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What to choose? Crop or full frame. Full frame cameras - pros and cons SLR camera full frame

If you look in the bag of any professional photographer, then most likely you will find a full-frame DSLR in it. These cameras are larger, heavier, and more expensive than the typical consumer DSLRs we use. True, the larger the sensor, the stronger the design, and the more specialized features, the more expensive they will be for those who make a living from photography.

Full-frame DSLRs aren't just for the pros, there are cheaper options for those who want great image quality for relatively little money. Many serious amateurs and enthusiasts have already appreciated the merits of full-frame photography, so camera manufacturers are paying more and more attention to this market segment.

We should also mention full-frame mirrorless cameras. For example, Sony's A7 series and the recently released Leica SL have taken top positions in the full-frame camera market, and they will be of particular interest to those who, in addition to photos, want to shoot video. If you decide to opt for the best full-frame SLR camera of 2016, then you have come to the right place.

Top 10 Best Full Frame DSLRs in 2016

Megapixels: 50.6MP | Autofocus: 61 AF points, 41 cross type | Screen: 3.2″ | Burst shooting: User level: professional |

Pros: Stunningly detailed images, great AF, metering and white balance
Cons: Huge file sizes, no Wi-Fi

With 50.6 million effective pixels, the 5DS is the most high resolution on the market. The same goes for the 5DS R model - it is identical to the 5DS, but has an anti-aliasing filter that improves detail. So, the image quality of the 5DS is excellent, with fantastic detail, the camera has good control over noise levels and dynamic range. The 5DS can be considered the benchmark for full-frame camera quality. Among the shortcomings is the lack of Wi-Fi and video recording in Ultra HD format, and for huge files you will need a bulky memory card and a fast computer.

Pros: continuous shooting 5 fps.
Cons: no built-in Wi-Fi, large file sizes

So, although the 5DS took the crown of glory from the D810, in fact the latter is not very inferior to the former in terms of functionality. Images shot with Nikon's "megapixel" monster are amazingly detailed, and the 1,200-shot battery puts Canon on the back burner. In addition, the D810 offers a micro-contrast setting as well as a dedicated FLAT mode for maximum dynamic range. The 51-point AF system handles tricky focusing situations well, thanks in large part to autofocus and metering borrowed from the already ex-leading Nikon D4S. Relatively compact dimensions and an unusual (for this type of camera) pop-up flash make the D810 an even more attractive purchase.

Megapixels: 22.3MP | Autofocus: 61 AF points, 41 cross type | Screen: 3.2″ | Burst shooting: User level: professional |

Pros: Great HDR mode
Cons: AF effective but difficult

Made to compete with the Nikon D810, the 5D Mark III is a perfect example of a dedicated product that will also appeal to the serious hobbyist. It's a very powerful camera, but weighs nearly 400g less than the EOS-1D X Mark II. Compared to the 5DS, the 22.3-megapixel sensor doesn't feel as big, but it still delivers a good level of detail, and the 61-point autofocus system is amazing. It is a pity that this camera does not have a built-in flash, as in the D810, and the rear screen does not move.

Pros: New 24MP sensor, high performance autofocus system
Cons: special effects, the screen does not recline completely

Can't afford any of the first three options? Then pay attention to the Nikon D750 with a 24.3MP sensor. This camera is also weatherproof, like the D810, but it costs about 25% less. Compared to its younger brother, the D610, the D750 has excellent autofocus and metering, as well as a wider sensitivity range. Its continuous shooting speed isn't as fast as expected, while HDR and other special modes do make up for it to some extent. But on the other hand, you get a swivel screen and a Wi-Fi module. The D750 is a good balance of functionality and value.

Pros: Incredible autofocus performance, ISO range
Cons: 4K recording limited to 3 minutes, price, weight

The D5 is Nikon's latest flagship DSLR and it certainly didn't disappoint. The 20.8-megapixel sensor may not sound like much, but it allows the D5 to shoot bursts at 12fps, while you won't find an extended ISO 3280000 range anywhere else. Also pleased with the autofocus system covering 173 points (99 of which are cross-type), as well as the complexity and speed of autofocus. True, the ability to shoot 4K video is limited to three minutes, but despite this, the Nikon D5 is still a phenomenal camera.

Pros: 14 fps continuous shooting
Cons: Touch screen functionality is limited

The X Mark II and Nikon D5 are very similar to each other, so when choosing, you will most likely be guided by the manufacturer. Canon's EOS-1D X Mark II is a powerful, versatile camera that's a great choice for professional sports reporters and news photojournalists. It doesn't have the same sensitivity range as the Nikon D5, but it does a great job in low light with great images.

Pros: impressive features, competitive price
Cons: Slow autofocus system

The K-1 has a solid construction and a full-frame sensor at a relatively affordable price. It is not cheap, but it is quite competitive compared to Nikon D810, Canon 5D Mk III and Sony Alpha 7R II close to it. The camera is equipped with Pentax Pixel Shift Technology, designed for better image stabilization. The K-1 is ideal for landscape, still life, portrait photography, or any other genre of photography that doesn't require fast autofocus.

Cons: Limited AF point coverage, no Wi-Fi

While the D750 sells for a good price, the full-frame D610 costs even less. This model is a slightly improved version of the D600, but what really sets them apart is their top-notch image quality and good build quality. Although it offers the same number of pixels as the cheaper D7100, the larger sensor size increases dynamic range and reduces image noise. True, you won't find extras like Wi-Fi or a tilting screen in this camera, but it will give you a 39-point autofocus system and the ability to shoot continuously at 6 frames.

Pros: high quality Images
Cons: no flash, 97% viewfinder coverage

The 6D is Canon's answer to the D610 and can be called the most affordable model in the company's line of full-frame cameras. Its 20.2-megapixel sensor may seem weak, but it's not. The excellent photo quality impresses with a sense of three-dimensionality, thanks to a larger sensor that adds depth to shots. However, the trump card 6D is the price. It's one of the cheapest full-frame DSLRs out there, and while its autofocus system and continuous shooting speed are nothing special, you get Wi-Fi and GPS with this camera. So if you can get by without a built-in flash, the 6D will be a worthwhile purchase for you.

Pros: small, stylish case
Cons: no video recording, price

Considering the fact that the Df is considered the most stylish new full-frame DSLR, you'd be surprised to see it at the very bottom of our list. Let's say right away, this is not because of her appearance, which copies the design of the classic Nikon FM line. Retro style can be seen in traditional controls, while the compact all-weather housing adds extra appeal and practicality. But despite being able to shoot in low light, the 16.2-megapixel sensor can't compete, and the Nikon Df doesn't record video. But do not think that because of this the camera will be cheap, because of the stylish appearance it costs a lot.

Digital cameras are called full-frame (FX or Full-Frame) if their sensor dimensions are 36 x 24 mm, coinciding with the dimensions of a standard small-format film type 135 frame. Cameras with a smaller sensor (APS-C, DX, Micro 4/3), i.e. those with a crop factor greater than one are called part-frame, cropped, or simply crop.

The myth of the absolute superiority of full-frame cameras over crop-factor cameras is so firmly rooted in the mass consciousness that it’s even embarrassing for me to expose it. After all, everyone knows that a full-frame camera is better than a cropped one. And why is it better, if not a secret? Most amateur photographers find it difficult to answer this question, but they are firmly convinced that "real quality" is achievable only with a full frame. Since Nikon and Canon unanimously declare that purchasing a full-frame camera is the ideal solution to all photographic problems, and a legion of amateur photographers unconditionally agree with this thesis, then maybe a full frame really has some wonderful properties that evaporate without a trace, you just need to reduce sensor size by one and a half to two times?

Understanding the manufacturers of photographic equipment is easy. Their goal is to increase profits, which means that both Nikon and Canon will prefer that when choosing a camera, you buy the most expensive model, regardless of whether it suits your true needs. Since full-frame DSLRs are more expensive than cropped ones, it seems quite natural for the photo giants to try to convince potential buyers in the need to purchase a full-frame camera. Amateur photographers, in turn, willingly believe advertising, because, firstly, they are not used to thinking critically, secondly, they sincerely believe that “bigger” or “more expensive” always means “better”, and thirdly, they generally tend to greatly exaggerate the role of photographic equipment in the process of obtaining a beautiful photograph.

The beginning amateur photographer's craving for the full frame is usually emotional rather than rational. Everyone wants to shoot full frame, but not everyone really needs it. Meanwhile, often the use of a camera with a crop factor is a well-founded decision, and its capabilities are sufficient for almost most photographic situations.

Do not misunderstand me. There is absolutely nothing wrong with full-frame cameras. After all, the size of the photosensitive material is one thing that is never too much. And the need to operate with such an awkward artificial concept as the equivalent focal length annoys many. If you passionately want to shoot without fail at full frame and you can afford it, then why not? There's just no need to be under the illusion that your shots will automatically get better by going full frame.

This article is addressed primarily to those who hesitate between crop and full frame and would like to know about the practical consequences of increasing the sensor and whether the game is worth the candle at all? The problem becomes even more urgent due to the fact that full-frame cameras, gradually becoming cheaper, cease to be a purely professional tool, and now there are models on the market that differ from each other almost exclusively in sensor size and price, but otherwise are similar to each other, like twins (for example, Nikon D7100 and Nikon D610).

In the following paragraphs, I will try to uncover as objectively as possible the actual differences between crop and full frame, which affect both image quality and usability. You will see that both classes of cameras are not devoid of both advantages and disadvantages, although the gap between them is far from being as wide as between DSLRs in general and compacts, the sensors of which are really negligible. I will mainly be referring to Nikon and Canon SLR systems as the most popular, but most of the material is valid for other brands as well.

Dynamic Range

A full frame camera potentially has more dynamic range than a crop factor camera. This is a direct consequence of the increase in the physical size of the photomatrix. As you know, the size of a full frame is 36 x 24 mm, while the size of an APS-C (Nikon DX) matrix with a crop factor of 1.5 is 24 x 16 mm. A change in the linear dimensions of the sensor by 1.5 times means a change in its area by 2.25 times. Thus, with equal resolution, i.e. for the same number of photodiodes, the larger photodiodes on a full-frame sensor will have about twice the capacitance of an APS-C format sensor. Doubling the capacitance of photodiodes means doubling the signal-to-noise ratio, i.e. increase the dynamic range by one exposure step. As a result, full-frame cameras have an average maximum ISO one stop higher than similar models with an APS-C sensor, and at equal ISO values, full-frame sensor noise is less noticeable. Roughly speaking, APS-C at ISO 3200 is noisier than a full frame at ISO 6400. At lower ISOs, the difference is far from being so obvious, and when shooting at the base sensitivity value (usually ISO 100), the advantage of a full frame appears only in the ability to stretch a little more freely. shadows in post-processing.

I would like to emphasize that the above comparison is valid only for cameras that have the same resolution and were released at about the same time. Technology does not stand still and modern cropped cameras are objectively superior to old full-frame models, including in terms of dynamic range. If you're not going to shoot at insane ISOs, you'll be fine with the dynamic range of any modern camera, as long as it has a crop factor of no more than two. Most people are unlikely to notice a difference of one or two stops of dynamic range at all. If it seems to you that your camera is noisy at high ISOs, then try to shoot a little on film with ISO 800 sensitivity in order to prevent perfectionism, and you will be surprised at how clean the picture is produced by your amateur digital SLR.

Depth of field

Depth of field depends on the frame size only indirectly. To obtain the same image angle, a crop factor camera needs a lens with a shorter focal length than a full frame camera. Reducing the focal length leads to an increase in the depth of field in proportion to the crop factor, and vice versa - the larger the focal length, the less the depth of field. As a result, at equal values of aperture, equivalent focal length, focusing distance and resolution, a full frame gives approximately one and a half times less depth of field than APS-C. For example, if an f/4 aperture was used for a certain photo taken at full frame, then f/2.8 aperture will be needed to obtain a similar picture (with preservation of perspective and depth of field) using an APS-C sensor camera.

Obviously, full-frame cameras have some advantage when you need to separate the main subject from the background with a shallow depth of field, as is the case with portraits. On the contrary, if the goal of the photographer is to get a frame that is sharp to the very horizon, which often happens in landscape photography, then the advantage is on the side of cameras with a smaller format sensor, since they, all other things being equal, provide more depth of field.

Lenses

Nikon and Canon full-frame systems include great amount lenses to suit every need. The choice of lenses for cropped cameras is much more modest. Of course, you can use full-frame lenses on cropped cameras, but, firstly, due to the crop factor, choose desired lens with a given equivalent focal length is not always possible, and secondly, do they buy cropped cameras to put heavy and expensive full-length optics on them? Unfortunately, neither Nikon nor Canon consider it necessary to release light and compact crop fixes, being in the naive delusion that the user of amateur DSLRs has enough superzooms, and in general, it would be better if he switched to full frame and did not deprive the poor Japanese of earnings. Wide-angle lenses from Nikon and Canon for non-full-frame cameras can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Exotics like tilt-shift lenses are only available within Canon Full-Frame and Nikon FX.

But in terms of telephoto lenses, the owners of cropped cameras are in a winning position, and just here the use of full-frame optics is fully justified. Due to the notorious crop factor, 200mm turns into at least the equivalent of 300, and 300 to 450, which is not too bad even for shooting wild animals. That is why many photo hunters seeking to optimize their costs prefer crop.

Viewfinder

The optical viewfinders of full-frame cameras are definitely more comfortable, larger and brighter. The large viewfinder is less eye-tiring and gives you more control over autofocus, not to mention manual focus.

But on the other hand, cropped cameras have an unexpected advantage over full-frame ones, which lies in the convenience of positioning autofocus points in the viewfinder. If for cropped cameras, the focusing points cover a fairly large part of the viewfinder field, then for full-frame cameras, all points, no matter how many, are grouped in the center of the frame.

The fact is that the dimensions of the focusing module for all SLR cameras, both cropped and full-frame, are approximately the same, but since the viewfinder of full-frame devices is larger in itself, the area covered by the focusing points seems to be smaller. If you focus primarily with the center AF sensor and then recompose the shot, the tight focus points won't bother you, but if you prefer not to recompose after focusing, the lack of peripheral sensors can be a problem.

Dimensions and weight

On average, full-frame cameras are larger and heavier than cropped cameras, but the reason for this is not the sensor, which just weighs a little, but rather the positioning of a particular model and the design features associated with it. Reliable and, as a result, overweight professional models Now, without exception, they are equipped with full-frame sensors, and lightweight plastic amateur cameras are dispensed with reduced-format matrices. At the same time, models that are at the intersection of two classes can be very similar in their parameters and differ from each other only in the size of the sensor and its accompanying units (like the shutter and viewfinder), and therefore have almost the same dimensions and weight.

However, few people carry a camera without a lens. Full-frame lenses are noticeably heavier and bulkier than crop lenses. Of the two homologous, i.e. covering the same range of equivalent focal lengths of sets of optics, a full-frame set will weigh an average of one and a half times more.

Thus, if you need a lightweight, traveling system, the total weight of which will not exceed one kilogram, consisting of a camera and two or three lenses covering a range of focal lengths from 28 to at least 300 mm equivalent, then full-frame solutions simply do not exist here. If you need professional reporting equipment, which today is exclusively full-frame, then you will inevitably have to put up with its impressive dimensions and solid weight.

Price

Of course, full-frame cameras are more expensive than cropped ones. Today, prices for actual cropped SLR cameras start at five hundred dollars, for full-frame ones - from about two thousand. The difference in price is explained not only by the fact that the photomatrix is really the most expensive part digital camera, but also by the pragmatic approach of photo equipment manufacturers to the formation model range. Even if the sensors cost nothing, Nikon and Canon would still make full-frame cameras more expensive for purely marketing reasons.

In any case, even if you have enough money to go to full frame, think about it: have you really exhausted the photographic possibilities of crop, or is this idea artificially imposed on you? Wouldn't it be better to use the excess funds to purchase additional lenses, flashes, a tripod, educational literature, in a word, those things that will have a much more direct and obvious effect on your photos than simply increasing the format?

Thanks for attention!

Vasily A.

post scriptum

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Most budget and mid-range DSLRs price category equipped with an APS-C sensor with a physical chip size of 23.6×15.7 mm (22.2×14.8 mm in Canon DSLRs).

Best DSLR 2019: Best Canon and Nikon DSLRs

The full frame sensor is larger - 36x24mm is the same size as a frame of 35mm film (hence the name "full frame") and offers 2.5 times the surface area of an APS-C sized sensor.

This allows you to get big pictures(with more pixels), in addition, such a sensor perceives more light, which, in turn, means the best quality images - especially at higher sensitivities.

Full-frame DSLRs used to be the preserve of professional photographers, but as costs and model prices have come down, amateurs and enthusiasts have begun to buy them, who can now enjoy the benefits of full-frame photography.

It is also worth mentioning full-frame mirrorless cameras. These are not exactly DSLR cameras, however they are also in demand, they are especially interesting for those who also need to shoot video.

Rating of the best full-frame cameras

A place	Name	Rating
Best full frame mirrorless camera
1		4.5
Best full frame system camera
2		4.5
The best Canon full-frame camera
3		4.5
The best full frame camera available
4		4.0
Best value full frame camera
5		4.0
Best full frame camera
6		4.0
Best full frame DSLR
7		4.0
Best Full Frame Camera
8		4.5
The best professional SLR
9		4.5
The best full frame camera for beginners
10		4.5

Top 10 Best Full Frame Cameras

Full-frame mirrorless duo Nikon cameras had a huge impact on the market as a whole. It felt like we had been waiting a century for the company to release the Z7 and Z6.

Both models are the same size and build, but the Z6 offers a lower resolution sensor than its more expensive sibling. However, this gives it some advantages - the camera can take photos at 12 frames per second, which actually makes it a pretty decent device for capturing sports events. In addition, due to the smaller number of pixels, the camera provides a lower light performance.

The Z6 is equipped with an electronic viewfinder and a tilting touch screen. In fact, the Z6 really doesn't have many cons - its biggest downside is that the memory cards you need to run it (XQD) are expensive and harder to find than the more common SD cards.

Having been in the full-frame mirrorless business the longest, Sony knows the market best. The A7 III is the third iteration of Sony's "middle" model in the A7 lineup. This means that you are getting multifunction device with an excellent set of specifications in a convenient package.

It has an excellent sensor that delivers first-class images, good time battery life by mirrorless standards, great focus and 10fps shooting - which isn't really that bad for sports and action if that's not your top priority.

The other good news is that if you're on a budget, you can still opt for older models in the A7 range - look at the A7 II or even the original A7.

If you've shot with a DSLR so far, you probably won't want to change anything. The larger size of the 6D Mark II compared to the EOS RP gives you arguably better handling, with a shorter grip and more button space and space between them.

The 6D Mark II is capable of taking very nice pictures and overall the camera is good enough to use. The viewfinder, which only offers 98% coverage, is a little disappointing, while the lack of 4K video capability may not appeal to many.

The 6D Mark II lags behind the newer mirrorless models, but if you're looking for a device to jump-start in full-frame photography and a DSLR is your heart, then the 6D Mark II makes sense.

This is a great all-rounder for those who aren't big Nikon or Canon fans. You may even have old Pentax Legacy lenses hidden in the attic somewhere.

For a very reasonable price, you get a high resolution sensor - higher resolution than any device on this list - and a set of very handy and traditional elements controls that are great to use.

The image quality is very good, and the camera offers some interesting options, such as a dynamic pixel shift mode for even higher resolution images. The hull is also weatherproof, making it good option for landscape photographers.

Other cool features include a tilting screen, excellent autofocus system, and dual memory card slots.

The Sony A7 II may be the best compromise between price, picture quality and features. The A7 Mark II is a great update to the original A7. The main benefit of the A7 Mark II is that you get built-in optical image stabilization, which allows you to take sharper shots in a wide range of lighting conditions. This also means that you can use a wider range or lenses and still get maximum stabilization. Autofocus and startup times are also faster than the A7, though understandably slower than the Mark III. The 117-point AF system works in tandem with the 25-point contrast detection system, which together deliver sharpness no matter where the subject is.

This model may seem pricey, but the Nikon D850 is the best full-frame DSLR you can buy right now. The 45.4-megapixel full-frame sensor delivers superb image detail with vibrant dynamic range and superb high ISO performance, and the advanced 153-point autofocus system is second to none.

Add in a 7fps shooting speed, rugged body and attractive design, and it's clear that the D850 is good in every way. An excellent model that will not disappoint you.

The 5D Mark IV is essentially a vastly improved and upgraded Mark III. It boasts a new 31.7-megapixel sensor that delivers sharp shots, an advanced 61-point autofocus system, Pro-spec performance, 4K video capability, and a sleek, polished body.

Add it all up with a host of other features and the EOS 5D Mark IV is one of the best DSLRs we've seen.

The D850 may have replaced it, but the D810 is still a brilliant full-frame DSLR. Images taken with Nikon's 36.3-megapixel sensor are pleasing in detail, while its 1,200-photo-capacity battery definitely overshadows the 50.6-megapixel EOS 5DS.

The 51-point autofocus system handles tricky focusing situations well, mainly because both the autofocus and metering systems are taken from the now outdated Nikon D4S. Excellent performance and relatively modest size make the D810 an excellent choice.

With 50.6 million effective pixels, Canon EOS The 5DS offers the highest resolution of any full-frame DSLR on the market today. The image quality is superb, with great detail, zero noise and good dynamic range, making this model the perfect choice for landscape or studio photographers.

Of the minuses - not too high performance, the lack of video recording in 4K and Wi-Fi, and the huge image file sizes require the installation of high-capacity memory cards.

Admittedly, the first four options are considered expensive models, so if you're looking for something a little more affordable then look no further than the Nikon D750. So, the camera offers a 24.3-megapixel sensor, and compared to its younger brother, the D610, the D750 has an excellent 51-point autofocus system, as well as more advanced measuring capabilities.

Also don't forget the wider sensitivity range, useful tilting screen and WiFi connection. The shooting speed is 6.5 frames per second, which is not that much, but overall the Nikon D750 is an attractive low-cost choice for beginner photographers.

In today's world, cameras are gaining more and more popularity. Photography is a new art that everyone can do. With the help of pictures, we convey emotions, feelings, fix the history of our life, as well as the world around us. Most people take pictures for themselves, just capturing something important. But there are also real professionals in taking pictures, they live their photos, and in order to convey the mood as much as possible, they wait for hours for the right moment, go on special trips, chasing a sensual and emotional photo. Millions of sites are created, the main theme of which is photography. People communicate their experiences in this way.

Thanks to its simplicity, this art form is deeply embedded in the hearts of many. And progress does not stand still, and people come up with something new, improve cameras, making the picture better, more natural. Now full-frame cameras are gaining popularity, which carry out good detail, show excellent quality and color gamut.

Briefly about devices

The name of the cameras comes from the phrase "full frame". A full frame is the size of the photosensitive matrix responsible for the quality of the image. The larger the matrix, the better the picture quality will be, the less noise there will be with a lack of light. Cameras most often use a semi-format size, that is, an APS-C 23x15 mm matrix. APS-C is the generally accepted designation for crop factor matrices (truncated size). For full-frame cameras, it is the same size as a 35mm film camera (35x24mm). Pictures taken with a full-frame camera are 1.5 times larger than those taken with a half-format sensor.

What is the popularity?

Film cameras have been around since the 19th century, but why are full-frame cameras only gaining popularity now? The fact is that when the active production of digital cameras began, they most often used smaller matrices due to the too high cost of full-frame sensors. Now such matrices have become more affordable, so the demand for them is growing.

Is such a camera necessary?

Although full-frame cameras have become quite affordable and cheap compared to past decades, many large companies still prefer cameras with a stripped-down sensor, simply improving and improving them. This begs the question: "Since it's more popular, does it make sense to buy full-frame equipment?"

First, you need to figure out why you need a camera at all. Most often, people buy cameras in order to leave a memory of some significant event in their lives, for example, about a holiday or a pleasant trip. It is clear that in the family archive or in social networks no one will look at the dimensions of the matrix of the camera on which the photo was taken. If you use the camera only for yourself, then you should not spend money, the main thing to remember is that not only quality is valued in photography, but also the composition and the meaning inherent in it.

What about those who make a living from photography? This is the same profession where you need to improve your skills and improve, work on the quality of work, color depth. In fact, many manufacturers have managed to create non-full-frame models with a resolution of more than 16 megapixels, while the quality remains high even at ISO 1600.

Narrow DOF (depth of field) has always been a hallmark of full-frame bokeh, but now you can achieve the same image with super-aperture 1.2 lenses.

At the same time, full-frame cameras are much more expensive than non-full-frame cameras, and they are also heavier and take up more space.

A non-professional person will not notice the difference between cameras with a crop factor and full-frame ones, therefore, it is up to you to decide whether to buy full-frame cameras, after weighing all the pros and cons. Retro lovers appreciated this undertaking, as the film technique fell into the soul of many.

Pros and cons of full frame cameras

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, modern semi-format cameras can compete with full-frame cameras in terms of image quality, size and price. What are the advantages of full-frame photography?

The size and light sensitivity of the matrix help to create images of very high quality and with good detail.
Low noise operation, which is good for photographers who, for example, hunt rare animals.
The presence of continuous shooting, this allows you to catch the natural movement.
With fast autofocus, you can quickly switch from subject to subject, which will prevent the photo from blurring.

Of course, full-frame cameras also have disadvantages:

Camera dimensions. Weight and dimensions do not always make it easy to carry equipment, and without a tripod, hands get tired quickly enough.
Slow shooting speed. Despite fast autofocus and continuous shooting, you still can’t capture the moment instantly.
The cost of cameras and additional equipment.
Careful approach to technique and selection of optics. Many full-frame cameras do not accept other brands of lenses.

As we can see, the number of pros and cons of full-frame technology is the same. So, everyone is free to choose, based on their tastes and preferences.

Company "Nikon"

The history of the company began in 1917 in the Japanese city of Tokyo. Since then, Nikon has been one of the leaders in the production of optics and various photographic equipment.

This manufacturer makes cameras for different tastes: there are budget, amateur and professional cameras. Since Nikon is responsible for the quality of its products, even the cheapest cameras up to two thousand rubles have good content for their money. As for very expensive equipment, the price of professional cameras, for example, varies between 200 - 400 thousand rubles. Interestingly, Nikon produces not only photo and video equipment, but also microscopes and other devices necessary in medicine.

Nikon's main competitor has always been and will be Canon, they often share the first place in the ratings best cameras. Both firms are located in Japan, have a similar look and assembly.

What are the features of Nikon? This manufacturer gives great attention image quality in low light. Also an advantage is the large size of the sensor, making high-quality photos with a small number of pixels. The company also adds small details that make the job much easier. Nikon, even in the most basic and cheap models, has good autofocus, many modes, an HDR effect (which is not available on all cameras, even Canon).

Everyone chooses a camera according to their taste, and Nikon is one of those companies that has millions of fans around the world. Among its products you can choose good camera which will be convenient and easy to use.

Features of Nikon full-frame cameras

Nikon was one of the first companies to start producing full-frame cameras. And many users of photographic equipment prefer this particular manufacturer. What is the difference between a full-frame Nikon and its counterparts from other brands? Let's try to figure it out.

Firstly, since the company already has experience in creating such equipment, the quality of a Nikon full-frame camera is very much appreciated on the market. Such a device will please with long work. Not many manufacturers can compete in performance with Nikon. Full-frame cameras from their production are characterized by a high resolution of more than 35 megapixels, striking in their detail. And this is very important for amateur photographers.

Secondly, the full-frame Nikon has more low price compared to Sony and Canon, which cost at least 150 thousand rubles. As for Nikon cameras, professional devices can be found up to 90 thousand.

In the end, the cameras of this company are very affordable. Full-frame Nikon can be found in so many popular stores, you don’t have to constantly look for cameras on various sites, re-buying already used products.

List

When choosing a Nikon camera for yourself, it is worth remembering that this company has its own designations. How to determine which Nikon is full-frame? Let's illustrate with an example. FX is a full-frame Nikon, and DX has a matrix size of 23.6x15.7 mm.

So, below is a list of full-frame Nikon cameras in terms of price and quality.

If you have ever been interested in the device of the camera, then you have probably heard the term "full-frame" camera. Many photographers rave about cameras with large sensors, arguing this for a number of reasons. Today, we'll take a quick look at why so many photographers choose these cameras, and what exactly are the benefits of a full frame.

Matrix size overview

To understand what full frame means, it is necessary to look back in time and consider the basics of image creation. Throughout the existence of cameras, various sizes of matrices or films have been used.

The sensor is the part of the digital camera that is responsible for the formation of the image. When the camera shutter opens, the matrix begins to capture and recognize the image and continues to do so until the moment.

The Canon 5D has a much larger full-frame sensor than classic APS-C DSLRs.

With film cameras, the role of the "sensor" was performed by a separate exposed frame of the film. The most popular size in the pre-digital era was 35mm wide film. Full-frame cameras are cameras with a sensor that is the same size as 35mm frame film cameras.

Before the advent of full-frame cameras, it was mostly the smaller sensors that were used. Nikon calls these cameras simply DX, you can also see the term "APS-C", but it is applied to digital SLR cameras with a slightly smaller matrix. Photographers usually refer to such cropped-sensor cameras as “cropped-sensor” cameras or say that the camera has a “cropped sensor”.

In "soap dishes" and mobile phones even smaller matrices are used.

Benefits of Full Frame Cameras

Amid all this talk about sensor sizes, the question arises why many photographers give their preference to a full frame camera, what are the advantages of a full frame? It turns out that cameras with a smaller sensor size can only dream of the advantages that full frame cameras have.

Their main advantage is the higher image quality. The larger the matrix, the better the camera recognizes details.

As we mentioned above, mobile phones and soapboxes have the smallest matrix sizes. Manufacturers are trying to solve this problem, to improve the quality of the image received by the cameras of mobile phones and point-and-shoot cameras, but it is unlikely that in the near future it will be possible to achieve the image quality of these cameras comparable to the quality obtained on full-frame cameras.

In addition, cameras with large sensor sizes tend to have better . This means they perform better in poorly lit environments, giving you more room to work in those situations.

Matrix size visualization

This figure shows the difference in the sizes of different types of matrices:

On small cameras, the so-called "crop factor" is clearly expressed in terms of the focal length of the lens. The main difference between a full frame and a crop is the size of the image space that falls into the frame:

a larger matrix captures more space in the picture.

On full-frame cameras, a 50mm lens provides a "normal" image at medium ranges, and on smaller sensors, the same lens will have a telephoto or zoom effect. The image looks like it has been cropped or truncated around the edges, hence the name crop sensor.

Go to full frame

If you are planning to switch to full frame, then for a start, I would recommend that you refuse to buy a fancy camera of the latest model, and look for something simpler and a little older, and preferably in the used photographic equipment market. Previously, a huge barrier to purchasing a full-frame camera was its cost.

Currently, this problem does not exist, since the Canon 5D is now available for about $ 700 or even less, and Nikon's D700 is also falling in price. Each of these cameras doesn't necessarily have the latest features, but they both deliver decent image quality.

full frame Canon camera The 5D can be purchased for under $700 on the used market and is the least expensive option when moving to a full frame digital camera.

When moving to a camera with a larger sensor, you should also consider the cost of purchasing full-frame lenses. After all, not all lenses that you wind on your "cropped" camera are suitable for use on a full-frame camera.

The cheapest way is to choose a set of simple prime lenses. Both Canon and Nikon have f/1.8 lenses across the spectrum that are not only effective in low light, but have good sharpness, just as good as expensive lenses.

Before discarding my old cropped lenses, I would advise you to check in practice whether they will work on your new full-frame camera. Surely one of them will fit.

Conclusion

Full frame cameras are becoming more and more popular and their prices are dropping, especially in the used camera market. Now, having considered all the advantages of a full frame, it becomes clear why many professionals prefer this particular type of camera.