Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What effect does a larger sensor size typically have on image quality?

1. It reduces detail

2. It increases detail

3. It causes distortion

4. It limits dynamic range

The correct answer is: It increases detail

A larger sensor size typically improves image quality, primarily by increasing detail. This improvement occurs for a few key reasons. Larger sensors can capture more light, which leads to better performance in low-light situations and minimizes noise in images. This results in clearer and sharper images with greater tonal depth. Moreover, a larger sensor allows for larger individual pixels, which can gather more light and therefore retain more information. This added detail becomes particularly evident when viewed at larger sizes or when printed. Additionally, larger sensors often provide a better dynamic range, which means they can capture a wider range of tones from shadows to highlights, contributing further to the perceived image quality. In contrast, smaller sensors might struggle with detail retention, especially in challenging lighting conditions, leading to increased noise and a reduction in overall image quality. Thus, the effect of a larger sensor size directly correlates to enhanced detail and better overall image quality.