Bridge Camera Sensors: I've noticed that many bridge cameras use the 1/2.33 sensor but have seen resolutions from 10Mp to 20Mp and was wondering if the noise level will be greater on...

GerryER Loc: Virginia USA

I've noticed that many bridge cameras use the 1/2.33 sensor but have seen resolutions from 10Mp to 20Mp and was wondering if the noise level will be greater on the higher pixel-count cameras. Just for argument sake, assume the same manufacturer makes the different pixel count cameras with the same optics (valid assumption??)

Bison Bud

This is somewhat true. The old school theory is that the bigger pixels produce less noise and have better low light performance. However, today's processors are far better at processing this noise in camera and the engineers increase the pixel count taking this into account. I'd bet that the difference would be hard to detect for most of us. Good luck and good shooting to all.

Ysarex Loc: St. Louis

GerryER wrote:

I've noticed that many bridge cameras use the 1/2.33 sensor but have seen resolutions from 10Mp to 20Mp and was wondering if the noise level will be greater on the higher pixel-count cameras. Just for argument sake, assume the same manufacturer makes the different pixel count cameras with the same optics (valid assumption??)

Valid assumption? Yes, BUT. All else equal the size of the sensor is the dominant noise determinant. Pixel size matters but it matters less. So bigger pixels are less noisy, yes, but if you're serious about wanting less noise focus on the overall sensor size because that's the big factor.

GerryER Loc: Virginia USA

Thank you for your responses. I haven't seen a bridge camera that has a sensor other than the 1/2.33, so was wondering if getting a lower pixel count, say 16 Mp, would actually be better than a 20 Mp unit, or perhaps a 12 Mp, and still be good enough for 8x10 prints, maybe 11x14. If there are bridge cameras with larger sensors, I will have to explore that avenue.

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Larger sensors with nice fat photosite receptors will produce less noise. But his may not be as big an issue as in years past, as there are some very good software solutions (think Topaz Denoise AI) that can do a remarkable job of removing noise.

bleirer

GerryER wrote:

Thank you for your responses. I haven't seen a bridge camera that has a sensor other than the 1/2.33, so was wondering if getting a lower pixel count, say 16 Mp, would actually be better than a 20 Mp unit, or perhaps a 12 Mp, and still be good enough for 8x10 prints, maybe 11x14. If there are bridge cameras with larger sensors, I will have to explore that avenue.

A related is resampling. While pixel peeping you might see the difference, but once you downsample a higher megapixel image to match the same resolution as the lower megapixel image, it is better to have more megapixels.

Detailed info way down in this article https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/digital-camera-sensor-size.htm

waterwheel2 Loc: Simpsonville SC

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjcrcKwx7brAhXM1VkKHRmfBfIQFjAEegQIBRAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcameradecision.com%2Ffaq%2Fwhat-is-the-Sensor-Size-of-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ1000&usg=AOvVaw2dCYLRiaY1XeAYni_aViRX

Panasonic FZ 1000 Bridge camera with a 1" sensor. Click on the above link for more information.

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

The Sony RX100 is 16MP (the very first in the series) and is capable of outstanding images, which can be enlarged dramatically. Depending on your price range, you might want to take a look at their RX line of cameras.

BebuLamar

Small sensors can be made to produce less noise with newer technology or simply with smarter processing algorithm. I prefer the first approach.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

GerryER wrote:

Thank you for your responses. I haven't seen a bridge camera that has a sensor other than the 1/2.33, so was wondering if getting a lower pixel count, say 16 Mp, would actually be better than a 20 Mp unit, or perhaps a 12 Mp, and still be good enough for 8x10 prints, maybe 11x14. If there are bridge cameras with larger sensors, I will have to explore that avenue.

It depends on what you call a bridge camera. As an example, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500 has a 1" sensor and a 24-480mm (35 equiv) lens and the same form factor as many mega-zooms.

GerryER Loc: Virginia USA

PHRubin wrote:

It depends on what you call a bridge camera. As an example, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500 has a 1" sensor and a 24-480mm (35 equiv) lens and the same form factor as many mega-zooms.

My "bridge" camera is a Kodak Z981, which I like very much. It has a similar form factor to the Lumix DMC-FZ2500 that you mentioned. The Z981 has a 26X optical zoom and a 5X digital zoom, the digital zoom dropping picture quality rather quickly. I would like to get to 40X-50X optical zoom, but see that as the sensor increases in size, the zoom power decreases (for obvious reasons).

I have a M4/3 Olympus PEN (12 Mp) but find the form factor too small and the lack of power zoom annoying; it's just me. The pictures are excellent quality, but....

So, with the technology the way it is, I have started looking at bridge cameras again, but want to step up from the Kodak, hence my sensor question.

Thanks again for your inputs.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

GerryER wrote:

I've noticed that many bridge cameras use the 1/2.33 sensor but have seen resolutions from 10Mp to 20Mp and was wondering if the noise level will be greater on the higher pixel-count cameras. Just for argument sake, assume the same manufacturer makes the different pixel count cameras with the same optics (valid assumption??)

There is no question the noise will be higher as the pixel density increases, nothing old-school about it. However, when making a comparison, you'll need to consider cameras in the same generation. Today's 24 mp crop frame camera is less noisy than the old 6 mp crop camera from 2006. Sensor technology, better electronics generally have a major impact. The best way to evaluate this is by comparing raw files. Noise reduction will reduce noise, but often at the expense of fine detail and texture. If the camera does not offer raw file recording, then I would zero out all of the picture controls, including sharpening and noise reduction, and shoot using fine or extra fine quality setting, so you will retain as much image information as possible. The downside is that the files will be bigger.

Ollieboy

GerryER wrote:

Thank you for your responses. I haven't seen a bridge camera that has a sensor other than the 1/2.33, so was wondering if getting a lower pixel count, say 16 Mp, would actually be better than a 20 Mp unit, or perhaps a 12 Mp, and still be good enough for 8x10 prints, maybe 11x14. If there are bridge cameras with larger sensors, I will have to explore that avenue.

What about Sony's RX10 series and Panasonic Lumix with 1 inch sensors.

GerryER Loc: Virginia USA

It seems that all of the larger-sensor bridge cameras top out in the 26X zoom area. Any with greater power seem to utilize the 1/2.33 sensor. Also finding that many of the bridge cameras that I have looked at do not record in RAW. (My older Z981 does record in RAW.) I would like to get to the 40X to 50X arena with RAW as well.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

GerryER wrote:

It seems that all of the larger-sensor bridge cameras top out in the 26X zoom area. Any with greater power seem to utilize the 1/2.33 sensor. Also finding that many of the bridge cameras that I have looked at do not record in RAW. (My older Z981 does record in RAW.) I would like to get to the 40X to 50X arena with RAW as well.

The quality of the image at 40X to 50X is questionable at best, not to mention you will find it easier to herd cats than to hold that camera steady. And, believe it or not, the tripod you'll need to hold it steady is no different than what you'd need for a Nikon D6 + 800mm F5.6 - because it's the focal lenght/magnification that matters, not the weight of the gear.

Canon has the SX70 bridge with a 1/2.33" sensor and a 65X zoom for $550.

https://www.cameralabs.com/canon-powershot-sx70-hs-review/ - and this compares it to the Nikon Coolpix B600. If you are ok with this image quality then save the money you'd have to spend to get a Sony RX10M4. If you want the best in class for a bridge camera, then get the Sony.