Dynamic range question

[-Sandro-]

Hello,
I was looking through the test at DXOMARK. Can someone explain me why every Canon's cameras have lower dynamic range compared to their respective range competitors?
I thought that it has to do with the bigger sensor size in APS-C format (10% smaller) but even the 5d mk2 with full frame format gets beaten by the entry level sonys!

Does it have to do with the image processor found in the canons which is like 3 years old and they keep doing cameras with that processor? even worse, the Pentax k-5 (aps-c) beats the full frame 5d in both overall score and dynamic range!


OF: Does it make any difference for APS camera the size difference, that Canon has a smaller sensor?

 

[deltoidjohn]

Canon has more pixels than most of it's competitors on APS-C cameras. The 7D, 60D and 550D pack 18mp into a slightly smaller space than Nikon's D90 and Pentax's K-X (both 12mp). The Newer models from those companies, the D7000 & K5, have 16mp but also keep in mind they are using sensors 2 years newer than the one used in the Canon line - so they have managed to improve DR and increase pixel count at the same time.

Dynamic range has a lot to do with pixel size - take a look at Nikons 12mp full frame D3 to see what effect bigger pixel sizes and lower pixel desity can have on a camera.