Panasonic discusses GX1 and APS-C in mirrorless cameras

[cannedpineapples]

According to Panasonic consultant Michiharu Uematsu, "Concerning low light function over high sensitivity. Of course a bigger sensor is better, however we have to be concerned not just [about] low light or high sensitivity. Picture quality should be considered in tandem with optical quality. Of course Sony’s APS-C sensor is bigger, but a big sensor with a small flange-back makes not such a good situation for the corners of an image. Sometimes the resolution there is much lower than at the centre of an image. But we believe our Micro Four Thirds is a very good balance between optical and also sensor performance."

Can someone explain what he means by 'big sensor with small flange-back makes not such a good situation for the corners of an image'?

Full interview here (the quote above is from the third page of the interview, there is also lots of good stuff about the GX1 there)

 

[rasdeep]

According to Panasonic consultant Michiharu Uematsu, "Concerning low light function over high sensitivity. Of course a bigger sensor is better, however we have to be concerned not just [about] low light or high sensitivity. Picture quality should be considered in tandem with optical quality. Of course Sony’s APS-C sensor is bigger, but a big sensor with a small flange-back makes not such a good situation for the corners of an image. Sometimes the resolution there is much lower than at the centre of an image. But we believe our Micro Four Thirds is a very good balance between optical and also sensor performance."

Can someone explain what he means by 'big sensor with small flange-back makes not such a good situation for the corners of an image'?

Full interview here (the quote above is from the third page of the interview, there is also lots of good stuff about the GX1 there)

Perhaps he meant for lens to be smaller, it will have a smaller body and smaller exit lens element where there is higher light fallout compared to the larger lens with bigger rear lens element hence lesser light fallout at the corners?

This problem is apparent on Nex-7 especially with legacy WA lenses and immediate color shifts can be seen from corners. Nex-5N doesnt present this problem hence I'm wondering if that is due to missing micro-lenses on the 7 as compared to the 5N

 

[ayuready]

probably given the sensor size and registration distance, the image circle cannot sufficiently cover the entire sensor at a consistent rate. With the corners achieving worse results.

With a longer registration distance or with a smaller sensor, the image circle may be able to achieve better coverage of the sensor. certeris paribus

 

[NazgulKing]

Well, in general, wide angle lenses follow the retrofocus design to ensure a flatter image wavefront. The older lenses tended to use the symmetric design (often Gaussian) which resulted in the rear element approaching the sensor which introduces problems. But retrofocus designs tend to be large and that is a problem for APS-C sensors and their larger image circles. Sony's lenses, especially on the wide angle front, will be large (which is why the 24/f1.7 Zeiss is so big). Compare that against the 7-14mm Panasonic design, which is by and far the most compact super wide angle zoom+camera combo around.

 

[paisatge]

What about the CV Heliar 12mm on a Leica M9 full frame sensor?