Sensor format

1/2.3" sensor

The classic superzoom, action-cam and drone sensor. Makes 24–2000 mm equivalent zooms possible in a small body but limits low-light quality.

6.17×4.55 mm
Dimensions
5.64×
Crop factor
28 mm²
Area (3% of FF)
-4.9
Stops of light vs full frame
4:3
Aspect ratio
5.3 µm
Circle of confusion

About 1/2.3" sensor#

The classic superzoom, action-cam and drone sensor. Makes 24–2000 mm equivalent zooms possible in a small body but limits low-light quality.

Typical cameras: Nikon P1000, GoPro HERO, DJI Mini, Panasonic ZS series.

Compared to other formats#

1" (one-inch) sensor1/2.3" sensor

Lens needed for the same framing#

Full-frame focal lengthEquivalent on 1/2.3" sensorHorizontal angle
14 mm2.5 mm102.4°
24 mm4.3 mm71.9°
35 mm6.2 mm52.9°
50 mm8.9 mm38.4°
85 mm15.1 mm23.2°
135 mm23.9 mm14.7°
200 mm35.4 mm10.0°

Equivalent aperture for depth of field#

On 1/2.3" sensorFull-frame equivalent
f/1.4f/7.9
f/2f/11.3
f/2.8f/15.8
f/4f/22.6
f/5.6f/31.6
f/8f/45.2

Frequently asked questions#

What is the crop factor of 1/2.3" sensor?

5.64× (diagonal 7.7 mm vs 43.3 mm for full frame).

How big is a 1/2.3" sensor sensor?

6.17 × 4.55 mm, an area of 28 mm².

Is 1/2.3" sensor good in low light?

At the same exposure it gathers 4.9 stops less total light than full frame, so expect roughly that much more visible noise at equal print size. Modern processing narrows but doesn't erase the gap.

Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources

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