Full Frame Vs Crop Sensor - What's The Difference?
Canon’s smallest full-frame camera, the Canon RP, alongside a Fujifilm crop sensor camera, the X-S10.
One of the most important decisions you'll make when choosing a camera is selecting between a full-frame sensor and a crop sensor. But what are they? How do they affect your images? Which should you buy?
In this article, I will explain the main differences between these two types of sensors, along with their pros and cons for various shooting scenarios.
What is a Full Frame Sensor?
A full-frame sensor is a type of image sensor that is equivalent in size to a 35mm film frame. The physical dimensions of this sensor are about 36mm x 24mm. Full-frame sensors are typically found in professional-grade cameras, but as we will see below, that isn’t always the case now.
What is a Crop Sensor?
A crop sensor, also known as an APS-C sensor, is smaller than a full-frame sensor, typically measuring about 22mm x 15mm, depending on the manufacturer. A crop-sensor camera is sometimes cheaper, lighter, and more compact than a full-frame camera, and it allows you to use smaller and lighter lenses.
Key Differences
1. Field of View (Focal Length Multiplication)
One of the most noticeable differences between these two sensors is what is known as the ‘crop factor’. Since the crop sensor is smaller, it captures a narrower field of view compared to the full-frame sensor. Essentially, a crop of what a full-frame would capture if the same lens was attached. For example, on an APS-C sensor with a 1.5x crop factor, a 50mm lens will behave like a 75mm lens on a full-frame sensor, giving you more telephoto reach without needing a longer lens.
This extra reach can be used to your advantage when shooting wildlife or sports, allowing you to get ‘closer’ to your subject.
2. Depth of Field
Full-frame sensors tend to have a shallower depth of field compared to crop sensors, which allows for more control over background blur (bokeh). This makes full-frame sensors great for portraits or any photography where subject isolation is important.
In order to create similar depth of field and bokeh, an APS-C body will need to be set at 1 full stop wider aperture than its full frame equivalent. This means, to emulate an 85mm lens at f/2.8 on full frame, a crop body user would shoot at 56mm f/2.
3. Low-Light Performance
Historically, full-frame sensors generally tended to perform better in low light due to their larger size, which means they can capture more light. However, modern day sensor technology means that some crop sensor cameras can hold their own in low light and at higher ISO. It’s worth checking each camera in your considerations individually if this is important to you.
4. Size and Weight
DSLR cameras with full-frame sensors are generally larger and heavier, due to the bigger sensor size and often more complex technology. DSLR crop sensor cameras tend to be more compact and lighter, making them a popular choice for travel or street photographers who need to carry their gear for extended periods.
Again, modern day technology has blurred the lines here a little. Mirrorless cameras have all but replaced DSLR’s, meaning both full-frame and crop sensor cameras are much smaller than they used to be. There are some surprisingly small full-frame options now that are smaller than some crop sensor cameras. One fact has remained though, lenses designed for crop sensor cameras can be made smaller than their full-frame equivalents, so crop sensor cameras are still the best option for a light and compact set-up.
5. Cost
Full-frame cameras are typically more expensive than crop sensor cameras, both in terms of the camera body and the lenses. The technology involved in producing larger sensors and the professional-level features generally drives up the price. There are some cheaper full-frame cameras available now, but they tend to have less features. The cost of a full-frame camera with top of the line capabilities along with ‘fast’ prime lenses can soon reach into the thousands. A good feature-packed crop sensor camera with some ‘fast’ crop sensor prime lenses will nearly always be cheaper.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both full-frame and crop sensors have their pros and cons, but the key is understanding how they fit with your style and needs as a photographer. If your biggest need is light-weight portability, or you are a wildlife or sports photographer that needs the extra reach, a crop sensor may be the best fit.
If you’re aiming for out of focus backgrounds and paid professional work, a full-frame sensor is likely worth the investment. Regardless of which sensor you choose, both can deliver stunning results when paired with the right lens and technique.
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