Full Frame Versus Cropped Digital SLR Cameras

Large Image Sensor DSLRs (Canon, Nikon, Sony) aren't Always Better

Dec 20, 2008

While full frame DSLRs (Nikon FX, Canon EF) have better image quality; the smaller, lighter and cheaper cropped sensor DSLRs (APS-C size: Nikon DX, Canon EF-S) can be more practical.

Megapixels and Enlarged Photos

Some full frame DSLRs make use of the larger image sensor to increase the megapixel count.

However, photos up to 8 by 12 inches, or even larger, will look the same (using 300 DPI criteria) if taken with current 10 or 12 megapixel cropped DSLRs.

Available Light Photography

Other full frame DSLRs emphasize low-light capability (low noise at high ISO sensitivities) instead of image resolution.

A more modest 12 megapixels on the Nikon D3 and D700 give them the ability to produce acceptable images at ISO 6400, noticeably better than the 20-megapixel-plus full frame DSLRs.

This high ISO capability enables photos to be taken without flash even in dim light.

Telephoto Lenses and Wildlife Photography

Photographers with extreme telephoto requirements - nature, wildlife, sports - are better off with cropped DSLRs. The smaller image sensors magnify the apparent focal length of lenses, making it easier to zoom in to distant subjects.

A 200mm lens on a 1.5x crop DSLR will perform like a 300mm lens on a full frame. Not only is a 200mm lens cheaper, it is also lighter.

The 2x crop of the smaller "four thirds" format cameras (Olympus, Samsung, Panasonic) are even better for this, compared to the 1.5x and 1.6x Pentax, Canon, Nikon and Sony cameras.

Camera Weight

Weight is an issue for leisure, vacation and backpacking use. Not only are the full frame cameras heavier, so are their lenses.

A more modest cropped sensor DSLR, that is light enough to be actually carried, will be better than a heavy full frame that is left at home.

Backup Camera

Weight and cost become more serious issues when a backup camera is considered. For professionals who cannot afford to tell clients "Sorry, I can't photograph your wedding today because my camera is broken", a backup camera is a must.

The cost and weight of two full frame cameras then needs to be considered. A mix of full frame as main camera and cropped as backup is possible, but potentially confusing and playing havoc with lens selections.

Photography with Two Cameras

Using two cropped DSLRs (one as backup) opens up the possibility of using two prime lenses at the same time, instead of one zoom:

The above combination will offer roughly the same focal length coverage as a 28-85mm f2.8 full frame system, with the same or better image quality in low light (because the prime lenses are brighter than the zoom, lower ISO can be used).

Full Frame Cameras aren't Always Better

Just as with other products such as cars, bigger isn't always better. A small car uses less fuel and is easier to park.

Photographers considering a full frame DSLR should carefully think about their requirements and the practicalities of expected usage. They should not be blinded by the image quality of full frame cameras and ignore all other factors.

The money saved on a cropped DSLR can be spent on better lenses or a second camera instead.

Resources

The copyright of the article Full Frame Versus Cropped Digital SLR Cameras in Digital Photography is owned by Yuen Kit Mun. Permission to republish Full Frame Versus Cropped Digital SLR Cameras in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Dec 28, 2008 2:51 PM

Guest :

Besides the advantages mentioned here, full frame cameras have another that is seldom mentioned: they allow you to use better lenses more often. Simply put, the best image quality can be gotten from prime lenses in the 50-100mm range. Even non L-series Canon lenses in this range (50/1.4, 85/1.8, 100/2.0, 100/2.8) can outperform L-zooms that cost MUCH more. But if you are shooting with a crop sensor, these lenses tend to be too long for most purposes. This forces you to go with wider lenses that have neither the quality nor the speed of these lenses most of the time. But even when you go below this focal length range with full frame, you will always have the advantage of being able to use a longer and, therefore, better quality lens (the 35/2.0 will generally give a better image than the 20/2.8) than you would with APS-C.