Size of sensors for cheap single lens digicam's?

<p>I have yet another project that I want to pursue. I've been looking up the cheap-o digital cameras but they are typically lacking in specification like sensor size.</p>

<p>Does anyone happen to know, which cheap camera has the largest sensor? Needs to be the single lens ones with no shutter as I'll be removing the lens entirely. I swear there was a spreadsheet that someone had made awhile back.</p>

<p>Google is your friend http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_sensor_format</p>

<p>For experimental purposes, a high quality webcam is almost sure to have better quality sensors than fixed lens cameras. They are also made to be computer controlled so parameters can be externally adjusted. </p>

<p>Most of them have sensor size in their specs. Search google like</p>

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<p>Powershot A2200 specs</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Most commonly is about 1/2.3 in</p>

<p>You can buy a used Canon 300D DSLR for next to nothing and it has a whopping great APS-C sensor. You also don't need to hack it to bits to remove the lens. </p>

<p>Powershot is too expensive. I'm talking under $50 and what I want to do requires that there be no shutter or mirror. Like those cheap Vivitars and Kodaks and what not you see at Walmart for $30-$50.<br>

I thought about the webcam idea and I do have a Logitech C920(?) that actually has a 5MP sensor. That complicates making it standalone but just now, a thought occured to me, to look for one of those small, Windows tablets you can find at Microcenter in the refurb/return bin for under $100. A little overkill but it would work and I can repurpose the tablet after.<br>

Only thing about webcams is how the sensor is mounted. The C920 took some extensive modification, I had to desolder the sensor and then use jumpers to allow for the sensor to be utilized with another lens. The original design was optimized for a small form factor with its AF lens.</p>

<p>inexpensive old µ43 body is a great option for this kind of experiment, too.</p>