For a professional photographer reliant on photography for livelihood, prioritizing full-frame cameras over DSLRs and mirrorless options with cropped sensors is common. Full-frame cameras exhibit superior durability, technical prowess, and excel in creating a pleasing background blur, especially in portrait photography. But does an enthusiast, even an advanced one, truly require a full-frame camera?

To begin with, we offer to understand the technical side of the issue. So, what is a full frame and crop in cameras with interchangeable optics? Behind these terms are the physical dimensions of camera matrices:

  • full frame — the term "crop factor" originated from the dimensions of a 35 mm film frame (24x36 mm), serving as the reference for full-frame image sensors. A full-frame sensor has a crop factor of one;
  • APS-C is the name given to matrices trimmed in the dimensional grid that are smaller than full-frame ones by a factor of 1.5x (or 1.6x in the case of Canon DSLRs);
  • Micro 4/3 — halved image sensors compared to full frame (17.3 x 13 mm); used on board Olympus and Panasonic mirrorless cameras;
  • the medium format is a special caste of professional tools mainly for studio and advertising photo shoots; the size of their matrices is even larger than that of full-frame cameras.

The size of the image sensor affects the ability to obtain a detailed image with minimal noise at high ISO values. This is explained simply — the larger the matrix, the better it absorbs light and "sees" more clearly in low-light conditions of the frame.

The latest full-frame cameras capture images at unprecedented ISO levels.

Other advantages of full-frame sensors include the following:

Technical advantages of a full frame

1. Wide dynamic range. DR measures the contrast between the darkest and lightest elements in a photo. Full-frame cameras typically offer a broader DR than crop sensors, resulting in fewer issues like blown-out skies or impenetrable shadows for photographers using full-frame equipment.

2. Colour depth. Cameras with full-frame matrices better convey the depth of colour and provide smooth transitions of semitones.

3. Reduced depth of field. The depth of field in a frame is directly influenced by the lens's focal length, aperture, and the distance to the subject. Under equal conditions, crop sensor optics are often 'slower,' necessitating a step back for consistent framing. This increases the focusing distance and, consequently, the depth of field, resulting in less background blur. Achieving an appealing background blur is much more straightforward with a full-frame camera.

4. Convenient focal lengths of optics. Full-frame cameras and crop sensor cameras may share equivalent and real focal lengths for objects, but in the case of crop sensors, one needs to factor in the crop factor multiplier for accurate calculations. A hypothetical fixed lens of 24 mm on an APS-C format camera, for instance, transforms into 36 mm, resulting in a distinct angle of view.

Optics for cropped cameras in conjunction with a fullframe camera will give a strong vignetting.

The less apparent benefits of a full frame stem from its status as a flagship camera. Consequently, it features an advanced autofocus system, dust and water protection in the majority of assemblies, and provision for dual memory card slots.

Full-frame cameras

Optics Park

Putting all your budget into a full-frame camera body becomes impractical without possessing at least a couple of high-quality lenses. These are not the typical budget lenses that negate the improvements in full-frame image quality, but rather top-tier lenses designed specifically for full-frame cameras. Examples include Canon's Luxury series, Nikon's gold ring lenses, and Sony's flagship G-Master optics.

The line of top Sony G-Master objects is one of the most developing today.

Full-frame cameras require compatible lenses, which can be a significant investment. In contrast, crop sensor cameras can use full-frame lenses, using a resized image sensor that frames the image based on the crop factor (although some light intensity is sacrificed).

Question of price

The primary obstacle to obtaining a full-frame camera is the substantial cost, which raises the entry barrier to a photography career. In addition to the camera body, there is a necessity to invest in the mentioned interchangeable lenses, adding to the overall expense.

And what about the cropped cameras?

The current camera lineup featuring APS-C and Micro 4/3 format sensors outperforms older full-frame models. Crop sensor cameras boast rapid and reliable autofocus, high-resolution viewfinders, all without significantly denting the budget. Consider Fujifilm, known for cameras favored by both enthusiasts and professionals, particularly their mirrorless APS-C lineup. Similarly, Sony's "six thousandth" series of mirrorless cameras serves as versatile tools for both photo and video shooting.

Fuji made a bet on the cropped mirrorless and did not lose.

Crop sensors are favored for their affordability, compact and lightweight camera bodies, and the relatively lower cost of interchangeable lenses. When skillfully handled, these cameras deliver comparable results to full-frame counterparts in scenarios like night shoots on a tripod, studio photography with strobe lighting, and outdoor excursions. However, full-frame cameras excel over crop sensors in portrait, reportage, and landscape photography, as well as the specialized field of astrophotography.

Cameras with APS-C matrix

What to buy?

If the task is to buy the first camera, then the difference in technical terms between an amateur entry-level camera and a full-frame camera is unlikely to be noticeable to a beginner. Investing in a full-frame makes sense for experienced photographers who know for what and why they need it.

Cameras with a 4/3 inch matrix

Finances play a crucial role: if budget constraints limit choices to a low-cost crop sensor, it's a straightforward decision. With an unlimited budget, an enthusiast might opt for a full-frame camera with a range of lenses. However, when the budget allows for a full-frame camera and an inexpensive lens or a crop sensor with a couple of high-quality lenses, the latter option may be preferable. This is especially true for non-commercial use, catering to personal creative aspirations.

Full frame or crop — it's up to you!

Don't expect the image quality to increase exponentially with the cost of the camera. It's better to start with a crop sensor and learn to capture interesting shots. Only when you require the technical capabilities of a full frame, such as a wide dynamic range, high sensitivity, or impressive bokeh, then you should rhink about a full-frame camera.


Good luck with your shots!