Crop vs full-frame sensor 2023 - the truth about sensor sizes

[@supotube]

I am a pro-photographer. And I know all that terms. But with your visual explanation of blur (christmas light) i was amazed! Very very good!

[@wolfamri]

Thanks, Tomáš, I really appreciate your feedback 🙏🙏

[@Annika-m3s]

@@wolfamri you need to see this kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGbdf2mEi91gnrs

[@raccofang3033]

I am a beginner photographer. His analogies and examples are brilliant!

[@wolfamri]

Thank you 🙏🙏🙏

[@godwinemerine9669]

This channel is probably one of the best out there. You take it slow and easy-not to mention the amount of effort you go to in showing the simplest thing. Thank you!

[@wolfamri]

Thank you. Great to hear it is helpful 🙏🙏

[@cromagxx]

..even though being deeply aware on the matter, I am left with a high appreciation with the order, efficiency and clarity of this presentation!.. Top kudos for you Wolf!

[@wolfamri]

Thanks so much 🙏🙏🙏

[@cromagxx]

Wolf Amri, you’re most welcome!

[@wolfamri]

Thanks so much, everyone for your awesome feedback. If you liked this video, chances are that you want to help me grow by watching some others too. Here is a playlist with videos about a similar topic - all about lenses: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2bHnoOLdqecpMk

[@viciouz25]

Sir, you're simply the best. You are able to explain complex stuff to novice photographers. Thank you

[@wolfamri]

Thanks so much 🙏🙏

[@sarahgray3111]

Hands down this channel is the best for photography! You truly explain everything in a clear, concise way with amazing examples. As well as answer some great questions. Thanks!

[@wolfamri]

Thank you so much, Sarah 🤗. I always try to give my best 😉

[@kristianvrum8979]

I disagree, but I suppose it depends on what you're after. This channel seems most concerned with the technicalities of photography, while others provide tips on how to take good pictures. To me, the latter is a lot more important.

[@wolfamri]

@kristianvrum8979 Thank you for your feedback, Kristian. That’s to come. I‘m working on multiple courses at the moment. However, I feel you need to have a deep understanding of the technology behind photography (which is not hard to get if it is well and structured presented) to find workarounds for the more difficult scenarios in photography.

[@Valuedrivenafrica]

You just made me feel like an Accomplished film maker. This is the best lesson on photography i've watched in my entire KZbin life. Love from Nigeria. New Subscriber.

[@wolfamri]

😮 thank you, thank you, thank you 😉🤗

[@arnaldoperez2057]

NO DAUBT ,THE BEST CHANNEL, I HAVE NOT SEEN NEVER BETER EXPLAINED. THANK YOU SIR.

[@wolfamri]

Thank you so much, Amaldo 🙏🙏🙏

[@dcpsir]

Your way of explaining is fantastic. I am a teacher and a much-loved one, so when I find someone very impressive in explaining concepts, the person must be doing an amazing job. Keep up the great work!

[@wolfamri]

Wow, thank you! That means a lot!

This is by far the best the easiest and the most accurate way to explain this and done so masterfully in such elegance

[@wolfamri]

Aawww. Feedback like that keeps me motivated 💪🙏🙏

[@konstantinivanidze72]

The first really inspiring photography course. Thank you so much, Wolfgang, you have a talent to explain any complicated things in a brilliant manner.

[@wolfamri]

Many thanks! Konstantin. Feedback like yours keeps me motivated!

[@uditanandsharma2744]

I honestly wish that your channel get more famous. I've read so many articles and watched youtube videos on how to click better pictures. However, they always confused me more instead of giving the full picture (pun intented). Not all articles have a continuous series or if they do there are no links to learn more or if they are they're paid. Whereas, your videos brings the information as a very beginner pace soothing my brain with a knowledge and curiosity instead of gibberish and confusion. In less words - Love your content.

[@wolfamri]

Thank you so much 🤗. I really appreciate that!

[@Aisha.a.m]

First time I watch a full video with 13min without skip any part !! clear and interesting informations in super good presentation 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@wolfamri]

Wow, thanks 🙏 🙏🙏. The best feedback I could ask for 🤗

[@max123stella9]

I am not a native english speaker so watching other videos on other channel i didn't get at all but your video are super clear and easy to understand !thanks!

[@wolfamri]

Thank you so much. 🙏🤗🙏

[@dusanmilkovski6785]

You have the best photography lessons on youtube so far!

[@wolfamri]

Thank you, Dušan 🙏🙏

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

Every format has its own unique features, both positive and negative. I have cameras from Panasonic, Pentax, Olympus and fujifilm, they cover full frame, APSC and micro 4/3. I have been using digital cameras for 15 years, photographing wildlife, birds, landscapes, seascapes, events including weddings and a host of other subjects. During this time period I also have printed countless of photos, recently I photographed a English horse back riding event for a family member of my wife. I photographed the event with a Olympus OMD 1MKIII and the 40-150mm F-2.8 lens, I printed and framed a13 x 19 inch print giving to the rider as a gift..when I travel by plane or want a light camera to shoot with I use the APSC or 4/3 camera. When photographing events my main camera bodies were a Pentax full frame and APSC. I find that the camera that you use is more important than the sensor size and having the proper lens to cover the subject your photographing.

[@wolfamri]

Thanks, James. I totally agree. I just returned from the athletics world championships and not being accredited, I used a point and shoot superzoom that gave me options that I wouldn’t have had with any other cam that I would have been allowed to take with me to the stands.

[@caulacau2318]

Hi Wolf I came across this video entirely by chance and I’d like to thank you so much for sharing such a detailed and well organised explanation about this subject. You have answered a question which has puzzled me for some time: the reason a full frame sensor yields a better image quality than a crop sensor of the same amount of megapixels. I had done some research bu never found a clear, convincing explanation for this question - until now. So, many thanks again. Caula

[@wolfamri]

Thanks so much, Caula. Feedback like that helps me spending a week or more for videos like that 🤣. Much appreciated!!!

[@Faheeed]

whatever i watch and whatever i try , i realize that you're the best one who can give me the information that i'm looking for in the shortest time and in a very easy way . thank you very much for your efforts ! 😄

[@wolfamri]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your feedback 🤗🤗

[@PirHana]

Awesome! I've never thought about all of this even though I am a professional photographer! Thank you!

[@wolfamri]

That’s probably the bes feedback one could wish for. Thank you 🙏🙏

[@joseluisruiz3789]

This is by far the best Channel On KZbin that Properly Explains Things When It Comes To Cameras. Thank you for this.

[@wolfamri]

Thank YOU 😉

[@tanzuwei8306]

I love the effort for making things easy and understandable by no matter which level you are in. Thank you!

[@wolfamri]

Thank you so much!

[@lukas3369]

Thank you for your content!!! You're the best teacher for photography on youtube. Greetings from Italy

[@wolfamri]

Awww, thank you 🙏🤗

[@TITAOSTEIN]

Wonderful explanation! Clear! Thank you! It is important to hear truths! In an internet flooded with fakenews and lies it is good to know that there are still people dedicated to bringing the truth out!

[@wolfamri]

Thanks so much for your feedback. Really makes it worth the time and efforts 🙏🙏

[@SuchaDoofus]

Yeah I'm getting so sick of all the fake photography lies! Lol

[@WestCoastUSA546]

You had me at HELLO. I subscribed after 3 seconds of watching this vid that just came into my feed. What I liked very much is that you are really teaching, and you are using VISUALS!!! And being very visual in my learning approach, I am IN! Certainly will be watching ALL your vids.

[@wolfamri]

😁 Thanks so much for your positive feedback 🙏🙏

[@eduardolima3936]

For the first time someone explains the difference in a clever and understandable way. Congrats.

[@wolfamri]

Thanks so much, Eduardo 🤗🙏🤗

[@thewildgoose7467]

Well explained. One thing which is sort of outside the scope of this video is where someone is interested in adapting older film lenses onto digital cameras. Both full frame and crop cameras can take these lenses using an adapter, but only full frame can use the lenses as they were intended, ie retain their original focal length. There are lots of high quality 28mm lenses available for example which would cost a lot less than a new 28mm lens for digital, but they would only be a wide angle 28mm on full frame. On a crop frame camera they would function as a 42-44mm lens. It may seem an advantage the other way in that on a crop sensor a 50mm f1.4 would become a 75mm f1.4 and be a great portrait lens, however as you rightly point out with the increased depth of field on the crop camera you would lose some of the benefit of shooting at f1.4 regarding isolating the subject. So while both crop and full frame have their pros and cons, if someone intends adapting some of the millions of older lenses which are out there then that's one area where full frame sensors have an advantage.

[@wolfamri]

I didn’t yet think about that, but true!

[@craighardingrealtor5703]

Brilliant! Thank you for the most thorough yet easiest to understand explanation of crop vs FF that I have come across. Now subbed..

[@wolfamri]

Thanks for your feedback, Craig! Much appreciated!!!

[@KooqsAI]

The best description I have ever heard of crop versus full-frame.

[@wolfamri]

Thank you, Mark!

[@adelinamihaela8]

This channel is seriously underrated. Congratulations on such quality content! New subscriber, hope you get to millions of them! 🤞🏼

[@wolfamri]

Thanks so much, Adelina 🙏🙏

[@ArtofServer]

@Wolf Amri I can't tell you how much I appreciate your videos! I started knowing almost nothing about cameras, but I've learned so much from your videos. You are doing people like me such an incredible service. thank you so much!!!

[@wolfamri]

awwwww, thanks so much for such a positive feedback!!! It's a great pleasure to help!

[@joronjo305]

Hey Wolf, Those are exceptional recommendations on both types of cameras (full frame and crop) Thanks for using so much of your time to educate us.

[@wolfamri]

Thank you, Jo 🤗🤗

[@simonajausovec7518]

First time here, Omg, how come you are not better known?! These are by far the best tutorials!!! Thank you, :)

[@wolfamri]

Thanks so much, Simona. Perhaps one day... 😂

[@gregfam6250]

Seriously criminally undersubscribed channel! This was so incredibly easy to understand!

[@wolfamri]

Thank you so much, Greg 🤗🤗🤗

[@tomhughes5123]

trying to please everyone ! truth is bigger is better higher resolution higher dynamic range better controll over depth of field , the whole big sensor thing is awesome compared to smaller sensors , iv played with the big fella , you cant fail to see the advantages over most others . theres a fantastic amount of detail and controll over most of it bit depth and dynamic range is fantastic , it blew any crop sensor i had owned away into the stone age , shame i couldnt afford one 😀. tell the truth instead of trying to please everyone . being a pansy

[@TITAOSTEIN]

@@tomhughes5123 you need a Medium Format Camera! FF is a Crop sensor!

[@tomhughes5123]

@@TITAOSTEIN i do but not the fuji , the water sealing is terrible , watch the strip down .. and rebuild , its not for me living in a damp environment , the d850s shrug it off , so looks like il wait a bit longer , the size and quality of the fuji are great , but getting caught in the rain ( which is inevitable here) isnt worth a £10.000 camera , if they were a quarter the price id still be cheesed off rain could wreak havok with it 👍

[@TITAOSTEIN]

@@tomhughes5123 be happy with your crop sensor Camera! :) By the theory of the bigger the better, let's all be shooting with giant systems! The opposite is true for me: miniaturization! As technology develops, the trend is that of miniaturization! So it makes no sense to attack the physical size of a sensor! It is not the measurement of the sensor, it is the technology behind the sensor and the Camera. Currently many try to make believe that all photographers from beginners, amateurs to professionals, all need specifically FF...

[@adnan_velic]

Thank you for this incredible work! I will say if you’re a video shooter keep in mind what’s much more important than sensor size is the QUALITY of the sensor and the processing power of your camera. For example the new ARRI cinema camera is a super 35 sensor yet it outperforms most full size sensors easily for filmmaking. I will also say that with that quality comes a lot of benefits such a highlight and shadow recovery. With my xh2s I can shoot 3 stops underexposed and recover the image EASILY so shooting in low light is no big deal to me. Also high ISO noise for a really good s35 camera is thing of the past. People look 10 years in the past and think s35 are inferior when in fact s35 packs an incredible amount of performance for half the price I’m talking videography now.

[@wolfamri]

Thank you, Adnan. Yes, for video APS-C has some advantages. But full frame does too. It’s always a question of your personal needs. I‘m currently working on a green screen tutorial, and APS-C with a full frame sensor gives better keying, which hardly anybody will admit 😁.

[@wanneske1969]

Your English is very good for a German guy. Great videos, very clear and simple !

[@wolfamri]

Thanks, Johan. I'm actually Austrian, but that wouldn't make much of a difference in regard to English 🤣.

[@pathankotiya]

Why 😭? Why didn't I come across this channel before and its absolutely criminal that this channel is not so well promoted. Your explanations are absolutely crisp and consise and the presentation of content is THE best I have come across as yet. I have got more concepts cleared today in the last one hour than in weeks trying to understand photography. Thank you so much.

[@wolfamri]

Thanks so much for your feedback, Pathan. Great you finally found the vids 😉🤗

[@CleanSlateFarm]

Best explanation yet. Especially liked the pros and cons as I'm currently looking at a new camera. Thank you very much.

[@wolfamri]

Thanks for your feedback. If you are looking for a new camera, maybe have a look at my 9 camera entry level camera test. I also always compare them with a full frame camera so that you see the difference you get: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHi2k4eNa7mmrtE

[@amalofoto]

Amazing presentation! I recently bought a Sony alpha 7 III after 8 years of using an old sony point and shoot bridge camera. I'm really happy with it, I shoot in low light a lot. I really wanted to take the plunge and buy the best camera for myself after all these years where the quality of my photos was hampered by my camera. It was so hard to choose, and I wish I had found your videos while I was deciding what my priorities were, they're truly masterpieces of amazingly presented information. Thank you!

[@wolfamri]

Thanks so much, Alex! But you have definitely chosen an amazing camera! It's the one I use mostly and also record my videos with. Congrats ;)

[@myblueandme]

5:31 I was always confused about this. Thank you very much for this explanation. Best ad simple explanation!

[@wolfamri]

Thanks, great to hear it was helpful 🙏

[@mohamedaldhuhoori7952]

You are truly the BEST! You always explain things very clearly, you answer all questions that pop up in mind. You make the ideas short and straight… Shout out to you! 👏🏻

[@wolfamri]

Thanks so much, Mohamed. That’s good and bad. Answering the questions in the video keeps people from asking in the comments. But comments are a big ranking factor for youtube. So I really appreciate your comment 🙏🙏

[@ridealongwithrandy]

Awesome video, no overblown opinions, just the facts Ma'am! Definitely subscription material! I like using the term 35mm instead of full frame, I had a person ask me if my crop sensor camera only uses part of the sensor :) We should go back to 135, 120 etc

[@wolfamri]

Thanks again, much appreciated! I agree on the terms. Full frame and crop doesn’t tell you anything. Unfortunately photography is full of such misleading things.

[@roadtrippin2781]

I just found your channel. Thank you for reinforcing my outside the box way of thinking. I'll continue moving forward, disregarding others' wack opinions.

[@wolfamri]

Thank you 🙏🙏. Do that, thinking out of the box will keep your creativity 👍

[@cyanophage4351]

I really like the toy camera at the start. A great example. Btw the website is "DP review" not "D preview". The DP is for digital photography

[@wolfamri]

Thanks, Chris. Geeez, I‘m spelling that wrong for more than a decade now. How embarrassing 🤦‍♂️😂

[@amitanamaba6528]

I loves the materials, conprehensively explained, easy to understand. The best one. Sometimes experts explaining partially and with terms or samples that I hardly to understand. Thankbyou, keep up the great videos .. !!

[@wolfamri]

Wow, thank you! 🙏🙏

[@GadjetGriller]

That was a great explanation! thanks most channels just focused on the disadvantages of crop sensors but you give us both good and bad! thank you.

[@wolfamri]

Thanks for your feedback. I try to stay objective in all my videos 😉

[@baros00005]

Clear talk, simple explanation. The best I heard in youtube.

[@wolfamri]

Wow, thanks! 🙏🙏

[@edwardalex483]

The best class for camera users..

[@wolfamri]

Thank you, Edward!!! Much appreciated!

[@lworldfan]

Perfect! i saw at least 4 other videos to understand the difference between full frame vs Crop. You're one of the best. TY

[@wolfamri]

Thanks a lot, Peter!

[@Dochorahan]

Great video. Thank you. Wide angle lenses for DX crop sensors are now available in large aperture down to f/2 for example. The tokina 14-20 dx pro

[@wolfamri]

Thanks for the info and your feedback. I didn't know about the Tokina.

[@robertleeimages]

Good lens, i use one on my Canon eos 200D for milky way nightscapes

[@dirkoberjasper7207]

Great tutorial - your method of explaining basics of photography is unequaled. Thank you so much! 🙂

[@wolfamri]

Thank you, Dirk. I really appreciate your feedback 🙏🙏🙏

[@rui7773]

Não posso sair de um vídeo desse sem deixar meu muito obrigado! Parabéns, você é show!🇧🇷👍

[@wolfamri]

Muito obrigado 🤗🤗

[@Asif.A]

no explanation can make the photography more interesting great piece of work

[@wolfamri]

Thank you so much, Asif! 🤗🤗

[@ferielo6884]

So so well articulated! I am so glad I found this channel :)

[@wolfamri]

Thanks a lot 🙏🤗🙏

[@ToolCraze]

Good video and will be very helpful for beginners. One thing I will add is for those considering crop sensor cameras with no intention on getting full frame lenses ever, to not even think about what equivalent full frame lens size is because that is just too much info for a beginner to handle, plus won't benefit them since they are not considering full frame anyway. It's already hard enough for beginners to get out of auto mode and learn the exposure triangle. The info about getting crop sensor lenses on crop sensor bodies is the best advice for them if no intention on moving on up. Also some systems like m43 do not support ff lenses any way without an adapter but that's a whole different subject. Native lenses always work best.

[@wolfamri]

Thanks! I actually agree on the conversion. But I’m afraid I don’t agree on the exposure triangle. I always recommend to not learn it because it is not correct. It skips the most important part of exposure which is available light, but lists ISO, which is just the gain. That is why so many people think photography is a mystical thing with strange settings, totally forgetting it is all about light.

[@gregorysmith293]

Too bad I can't click Like more than once. This was excellent!

[@wolfamri]

🤗🤗 thanks so much, Gregory!!!

[@tomkirby3281]

I got the Canon T5i because it was the best camera in my budget. My boss, who does pro photography as a side hustle, has a Canon 5D Mk III. I do more macro photography than he does, so that works for me, but while I can take pretty good shots of the moon, the milky way is a little harder in my camera. My camera does well for my needs, but I'll be the first to admit it's not the best for professional portrait/event photography. Thanks for the explanation.

[@wolfamri]

Thanks, Tom. We must not forget though that there are quite a few options between these two cameras. The high end APS-C from Canon is the 7DII. The “lower end” full frame is the 6D (II). When we talk about cameras, there is more than just sensor size. But what counts more than any specs is that it works for the things you mainly photograph 😉.

[@MauroPiccotti]

It wasn't possible to be more clear, kudos 👏

[@wolfamri]

Thank you so much for your feedback, Mauro 🙏🙏

[@johnwatson8192]

Thanks for such a clear explanation of this subject. I will need to watch it a few more times to let it sink in but it helped me understand what my friend was talking about when I said that I am going to get a Fujifilm XF 70-300mm for my X-Pro2 and he told me that it would be the equivalent of a 600mm lens. Not quite correct because he thought that the X-Pro2 has a four thirds sensor but I now understood his rational. I've now subscribed.

[@wolfamri]

Thanks for the subscription, John! It seems you understood very well! Don’t let yourself guide you by equivalent focal lengths. If you never shot a full frame sensor, there isn’t a real need to compare the focal lengths unless you saw a pic e.g. of the moon shot with one and want to get the same “magnification”. But even then there are more factors, like resolution. If you compare “magnification” with the crop factor, you need to compare full frame and Crop factor with the very same resolution (e.g. 24mpix).

[@Revolution-tl5wo]

This was extremely helpful! I started on a Nikon D3100 when full frames were barely even a thing, and the range of APS-C lenses and the usability of my Nikon kept me happy for all but my low light shooting. FF a few years, and I haven't had a proper camera at all for awhile, until I got my hands on a used EOS Rebel SL1. Now that I'm gearing up again, I already started having gear envy and planning my lens goals with it in mind to level up to full frame and take the lenses with me. However, I want to get the most out of the camera body I have and enjoy it until I can get a full frame body. Adding to that is the confusion over DSLR v. mirrorless and arrrrgh! Your videos are well organized, insightful, and clear. Thanks!

[@wolfamri]

Thanks 🙏🙏🙏. Mirrorless vs DSLR is already in the planning stage 😉

[@chandrasekar1990]

Wow 😳 no better explanation than this can be provided! Sales person should be able to explain like this to customers before making a choice! Thank you 😸

[@wolfamri]

Thank you, Chandra 🤗

[@danielmcdermott5161]

Excellent video. Clear explanation with great delivery and analogies. Why does this channel not have more subscribers? 😳

[@wolfamri]

Thanks a lot, Daniel! Much appreciated! 🤗🤗

[@tonygarrett7214]

Excellent! Informative and honest. This deflates the egos of those who insist that full frame is the superior medium. Thank you.

[@wolfamri]

Thank you. It really depends on what you want to use it for and what crop sensor camera you use. Unfortunately there aren’t all that many high end crop sensor cameras around.

[@bloodmoney88]

I'm a hobbyist, I like taking portraits, and pictures of people in general. I think I am fortunate with my choice of APSC with full frame lenses. If I have a windfall I'll look into a full frame camera. All the same I'm happy with the apsc I have, I can work with it easily. Though IBIS would certainly help, fortunately the lenses have OSS.

[@mikehynz]

Can I ask why you use full frame lenses on your APS-C? I have a 90D and I am exploring a couple of additional lenses.

[@bloodmoney88]

@@mikehynz the 6400 was originally bought as a stop gap as I could not afford the a7IIIs. I chose the 6400 out of the line of 6000's because of the a9 colour science in it, and reports that it was good for combining with FE lenses, for many reasons, price 1, but the crop is good for shooting night skies as it gives you that bit mor reach, so I've heard on the tubes. :) have a good day. Oh yes, & I buy FE because I expect to upgrade to an FE camera sooner than later. Then the 6400 will be my spare & video cam. It's also fun doing the numbers if you're that sort of photographer which I like to think I am.

[@mikehynz]

@@bloodmoney88 thanks I appreciate it! Good shooting to you!

[@bloodmoney88]

@@mikehynz I should add, I do have a mixture of lenses both E & FE. I tried to get picks of the bunch, like the 16mm sigma, the 1.8 50mm kit, for E mounts, and where I'm aiming FE I have the 90mm macro and the 70 to 200 G & the 200 to 600 G sony lenses. I like shooting the moon & things at distance. Also a macro fetishist. So when I do move to FE cameras the lenses on the 6400 are still relevant. It's been a big slow plan for me due expense, being a pensioner I don't have much spare change, I had to tighten my belt to get most my photographic stuff. I think I've gone a good way about it, they say the most important thing of photography is the glass...

[@MileyonDisney]

Great video! Just one thing: 4:59 - Depth of focus is a lens optics concept that measures the tolerance of placement of the image plane (the film plane in a camera) in relation to the lens. In a camera, depth of focus indicates the tolerance of the film's displacement within the camera and is therefore sometimes referred to as "lens-to-film tolerance". Not to be confused with depth of field.

[@wolfamri]

Thanks a lot, Miley! From what I have learned when I took my exam in photography (not meaning to brag here 🤣) is that depth of focus is the same as the depth of field, just on the image plane side (I didn't ever hear about a tolerance). I am deliberately using the word depth of focus because in this regard it is actually what we want. Even though it is directly correlated to the depth of field, we don't care for the (let it call us) "depth of sharpness" in the depth in the field, but rather about the sharpness on our camera plane. Therefore they are interchangeable and the term depth of field is very confusing to so many. In photography we just have too many terms from very old days that are more complicated than they need to be. In school our kids learn differently than I did when I was young, so I think it is time to change the photography language too. I hope that makes sense 😉

[@MileyonDisney]

@@wolfamri Thanks for that. I remember in the film days, I had a hard time wrapping my head around depth of field. We had to wait at least a day to see results. I just subscribed and sent links to my siblings. Seriously, you're one of the best instructors I've seen - and I'm actually older than you, so I've been around and seen a lot.

[@wolfamri]

Awwww, thanks for that 🤗. Hard to believe anyone on youtube is older than I am 🤣

[@michaelkress84]

You outline the advantages and disadvantages very well. What about the nomenclature? Aren't the terms themselves "full" and "crop" marketing terms? Why don't we just refer to them by the mm of the sensor? It seems to me that many photographers choose the much more expensive "full" frame regardless of the advantages and disadvantages just to feel like real "full" photographers. Would they feel that way if it was just a mm designation?

[@wolfamri]

Thanks, Michael. Interesting thought. But I’m afraid they still would. People buy battery grips to make them look more professional. I prefer the smaller the better as long as my fingers can comfortably change the settings. I like the crop factor nomenclature tbh but probably because I got used to it.

[@HandyDan]

Excellent explanation, so for basic picture taking, a crop sensor is ok, but for low light, bokeh, professional photography, you need full frame.

[@wolfamri]

Thank you, Dan! In a nutshell yes. But there are specific uses where a good crop sensor is still the better option. In the end you need to make compromises if you want to cover all areas of photography 😉.

[@iwantthattclphone9240]

You've given me confidence to show my shots using my Nikon D3200, thanks a lot.

[@wolfamri]

Good images are good images, no matter what camera they were shot with. Great to hear your confidence is rising 😉. Thanks for your feedback!

[@juanelfers8753]

Great video, I wanted to learn about the advantage of the bigger magnification for macro photography and this clarified me a doubt I had about the quality/detail difference About the depth of focus, a crop sensor has no more depth of focus than a full-frame sensor, since the depth of field relies 100% on the lens (focal distance and aperture) and the focus distance. What happens is that for taking "the same photo" on a crop sensor, you have to get further from the subject than with a full-frame sensor, and since you are changing the focus distance, the depth of field increases.

[@wolfamri]

Thanks, Juan! Exactly!!!

[@christianpetersen1782]

But moving further away from the subject reduces the otherwise soft bokeh.

[@wolfamri]

With macro you can easily live with that, Christian. With portraits, that is different 😉.

[@rezamahtabi482]

Hi Wolf, you present best explanation by distance from others. I was going to change my d7200 with a new full frame because I was thinking full frame is what I need, still I need it but you opened my eyes with great explanation. keep doing your good job and I really thank you for such good videos you present. 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@wolfamri]

Thanks so much 🙏🙏🙏

[@ArcanePath360]

I've been grappling with this for years. Every time I think I know, someone says something to challenge my beliefs, such as "They let in the same amount of light". I knew they didn't. This is the most comprehensive video to explain what is in fact going on that I've ever seen. Well done! Only thing it doesn't mention is how the lens affects the sensor in terms of lens quality. For instance, if used on a crop sensor, are you magnifying the imperfections of the glass? Or is it better because the middle of the glass is the sharpest part, and you also don't get a vignette as much?

[@wolfamri]

Thank you 🙏. That’s a bit of a mixed bag of both. So it depends quite a bit on the lens. What is definitely more of a problem is that diffraction kicks in at lower aperture numbers on crop sensors.

[@ArcanePath360]

@@wolfamri When you say lower aperture, do you mean open or closed? Do you mean chromatic aberration? I think you get this wider open and diffraction at high numbers, but I'm not sure what diffraction is TBH since I never go above f8

[@wolfamri]

I try to always speak of aperture numbers when I use lower or higher. Photography is way too weirdly explained. I'm working on a totally new approach that I will hopefully finish in 2-3months. Chromatic aberration is something different - that is purple fringing (or sometimes green) in high, contrasty areas. Diffraction is a general softening of the image. Maybe this page that I created helps. It is all about aperture and goes from rather basic knowledge all the way to the pretty nerdy stuff 🤣. exposure-triangle.com/aperture-explained/

[@ArcanePath360]

@@wolfamri Thanks! I read through your link and it makes sense with you diagrams. Thanks again!

[@rvnmedic2709]

Outstanding. Now I have both and it's tough to bring everything along and then decide. So depending on what I'm shooting I grab one or the other. Many times sorry I didn't bring both. LOL. Thanks.

[@wolfamri]

Thank you! Always bring everything you have 😂😂.

[@TechieSewing]

Good and clear explanation. I know most of this and parts are firmly forgotten :) One thing I miss about my crop camera was the fact I could use some old manual lenses on it with M42 converter, and they wouldn't touch the mirror while focused farther than a few meters ahead. Sadly my beautiful Takumar 28mm does that so with it I have to raise the mirror beforehand and leave it there (mainly I have to remember to do that) or use live view which I only tolerate for macro or pre-focusing for self-portraits. And some old lenses would touch the mirror in any position. Stil the reason I've upgraded to full frame was purely artistic, that discrepancy between my eyes angle of view and the size of the objects I see with them, and the same with the camera, was driving me crazy. 50mm was right size but _narrow_. 35mm was right width but _small_. Despite the fact I really like my 100mm, I also wanted "real picture" while shooting and the full frame gives me that. I felt it was better in nearly every way but it was a jump from Canon 400D to 5D II, the cameras of different levels. Maybe if I went from say 7D, I'd be less impressed. I nearly stopped using the external flash because I mostly could get by with natural light and still have less noise. Just so much more freedom. I don't think I'll change cameras again ever unless this one completely dies. I might get a camcorder at some point in addition to DLSR.

[@wolfamri]

Thank you, Marta. I also own the 5DII. Great camera. I need to say though that I love my mirrorless cameras because they give me even more photographic freedom. But I live from photography and I probably wouldn’t own it if that weren’t the case.

[@martindennis9531]

Great Video! One thing that can be done with full frame is to shoot in aps c mode. You lose resolution but that shouldn't be a problem unless you're printing big. I believe you would gain the greater depth of field though. Doesn't do anything for the other advantages of C though (cost, size, etc)

[@wolfamri]

Thanks, Martin. That’s definitely correct it n regard to DOF 👍

[@touristguy87]

...why did you use the word "shouldn't" here?

[@androidgameplays4every13]

Excellent lesson, thank you. So for macro photography a MFT sensor could be an advantage!

[@wolfamri]

Thank you! And absolutely yes. Most of the macro community uses Olympus. That’s why I just lately gave in and bought one too 😂.

[@sebby5498]

Thanks so much for posting these basics. Especially helpful was the link so that I could compare image qualities. That put my thoughts in a very different direction.

[@wolfamri]

Glad it was helpful, Sebastian! Thanks for your feedback ;)

[@krisbedgood6055]

Very accurate explanation. Too bad so many people believe crop sensor are just for newbs. So many on net buy the best full frame camera they can thinking its the camera that makes the photographer. They live on dprievew posting in 10,000 range. Its so comical as they never seem to post any photos

[@wolfamri]

Thanks, Kris. Very true. I am however a firm believer that gear helps a lot getting the desired shot 😉

[@indyjones720]

Thank you for finally showing the truth that full frame produces better quality images that you WILL notice over crop sensors. So many uninformed liars out there who want to spread a false narrative. Thank you for this very informative and simplified video!

[@wolfamri]

Thank you, Joseph. You wouldn’t believe how many people from either side comment that I’m wrong 😂. Crop totally has its use too though. It all depends on your needs. Know the limitations of either “system” and you can make the best decision.

[@indyjones720]

@@wolfamri I’m actually in the process of ordering my first camera and I’m wondering which one you’d suggest: Canon R7 or Sony A7 IV?

[@wolfamri]

Interesting choice. Being a Sony guy and owning the a7IV I'm intrigued to say the Sony. But for one I don't know all that much about the R7 yet (focus speed, etc.) it really depends on what you intend to use it for. If it is macro or wildlife, the R7 will probably be the better choice for it being crop at roughly the same resolution. For sports both have their pros and cons. For portraits, landscapes, night photography, milky way, events, I'd go with the Sony. BUT: it also depends a lot on the budget. Camera purchase is usually only the start. With the money you save with the R7, you can get the much better lens(es) if budget is an issue (which it usually is).

[@indyjones720]

@@wolfamri a lot of it is dependent on my limited budget. I’m just worried the R7 won’t perform well enough for portraits, night photography. Problem is I don’t want to spend an extra $7-800 for the Sony if it’s not going to yield a drastic difference in quality.

[@wolfamri]

I’m afraid I can’t give a good advice in that case. The R7 is just too new. Usually the difference is between one and two stops of light. The chart I’ve seen suggests that the R7 is slightly better than the t7i which isn’t all that great in regard to noise and dynamic range. As I said, it will always be a compromise. I just recently added an Olympus crop cam to my lineup of Sonys because you can’t have it all in one “system”. For portraits the quality is not the real deal, for me it’s the background blur that is better with full frame and I love full frame. One thing you might consider: order from a source where you can send it back. Order both and keep the one you like better. But make sure you can really send it back after it is used.

[@dragonfist25]

This is the best presentation on sensor size I have ever seen. Thank you for posting.

[@wolfamri]

Thanks for your feedback 🙏🤗

[@simontrezise8495]

This is an excellent video. I wish I'd seen it before I bought the Canon RP. Already owning a Fuji XT30 I was surprised to find the Fuji out-performing the Canon in dynamic range and several other ways. The Canon brought nothing to my table and I will get rid of it (not having the slightest interest in blurred backgrounds and finding the low-light advantage so marginal as not to matter). Keep up the great work.

[@wolfamri]

Thanks so much, Simon. Sorry to hear you made the wrong decision. I hope you can send it back?

[@markrigg6623]

Canon have now fixed their sensors. The RP used Canon's older, (poorer) sensor tech.

[@finite934]

Informative. As a complete newbie to cameras, I’d say it’s best to get cheaper and lighter aps-c cameras because it’s still light years ahead of mobile phone cameras, and there will be better chance of using a smaller and lighter system. I suspect it will take years before I outgrow crop sensors, because I guess most people would put up with the limitations for a long time before deciding that they had totally outgrown crop and needed to invest in full format. To decide that, you’d probably need to start getting into photo/videography seriously, and maybe a lot of people never do.

[@wolfamri]

Thanks, Andrew. As always, the "want" is sometimes bigger than the "need" 😁

[@krollpeter]

Not the only one around with photography knowledge, but the best around to teach it.

[@wolfamri]

Aaawwww, thanks, Peter 🙏🙏🙏

[@GunniGrahn]

Nice and to the point video. well done. - regarding camera size, things have changed. The APS-C camera Fuji X-H1 is larger than the FullFrame Nikon Z6II

[@wolfamri]

Thank you, Gunni. I agree, some cameras are an exception to the "rule". E.g. the Olympus OM-1 is a MFT sensor camera, but is as big as my full frame Sonys.

[@Y0N0_Desu]

Newbie to photography, this video provided me enough detail lessen my worries, thank you very much! new sub here

[@wolfamri]

Thanks so much! Enjoy your new hobby ;)

[@ArtemKach]

Thank you Wolf! Very high quality material! You have a talent for explaining things in simple way.

[@wolfamri]

Thank you, Artem 🙏🤗

[@petedraper5185]

Excellent video! Without doubt the best I have watched relating to this subject: I have therefore subscribed and look forward to viewing more of your videos. It is refreshing to watch a presentation from someone who does not refer to "moving up to full frame" or "crop sensor cameras are not professional cameras" (as stated by at least two well known KZbinr/professional photographers). I have owned a Canon 7D mark II and Nikon D500 APS-C, Sony A7III, A9 and A7R4 full frame, and now Olympus EM1X and EM1 mark III M43 crop sensor cameras. I share your opinion that no format is superior to another. I am perfectly aware of the limitations (rather minor from my point of view) of M43 and work within those limitations. I doubt I will move back to the other formats.

[@wolfamri]

Thanks so much, Pete. Great to hear from people who love photography more than a hypothetical theory

[@bonciudan5296]

Thank's for making it clear what is best for macro

[@wolfamri]

Thanks for watching and your feedback ;)

[@carlosdias1940]

Hi!!! Discovered your channel and subscribed because I'm very impressed how clear are your explanations! Trust me that I've see 'quite a few' YT videos!!! Tchuss!

[@wolfamri]

Graçias, Carlos. Much appreciated 😉, Tschüss 👋

[@MrRensan404]

A good explanation that cites advantages and disadvantages of both full and crop frame cameras. In essence one is not better than the other. It all depends on the purpose of the photographer.

[@wolfamri]

Thanks, Rene. Exactly!

[@alexteun]

Really awesome video. The best I have watched on the subject. Thanks a lot

[@wolfamri]

Thanks a lot, Alex!!!

[@hosewerethedays5426]

since i love bokeh and low light i now know i need a full frame camera. sir you are like a top quality Leica lens, clear, sharp and illuminating 👍👍👍

[@wolfamri]

😮😮 Thank you 🤗🤗🤗

[@gaoapril3806]

Very good tutorial, speech is clear and easy to understand.

[@wolfamri]

Awwww, thanks. That’s good to hear being a non-native speaker 🙏

[@Guoenyi]

Great course. Free too. I enjoyed watching these though I already know it. You are a wonderful educator!

[@wolfamri]

Thank you so much 🙏🙏

[@MyOlympusOMD]

Hi Wolf, I watched your video and found it very interesting. My concern is one critical point everyone explains incorrectly. There are 2 key points when discussing image sensors. These are the Optical characteristics and the Technical characteristics of every image sensor. You did a great job explaining the Optical differences and failed, like everyone else, the Technical aspects of the image sensor were not clear. An image sensor is an electronic component with technical limitations. The size of the sensor does not change these technical limitations. For example, the sensor has an active noise component (floor) the moment the camera is switched on. Dishonest marketers decided not to tell the truth because selling more FF cameras is more important. We have the opportunity to manage the sensor's saturation and SNR. How does one do that? The daily repeated marketing phrase claiming "One sensor captures more light" is dishonest. The challenge we ALL face is how to best deal with the different reflected light intensities from the scene. All image sensors undersaturate in the shadow parts of the scene. That means a lower SNR and more visible image noise in the shadows. Your ISO simply amplifies the lower SNR in the shadow parts of the image signal. Why do all image sensors produce excellent image quality in bright light, and NOT only M43 sensors? Because the sensor saturates in good light. That means a high SNR, low visible noise, and more tonal data. Why? (think gamma & tonal data distribution) Go to my Blog for more information on what digital photographers should know... Best Siegfried

[@wolfamri]

Hi Siegfried, thank you for your well worded feedback. I will read your blogpost in a few days when I have more time. However, to give a quick reply because I don't like to let comments unanswered ;). While I was working on my website exposure-triangle.com/iso-in-photography-explained/ I did a lot of research also in this regard. I need to search for the exact info, because I don't remember, but there was an incredibly good article about pixel size and how that effects SNR. It was super logical and I wouldn't have seen it like that before. But I remember 100% that bigger pixel made a big difference. Not only in regard to pure SNR, but also in regard to dynamic range (which is kind-of connected). Beside that, I know from practical use (and that is what counts most for me), that each sensor size has its advantages and disadvantages. I wouldn't want to live without my OM-1 M43 for macro photography. But when it comes to scenes in low light, or if I need to push images in post because of the high dynamic range, it cannot keep up with its full frame counterparts. As much as I'd wish it to, because some of the functions the OM-1 has are super unique and incredibly helpful for many, many things. What would I give to have pro capture on the cameras that I use for sports photography. Yes, it does better in the lighter parts of an image, but better doesn't mean equally well. So as a user of smaller and bigger sensors, I have to objectively say: it's not just marketing, it is something you just experience in real-world shooting scenarios. I would 100% agree to say it's debatable whether you really need the lower noise, or if we could easily live with more for 99% of use cases. But I disagree when people say, different sensor sizes give me the same result.

[@alessandrasmota]

This is the best explanation I ever seen, I had a lot of aha moments!! Thanks!!

[@wolfamri]

Thanks, Alessandra! Much appreciated! Don't forget to subscribe, next week will be RAW vs JPG which even had some aha moments for myself when I did the research 🤣.

[@HenryGonzalezTv]

My man what a great channel you have. thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@wolfamri]

Thank YOU, Henry 🙏🙏

[@jeanniesmith3405]

Thank you for this video - one of several I've viewed trying to decide which camera type to buy while I upgrade from my Canon t2i. This is the one video that helps me make up my mind. I'll stick with the APS-C - my interest is in macro shooting mostly. Upgrading to get more pixels and less noise. On a budget, so the Canon t8i will be my choice over the full-frame 6D I was looking at. Thank you for a very thorough overview of the pluses and minuse.

[@wolfamri]

Great to hear that, Jeannie! Did you see my entry level camera test? I tested the t7i. Compared to the 6D it has a much more advanced focus system. Everything has advantages and disadvantages.

[@jeanniesmith3405]

@@wolfamri I found that video and have it ready to play. Thank you for uploading very recent videos. Nothing like sesrching through those dated 2015 when tech changes so fast. Prob will go with canon t8i for the articulating screen and weight - old back will love it!

[@wolfamri]

Oh yes! Articulating screens are a big thing for getting great perspectives. I wouldn’t want to go without them anymore!

[@anotherperspective3076]

I really liked the style of this video, you are improving you video every time you start a new project. I hope the efford you put into your video will pay back in A LOT of subs some day;)

[@wolfamri]

Thanks so much! Yes, I really enjoy improving the videos and it’s great to see that orhers enjoy that too 🤗🤗

[@marchinderickx8193]

It’s good to mention that we have to compare apple with apple; In this case, with the same amount of pixels. I have a Canon DSLR 400D (10M pixels) and a Canon 6D (20M pixels). When I put my 150-600 on the crop sensor, that’s indeed a closer image. But if I use it on the 6D and crop it in Lightroom, I get the same image but with a better quality. Another advantage of a full frame is the fact that you can reuse your old lenses directly as they were designed for 24 x 36mm.

[@wolfamri]

Marc, I mentioned the resolution 😉. Definitely important. Regarding the old lenses, you can use them on crop sensor cameras too, just not vice versa.

[@greggohlins1497]

Best video around for SIMPLY explaining the ever so confusing crop factor, DoF terminology etc etc. Quick question for you; does the Canon RF to EF adapter create cropping i.e. when using old EF lenses with mirrorless cameras?

[@wolfamri]

Thanks, Gregg 🤗. TBH, I don't know for certain, but I'm 99,9% sure you won't. Reason being are old manual focus lenses. In order to make these focus to infinity (far in the distance), they have to have to be mounted on the camera at the same physical distance to the image sensor. And that would create the same image on the sensor. I hope that's not too technical 😉

[@greggohlins1497]

@@wolfamri Thank you for your quick response once again Amri. It's not too technical I think I got the idea :)

[@peteralleyman1388]

I don't (fully) agree on your depth of focus analysis. Instead of stepping back while using a crop sensor camera, you can also use a shorter focal length of the lens. In that case you will end up with similar depth of focus for both cameras. Looking at typical standard zooms (18-55 for crop sensor versus 24-70 for full frame), that's exactly what will be going on. But for the rest: great explanation!

[@wolfamri]

Thanks, Albert. Mathematically that is correct, but I feel photography is so much more than just the maths. For example any macro lens wouldn't let you choose a different focal length. Most of them are 90mm or 100mm,... So stepping back is the thing you would usually do. And so I try to compare the real world effect things have on photography.