So recently over at the network of Facebook groups and at my One Camera One Lens Photography Facebook page, we asked a really simple question, and the results we surprising, or not surprising, depending on what your answer is!
Question:
“Weekend #Poll (Nov 1):
Does sensor size matter to you?
Describe why you chose your answer? Do you need the bigger or smaller sensor for a reason? Is it all about the lenses? Are you happy to use any sensor size as long as you are happy with the image? Do you need the reach of a smaller sensor or the low light capabilities of a larger sensor? You get the idea…”
The input we received over the groups was great, with some in-depth answers, with people describing why the sensor size matters, or doesn’t matter to them.
The results to the questions:
• Yes, it does! = 47%
• No, it doesn’t! = 53%
So it was really too close to call! Although the winner this time was that sensor size generally doesn’t matter to the individuals who voted, almost as many people said that sensor size does matter.
My answer…
In the poll, this was my answer.
“When I wrote this poll, I was in two minds. I know I own and use full frame, and the difference is noticeable on inspection of images, but honestly, “does sensor size matter to ME?”… No, it really doesn’t. When I am on a shoot, either out an about, with models, shooting events or portraits, I can easily pull out my phone, an Instax camera or one of my small sensor CCD cameras and happily use them and get excellent results. What is more important to me is the way in which I use different sensor sizes, and the way they can give different looks or feels.”
So, with this in mind, as a an audience that might have missed the poll, what is your input?
One Camera One Lens Photography 
Well Mark, a long and heavily debated topic – one that never fails to stir the dust. But you know me – I’ve been on the barricades for Micro Four Thirds long enough that my answer won’t shock anyone. I don’t shoot full frame or APS-C, but yes – sensor size does matter to me. There’s also medium format, of course, though that’s for a smaller crowd. I won’t deny full frame has its advantages, but it’s nothing like the gap it used to be. The past few years have proven how capable Micro Four Thirds really is – especially for birds and wildlife, where the system shines. I recently saw Ian Worth adding OM System next to his Fuji setup for the longer reach – and he’s not the only one. Others go the opposite way, sure, but the point remains: MFT isn’t dead, far from it – it’s quietly making a comeback.
As for the results, no surprise there. It all depends on what you shoot – and sadly, there’s still plenty of bias out there. So, not unexpected at all. Thanks, and all the best – Marc.
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I don’t think there is as much bias towards full frame or against micro four thirds as many think there is in the real world. The biggest culprit of this are those pretend photographers on YouTube (real photographers are generally far too busy to make content regularly). They thrive on announcing that they have gone from one camera to the next, it’s all just a game and ratings war to them. There are some great educators on YouTube, they generally will use any camera.
I know a huge amount of photographers though groups and of course weddings and events, and there is a wide array of cameras. Yes, the paid photographers will be almost exclusively using full frame, but the general hobbyists and amateurs have all sorts of cameras, and quite often a selection of different sensor size cameras.
The wildlife photographers I know either seem to have micro four thirds or full frame, but they sit side by side in the hides.
Have a great week Marc.
Oh… I had to check who Ian Worth was as I didn’t know him.
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Thanks Mark, and have a great week to !
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