The Importance of Digicam Matrix Size

In digicams, the role of light-sensitive film is played by a special chip with CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) matrix that contains millions of tiny elements, transforming light into electrical signals. Subsequently, these signals are processed and converted into digital image of a certain size. It is stored in the memory of the camera as a separate file and later can be transferred and edited on a computer or printed and published in the Internet. The number of sensitive elements constituting the CCD determines the image resolution and is therefore of paramount importance to its quality. That’s why, manufacturers of cameras always state it in the first place in the list of characteristics of their products. Some of the cheaper models still use CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) sensors. Select CCD instead of CMOS matrix, because the first has some significant advantages - high sensitivity, combined with lower noise levels (which leads to cleaner picture). On the other hand, CMOS sensors are much cheaper to produce and consume up to 100 times less energy in their work. They may be a good option when looking for cheaper digicam with longer battery life. Of course, this rule has exceptions, as far as leading companies in the industry are concerned. For example Canon use CMOS matrix for their highest class digicams with interchangeable lenses, but the hardware and software are at such level that all the shortcomings of the CMOS matrix are removed, leaving the big advantage of the low energy consumption.


The size of the sensor is important for the image quality, just as the size of your home speaker system is important for sound quality. The larger matrix size for the same number of pixels provides a purer image, the ability to work with higher sensitivity and better dynamic range.
The most common CCD matrix, used in compact cameras of amateur class are with 1/2.7 ", 1/2.5", 1/1.8 and 2 / 3” diagonals.

Very compact cameras use sensors of even smaller size. The price to be paid for this is the increased level of noise, which becomes visible when printing photos, worse dynamics and disability to achieve a satisfactory quality at low light situations.

Ask for the size of the matrix, when buying a digicam. In modern CCD chips 1/2.5” is a good size for 3-4 megapixels. 1/1.8 " for 5-6MP, and 2 / 3" for 7-8 MP.