Comments on: Full Frame vs Crop Sensor

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:21:34 +0000

Hello,

I have a Canon D5 mark 1. I’m looking for a full frame lens that can photograph small items very close up but also provide a wide field of background. A lens that can focus when only an inch or two away from the subject. Do you have any recommendations? They would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

By: sandro

sandro — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 10:16:18 +0000

Hello Tavo,

Well, as you said, T1i produces great photos at high ISO, so don’t bother… if you don’t find that camera limiting, and you are happy with the results, than it’s perfect for you…

On the flip side, full frame will be even better than T1i at high ISOs.

But as a general trend, I think ISO performance is more or less converging in full frame and APS-C. In few years from now I see both types of sensors producing virtually indistinguishable results in terms of noise.

By: Tavo

Tavo — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 02:29:53 +0000

Sandro, I had a Canon XT and used a 17-40mm L lens and when I was indoors the AF hunted quite a bit, but now I bought a Canon T1i and the sensor is very accurate in dim light and shoot at 1600 ISO or 3200 and the pictures look great compared to my canon XT, so I’m wondering if 2.8 is really or full frame is really needed. I don’t know but half a sensor is preatty good as a full sensor now a day’s. What do you think?

By: sandro

sandro — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:38:49 +0000

Hey, I just remembered about this post: Canon EOS 7d vs 5d mark II, which is a follow up on this article. And it exactly mentions your arguments!

By: sandro

sandro — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:01:18 +0000

Well David, introduction to the article sums up nicely the advantages of full frame camera.

“5DII will be about 1.5 stops better in noise/detail performance and it will also produce somewhat better contrast, especially with higher sensitivities.”

I didn’t go in the details, because I assumed it was type of a general consensus. Which I regret now, as you have a valid points.

On the other hand, I don’t agree that canon 10-22 is the only decent option… What about: Sigma 10-20 f/3.5, Sigma 10-20 f/3.5-5.6, Tokina 11-16, Tokina 12-24, Sigma 12-24, Tamron 10-24, Tamron 11-18 ?

The only reasonable argument you have is the usefulness of full frame in cramped spaces. Which is valid, but existence of Ultra Wide Angles solve this problem for me.

In case of open space, when you want wide angle shots, you can always use legs to zoom out a bit.