APS-H (Advanced Photo System type-H) refers to a size of image sensor that was used in some digital cameras, particularly in the early 2000s. The APS-H sensor size is larger than the APS-C sensor size but smaller than a full-frame sensor. APS-H sensors were mainly associated with a few high-end digital cameras, and their use has become less common in recent years.
Key features of APS-H sensors:
- Size:
- APS-H sensors have dimensions that are approximately 28.7 x 19.1 millimeters. This sensor size falls between the smaller APS-C sensor and the larger full-frame sensor. APS-H sensors were designed to provide a compromise between the advantages of APS-C and full-frame sensors.
- Crop Factor:
- APS-H sensors have a crop factor that falls between the crop factor of APS-C and full-frame sensors. The crop factor is typically around 1.3x to 1.6x, depending on the specific dimensions of the sensor. This means that lenses used on APS-H cameras will have an effective focal length that is longer than their labeled focal length.
- Effective Focal Length:
- Similar to APS-C sensors, APS-H sensors result in an effective focal length that is longer than the labeled focal length of the lens. This can be advantageous in situations where additional telephoto reach is desired.
- Camera Size and Weight:
- Cameras with APS-H sensors are generally larger and heavier than APS-C cameras but smaller and lighter than full-frame cameras. The size and weight of APS-H cameras can vary depending on the specific camera model and features.
- Cost:
- Cameras with APS-H sensors are typically positioned in the high-end or professional segment, and they often come with a higher price tag compared to APS-C cameras. However, they are generally more affordable than full-frame cameras.
- Low-Light Performance:
- APS-H sensors, due to their larger size compared to APS-C sensors, can potentially offer better low-light performance and improved signal-to-noise ratio. This can result in cleaner images in challenging lighting conditions.
- Dynamic Range:
- The larger sensor size of APS-H sensors can contribute to a good dynamic range, allowing for the capture of a wide range of tonal values in a scene.
- Notable Use:
- Canon was one of the notable manufacturers that utilized APS-H sensors in some of its high-end digital cameras. For example, the Canon EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1D Mark IV featured APS-H sensors.
- Current Usage:
- The use of APS-H sensors has become less common in recent years, and many manufacturers have shifted their focus to APS-C and full-frame sensors. Modern high-end and professional cameras often use full-frame sensors for superior image quality.
While APS-H sensors had a presence in the digital camera market for a period, the trend has shifted toward the use of full-frame sensors in professional and high-end camera systems. Advances in sensor technology have also contributed to improved performance in smaller sensor sizes, making APS-C and Micro Four Thirds sensors more prevalent in various camera models.