. In the general case, it cannot be said that the smaller sensor size in the Canon APS-C is worse or better than the Nikon APS-C, a larger value crop factor it just has a stronger effect on certain parameters related to the effects when using crop cameras.
Conclusions:
It is now known that the sensor size of all Nikon APS-C cameras is greater than the sensor value of all Canon APS-C cameras. This is another nuance when choosing an amateur SLR camera, especially when choosing a system Nikon or Canon.
Arkady Shapoval.
Hello! Marketers quickly realized this, and began to actively tell the masses of potential buyers that a smaller format was an excellent choice, since it was easier and cheaper.
I use Nikon, but I had kenon cameras and I really respect kenon cameras, but when it comes to the topic of CROP, it seems to me that using kenon with the same crop, they try to find me, a trifle but it’s unpleasant