Full Frame vs Crop Sensor - What's the difference?

What is the difference between full frame and crop sensor? Do you get more background blur with full frame? Do you get better image quality? Find out in this video.

Full Frame

Crop Sensor

Lenses Used:

[BikerMiceOne]

The biggest diffrence between fullframe and apsc is me not eating for a month.

[ponchee]

Such a difficult topic to discuss but I'm glad you explained it to dummies like me.

[dct]

This video is by far the most accurate on this topic.

[TravisAtreo]

Brotha thank you! I finally get it now after all these years and watching confusing explanations haha appreciate it man!!

[bpvirgo]

So clear, so concise: you’re an example of how to do these videos. Thank you!

[andrewdoeshair]

I realized recently while helping a friend find a first portrait camera that the price jump from a crop sensor (say SL3 or M50) to a full frame camera (say EOS RP or 6Dii) is smaller than the price difference from an F1.8 lens to an F1.2 lens. This was completely worldview shifting for me, I always assumed crop sensor was just cheaper, period, in all cases... If a shallow DOF is a high priority then its actually cheaper for the whole setup to get a full frame body with say and 85mm F1.8 than it is to get a crop sensor body with say a 50mm F1.2 lens (1.2 times 1.6 is 1.92, almost 1.8)... I feel like this information needs to be shared with more first time camera buyers, especially when they want to focus on portraits.

[PeterandYen]

Personally I would like to shoot with full frame just so I can do more in low light. But this is an incredibly informative video that really helps with my decision making. Thanks a lot for doing all the in depth research and putting this one together Ralph. Back ground blur is not too important to us actually. Really appreciate this!

[PPISAFETY]

This was a very clear and concise explanation of the differences between full frame and crop sensor cameras. About the only thing I might have added is that while you can multiply the crop factor times the f-stop to approximate equivalent depth of field, exposure does not change simply because you are using a crop sensor camera. This ought to be clear to most photographers, but some YouTubers have put out incorrect information on this point. But you did a great job, and when beginners ask me about this, I'm just going to have them watch your video.

On the differences between the two, I have been in photography for over 50 years, and often made my living with a camera. Aside from film, which I now shoot strictly for personal enjoyment, I have three mostly separate digital camera systems I use. One is built around an older pro-level full frame DSLR, another around a somewhat more advanced crop sensor DSLR, and the third is built around a Micro 4/3rds camera. When I am going out to make images to hang on my wall, or doing a portrait, I typically reach for full frame. My day in and day out work, which involves illustrating books and shooting training videos, calls for the crop sensor setup (my full frame camera doesn't do video at all). And when I travel and just want to take a camera along, I reach for my bag with the Micro 4/3rds mirrorless camera in it.

Let me just say this. In more than 50 years of selling my work with a camera, no customer has ever commented on the amount of background blur in my photos. What they are looking for is an interesting and in most cases a pleasing photo. I say in most cases because I used to do crime scene work and it is hard to make those shots pleasant. If today I was forced to choose one system for general photography, I'd probably select the crop sensor DSLR. But since I generally use older tech, fortunately my three systems cost me less than one brand new DSLR with lens. And guess what? Nobody notices.

[speterlewis]

This was very helpful, but some people may be confused by your discussion of extra "reach" with an APSC camera. Several times you point out that the images on the two sensors area exactly the same size (as seen at 2:12 in the video). The fact is that a full-frame camera captures more data, while the APSC camera simple captures the data from the middle of the image. Import both into Photoshop and you will see that the two images are identical, but the full-frame has more data around the edges. And you're right about applying the crop factor to the maximum aperture of the lens: that is absolutely true, and you do a great job of explaining that! And your discussion of noise is spot-on, to. (That's why it's also helpful to use the crop factor with ISO.) In the end, this is a complex and difficult subject, and in the end, it may not matter from a practical standpoint. I've been a professional shooter for over 30 years, first with film, and now with APSC cameras, and my clients have always been really happy. The gear these days is all very good, so go out with whatever you have and work on being a better photographer!

[HampshireHog]

I've taught this to students on photography courses for over ten years. I've a course starting next week, so was having a quick look at Youtube for new ways to put the concept across. I've used the projected image and sensor size on powerpoints before, but really like the way you've done the same thing but transposed onto the DSLR with the lens removed. Excellent!! I may be 'borrowing' that idea. I'll also be adding your video to the homework list of videos for the students top watch. Thanks!

[lilaznkid]

One of the most informative photography channels on YouTube. So under rated. Please keep doing more. You’re incredible

[bastiaanw]

Although this information is readily available in many other videos and website, you are the first one to really point out to also take into account the aperture. And noone ever explained it so clearly. Thumbs up!

[tecnolover]

Good video. One thing you forgot to mention. Full fame (modern sensors) typically have more dynamic range. This can be important! Especially if you don't want to exclusively take multiple exposures every time and blend in post.

[kingvideo-]

This is a VERY good explanation on the subject of full frame and crop sensors.. Thank You for a very good clear training video...

[Gatewayvick]

Love the way you explained this, you got to the point very clearly !

[richardperkins]

Awesome way to explain a otherwise difficult issue, especially how lens selection fits in. Speaking from an old school perspective, started shooting film in 1978, it's still amazing how many people don't understand that it is the lens that ultimately determines the quality of the capture, whatever the resolution or crop! Thanks for a great video!

[STANDRDUSER]

I already understand crop sensors, it’s nice to watch educational videos from time to time. I have a Sigma SDQH (APS-H) with a crop factor of 1.3, and with vintage lenses, my 35-105mm is actually 46-137mm. It’s really fun to use when at 85mm.

[mvhan]

The low light and background blur advantage is only valid when shooting wide open. When you have to step down to achieve enough depth of field for landscape or multiple people being in focus in one shot you will get an equivalent f-stop number for example f4 or 5.6 on FUllframe which is f2.8 or 4 on APSC crop. Then the total amount of light going through the lens is the same and the noise and background blur is the same. So it really comes down to it depends on your needs and application.

[amoghpadhye]

Generally, Full Frame is used where enlargements are involved (like landscapes). And Crop Sensors are used where the image captured is cropped later (like images of birds)

[covinhas]

You're answering some of my questions on your videos on a really nice way with awesome examples that made easy to understand. Another subscriber. Keep the good work. :)