Camera quality (pixel content)

[kwaping]

I'm wondering about those "large" pixels... I have a degree in photography, which I got back when we were still using film (!!). I see a lot of parallels with this larger-pixel sensor and high-ISO film. High-ISO film also takes better pictures in low light, BUT the trade-off is that the grains in the film are larger and more visible. So my concern is that these larger pixels will have the same trade-off, with more visible "grain" in the images.

Am I worried about nothing, or do you think this is valid?

 

[mogelijk]

I'll admit, I have some of the same weaknesses as you do. The easy answer is that you don't have a concern. The "grain" you are worried about is tied in with the pixel count -- as the camera is a 12 MP, it isn't going to be an issue.

If I understand it correctly, and if I don't hopefully someone here can correct me, is the large-pixel sensor is more comparable to the size of film being used. The smaller pixel-count cameras would be similar to maybe a 35mm film, that is putting all the detail on a relatively small piece of film. The camera in the new Nexus could be considered more of a medium-format film, say a 70mm or 140mm film. Then the high end digital cameras would have sensors equivalent to a large-format film.

I suppose another way to look at it would be that it is to think of it somewhat like the touchscreen -- which has two similar numbers. For example, the Nexus 5 has a 5.2" screen (which would be compared to the large-pixel sensor) and then the 1920x 1080 resolution would be comparable to the megapixel count; while the 6P which has the 5.7" screen but a 2560x1440 resolution.

 

[kwaping]

Okay, so if the sensor itself is larger to accommodate the larger pixels, then that makes sense. Do we have any solid information about the size of the sensor? A good lens would help a lot too, and I think the 6P has one.

 

[Rxpert83]

I don't have a degree in photography. You may find this helpful, or you may have already seen it.

All we seem to know right now spec wise is:
12.3MP
1.55 micron pixels
ƒ/2.0 lens
Laser autofocus
Up to 240 fps slow motion video
30fps "smart burst"