1 Square Inch Sensor
Is a 1-square-inch sensor a legitimate format?
There has been an evolution in the sensors used in digital cameras, and many sensor sizes are currently used by manufacturers such as Canon, Nikon, and Pentax. The most popular 1/2.3″ CCD or CMOS sensor is still the smallest and used across a wide range of compact cameras. Rise in the demand for performance of digital camera accompanied by the advances in the imaging technology present in smart phones has led the major camera brands to introduce relatively large-sized sensors in the point and shoot cameras.
Back in 2012, Nikon introduced the Coolpix P310, which I admired for its performance and pocket-friendly size. The P series of Coolpix cameras was aimed at photography enthusiasts, offering more control and manual settings. These manual controls allow a photographer to be more creative than the default or automatic exposure.
The Canon G7x, along with other PowerShot series cameras, supports a type 1.0 image sensor. Type 1.0 looks like the branding trick made to counter the CX format or Nikon 1 series of mirrorless cameras.
The Pentax Q7, however, was the lightest known interchangeable lens camera with an even smaller 1/1.7-inch sensor, similar to the Nikon P310 mentioned earlier.
The Suitable Mirrorless Camera Options
Is the 1-square-inch sensor a suitable answer for professional needs, or is it just designed to equip mirrorless cameras with something better than the compact ones? Well, surely, the mirrorless cameras have great all-around performance. They are easy to carry and less intimidating for subjects in street photography. Having said that, they still aren’t a replacement for SLR cameras.
Professional-grade SLR cameras offer considerably faster Autofocus tracking, a wide range of lens options, and a weather-sealed design. In general, they benefit from certain applications where a large sensor size renders beautiful bokeh. Although the bokeh rendition is a function of the sensor and lens combined, the cinematic application of such effects also depends on the rigs designed by third-party manufacturers. While looking at a broader picture, an SLR is a part of an overall system that has evolved over a long time.
The Sony Alpha range of mirrorless cameras has surely taken the competition to the next level with its full-frame Alpha 7 cameras, but the same has also been a challenge for its own SLT lineup. Many of us question Nikon for not offering an APS-C-sized sensor in its mirrorless camera lineup, but I have a different view. I think Nikon made a very calculated decision to keep the Nikon 1 series distinct, especially with its 1-inch sensor. This helps the Nikon 1 cameras avoid competing with the entry-level SLR range, keeping their established products and earning them their much-needed bread.
The Future of Mirrorless and 1 square inch sensor
The constant improvement in successors of the Alpha 7 range, along with the new top-of-the-line G Master lens series, means Sony is bound to attract more photographers. The Nikon 1 range has its J series, in the fifth generation, known as the Nikon 1 J5, already on sale, and its V series, in its third generation, known as the Nikon 1 V3. Canon too has plans to introduce successors to the existing PowerShot line, which uses Type 1.0 sensors. As photography is increasingly popularised by high-end smartphones, the desire of many people to own a better camera will fuel demand for the mirrorless segment.
On the other side of the story, the premium camera manufacturers are also experimenting with a newer category of products. Leica has launched the SL (Type 601), another mirrorless professional camera with a full-frame sensor.
The hefty price tag limits it to a specific market only. How much each of these satisfies its respective users depends on their needs and expectations. One thing is guaranteed: more options in the market will surely satisfy the fetish of those looking to improve their gear. For true passionate photographers, the constant drive to create photos remains more important than just camera gear itself.