Camera Sensor Size Guide
CMOS Sensor Size Chart and engineering reference for understanding image sensor format types. This guide explains the vidicon tube heritage behind sensor format nomenclature and provides reference data for proper lens selection.
How Does CMOS Sensor Size Impact Camera Performance?
The sensor format size of a digital camera determines its fundamental performance characteristics. Low-light sensitivity, dynamic range, physical dimensions, cost, and lens requirements are related to sensor format size. Each application and camera project demands weighing tradeoffs.
If the pixel architecture is the same, larger pixels collect more light thus improving low light performance. However, larger sensors require larger lenses or fundamentally different optical layouts with higher non-linear chief ray angle. M12 lenses serve sensors up to approximately 1/1.6" format, while C-mount lenses address larger format sensors that have global pixel architectures.
Why Are Digital Camera Sensor Format Types So Confusing?
The format type classification system originates from video camera tubes manufactured before CCD and CMOS sensors. These vidicon tubes had opaque regions outside the active cathode area due to mechanical structures holding the tube and electrodes.
The imaging area was significantly smaller than the tube's outer diameter. When solid-state CCD sensors replaced tubes, manufacturers maintained the existing format naming convention to preserve compatibility with established lens systems. The result: modern sensor format designations describe the equivalent vidicon tube diameter that would produce the same image circle—not the sensor's actual dimensions.
Key Insight
The "inch" in sensor format types is not a measurement unit. A "1/2.8 inch" sensor does not measure 1/2.8 inches in any dimension. The format designation indicates compatibility with a historical vidicon tube standard.
What Is the Mathematical Relationship Between Format Type and Actual Sensor Size?
We've done our best to derive a "modern-day" equation that defines image sensor format type more precisely. We used commonly agreed upon datapoints of 1" = 16.0mm, 1/2" = 8.0mm, 1/3" = 6.0mm, 1/4" = 4.5mm and backed out a fitting equation, then cross-referenced as many other articles as possible. Unfortunately, the formula for the digital image sensor type has a discontinuity occurring between the 1/2" image sensor and 1/2.3" image sensor format size.
Engineering Note
Never calculate field of view using format type alone. Manufacturers may deviate from convention, and aspect ratios vary. Use actual pixel count and pixel pitch from the datasheet for accurate optical calculations.
Sensor Format Reference Table
The following table lists common CMOS sensor formats with their approximate dimensions. Most sensors conform approximately to these values.
Click to download the complete Sensor Format Look Up Table (PDF).
Download the Sensor Format Reference Chart
Printable PDF lookup table with all sensor format types, dimensions, and aspect ratios.
Download PDF Chart →| 포맷 유형 | Diagonal (mm) | Width × Height (4:3) | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 4.5 | 3.6 × 2.7 | Low-cost surveillance, webcams |
| 1/3" | 6.0 | 4.8 × 3.6 | Security cameras, drones |
| 1/2.8" | 6.4 | 5.1 × 3.8 | IP cameras, machine vision |
| 1/2.7" | 6.7 | 5.4 × 4.0 | Automotive ADAS, robotics |
| 1/2.3" | 7.7 | 6.2 × 4.6 | Action cameras, drones |
| 1/2" | 8.0 | 6.4 × 4.8 | Compact cameras, drones |
| 1/1.8" | 8.9 | 7.1 × 5.3 | Surveillance, robotics |
| 1/1.7" | 9.4 | 7.5 × 5.6 | Embedded vision, Video-conferencing |
| 2/3" | 11.0 | 8.8 × 6.6 | Global shutter machine vision |
| 1" | 16.0 | 12.8 × 9.6 | Global shutter machine vision |
| 1.2" | 20.0 | 16.0 × 12.0 | High-end mirrorless |
| 4/3" | 21.6 | 17.3 × 13.0 | Micro Four Thirds cameras |
| APS-C | 28.2 | 23.6 × 15.6 | DSLR, cinema cameras |
| 풀 프레임 | 43.3 | 36.0 × 24.0 | Cinema, professional video |
35mm Equivalent Focal Length Calculator
Convert between actual focal length and 35mm equivalent for different sensor formats.
35mm Equivalent Result
Sensor Format Classification Calculator
Enter your sensor's actual dimensions to determine its format classification.
Sensor Classification
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How Do I Match a Lens to My Sensor Format?
The lens image circle must equal or exceed the sensor diagonal, unless you can accept distortion or are working with a fisheye lens. A lens rated for 1/2" format covers sensors up to 8mm diagonal. Using a lens on a larger sensor causes vignetting (dark corners). Using a lens on a smaller sensor wastes optical performance but does not cause image degradation.
For embedded vision applications with sensors up to 1/1.8" format (8.9mm diagonal), M12 mount lenses provide compact, cost-effective solutions. For larger sensors or applications requiring superior optical performance, C-mount lenses offer industrial-grade quality with adjustable aperture and focus.
Lens Selection Rule
Always select a lens rated for your sensor format or larger, unless working with fisheye lenses or cropping after capture. A lens rated for 2/3" format works on 1/2", 1/3", and 1/4" sensors. The reverse is not true—a 1/3" lens on a 1/2" sensor will vignette.
What Sensor Format Should I Choose for My Application?
Sensor format selection depends on resolution requirements, light sensitivity needs, physical space constraints, and budget. Consider these guidelines:
- Mobile Robotics (1/4" to 1/1.7"): Compact sensors pair well with lightweight M12 lenses for robotics. Prioritize wide field of view for navigation.
- Automotive Vision (1/2.8" to 1/1.7"): Balance between compact packaging and low-light performance. Automotive M12 lenses offer ruggedized designs.
- Machine Vision (1/1.7" to 1"): Larger formats enable higher resolution and global shutter. Global shutter sensors in 2/3" and 1" formats pair with C-mount lenses for precision applications.
- Surveillance (1/3" to 1/2"): Cost-effective formats with proven lens availability. Surveillance lenses optimize for day/night operation.
자주 묻는 질문
Why doesn't a 1/2.8 inch sensor measure 1/2.8 inches?
The inch designation originates from 1950s vidicon television camera tubes. The format name referred to the outer glass tube diameter, not the active imaging area. The active cathode area was only about two-thirds of the tube diameter due to mechanical mounting structures.
When solid-state sensors replaced tubes, manufacturers retained the naming convention for backward compatibility with existing lens systems. A "1/2.8 inch" sensor has approximately 6.4mm diagonal—nowhere close to 0.357 inches (9.07mm).
How do I calculate field of view from sensor format?
Do not use format type directly for field of view calculations. The format designation is an approximation that varies between manufacturers. Instead, use the actual sensor dimensions from the datasheet.
Field of View = 2 × arctan(sensor_dimension / (2 × focal_length)). Use our Field of View Calculator with actual sensor width or height in millimeters for accurate results.
What happens if I use a lens rated for a smaller sensor format?
The lens image circle will not cover the entire sensor, causing vignetting (dark corners). The severity depends on the format mismatch. A 1/3" lens on a 1/2" sensor may show significant corner darkening. A 1/2" lens on a 2/3" sensor will have severe vignetting.
Always select a lens rated for your sensor format or larger. You can use a 2/3" lens on a 1/3" sensor without issues—you simply use the central portion of the lens's image circle.
How do I calculate the required focal length for my application?
The governing relationship:
Focal Length = (Working Distance × Sensor Width) / Scene Width.
Example: imaging a 2-meter wide scene from 3 meters with a 1/2.8" sensor (4.8mm width) requires 3000mm × 4.8mm / 2000mm = 7.2mm focal length. Use our EFL Calculator for precise calculations.
Can Commonlands assemble complete camera modules?
Yes. Commonlands provides camera module assembly services including optical design, sensor integration (Sony, OmniVision, OnSemi), lens holder selection, and complete module assembly with focusing and thread locking.
We support volumes from 100 to 100,000+ units annually. Contact our engineering team with your specifications.
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