
In very simple terms, image sensors (the digital equivalent of the film your father might have used in his camera) consist of millions of light-sensitive spots called photosites which are used to record information about what is seen through the lens. The size of sensor that a camera has ultimately determines how much light it uses to create an image. What does matter is sensor size! Why is camera image sensor size important?
#Full frame sensor full#
We've all seen dodgy images from high megapixel cameras and know that after a point, megapixels don't matter for most people – a 16 MP compact isn't ever going to be as good as a 12 MP Full Frame DSLR. This image might help you visualize.The megapixel myth has treated camera manufacturers well over the years, those ever increasing, and often meaningless, numbers have sold millions of cameras. For the sake of avoiding confusion, let’s stick with the main sensor sizes. Just because you’re using a full frame or APS C camera doesn’t mean you can’t get different effects with prime lenses and zoom lenses.

Focal length changes everything in a picture. APS C Sensor vs Full Frame Best scenarios for full frame and APS Cīy now, you might have caught on that we’ve been referring to the standard issued full frame and APS C formats – but just remember that you can get different effects with different lenses. The only downsides are:ġ) They usually don’t capture photos in as great detail in low-light.Ģ) They struggle to achieve as immersive a bokeh effect.Īnd that’s pretty much it! Hardcore photographers might suggest some other intricate differences, but for the vast majority of users, low-light shortcomings and mediocre bokeh are the only major downsides of APS C. These cameras are built with the same architecture, same designs, and same structure for intended use. It’s not like a first generation Xbox squaring up against a fifth generation PlayStation. And that point is certainly valid: APS C cameras aren’t inherently inferior than full frame cameras. Nearly every photographer will tell you that it’s not about the size of the sensor, it’s about how you use it. So, whether you’re on a budget or just getting started with photography/videography, an APS C camera is probably the better option.įor a look at the benefits of using APS C cameras, let’s check out this video that argues APS C cameras are better than full frame cameras for 85% of users. First and foremost, nearly all APS C cameras are cheaper than their full frame counterparts. APS C Full Frame Comparisons What are the benefits of APS C sensors?ĪPS C cameras offer a lot of advantages over full frame cameras. So they may perform better in static circumstances, but for capturing images in motion, you may want to consider an ASP C sensor.


Full frame cameras tend to be bulkier and less mobile than APS C crop factor sensor cameras. However, these benefits come with downsides too – particularly in regards to the camera’s form factor. The benefits of using a full frame camera include great performance in low-light, an immersive bokeh effect for portrait photography, and unrivaled control over depth of field. The goal of a full frame sensor is to digitally replicate the 35mm film format. Today when we refer to full frame sensors, we’re referring to full frame DSLR cameras.
