Image sensor – the basic information about the device – its types, cleaning possibilities and more.
Every photographer should have image sensor and knows how to operate it. This article will concentrate on the subject and will provide a lot of useful ideas about the topic.
What is an image sensor?
It is an electronic sensor which is made up of millions of light sensitive elements which are called photodiodes. However, their more common name is pixels. Each pixel has its own lens, which records the intensity of the red, green or blue light.
How many sizes of image sensor are available on the market?
There are over 10 types of image sensors which are found in different types of cameras. They are described detailed below.
Type 1/3.6” – the diagonal of the sensor is 5mm and the dimension is 3x4mm. The aspect ratio is 4:3.
Type 1/3.2” – the diagonal of the sensor is 5,680mm and the dimension is 4,536 x 3,416mm. The aspect ratio is 4:3.
Type 1/3” – the diagonal of the sensor is 6mm and the dimension is 4,800x 3,600mm. The aspect ratio is 4:3.
Type 1/2.7” – the diagonal of the sensor is 6,721mm and the dimension is 5,371 x 4,035mm. The aspect ratio is 4:3.
Type 1/2. 5” – the diagonal of the sensor is 7,182mm and the dimension is 5,760 x 4,290mm. The aspect ratio is 4:3.
Type 1/2. 3” – the diagonal of the sensor is 7,70mm and the dimension is 6,16 x 4,62 mm. The aspect ratio is 4:3.
Type 1/2 “ – the diagonal of the sensor is 8mm and the dimension is 6,4 x 4,8 mm. The aspect ratio is 4:3.
Type 1/1.8” – the diagonal of the sensor is 8,933mm and the dimension is 7,176 x 5,319 mm. The aspect ratio is 4:3.
Type 1/1.7” – the diagonal of the sensor is 9,5mm and the dimension is 7,6 x 5,7 mm. The aspect ratio is 4:3.
Type 2/3” – the diagonal of the sensor is 11mm and the dimension is 8,80 x 6,60 mm. The aspect ratio is 4:3.
Type 1” – the diagonal of the sensor is 16mm and the dimension is 12,8 x 9,60 mm. The aspect ratio is 4:3.
Type 4/3” – the diagonal of the sensor is 22,5mm and the dimension is 18 x 13,50 mm. The aspect ratio is 4:3.
Type 1.8” – the diagonal of the sensor is 28,4mm and the dimension is 23,7 x 15,70 mm. The aspect ratio is 3:2.
Type 35 mm film – the diagonal of the sensor is 43,3mm and the dimension is 36 x 24 mm. The aspect ratio is 4:3.
As it can be seen there are a lot of different sizes. It all depends on the device where the given sensor is applied.
Automatic sensor cleaning – all information about cleaning the image sensor.
Every parts of the camera need to be cleaned because the dirty components mean poor quality photography and even the damage of the camera. Fortunately, the majority of cameras clean the image sensor automatically. How does it happen?
The image sensor is cleaned every time you switch on and switch off the camera. The cleaning of the sensor means automatically remove of the dust which is usually located on the front of the sensor. If you want to use the option you just do not need to do anything special, but there is also a possibility to clean the image sensor manually.
How to clean the image sensor manually?
Sometimes, the dirt cannot be removed by automatic sensor cleaning and you need to do it manually. You can use a blower to do it smoothly and quickly. Nevertheless, it is worth to notice that the surface of the image sensor is very delicate and if you do not clean it in a gently way, you may destroy the sensor and the camera. It is worth to consider visiting the professional photo centre where the experts can clean the image sensor for you.
However, if you make a decision, that you want to clean the sensor manually, here are some steps which should be taken. They are:
- Select the sensor cleaning button in the camera
- Then select – clean manually
- Finally, confirm your choice and now you are able to clean the image sensor!
The image sensor is a heart of every camera and every device where the camera is applied. It is worth to know how to clean it to enjoy shooting the photos for a long time.
image source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ccd-sensor.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:A_micrograph_of_the_corner_of_the_photosensor_array_of_a_%E2%80%98webcam%E2%80%99.jpeg
