APS-C

Advanced Photo System type-C (APS-C) is an image sensor format approximately equivalent in size to the Advanced Photo System "classic" size negatives. These negatives were 25.1 × 16.7 mm and had an aspect ratio 3:2.

Sensors meeting these approximate dimensions are used in many digital single-lens reflex cameras, in addition to a few large-sensored live-preview digital cameras (such as the Sony DSC-R1, Sigma DP1 and Leica X1) and a few digital rangefinders (e.g. the Epson R-D1). Such sensors exist in many different variants depending on the manufacturer and camera model. All APS-C variants are considerably smaller than 35 mm standard film which measures 36×24 mm. Sensor sizes range from 20.7×13.8 mm to 28.7×19.1 mm. Each variant results in a slightly different angle of view from lenses at the same focal length and overall a much narrower angle of view compared to 35 mm film.

Advantages and disadvantages

Compared to the full-frame format, APS-C sensors offer some advantages and disadvantages. Currently, digital SLRs using full-frame sensors are mostly used by professional photographers and serious amateurs. This may be because SLRs with APS-C sensors are considerably cheaper than full-frame cameras. They are also lighter and smaller. Apart from these differences, there are two other important factors. The first is image quality. Theoretically,...
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