Crop Sensor vs. Full Frame - Part 2: Advantages and Disadvantages of Full Frame Sensors | Bergen County Photographer

Last time, I spoke about the differences between a crop sensor and a full frame camera. This week I will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of a full frame camera.

Advantages:

1. Dynamic Range. Newer full frame cameras have higher dynamic range meaning you can shoot higher contrast images and if you shoot RAW you will have room to recover any blown highlights or deep shadows more than you can with a crop sensor.

2. Low Light Performance. Full frame will give you a sharper, cleaner image with less noise and more details than a crop sensor camera will. Since more light hits a bigger sensor, you do not have to raise your ISO so high to compensate for the low light thereby avoiding too much noise associated with high ISOs

3. Shallow Depth of Field. Full frame sensors allow for a shallower depth of field.

4. Detail and Resolution. If you need large size prints, a full frame sensor will give you the highest resolution and details possible. It also means that if you crop an image, you will still have a usable frame

5. Wider Fields of View. A crop sensor will give you a narrower depth of field, if you shoot anything that needs a wider frame you will probably need full frame.

Disadvantages:

1. Expensive. Full frame cameras need to meet the need of professionals therefore they a higher price tag. Full frame lenses are more expensive as well.

2. Size. A bigger sensor means a bigger size camera. And they are heavier too!

3. Large Files. More pixels mean larger files which mean more storage and all the investment that comes with it.

   This week I talked mostly bout the advantages and disadvantages of a full frame camera. Next week I will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of a crop sensor camera.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a Full Frame Camera