DXformat

DXformat refers to a specific film or sensor size used in cameras. It was originally established by Kodak for 35mm film cartridges and was later adopted by many camera manufacturers. The DX designation typically indicates that the film cartridge or the sensor within the camera is designed to be a specific size, usually smaller than traditional full-frame 35mm.

For film, DX-coded 35mm film cartridges featured a pattern of metallic contacts on the cartridge. These contacts allowed the camera to automatically read the film's ISO (film speed) and the number of exposures, enabling automatic exposure control and film advance. This simplified camera operation, particularly for amateur photographers.

In digital cameras, the DX format refers to a sensor size that is smaller than a full-frame sensor. These sensors are often found in entry-level to mid-range DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. While the exact dimensions can vary slightly between manufacturers, a DX-format sensor is generally considered to be an APS-C size. Cameras with DX-format sensors often have a "crop factor," meaning that the field of view captured by a lens is narrower compared to the same lens used on a full-frame camera. This can be an advantage for telephoto photography, effectively increasing the reach of lenses. Conversely, it can make it harder to achieve wide-angle shots.