Does sensor speed matter? Each time a new camera is released, incremental upgrades often leave many of us wondering about their actual significance.
Coming to you from Anthony Gugliotta, this enlightening video breaks down the nuances of sensor speed in modern cameras. The video explains the relationship between sensor readout speed and resolution. For instance, the Canon EOS R1, with 24 megapixels, raises questions about its resolution choice. Why not more megapixels? Because higher resolution demands more data processing, slowing down the sensor. Comparatively, the Sony a9 Mark III features a global shutter, known for its ultra-fast speed. Yet, both cameras have trade-offs. The Canon EOS R1 and Sony a9 Mark II aren’t always ideal for everyday shooting due to their specialized features.
Popular cameras like the Sony a7 IV show slower readout speeds at 67 milliseconds. Canon’s EOS R6 II and R5 II show different speeds, with the R5’s stacked sensor performing faster than its predecessor.
To appreciate these advancements, consider how older cameras compare to newer models. Faster sensors not only improve burst shooting but also elevate the overall experience. While some might not see immediate benefits, those who shoot fast-moving subjects will notice significant improvements. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Gugliotta.
Interesting video that just illustrates the difficulties inherent in choosing a camera and the number of technical trade offs camera manufacturers have to make when putting together a camera. Making it strong in one department can often make it weak in another. The A9 mk3 with its super duper global shutter has to give away low light performance and a slightly nosier image. Does this matter for your needs? For some No, but it might for others. Photography and its technical requirements are complex with all these different photographic genres demanding different and often conflicting requirements. That’s why comparing cameras with all their varieties is often a fools errand. We see writers on this forum extolling the virtue of this system or that system forgetting what might on the face of it work for them may well be not quite the right choice for another user. Knowing what your camera is good at is important but knowing its weaknesses are equally important.