All other things being equal, the amount of noise in an image is inversely proportional to the sensor area. The amount of noise in an image is also directly proportional to the ISO setting. This is because: (a) Larger sensors tend to have larger individual receptors. Larger receptors are inherently less noisy and (b) Higher ISO settings are accomplished by amplifying the original signal. Amplification always increases both the desired signal and any noise already present.

Restated using specific examples:

• For any specific camera, the greater the ISO, the greater the noise. Example: the Besonderfanatiker at ISO 800 has more noise than the Besonderfanatiker at ISO 100
• At the same ISO, cameras with smaller sensors tend to have more noise. Example: the Besondermüll at ISO 1600, which has a 1/2.7" sensor, will have more noise than the Besonderfanatiker at ISO 1600, which has a 35mm full frame sensor

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