In short what are the gains/losses? Should I wait for the upcoming 50MP sensors... and then what?
I think there is no answer to this thread but would love to hear your views.
Hi Martin,
As the others have suggested, it depends.
In general, a physically larger sensor requires a longer focal length for an adequate size image circle, and for a field of view that corresponds to the smaller outfit. With that longer focal length comes more image magnification, which helps to maintain better (micro-)contrast for later processing. Longer lenses are also somewhat easier to design, so lens quality will usually be no issue, although lenses will be larger and can be heavier, in general. The higher magnification will also reduce DOF, in particular at closer focus distances.
Some sensors are more forgiving for high dynamic range scene content, others need more accurate exposure or bracketing for the best output quality.
Another issue is the number of pixels that a sensor delivers. More pixels usually means that you can enlarge more or produce higher resolution, so you'd choose that as a function of your requirements.
Then the camera that holds the sensor can also make a difference. Some are better for fast focusing, others have better menu layouts or features that may be important for some, less for others. Handling also differs between camera bodies, some fit larger hands, some smaller ones. Some are better for those wearing spectacles others not.
So if you know you image quality requirements, and type of images to shoot (e.g. shallow or deep DOF, action or studio/landscape, required weatherproofing, etc.), and based the sensor size/type on that, then things get a lot more subjective. If you already own a series of lenses that are usable with (i.e. designed for) digital cameras, it makes sense to start with that brand for the camera body, since sytsem integration (AF / VR or IS / tethering / accessories) will likely be better.
I'd suggest to compile a list of features that are important
for you and rank them in order of importance. Then score a number of cameras on each of those features, giving more weight to the things that are important for you. Add the weighted scores for all features per model (and toss a coin for the final outcome
), and there you have it.
Cheers,
Bart