A question I admit I should know the answer.

[lumix]

Re: A question I admit I should know the answer.

There is a digital sensor element to diffraction softness as well, but that's for another discussion.

But with large format cameras you will need much longer focal length lenses for the equivalent field of view, so larger diameter irises for the same aperture (and brightness) value and so diffraction softness will only be an issue at comparatively smaller apertures.

Ian

Many compact cameras, with tiny sensors, are limited to f8 as the smallest aperture for the reasons Ian has stated above. The physical diameter of f11 or f16 would be so small that diffraction would render the image unusable. Fascinating stuff all this lens technology. Glad you raised this question Patrick. It's been an interesting read.