Canon makes DSLR sensors in three sizes and this would be the obscure, middle size for which there is no competition. Considering that it has a 3:2 aspect ratio and such a ratio is only used in 35mm format photography, I think their intended use is clear. 3.3 micron pitch is not out of the question for a DSLR and I'd certainly expect Canon to build some prototypes like this. Why they didn't do the smaller sensor size is an interesting question.
Prototype development doesn't need the pro body for testing. The only reasons to make the large sensor is to work out fab issues and to integrate development into a product. 50MP in a 1D camera does not make sense any time soon and a 3:2 format doesn't make any sense in industrial applications. Perhaps a big sensor doesn't really cost more than a small one in prototype quantities so they just made the size that their internal development equipment was already designed for.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
craig @ Jun 4th 2007 11:59AM
Canon makes DSLR sensors in three sizes and this would be the obscure, middle size for which there is no competition. Considering that it has a 3:2 aspect ratio and such a ratio is only used in 35mm format photography, I think their intended use is clear. 3.3 micron pitch is not out of the question for a DSLR and I'd certainly expect Canon to build some prototypes like this. Why they didn't do the smaller sensor size is an interesting question.
Ray @ Jun 5th 2007 11:21PM
And the answer to that question is noise.
Leoedin @ Jun 4th 2007 1:00PM
because canon use the smaller one in their cheaper cameras.
This sensor, or the children of it, will appear in a 1D model, not a xxD or an xxxD model with the smaller sensor.
craig @ Jun 4th 2007 1:10PM
Prototype development doesn't need the pro body for testing. The only reasons to make the large sensor is to work out fab issues and to integrate development into a product. 50MP in a 1D camera does not make sense any time soon and a 3:2 format doesn't make any sense in industrial applications. Perhaps a big sensor doesn't really cost more than a small one in prototype quantities so they just made the size that their internal development equipment was already designed for.
craig @ Jun 5th 2007 11:45PM
Huh? What does sensor size have to do with noise? 3.3um pixels are the same regardless of how many you make.