Camera Sensor Sizes, Done Properly
The physical size of a camera's image sensor, from smartphone sensors to APS-C, full frame and medium format.
Imogen Clarke
At a glance
- Full frame measures about 36 by 24 millimeters
- APS-C has a crop factor of about 1.5, or 1.6 on Canon bodies
- Micro Four Thirds has a crop factor of about 2
- Medium format sensors are larger than full frame
Why it matters
Why it matters: Sensor size affects field of view, depth of field, low-light performance and lens choice, which shapes what a shoot can achieve.
Best practice
- Account for crop factor when choosing lenses
- Match sensor size to low-light needs
- Use larger sensors when shallow depth of field matters
- Use smaller sensors when more depth of field helps
- Keep the same camera across a catalog shoot
Common pitfalls
Watch out for:
- Comparing focal lengths across sensor sizes without crop factor
- Assuming bigger always means better for products
- Mixing camera bodies within one set
- Ignoring lens coverage on larger sensors
When to call in a specialist
Bottom line Bring in help when choosing equipment for a recurring product studio.
Where this comes from
- Adobe Help Center — Photography basics
- Capture One — Learning resources
The figures and practices above come from the sources listed.
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Where to go next
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