Sensor size / ISO / noise / MP

[Dolby]

I've been reading a little on ISO and sensor size and think I get the concept. I do - however - wish to run it by the photo folk to see if I'm on the right track

Let's take two cameras with identical sensor sizes - with the only difference between them being one 5MP and the other 10MP. From what I read, the 5MP will have less noise at higher ISO because of fewer pixels being crammed onto the space. Is this right?

The reason I ask is my 'old' Canon is 1 2/3 sensor (9MP) and the successor is the same sensor with 10MP. I've noticed the same with just about every Canon model (same size sensor with higher MP in the later model). Would this mean the later model would have more noise at higher ISO?

If so, being 9MP and 10MP - would it be negligable?

 

[koffiejunkie]

Let's take two cameras with identical sensor sizes - with the only difference between them being one 5MP and the other 10MP. From what I read, the 5MP will have less noise at higher ISO because of fewer pixels being crammed onto the space. Is this right?

If the two sensors were made with equal technology, that's likely. The catch is that, at least with higher-end cameras, the newer higher-MP sensors are often made with newer technologies, and thus often perform better. A few examples - the G10 was better than the G9. The 5DmkII is a big improvement over the (already excellent) original 5D. From what I've seen the 7D's 18MP sensor is better than the 15MP one in my 50D. To balance this, the 50D is worse than the 40D at comparable ISO settings, but of course it can go higher and at least one stop is useful if you use it right.

So it depends

 

[Dolby]

Thanks Koffie

I'll start looking at sensor size alot closer ...

The reason I ask is my 'old' Canon is 1 2/3 sensor (9MP)

Would you this is a decent size? Without going SLR, this seems to be the largest.

 

[koffiejunkie]

Dolby, that's about the same size as the Powershot G series if I understand correctly. It's pretty good as far as point&shoots go.

 

[noxibox]

If the two sensors were made with equal technology, that's likely. The catch is that, at least with higher-end cameras, the newer higher-MP sensors are often made with newer technologies, and thus often perform better. A few examples - the G10 was better than the G9. The 5DmkII is a big improvement over the (already excellent) original 5D. From what I've seen the 7D's 18MP sensor is better than the 15MP one in my 50D. To balance this, the 50D is worse than the 40D at comparable ISO settings, but of course it can go higher and at least one stop is useful if you use it right.

Is that not down to an improved image processor?

 

[koffiejunkie]

Is that not down to an improved image processor?

Yes, that's my point.

 

[undesign]

Noob question. Am I correct in saying that a DSLR will be significantly better in low light conditions than a bridge camera?

Here's my dilemma - I have a Canon S5 bridge camera. Up to now it's been perfect for my needs. But these days I take plenty of pics of my daughter. Typical scenario -

- in house
- not very bright inside (day time)
- I want to avoid using flash
- problem is, at ISO of 100 or 200, the shutter speed is typically between 1/15 and 1/30, resulting mostly in blurry shots (with IS on) - any ISO higher than that and it gets real grainy/noisy
- no point in increasing EV value as it only lowers the shutter speed

So will the increased size and better quality of a DSLR sensor mean I would be able to use significantly higher shutter speeds by using higher ISO's with less grain/noise - effectively solving my low light problem? Does my question make sense?

I never thought I would say this, but I'm seriously considering a middle of the range Canon if above holds true.

Thanks

 

[Dolby]

SiriS - check out the specs on the Canon S90 http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=19210

I think it's ideal for your needs. Small and compact - but with a large sensor and high speed (F2.0) lense (28mm - 105mm) lens. Problem is it's about R6,000 ...

 

[bwana]

Noob question. Am I correct in saying that a DSLR will be significantly better in low light conditions than a bridge camera?

Yes.

So will the increased size and better quality of a DSLR sensor mean I would be able to use significantly higher shutter speeds by using higher ISO's with less grain/noise

and yes.

 

[undesign]

SiriS - check out the specs on the Canon S90 http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=19210

I think it's ideal for your needs. Small and compact - but with a large sensor and high speed (F2.0) lense (28mm - 105mm) lens. Problem is it's about R6,000 ...

Thanks Dolby. Very nice, for some reason I've never seen it before. I already have a compact (Canon Ixus 860), so I'd actually prefer to go for the real mckoy if I upgrade the S5.

 

[undesign]

Yes.
and yes.

Thanks Bwana!

Now if Canon can just bring out a DSLR with vari-angle LCD...

 

[bwana]

The a good lcd is vital for shooting video but when I'm taking photos I'm looking through the eyepiece.

 

[undesign]

but when I'm taking photos I'm looking through the eyepiece.

Agree, but I find vari-angle extremely useful when taking pics of babies. My daughter fixates on the camera, and with vari-angle I'm able to distract her and frame properly.