APS-C Sensor
APS-C is a camera sensor size of about 23 by 15 millimetres, smaller than a full-frame sensor and larger than the sensors in most phones.
On this page 3 sections
APS-C is a size class for camera image sensors. The sensor measures roughly 22 to 24 millimetres wide and 15 to 16 millimetres tall, with small differences between makers. Its area is a little under half that of a full-frame sensor.
How it works
The sensor turns light into the picture. A larger sensor can collect more light for each pixel when the pixel count is the same, which usually means less noise in dim light. It also gives a shallower depth of field than a smaller sensor at the same framing and aperture.
What the numbers mean
- Crop factor: because the sensor is smaller than full-frame, the same lens shows a narrower view. The factor is about 1.5 for most makers and about 1.6 for Canon.
- Lens size: lenses made for this sensor can be smaller and lighter, since they cover a smaller area.
What it does not promise
Sensor size does not fix image quality on its own. Image processing, lens quality, pixel count and sensor design all affect the result, so a recent APS-C sensor can do better than an older, larger one. Size also says nothing about autofocus speed, video features or battery life.