Crop Sensor vs. Full Frame: What's the Difference?

Full frame and crop sensor cameras have been a reason for controversy among photographers for a long time. It can be hard to choose a right sensor size in today’s market when there are so many different options available.

The full frame camera develops the best pictures as compared to the cropped ones and this article will explain the main advantages and disadvantages and will highlight the differences between the full frame sensor vs crop sensor in the photographs.

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Full Frame and Crop Sensor Explained

To avoid confusion with what exactly are the distinctions between them we should first explain what crop sensor and full frame actually mean.

What is a Full Frame Camera?

A full frame camera has a sensor that is as large as 35mm film which is about 36mm x 24mm. This is unlike smaller sensors which holds less information or light. Full frame cameras feature a wider field of view, have a higher noise capacity at higher ISO values and they produce a better dynamic range.

What is a Crop Sensor Camera?

A crop sensor camera has smaller imaging area of the sensor than a full frame. For example cameras made for APS-C sensor size have sensors that are approximately 24mm x 16mm. This means that these smaller sensors produce a cropped field of view in relation to the total field of view relative to full frame cameras. This explains why the name ‘crop sensor’ has been used to describe this sensor.

Crop Sensor vs. Full Frame: Key Differences

The most significant difference between full frame and crop sensor cameras is the physical size of the sensor: full frame sensors are 36mm wide while crop sensors are smaller, around 24mm wide. Both sensor sizes have their benefits and there are some other important ways that full frame and crop sensors differ:

Sensor Size

As mentioned above, full frame sensors are 36mm wide while crop sensors are smaller, around 24mm wide for APS-C size sensors. The larger surface area allows full frame cameras to capture more light.

Field of View

Due to the smaller sensor size, crop sensor cameras have a narrower field of view compared to full frame. This cropped view makes it look like the lens has a longer focal length. For example, a 50mm lens on a full frame camera has a field of view of around 46 degrees. Put that same 50mm lens on a crop sensor body, and the field of view becomes more like 30 degrees.

ISO Performance

In general, full frame sensors have better ISO performance and can capture cleaner images at higher ISOs with less noise. This has to do with the larger "pixel buckets" on full frame sensors that can gather more light. Better ISO capabilities give full frame an advantage for low light photography.

Depth of Field

The differences in sensor size also impacts depth of field. For equivalent field of views, a full frame camera will have shallower depth of field compared to crop sensor. This allows more background blur and subject isolation with full frame.

Cost and Price

One major consideration between crop and full frame is cost. Full frame camera bodies and lenses tend to be more expensive since they require larger glass elements and materials to produce. Expect to pay around $1000+ more for an entry level full frame versus a comparable crop sensor model.

Camera Size

The increased sensor size means full frame camera bodies have larger physical dimensions. They can be heavier too. However, crop sensor cameras have come a long way in performance while maintaining smaller form factors. Consider how much size and weight matters for your needs.

Resolution and Detail

Today's crop sensor cameras offer impressive resolutions that meet or exceed full frame models. However, the larger sensor size of full frame can still provide advantages for resolution and capturing fine details, especially when coupled with high megapixel counts.

Full Frame Sensor vs. Crop Sensor: Comparison Table

Here is a quick comparison of full frame versus crop sensor attributes. While crop sensors have come a long way in performance, full frame still has advantages with its larger surface area.

Full Frame vs. Crop Sensor Camera: Pros & Cons

Now, let's explore the specific benefits and drawbacks of full frame vs crop sensor images.

Full Frame Sensor: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Wider field of view
• Better low light performance
• Shallower depth of field for more background blur
• High resolution potential

Cons:

• More expensive (cameras and lenses)
• Larger and heavier gear
• Not as much "reach" for wildlife

Crop Sensor: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Less expensive
• Smaller and lighter camera bodies
• More "reach" for shooting wildlife
• Many good, affordable lens options

Cons:

• Narrower field of view
• Not as good in low light
• Less background blur from deeper depth of field
• Still good but lower resolution potential

Which Sensor Size is Right for You, Crop or Full Frame?

With the key differences covered, which camera sensor size is best for your needs? Here are some things to consider:

Go with full frame if you want the absolute best in image quality, have a bigger budget, shoot in low light often, or want lots of background blur in portraits. Landscape and architectural photographers also gravitate towards full frame.

Go with crop sensor if you want something smaller and lighter, don't want to spend thousands more for gear, shoot wildlife or sports often and need the extra "reach," or are just starting photography and want room to grow skills before upgrading.

It also depends which lenses you plan to use. The good news is both sensor sizes have fantastic cameras and lenses available. Think about your budget, photography interests, and gear considerations as you choose between crop vs full frame.

Bonus Tips: How to Take Best Pictures with Your Camera

To maximize image quality from your camera, keep these tips in mind:

• Invest in full-frame camera if budget is enough. While not essential for all photographers, full frame provides advantages in IQ.
• Pay attention to lighting conditions. Proper lighting makes a huge impact on exposure and color rendering.
• Use manual mode when conditions permit to take control over shutter speed and aperture.
• Use RAW format for higher quality images with more flexibility in post-processing.

Following photography fundamentals like understanding light, composition, and getting familiar with your gear's manual controls will all help boost your photographic abilities.

FAQs

Is full frame better than crop sensor?

In general, full frame cameras provide better image quality and low light performance compared to crop sensor models. However, crop sensor cameras have come a long way and offer great quality in smaller, lighter, and more affordable packages.

Is a crop sensor better for wildlife?

The narrower field of view and extra "reach" can benefit wildlife photographers. You'll get closer-looking photos making it easier to fill the frame with small, distant animals.

Do I really need a full-frame sensor?

You can take fantastic photos with both crop and full frame cameras. Full frame excels for field of view, low light, resolution, and blurry backgrounds. But for many photographers, crop sensor is more than enough. Consider your budget and what you like to shoot before deciding.

Conclusion

Full frame and crop sensor cameras both have their merits. Sensor size impacts field of view, low light performance, depth of field, resolution potential, camera size/weight, and price.

Consider your budget, gear needs, and the types of photography you want to focus on as you decide between crop and full frame. With practice and mastery of exposure, you can capture stunning images with either format.