Most consumer ILCs use image sensors that are smaller than a 35mm film frame (though they are still much larger than those of pocket cameras and phones). It can be confusing to talk about a camera's field of view because the industry expresses focal lengths for compacts in terms of 35mm equivalency. The standard APS-C sensor, for instance, features a "crop factor" of between 1.5x and 1.6x. This means that a starter lens, such as the 16-50mm Sony bundles with many of its crop-sensor cameras, covers the same angle of view as a 24-75mm lens for a full-frame model. Micro Four Thirds, which has a 2x crop factor, is another popular mirrorless format. These are available from OM System (the new name for Olympus) and Panasonic. Kit lenses for these systems typically cover 14-42mm (28-84mm equivalent). Micro Four Thirds is the oldest mirrorless system, so there are plenty of lenses to choose. And, even though the format is smaller than APS-C, it is significantly larger than sensors on a smartphone or point-and-shoot. Larger sensors have inherent advantages. They allow you to better control the depth of field in images, which makes it possible to isolate your subject and create a blurred background, or a Japanese term called bokeh. Tons of information exists about the bokeh quality of different lenses, but, in general, lenses that capture more light (measured numerically as its aperture, or f-number) create blurrier backgrounds. For example, a lens with a maximum aperture of F1.4 lets in eight times as much light as an F4 lens, and can create a shallower depth of field at an equivalent focal length and shooting distance. Another reason to go for the big sensor is to minimize image noise. A 24MP APS-C sensor has much larger pixels than a point-and-shoot of comparable resolution. These larger pixels allow you to set the sensor at a higher sensitivity, measured numerically as ISO, without creating as much image noise. An advantage to the larger surface area is that changes in color or brightness are more gradual than that of a point-and-shoot. This allows more natural-looking images with a greater sense of depth, as well as more dynamic range, so you can capture details in shadows and highlights that other cameras miss. Some cameras feature sensors that are equal in size to 35mm film. These full-frame cameras are generally more expensive than their APS-C counterparts, but you can get started with an entry-level kit for around $1,500. If you see yourself moving up to full frame in the future, be careful about buying lenses. Some are designed for APS-C sensors and either won't work at all with a full-frame body or only at a lower resolution.