Does sensor size REALLY affect bokeh?

[@hamcha]

There are many videos trying to explain the difference between a 50mm on a full frame and "50mm equivalent" on crop, but it was really hard for me to really understand what the point is. This video hits the nail on the head so well by showing a direct comparison and explaining why the difference is there! You have a gift for explaining these things!

[@kohanson]

0:58 this is an important explanation to let everyone knows about the difference between Full frame vs crop with same lens.

[@velocelens]

Very short but clear explanation! Hopefully this helps clear up the confusion for those who aren't sure about the relation between FF and Crop

[@wongasaur]

this video is half advertisement, but somehow manages to do a better job explaining the concept than the rest of the internet combined. Well done Mr Cheng!

[@AdamLoboTV]

Great explanation my brother, I for one was guilty of thinking that a bigger sensor had more shallow depth of field, this sums it up pretty well

[@BidhanNayak]

This short 3-minute video gives a very clear demonstration of an important concept which is not discussed in videos made by more popular photography channels! Great job by ZY productions

[@duraiden]

Thank you THANK YOU for explaining it correctly. I see way too many people (including "professionals") parroting the wrong answer to this question.

[@KandiKlover]

It actually is correct. APS-C just isn't that much of a difference from Full Frame. Same as comparing depth of APS-C to micro 4/3. It's enough to affect the crop but not depth. Upgrade to a real adult's camera like an 8x10 field camera and you'll see the massive difference in shallow depth with regular 135mm lenses on both.

[@dimitrijekrstic7567]

Wow what a real adult badass

[@ZheoVerticies]

You make videos on the topics that other people would want to rant to the ten-minute mark about in less than 4 minutes. Thank you xD

[@NickL0VIN]

I think you’ve explained it better than the other 50 videos I’ve watched!

[@HawksNestYT]

Can the changing of lens be the cause?

[@curtisjudd]

Nicely explained!

[@zy_cheng]

Thanks Curtis! Pumped to see a comment from you, really appreciate the great videos you've been sharing with us for all these years.

[@samualong5385]

My thoughts of this is, use the full frame with 50mm again, walk closer to get the subject same size as big as it’s in crop, the background should have been more blurred out.

[@takdirhossain6069]

right on point. full frame helps you get a better bokeh in a tight indoor space. its really helpful in event photography

[@mst6734]

yes true, and, in a way, he demonstrated it by using the 80mm lens

[@KandiKlover]

Yeah but that’s not a real test or comparison since you’re changing focal distance so you’re bad attempt at an argument is invalid.

[@TwskiTV]

it will increase the blur by the same ammount as changing to the 80mm lens and keeping the same distance. "For a given size of the subject's image in the focal plane, the same f-number on any focal length lens will give the same depth of field" depth of field = 2u² * N * c / f² u = the distance to subject N = f number c = acceptable circle of confusion f = focal length

[@cashreedhar]

There are 2 things to consider: 1. Although you're comparing the 2 images with crop factor on full frame, 35mm sensor has shallower depth of field in your picture comparison. I am not looking into the bekeh of the light, however I am looking at the plant in the background at 1:11. 5M M3 image shows more blurred out plant(shallow depth of field) as compared to the image on the right. If you increase the focal length to 85mm or 105mm with f/1.4 or lower you'll notice difference in bokeh shape too. Bekeh shape didn't change at f/2.8 because it is slightly smaller aperture and at this distance it shows the aperture blades on both cameras. 2. People tend to forget the importance of full frame sensor. Not just full frame, I intend to say bigger the sensor size is better (medium format is even better, only if we didn't have to struggle with shutter travel distance). Bigger sensor attracts more light into the frame and hence 2-3 stops better in lowlight. More photons into the sensor = faster shutter speed. Finally, most of us came from crop to FF and we know the advantage of FF over crop. It is not just the focal length difference. These days even crop lenses have FF equivalent crop lenses, however those do now show the justice to image quality. Partly because how difficult it is make FF equivalent lenses for crop, also crop doesn't have the advantage over light. Finally, if sensor seize has no impact on image quality or shallow depth field smartphone cameras with tiny sensor or point and shoot cameras with 1 inch sensor would have won the world in terms of shallow depth of field although they come with 50mm FF equivalent lenses and f/1.7 aperture.

[@azmihakam]

No, because we compare dof from full frame to the crop sensor, so it always has different focal length. Point n shoot camera with 50mm equivealent is actually 18.5mm due 2.7x crop factor, so if we use f/1.7 for both lenses, the full frame always looks more blurry background.

[@April_idk]

Brilliant... The fact that there's complete series on yt about bokeh shootouts between crop and ff, using measuring tape and all that noise and you communicate it under 5 minutes is hilarious. For those considering a crop vs ff, do consider that to get the same DoF on crop you usually end up spending more money on GLASS. And in the end you spend pretty much the same amount for the same picture. How ever, with a good enough DOF and clear enough subject it's super easy to detect the subject in photoshop and ever so slightly soften your DoF to get basically the same result.

[@sreeraghari9217]

You dont have to add 80mm lens to get more depth of field. Just go near the object with the 50 mm lens to get the same frame. And in that case the bokeh will change. In 80mm there will be compression in background. But doing with the same lens at different distances will be better

[@LEXPIX]

Short answer is YES, for all intent and purposes, larger sensors makes achieving shallower depth of field easier. Although you forgot to factor in the equivalent aperture as well when using Full frame vs. crop for the DOF.

[@_systemd]

if you are in full control of composition then you can choose larger sensor setup to achieve shallower depth of field. if you are not in control of subject distance, which is in most cases not the desired situation, even though sometimes unavoidable, you can attach your smartphone to an astronomic telescope and achieve pretty thin depth of field and say that sensor size didn't matter in this particular scenario in relationship to dof ("bokeh").

[@chrlmlln9018]

A big THANK to you, sir, for this interesting comparison! Highly appreciated! Wishing you all the best! Greetings from Sweden!

[@leonardowangcl]

perfectly explained. Well developed logic from both a pro photographer and a top-educated young man

[@pettypoh]

thanks for good explanation - i got sick of explaining this concept to people who can't understand .. will just forward your video in future

[@IceTeaJay]

short, detail , accurate explaination, thanks a lot !

[@BRUNOCMUSIC]

Man... Complete answer and concrete.. excelent! And thanks so much!!

[@xGensai]

But what about smartphone cameras? They don't really have bokeh if we compare it to FF with the exact same lens setup. Could you explain this?

[@SuttonBen]

Smartphone lenses list the focal lengths in 35mm equivalence but they are a lot wider in real terms. So the iPhone Xs main camera has a focal length of 4.25mm in order to achieve a field of view comparable to a 26mm lens on a FF camera (therefore the DOF of a 4.25mm lens). The results would be like a 26mm lens shot at f11 (approx. 6.1 crop factor)

[@phutranxuan1463]

@@SuttonBen no, portraint mode of smart phone ocal lengths in 35mm equivalence about 50-70mm depent on camera but...

[@SuttonBen]

@@phutranxuan1463 Sure, phones have auxiliary telephoto cameras but they still aren't technically long focal lengths. They only display a telephoto field of view due to crop factor. Portrait modes are the only way that smartphones can produce images with any significant shallow depth of field. However, these modes are still not perfect and can only do so much. 77mm f3.5 on the iPhone 14 Pro is not the same as 77mm f3.5 on a FF camera.

[@raymondmonta017]

Try to match the focal.length of each camera then On the crop multiply the f stop by 1.6 and you will see the same results

[@sigmagamer364]

i will say no,there is no such thing so called crop sensor or fullframe sensor.It is ridiculous that evil forces that controlled our mind. If you use right lens for APS sensor it's the same as 24x36mm sensor. No one crops or being cropped from anyone else right? The word "crop" means we crop a frame(full sized frame) to a smaller frame size in editor software,that's all. But in camere,we don't crop anything just use proper lens for the sensor.

[@Biovirulent]

Focal length and aperture are what matters. Gotcha.

[@Pwasercan]

and DISTANCE(S).. you guys need learn to listen properly

[@Biovirulent]

@@Pwasercan i did listen. Why did you reply to a year old comment

[@KandiKlover]

@@Biovirulent because this is an open forum you stupid goldfish attention span fad obsessed little smartphone moron. Grow up.

[@Biovirulent]

@@KandiKlover you okay? Do you need to talk?

[@phatcrayonz]

I swear. You are a godsend full of information. I just love how you have taught me so much. Thank you. Not only this video but others as well. You really know how to teach and for that...thank you.

[@genghisbunny]

Really good explanation, helped clarify some ideas I had an intuitive idea of into genuine understanding. Thank you.

[@Digmen1]

So I have a Nikon D5500 APSC so what is the best lense focal length for me to use

[@xerxestheii856]

i am thinking of buying lumix fz70 will it give good portrait shots? i mean will it give nice deep blur in the background?

[@phutranxuan1463]

If the sensor size does not affect the blur of the image, then you can explain why if the phone's photo has the same aperture and focal length as a full frame, why it's not the same amount of blur as full frame and a smart phone use AI to help remove backgound

[@igorsep]

Straight to the point! Congratulations on treating the subject so well and objectively!

[@bobuk5722]

Hi. There's a possible link between pixel size and DoF depending on whether the pixel is bigger or smaller than the circle of confusion of the lens. But at this time of night I and at my age don't remember the detail. BobUK.

[@SauceBoss1824]

Great video! Well produced and very well explained! Keep it up 😊

[@newarr7788]

Hi there....I am planning to get a Nikon D500 which is a DX camera... I am confused about getting a lens..that will suit all kinds of photography landscape, portrait etc with a good creamy bokeh. I had initially planned on getting a 50mm 1.8g lens but then later found out that it isn't the same for a crop sensor so I later resorted to 35mm 1.8. But again fount out that there is both 35mm DX And FX lens. So could you help me with this ? Which will be the best for my requirement ? Thanks

[@sudhanshukundu]

Great knowledgeable video 😊😊 Love and support from India ❤️

[@venusreprise]

THANK YOU , this is the most concise and clear explanation on this matter.

[@anandhua.b4589]

Do you recommend the canon L series 70-300mm

[@chirag4]

excellent lens, but slightly overpriced, .... can be bought used if that's ok !!

[@KandiKlover]

Nope. Skip it. Either get the 70-200 or 100-400 mark ii

[@ivangalea8628]

Thank you for clearly explaining this topic!!

[@rathuone3001]

Excellent video love your technical videos Please Answer-Does chroma sub sampling and bit rate effect theatre projection? Does a higher bit rate video look better on a larger screen tv or on theatre projection?

[@gmuk101]

Thank you. This was exactly what I was wondering.

[@JorgeusParagas]

Fantastically explained.

[@ConsensusX]

Perfectly explained! There's so much misconception and confusion that goes around when talking about sensor size differences. I think you covered this topic very well.

[@JackeyChong]

Great, short, sweet video!!

[@erickr.1265]

Straightforward.

[@KallusGarnet]

Medium Format looks better than fullframe.

[@chirag4]

true of course.

[@KallusGarnet]

@@chirag4 you photographers need to stop joking and just go medium format.

[@chirag4]

Kallus Garnet thanks man, I agree, am tired of full frame already

[@KallusGarnet]

@@chirag4 well if you are going to be a true artist photographer this is the only way.

[@PoorAlchemist]

Thanks it was a good reminder

[@AsianWithHat]

Asking the real question.

[@gokhan9395]

awesome explanation mate! thank you!

[@mdz4525]

Good information 👊

[@jayz1987]

There u go ! The answer of all time !

[@Non_Member_13]

Wow great explanation

[@09williamsa]

Perfect explanation!

[@stephanweiskorn6760]

With an ASP-C just walk three steps back and you'll have same "bokeh" as Full Frame. Save size, money and weight.😮

[@sundster_1796]

simply nailed it.

[@FordSierraIS]

the crop has better contrast

[@rubenalonsoviguerassalazar1539]

Thank you

[@mjpm7888]

And remember, if you think you are good at something, there will be a 99% chance a chinese guy do it better than you 😂. Straight to the point, thanks dude!

[@AllThingsKen]

nicely done

[@avocado9227]

Yes, I subscribed because of the clarity in this video. Sorry, I will unsubscribe when you start beating around the bush to make 10 minutes long videos. Your advert is satisfactory. Please, keep up your signature of "clear and simple."

[@avinashrawal7928]

Just leave everything and please tell me how the hell is your video require only 7 mb to watch on 720p. Please tell me master 😁

[@stacy6903]

Great presentation, but technically the DoF in your sample images a minute in was shallower in your crop frame image than in your full frame image EXCEPT when you cropped in the full frame image to create the same angle of view (and DoF in THAT case). On the other hand, that consideration is not as important or practical as what you later demonstrated by matching the SENSOR-based (not lens-based) angle of view using two lenses at different focal lengths. Gerald Undone correctly taught, at least in my interpretation, that DoF has much to do with the size of the entrance pupil (i.e. the same DoF given the same entrance pupil diameter on two cameras), while lens settings (f-stop and focal length) are basically set to accommodate that and the same SENSOR-based angle of view.

[@swagonman]

It’s not the increased focal length that gives shallower DOF. It is the larger aperture. 80mm/2.8 = 28.6mm aperture diameter. Whereas, 50mm/2.8 = 17.6mm aperture diameter. The 80mm had a bigger opening, giving shallower DOF and letting in more light for increased signal-to-noise ratio. To make it equivalent, stop down the 80mm to f/4.5 and increase full-frame ISO (gain) by 1.6x. Then you get same opening size, same DOF, and same Signal-to-Noise.

[@karafuru7666]

If you really need to be technical, it isn't that either. DOF is only effected by distance to subject and aperture. If you had kept the same distance and the same aperture even with different aperture diameters due to focal length differences, they actually have the same depth of field. Aperture diameter defines the amount of background blur which should not be confused with DOF as you have done so. Also, I'd like to point out none of this really matters as much as the content of your creation.

[@swagonman]

I disagree. The math doesn’t support your statement. Looking at the formula on Wikipedia, DOF nearly equals (2*u^2*N*c)/(f^2), where subject distance is u, f-number is N, acceptable circle of confusion is c, and focal length is f. Keep in mind that N is not the aperture; it is f-number, which is “focal ratio”; N = f/a, where a is the aperture (specifically the aperture diameter). You may notice that it is common to refer to aperture correctly as “aperture = f/1.4”, for example; literally, that “f” means focal length. If we substitute N=f/a, then DOF = (2*u^2*c)/(f*a). Next you have to consider “acceptable circle of confusion”, which is c. What is acceptable depends upon magnification, which is proportional to focal length f. Basically, the c on top can cancel the f on bottom; so then DOF = K*(u^2)/a, where K is a constant of proportionality, u is subject distance, and a is aperture diameter. If we do similar math to background blur, it depends upon the same two items and additionally the subject-to-background distance. Assuming a scenario where we are comparing APS to full frame with fixed subject distance and fixed background distance, then both DOF and background blur depend upon aperture diameter, a. However, you said it depended on f, but when you changed f, you also held N constant, which meant you changed a. I’m saying it was the change in a that mattered, and not the change in f. Okay, this isn’t my field of expertise so it is possible I’ve made a mistake. If so, I’m very open to learning where I’ve gone wrong. Also, it is very easy to validate this experimentally. Best regards and happy new year!

[@melkenji7318]

@@karafuru7666 you're wrong Karl is right ....the crop factor is applied even to the apeture ... this is like a basic information that any filmmaker/photographer will learn in his first day.... do this test full frame 80mm f5.6 aps -c 50mm f3.5 MFT 40mm f2.8 and you'll get exactly the sae shallow depth of field

[@karafuru7666]

@@swagonman happy new year to you too. To the comment above, I'm not debating equivalence, that's basically true. Karl, sorry I flubbed the words! Meant to say subject size remaining the same. Ex: 200F2.8 vs 85F1.2. Deeper depth of field on the 200F2.8 than the 85F1.2 but same amount of background blur. 100F2.8 vs 50F2.8 same depth of field, different background blur. 1 format (35mm). If you compare 2 different sensor sizes you need to normalize first.

[@swagonman]

Jian Ma, young man, that’s all silly. To keep the subject size the same with 200 vs 85 (in same sensor), you had to physically move. You’ve dramatically changed the perspective. The two photos are completely different compositions. One contains a very narrow background that is highly magnified. The other has wider background that is less magnified. Also, the subject will show differences in facial shape, in the case of a portrait. It just isn’t the same photo. And now go back and listen to your very first sentence in your video. It’s all about full frame vs crop. So why are we suddenly changing in these comments to one sensor size. Our whole discussion is about crop equivalence. If you shrink the sensor, you also have to shrink the focal length to be fair and to stay equivalent. But if you shrink the aperture diameter (keep the same f number), then you lose background blur. But if you keep the aperture diameter (lower the f number), then DOF and background blur both stay exactly the same. The answer to your first sentence in your video is that crop can match full frame - just buy the equivalent lens in terms of focal length equivalence AND aperture equivalence (meaning lower f number so as to keep identical aperture diameter). Tony Northrup has a couple of great videos on this with many real examples. You should watch it. Also, many mathematically-challenged photographers disagreed in his comments, but they were also wrong.

[@JinKazama92]

amazing accent bro

[@melkenji7318]

man sorry to say this but you are giving so much wrong informations in here , the sensor size affect the shallow depth of field , the crop factor is applied also to the apeture ....f2 on full frame is f3.2 in aps-c and f4 of MFT and about f6 on s16 and 6.8 on 16mm ....and so one , and this is one small sensors doesnt have a shallow depth of field and this is why you can find a very cheap f0.9 in c mount lens .....or a cheap f1.1 in s16 lenses cropped sensors allows less light and this cause lessshallow depth of field but also a lot of grain in dark ... do this test 80mm f/5.6 50mm f/3.5 and you'll have the same exact image same shallow depth of field

[@nareshkurella8856]

he said result if u apply same value in both camera's... and ur calculation also right he is trying to say waht is the difference between fullframe and apsc

[@Nomisuryoutube]

Amazing video, thank you ! +1 sub :D

[@quykhangau5501]

.

[@Bongo2k]

Full Frame is for plebs