$3,000 Full Frame vs $1,000 APS-C Camera Setup for Portraits

In this video I compare a $3000 full frame camera setup:
Sony A7C: geni.us/FullFrameA7C
Sigma 85mm F1.4 Art: geni.us/SHARP85
versus a $1000 APS-C camera setup:
Sony A6100: geni.us/MyFavorite
Sigma 56mm F1.4: geni.us/Portrait
-------------------
Gear That I Use & Recommend:
CAMERAS:
For Photo & Video
▸ Sony A6100 (My Favorite) - geni.us/MyFavorite
▸ Sony A6400 (Better) - geni.us/BetterAPSC
▸ Sony A6600 (Best) - geni.us/BestAPSC
▸ Sony A7C (Full Frame) - geni.us/FullFrameA7C
For Video
▸ Sony ZV-E10 (Good) - geni.us/ZVE-10
▸ Sony FX30 (My Favorite) - geni.us/BeastASPC
APS-C LENSES:
▸ Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 (My Favorite) - geni.us/BestZoom
▸ Sony 11mm F1.8 (Best Ultrawide) - geni.us/BestUltraWide
▸ Sigma 16mm F1.4 (Best Wide Angle) - geni.us/Popular
▸ Sigma 30mm F1.4 (Affordable Street Lens) - geni.us/Street
▸ Sigma 56mm F1.4 (Best Portrait Lens) - geni.us/Portrait
FULL FRAME LENSES:
▸ Sigma 20mm F2 (My Favorite) - geni.us/FFSigma20mm
▸ Rokinon AF 14mm F2.8 (Best Ultrawide) - geni.us/Rokinon
▸ Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 G2 (Best Do-Everything Lens) - geni.us/TamronV2
▸ Sigma 85mm F1.4 ART (AMAZING Portrait Lens) - geni.us/SHARP85
▸ Sony 50mm Macro (The Only Macro I Own) - geni.us/SonyMacro
AUDIO:
▸ Zoom F3 (Love this Recorder) - geni.us/zoomf
▸ Audio-Technica AT875R Mic (What I Use) - geni.us/at875rmic
▸ DJI Mic (Best On-The-Go) - geni.us/djimice
▸ Acoustimac Sound Panels (Must-have) - geni.us/soundpanels
LIGHTING:
▸ SmallRig RC220D (Great Value) - geni.us/rc220dlight
▸ SmallRig RC220B (My Key Light) - geni.us/rc220
▸ Sofirn SP33 V3 (Best Mini Flashlight) - geni.us/bestflashlight
NICE-TO-HAVE ACCESSORIES:
▸ Feiyu Scorp Pro (Big Gimbal) - geni.us/scorppro
▸ Zyihun Crane M2S (Travel Gimbal) - geni.us/cranem2s
▸ Atomos Ninja V (Recording Monitor) - geni.us/ninja5
▸ SanDisk SD Cards - geni.us/sandisksd
▸ Sony ECM-B10 (Camera Mic) - geni.us/ecmb10mic
Complete Gear List:
▸ kit.co/ArthurR
-------------------
Disclosure:
Most of the links above are affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I will make a small commission if you click them and make a qualifying purchase. If you want to buy something else, you can also use this link to Amazon:
🛒 Amazon - geni.us/shoparound
-------------------
Supporting The Channel:
▸ If you wish to support the channel with a donation, you can donate via PayPal here: paypal.me/arthur213
▸ Buy me a coffee here: www.buymeacoffee.com/arthurr
▸ Follow me on Instagram: / arthur213
-------------------
Professional & Sponsorship Inquiries:
For professional and sponsorship inquiries, please email me at [e-mail]

[@3dpuccio]

Every time I get trapped in sales or full-frame love youtube videos, I come back to your channel and take my A6500 and go out so happy to take some shots. Thank you for another great video 🙌

[@michaelcarr2466]

I also have the 6500 with my friends encouraging me to buy the A7iii. I think I'll stick with what I have. Glad to read your comment.

[@SilatShooter]

I have both and I reach for the A6400 with the Sigma trio setup more often due to the size and weight advantage and the results are soo close. You helped me realize that. Another great video and service for the community. Thank you!

[@inquisitvem6723]

I find the Apsc Fuji cameras better than the Sony apsc ones. Socc are better with color science fantastic. I would buy Fuji over Sony.

[@DennisDey]

I have been considering upgrading from a6400 to a7iii to move to full frame. Is it a significant upgrgade?

[@inquisitvem6723]

@@DennisDey do it. A7iii only like $1,700

[@SilatShooter]

@@DennisDey Yes and no, definitely a difference after ISO 3200 but noise reduction software like DXO has gotten soo good at reducing noise making it less of an issue. There's more background blur with shorter focal lengths with FF but the lenses are more expensive. So there's give and take.

[@ohmartinbronson]

What an incredible value in the sigma 56mm. That might just be the next lens I purchase. Great analysis, thank you!

[@ElBoyoElectronico]

So true, I had one for my Canon M50 and I still miss it to this day.

[@kokhualow3419]

I have A6600 and the A7IV, I enjoy shooting landscape and bird photography. Despite the advantage of low light for full frame, I'm constantly taking my A6600 for birding trips and landscape photography. Being a lighter setup enables me to be less "scary" looking holding a big camera/lens. I can say its true that the full frame is not 2 or 3 times better, maybe just 20 to 30 % better, usually in iso performance. As such I'm now considering very seriously to sell all my full frame and go back to apsc (A6600 + A6700)

[@tarunsharma5254]

Great video as always Arthur

[@rexn1589]

Excellent comparison Arthur! Thank you.

[@SkilledSpark]

I have been using the 56mm and a6100 combo for over a year now, the images it produces are incredible and in my opinion the best value one can get, great video!

[@olivershutterspeed]

I love the Sigma 56mm for my Sony a6000 photoshoot behind the scenes!

[@shadowshapers]

Thanks for taking the time to make the side by side comparison. I think this will help me justify the lens purchases before I step into a full frame body.

[@Jobitto07]

long life APS-C ! thanks for another great video. Happy 2022 to you and your whole family. Blessings

[@ToolsElectroDIY]

Excellent comparison video, you have the best Sony lens reviews on YT!

[@CloudSpecter]

Very interesting comparison, thanks!

[@surja17]

I think there are a few points to highlight here: APSC f1.4 is equivalent to full-frame f2.1 in terms of bokeh - therefore the background separation is significantly different in my opinion. Also, most of the shots you took were around ISO 100. Full frame widens the gap from crop sensor at higher ISO values ..... the one scenarios where you had higher ISO values - the full-frame at ISO8000 was significantly better than the APS-C at ISO6400. These may be the deciding factors for a lot of people and therefore should be highlighted properly.

[@stephanweiskorn6760]

How often do you really use such high ISO numbers?

[@nachot6592]

This just makes it clear that you only NEED full frame when you are focusing on night photography.

[@alansach8437]

All true. On the other hand, the additional "reach" of a high resolution APS-C camera (like the Canon R7) might be just what you need for capturing shy little songbirds. Not only does the 1.6 "crop factor" get you "closer " with the same lens, but the high megapixel density (higher than the R5) will allow you to crop additionally in post. Also, APS-C is a fine economical choice for documenting family outings, vacations etc. There is no universal "right" choice.

[@isblijkbaarnodig]

If I’m correct this is untrue. Crop factor has no effect on aperture. So a 56mm f1.4 lens on APSC has similar depth of field and bokeh effect as a 85mm f1.4 lens on full frame. Feel free to educate me because I don’t know the physics that would prove either way.

[@i-vpantomime4406]

I love the concept for this video before even watching it.

[@rickbattle5706]

Very interesting comparison. Thanks for doing the video.

[@guyjordan8201]

After watching my A7R2 rapidly fall behind more recent generations I am now pursuing APSC lenses to round out my kit. Cropped mode on my camera gives 18MP, which is adequate if we are honest, so I appreciate your emphasis on APSC Sony options. Good video, I like the results from the 56mm a lot.

[@carrywu]

Didn't regret buying the 56mm. It's a beast of a lens.

[@satchrocks34]

That was my favourite crop sensor lens by quite a bit. So damn sharp

[@penguin_edits]

same here man, i got it as a gift and its been producing bangers ever since

[@tappedurmom9739]

I like the sigma 105mm for my a7iii and like you said I'm not a fan of the noise on the smaller sensor. Limits my ability at night. So it's a no brainer for me. But you better start lifting some weights to Lug around that Sigma 105 mm

[@donquique1]

I have the 56 but enjoy the 16 way more. I find the 56 impractical in most situations but is very sharp too.

[@penguin_edits]

@@donquique1 i always have the 16mm and love it too. i have to say it gives a very interesting look to a photo yk

[@dakunclear]

The thing for me which I noticed is the low light performance since I do take more photos at night upgrading from my A6000 to the Sony A7III was a good idea plus doing time-lapse is much easier on the A7III. Mind you the upgrade from the a6000 to the a7III was a massive leap all in all so it made more sense for me.

[@iakivpekarskyi1631]

Awesome! The video I was looking for. Thank you very much!

[@francissosing]

Really like this review. I really enjoy my APSC especially for its form factor and that lenses overall are less expensive. I shoot with the Fuji XS-10. Keep up the great work and going against the grain on KZbin. 🙌

[@omerfarukavar]

A very useful explanation for APS-C and FF, thank you.

[@aksikanal6507]

Yep

[@MrSka7cis]

Thanks for this review. I mostly simply take family photos of course non-professionally. I have an APSC set up but youtube videoes make me dream of a full-frame. However, I will simply save the money for something like a house.

[@itsjim2875]

Thanks, Arthur! Great review.

[@rvnmedic2709]

That was the best comparison I've seen yet. Honest and concise. Thanks.

[@Openbaffle]

superb comparison, i will retain my apsc set up.

[@antalgabor]

Best comparison between APSC vs FF on youtube. APSC FTW!

[@ozwrangler.c]

Very helpful comparison 🙏

[@metaler4274]

This is the best video for hobby photographers. Thx. I really appreciate it.

[@Dave-ht7dx]

Thank you. Excellent comparison, enlightening.

[@Joh146]

Many thanks. Im impressed of the capabilities of the Sigma 56 1.4 and Sony A6400 Combo. That´s more than enough for a hobby photographer.

[@Fifthimagez]

This was great!

[@nevildadrewalla]

This is the kind of presentation that does some good. Great job.

[@MrSmith-dt7bs]

Long time watcher of your videos and this one just saved me some serious cash. Thank you for the comparison, truly perfect video.

[@imSoNotDavid]

Thanks Arthur. Because of you I got the a6400 and sigma 56 1.4 a while back. Great advice. Since then I thought the a7c would be my next move (full frame whilst keeping the flip out screen) but this video has proven there's not a big need after all.

[@purplecorde]

Great review as always, Arthur! Are you going to review the new Tamron 18-300mm?

[@godson8559]

i feel like my man is just admiring his wife in many of the clips lol

[@Sofus.Solivagante]

Great comparison!

[@vvlad78]

Great job, Arthur! As always :) It could be interesting to compare the same cameras in video mode. I guess 4k and especially 1080p will be better on ff, but how big will be the difference?

[@valdemarcaballero5298]

Great video Arthur!!!! thanks for sharing!!!! That little combo looks fantastic!!! even more because the difference in price is HUUUGE. I own both FF and aps c sony cameras and your information is sooo useful both for professionals and amateurs alike. Thanks for sharing, thanks for your time and effort and greetings from Mexico city... BLESSINGS!!!!!

[@rickyip7308]

very useful and informative.

[@IvanGRANID]

Great as always! Thank You so much!!!!!!

[@otjutt]

Thanks Arthur for this video. It was extremely helpful for me in making mind for a6400. Thanks.

[@benchia]

I stumbled upon this channel looking for a7C content but now I'm hooked on your a6100 setup.

[@user-fp4nc1zh7j]

Thanks Arthur !

[@architects-io3xr]

Thank you Arthur R. Great analysis. Very professional 🍷🙏👍🏻. Video is a big help.

[@ruperterskin2117]

Cool. Thanks for sharing.

[@jonoy4375]

This is a very meaningful comparison

[@ocker2000]

Those Sigma lenses do make a huge difference compared to "other" lenses. I had better start saving to get that 56mm Sigma! Great video. Thx.

[@davect01]

Nice video and comparison. APS-C's have gotten so good that the differences are minimal until pushed to the extremes where F.F. has the edge. If you are a pro, go F.F. without question. However, for casual weekend Dad shooters like me, APS-C is an amazing package. My A6400 has served me well and I have no need to go F.F. Both those 85mm and 56mm are outstanding lenses.

[@satchrocks34]

"APS-C's have gotten so good that the differences are minimal until pushed to the extremes where F.F. has the edge." Absolutely! Especially in terms of super high dynamic range situations and low light/high iso situations. I don't know how the A6400 and the newer versions of sony aps-c function in the real world, but in situations where my lighting is sufficient and controlled, its incredibly difficult to tell the difference between my a6000 and a7iii. Especially if not using a higher end prime on the a7iii, there are times where the crop sensor camera performs better. However, in situations where i need to significantly bring down highlights, bring up shadows, or use a higher ISO, the a7iii blows my a6000 outta the water. Noise is much more well controlled and looks better (less color noise) and have used shots at like 12,000 ISO where there is no way i could have with my a6000. With things like cost and weight factored in, I almost feel like I coulda just kept using my crop sensor camera with quality lighting, instead of spending the money on a new FF camera and much more expensive glass. Having a joystick is a lifesaver for me though

[@MrSka7cis]

Well said, I share the sentiment. If pro (or a spare few $1k around), go FF. Otherwise, APSC is adequate. I fall in the APSC. That being said, I still dream of getting a FF set-up (just lacking the extra $)....one-day

[@reactivemouse]

That Sigma 56 is exelent! Definitely my next buy.

[@ElBoyoElectronico]

The Sigma 56mm is a true game changer! I had one for my Canon M50 and it was a game changer and so, so much fun to use.

[@levarirene]

Super vidéo merci

[@dragonfist25]

I liked the colors better sometimes on the aps-c but the bokeh looked noticeably better on the full-frame. If you have the money go with the full-frame but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the aps-c setup.

[@dragonfist25]

@@JL-fh4qw Just close down the aperture then.

[@a55tech]

more night & low lights tests pls

[@davemunoz9742]

I have the same apsc combo and couldnt be more pleased with the results

[@ridwanardiansyah9845]

wow great compare sir thank you very much much much

[@sneakingelephant]

Love your videos brother. I myself got an a7C as well last year and enjoy using it. I primarily went with it because I knew I'd need the ability to shoot low light more often. As I've gotten more used to the controls I am lamenting the lack of extra shortcut buttons

[@DavidOastler]

Great review Arthur what is the mic stand you are using?

[@MMm-hz6hl]

Great video as always..I have the 56mm and I love it..wondering how will it perform on a7c crop mode..thanks

[@8pedro7]

Thanks for the video. It would be very interesting to see the same photos after tweaked in post.

[@travelvidya833]

I feel like the tangible advantage full frame has, is how much better it does in low light. If shooting in great light, your setup matters far less.

[@a55tech]

iPhone portrait tricks can hang w/ them in good light too, at least for social media

[@carrywu]

Yeah, that's the concept of photography, drawing with light. The more light you have, the easier it is to get better picture.

[@PhullyNo1]

Yep, 100 percent. It’s worth it IF you’re the type of person that needs it.

[@SkymenKing]

Here is the same Aperture, for the same Aperture, same ISO. The brightness must be the same, the only different is the number of pixel. For those reason that the photo is better because of retified by the internal computer, iphone instead of camera is a better choice for you.

[@kiyoshim9593]

WOW YOU DISCOVERED HOW TO COOK CUP RAMEN.

[@tysonator5433]

The warmer tones from the APSC set up is very surprising !

[@goldenretrieverindia]

You are the man who cleared the doubt of buying APS-C camera compared to Fullframe. Finally someone to support the APS-C where everyone brags about fullframe 😍😍

[@jmackultra]

Man that Sigma 85mm is fantastic 👌. Just got one a little while back

[@Jim_Mundy]

Really great comparison. I'm right at the decision point to replace my setup after selling my Canon 7D kit a while back. I as SURE Sony full frame (in fact the A7C) was going to be where I went. But this gives me pause and that's not a bad thing! Thanks for this great content.

[@chicken_person]

Yeah, as was shown in the video and what a lot of people are saying in the comments, low light is definitely the huge difference here. As somebody whose favorite genre is astrophotography, low light performance is among the most important aspects of a camera. I started with the a6000 and Rokinon 12mm f/2.0, but once I had the budget to move to an a7s and Rokinon 18mm f/2.8 the difference was incredible, and that difference increased even more once I got the Sony 20mm f/1.8. Only big downside of the a7s is that autofocus is garbage, but I *still* like to use the a7s more for action shots (sports) regardless, because it just functions so much better in low light situations. I use my a6000 for basketball sometimes, because it's closer-up than when I shoot soccer and so I can use the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8, but for most of the rest it's worth dealing with the crappy AF. It just means I have to be more careful about timing, since continuous AF + burst shooting is unbelievably terrible.

[@davescott1491]

Hi Arthur. That’s very helpful for a hobby photographer like me. Also, do you feel a really good cell phone camera takes as good photos as a Sony 6100?

[@gordon3988]

Actually preferred most of the APSC photos; on a technical side the FF likely best, but this is KZbin and its more about how it looks on a smaller screen. Both were nice and regardless very close. Well done!

[@0xbotyoyo]

That‘s why I always prefer sony's APS-C (A6500) for hobby use. So easy to carry around, budget friendly and delivers amazing photos.

[@stephanes.]

I like your simplicity!

[@chrisd1903]

Thank you so much. Your comparisons are really good (side by side, zooming really close in). I like that you do comparisons between lenses/ bodies where others would say "you cant compare Apples with peaches". But i liked all FF Shots better, mostly because of the bokeh, and then the so much better low light quality. But to be honest, i am even less than a hobbiest and the 1k for a6400 and sel35f1.8 hurt me (not reqlly finanziellly, but because of reasoning) - so spending 3x the money would not let me sleep, regardless of the better quality.

[@hermanoteixeiramachado]

The best review.

[@wsanyal]

So nice.. please do another for casual or travel photography

[@degs88]

Always enjoyed your videos… I bought an A6600 with a Sony 16-55mm len to start and since then bought the Sigma Trio lens on some really good 2nd hand deals… absolutely loved it as I am just a hobbyist photographer for my daughter, toys and food… enough for my use case for now.

[@julianmolina4806]

excelente video. muy didáctico👍.

[@annarakannan6620]

Amazing comparison. I was torn between the two lenses. Yes I started from the lenses to work my way backwards. I decided to go apsc. Suits my needs better.

[@stephanes.]

I have the Sigma 30mm F1.4 and it's great too!

[@COMEDYiNSiDE]

amazing comparison. We can rely on crop sensors easily. Can you guys make a comparison video between Sigma 56 mm 1.4 vs Sony FE 85mm 1.8? Should We Take advantage of taking Full frame lens over Sigma 56 in the future? For this what should I compromise for that? For Sony 85 we are getting better bokeh + Future upgradation. For this, Have I sacrificed some image sharpness?

[@johndonaldson5126]

Good video. In almost every case I thought the FF was sharper than the APSC just using her eyes to make that evaluation.

[@wesleywamsley443]

You'd hope so for a lens that is over 2x the cost

[@arfmf]

Was Ibis enabled at the A7C?

[@Popcorn_0]

As far as i know there is no ibis in 6100, did you use tripod while taking these photos? A6100 with sigma 56 looks really sharp!

[@zeropain9319]

Fantastic video, thanks for doing this comparison. I'm on the fence to upgrade to full frame, but after seeing this, I'm going to keep my A6000 and my Sigma 56. I can see how lucky I am to have them and no need for spending another $2K. I do think the full frame is better, but not for my needs. This was a video I never imagined I needed, so well done, thank you for doing this!

[@brianwashburn5583]

Really relevant video! I have the A6400 and was wondering if it's worth the upgrade to FF. I think after seeing this that I'm happy with what I have. The lighter weight means I'll carry it more and probably get better shots simply because it's in my hands.

[@rickymcc8624]

Hi Arthur Good to see you now have 170k+ subscribers. I subscribed around your 10-15k phase several years ago when I first started using a Sony APSC body. That early sub and my first Sony APSC (bought after viewing your channel) started me in a totally different photographic journey that eventually saw my switching from mostly Nikon kit (after 28 years) and going 'all in' with Sony. Not seen many of your vids lately, but stopped by for this, Agree APSC is pretty good and possibly optimum for most.

[@Haggis305]

What are your thoughts on the new ZVE10…..I sold my zv1 in anticipation of purchasing the ZVE10, but now considering getting the A6400….given the fact there is not a huge gap between the two cameras.

[@davideberhardt4977]

Great comparisons. The APS-C is definitely a good camera matched with the Sigma. I would NOT spend the extra on the A7C and expensive lens. One might think that people would not want really really sharp portraits anyway, right? One observation I had was that I was amazed how your wife was able to duplicate her poses. you can tell when your kid is in the shots cause he is looking at different places in his shots but your wife isn't. Very professional!

[@COMEDYiNSiDE]

Ha ha ha. You are rightly so... You are spot on...

[@irondiver2034]

I appreciate these videos so much. Hardly any channels really go with in depth comparisons between FF and crop cameras. They always overtly or subtly trying to push FF. I am willing to bet that 95% or more the people would never notice the difference. Save the money and use it for travel or other things.

[@Serhat_aydin]

Photography is my hobby and I bought a6600 after following Arthur's suggestion. I have kit lens, sigma 16mm and sigma 56mm. The photos those I've taken so far.... are impressive. Even you push the limits in low light,the results are great. For video, it needs gimbal; but for photo it is good setup for good price. I've never used full frame; but if it is hobby, I think it is better to spend the price difference to diffetent lenses like tele photo lens.

[@9000526]

Hi Arthur. What about using the Sigma 85mm 1.4 with the A6100? Is there any reduction in sharpness or bokeh?

[@florinG]

The Sigma 85 is sharper than a katana and a Swiss knife combined, great video man.

[@ArthurR]

Haha I like the analogy.

[@fraula1]

Impressive A6100 ! How was the white balance setting please ? Auto or manual ?

[@ArchistYT]

What monitor did you use while comparing these?

[@alimojadam90]

Do you think I can install the Sigma Art 85 lens on the body of the 6400 crop sensor and get good results?

[@TexpatOTG]

Good show. I only shoot video with my APS-C Sony and it does the job well for me. I don't want the added expense and weight of a full frame when the difference is negligible. I really like your lens reviews. I just bought the Samyang AF 12mm based on your influence. Cheers ..

[@avjake]

That Sigma 85mm is a stunner. Thanks for the demo of that. Regarding the APS-C, low light noise is the deal breaker for me. Color can always be improved in post.

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks for sharing... great video showing different results...I prefer the skin tones on the APS-C gear...I am only a hobbyist & don't have a full frame camera so I am still happy with my D500 Nikon although I will consider the better glass of Sigmas Art lens.... cheers 😀

[@pf4773]

As someone who has the Sony A6600, and have had the A6100 for years, thanks for making me feel better about sticking with the APSC line :)! I prefer the 30 mm Sigma because I like not having to be so far away from the subject when shooting, and then just use the zoom 18-108mm or the 70-350mm (both sonys) if I want other views. It's always fun and SO satisfying when reviewers challenge the status quo as well as "sacred cows" that people hold dear as to which is better. One thing that the APSC line kills the full frame, besides price, is size, portability, weight, and general usability, especially for travelers. Smaller less conspicuous cameras get used much more than the larger bulky cameras---it just feels weird to attend MOST social gatherings or events local to your home and carry big cameras, almost no one does!

[@darylgasper5482]

Well said

[@theforeignerfriend]

Thank you. I was confused earlier. Full frame or APSC which is better for me. I found my answer. I learned a lot from your comparisons. APSC is best for me. Thank you again

[@stefanterbekke8506]

Hi Arthur, thanks. Main thing I am wondering about is that ff versus aps-c will not matter that much during the day, but if you use it during the evening and night, there is a major difference. I owned the A6000 and A6600 and currently own the Sony A7RIV (bit unfair, major difference in detail). I also noticed that the dynamic range is much better with ff (i.e. while shooting directly into the sun).

[@Markyroson]

The A7RIV is definitely the way to go...the problem is that it is about 5k just for the body here lol

[@bayern1806]

Yes it's a common thing to do portrait photography at night 😂 Dude you missed the point of the video.

[@ruben378]

Can you please try the Sigma 85 on APS-C. Great video!👍