Do newer DSLR sensors improve image quality beyond just megapixels?
Asked 4/12/2011
3 views
2 answers
0
I currently use a Canon Rebel XTi / 400D and am thinking about upgrading to a newer DSLR body such as a 50D, 60D, or 7D. Beyond the higher megapixel count, have DSLR sensors improved in other ways?
Specifically, compared with the XTi at the same ISO setting, do newer bodies produce less noise, and has dynamic range improved as well?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
5
Ask yourself why you're considering upgrading your body.
Are you unhappy about its output? Or is it something else? Small changes in sensor technology no doubt still happen, but for most users they'll not yield any different results on their own from the sensors used in their current cameras (and neither will more megapixels, not unless they go from a sub-6MP camera to a 10MP+ camera at least).
Differences in metering, AF logic, ergonomics (control layout, form factor, etc). are far more important. And that's always been the main difference between the lowend and midrange/highend cameras. To some it's not worth the investment, to others it is (to me for example, the differences in the viewfinder size of the Nikon D200 and D70 alone were worth spending the extra money on the professional body, the higher spec sensor and metering were very welcome icing on the cake).
Originally by user4000. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4000
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—newer DSLR sensors generally improve in more than just megapixel count, but the gains are usually modest within the same brand and sensor generation.
Compared with the Canon 400D/XTi, newer Canon bodies such as the 60D/7D show some improvement in dynamic range and better high-ISO/low-light performance. A reasonable summary from the answers is roughly about half a stop at base ISO and up to around a stop at higher ISO settings. Resolution may improve on paper, but the visible difference is often less dramatic than the spec sheet suggests.
That said, many photographers will notice bigger practical differences from other body upgrades: autofocus, metering, viewfinder, controls, ergonomics, and overall handling.
If your main concern is noise, a faster lens may help more than a body upgrade, because it lets you shoot at lower ISO in the first place.
So the short answer is: yes, newer sensors are better, especially in high ISO performance, but don’t expect a night-and-day jump from megapixels alone.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI15y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Why do DSLR bodies at different price levels cost more, even with similar megapixels?
Have CMOS camera sensors improved over time, especially for high ISO image quality?
What are the trade-offs of using Nikon DX lenses on an FX camera in DX crop mode?
Canon 70-300mm makes a constant whirring noise even when the camera is off
Can EXIF tell whether an external flash fired on a Canon DSLR?