An Introduction to Film Digicam Sensor Dimension

Welcome to The Queue — your each day distraction of curated video content material sourced from throughout the net. Immediately, we’re watching a video essay that appears on the variations between gentle sensor sizes.

First issues first, I wish to guarantee these of you who discover all this technical stuff a bit daunting: at the moment’s video essay remains to be for you! A part of what makes video essays so enjoyable is that they make it simpler for people to strategy inaccessible matters. In my view, I’m a visible learner. And seeing graphs and side-by-sides in movement makes a world of distinction.

So with that out of the way in which, let’s cowl just a few fast introductory factors earlier than launching into at the moment’s essay:

What does a digicam’s “sensor” do?

Sensors (to not be confused with gentle sensors) are often known as the movie aircraft, a sensor aircraft indicator, or a focal aircraft indicator. The time period refers back to the floor of the digicam the place the lens creates a centered picture. Focal distance will not be measured from the entrance of the lens or the again of the lens however from the floor of the digicam sensor. All this to say: if you wish to precisely measure the focal distance of your lens, you have to know the place to take that measurement from (a.okay.a. the movie aircraft/sensor).

To sum up: cinematographers use movie aircraft indicators to grasp the precise focal size between the digicam sensor and the topic. It’s an vital instrument in ensuring every thing appears proper.

Why are there totally different sizes of sensors?

As a result of there are totally different movement image codecs, from smartphones to tremendous 16mm to IMAX. Totally different codecs have totally different focal necessities.

How do totally different sensor sizes have an effect on the filmmaking course of? The visible look of a movie?

Effectively, I assume you’ll have to look at the video essay beneath to search out out… 🙂

Watch “Does Sensor Dimension Matter?”:

Who made this?

This video essay on how sensor measurement comes into play in film making is by In Depth Cine, a YouTube account devoted to offering its viewers with sensible rundowns and explainers on a number of the extra technical facets of movie-making. Grey Kotzé, a documentary DP primarily based in South Africa, is the person behind the channel. You’ll be able to try Kotzé’s portfolio on their web site right here. And you’ll try In Depth Cine on YouTube right here.

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Meg Shields is the standard farm boy of your desires and a senior contributor at Movie College Rejects. She presently runs three columns at FSR: The Queue, How’d They Do That?, and Horrorscope. She can also be a curator for One Excellent Shot and a contract author for rent. Meg will be discovered screaming about John Boorman’s ‘Excalibur’ on Twitter right here: @TheWorstNun. (She/Her).