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Full-frame
Creative Scope
Less Noise,
More Dynamic Range
This is a clear yes factor. If you are not
prepared to make compromises and your aim
Collecting Photons
Each pixel in the Canon EOS
6Ds 20-megapixel
full-frame sensor has a
nominal width of 6.5 m.
The APS-C Sony A3000 has
a 20-megapixel sensor too,
but with photoreceptors
that measure only 4.3 m.
In comparison, the pixels in
the sensor built into the
Casio EX-ZS30 measure
1.2 m.
Larger pixels can capture
more photons and produce
more image data.
1.2 m
4.3 m
6.5 m
19
1/2.3"
APS-C
Full-frame
Interchangeable-lens cameras come in a range of shapes and sizes with image sensors to match. Tiny 1/2.3 sensors are
more often found in compacts than in system cameras. The undisputed king of the hill for most semi-pro and serious amateur
photographers is still the 24 x 36 mm full-frame format. This format is also widely used in professional circles, although many
pros also use cameras with medium-format sensors that measure 48 x 36 mm or more.
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Higher price
Full-frame DSLR
Market Overview
The market for full-frame
digital cameras is not yet
overly crowded and the
available devices are not
as diversified as those
in the APS-C world.
Nevertheless, the number
of sub-US$2,000 full-frame
cameras on the market
has gone from zero to four
within the last year.
Nikon D4
Moderate
resolution
Canon EOS-1D X
Leica M
Sony RX1
Sony A99
Nikon Df
Canon EOS 6D
High
resolution
Nikon D610
Sony A7
Entry- level
Conclusions
Of course, owning a pro-grade camera
doesnt guarantee pro-grade results. The
freedom that using full-frame gear provides
also demands that you work carefully and
precisely at all times. The follow-on costs
of expanding your lens collection are not
inconsiderable and your photo bag will be
much heavier than those of your colleagues
who use APS-C or Micro Four Thirds systems.
These considerations are especially relevant if
Full-frame at a Glance:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Follow-on costs
Heavier
c
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