Photography Basics

List of Terms

Cost Factor: Summary

• Full frame sensors are typically more expensive than smaller sensors even if the megapixel capacity is the same. More megapixel capacity is generally more expensive than lower capacity for the same sensor size. Newer technology sensors, when they appear, will, of course, be more expensive than older technology sensors. A CMOS sensor is typically more expensive than a CCD sensor (CCD used in scanner technology) but CCD sensors tend to be smaller sensors so fit into more compact spaces, like in point-and-shoot cameras.
• Stabilization is much more costly than the lack of stabilization, whether in-lense or in-camera stabilization.
• Auto focus is more costly than manual focus.
• Good glass versus a kit lens (what typically comes with a camera in a "package" deal) is way more expensive. Some manufacturers, like Canon, actually produce their lenses in different color schemes indicating the quality of the glass (L-series Canon lenses are good, expensive glass, whereas non-L-series are "cheap" glass.)
• Finally, the manufacturer has a lot to do with the cost of the camera as well and the cost of the lens too. Nikon, Canon, and Sony tend to be the most expensive camera and lens manufacturers despite the growing competition from Fuji and others.Second-party lens producers, primarily Sigma and Tamron, offer significantly cheaper lens purchasing options but they aslo tend to be slower lenses and not quite as sharp focusing as the native lenses for the same brand camera. But, if you are a hobbyist rather than a professional or you don't expect to be doing a lot of full-size imge printing, these second-party manufacturers are worth serious consideration.

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