There are two big attractions in moving up from a crop-sensor camera to a full-frame system. First up, depth of field is more dependent on actual focal length, rather than the ‘effective’ focal length with a crop factor applied; the upshot is that you can get a tighter depth of field to blur backgrounds and make the main part of a scene stand out, ideal for portraiture and still lifes.
The other big bonus is that, if you stick to a modest megapixel count, the photosites (equating to pixels) on a full-frame image sensor are likely to be significantly larger than those on an APS-C or Micro Four Thirds sensor. This greater light-gathering potential generally equates to much cleaner image quality and far less image noise when you need to bump up your ISO. You also get greater retention of fine detail and texture, as there’s less need for the image processor to smooth out the appearance of image noise.
The downside is that full-frame cameras can be very expensive, even more so if you need to change all of your lenses as well. If you’re a Canon or Nikon user you might already have some compatible lenses, which can be used if you upgrade to a budget-friendly full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera of the same make.
If you upgrade from a DSLR to a mirrorless camera, you’ll need a mount adapter. The budget-friendly Canon EOS RP isn’t available in the UK as a ‘body only’ item, and comes complete with either an EF-EOS R mount adaptor or a kit zoom lens.
Here, we compare affordable full-frame cameras from Nikon and Canon in DSLR and mirrorless form. Let’s take a closer look at the contenders...
FRONT
The pentaprism viewfinder is bright and clear, but unlike those of all of the other cameras in the group, it only gives 98% coverage of the image frame
This story is from the July 16, 2020 edition of Photography week.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 16, 2020 edition of Photography week.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SONY FE 24-50MM F2.8 G
A compact standard zoom with compromises
HOW TO...BOOST RAW PORTRAITS
James Paterson shows you how to use the Develop Persona in Affinity Photo to enhance portraits
INFRARED ON A BUDGET
Mike Harris shows you how to shoot infrared images without investing in a costly camera conversion
THE ONLY WAY IS UP FOR THESE AERIAL PHOTO ACES
SkyPixel contest showcases stunning stills and video captured using drones
MASTER THE MODE DIAL
Learn when and how to use every exposure mode on your camera for pro results
16-25MM F/2.8 G IS SONY'S NEW ‘MINI TRINITY' LENS
Sony has announced the FE 1625mm f/2.8 G, the companion lens to the recently released Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G (see this issue's review).
NEW 8K INSTA360 X4 RAISES THE BAR FOR 360 CAMERAS
Successor to X3 brings serious upgrades to resolution and battery life
SONY WORLD PHOTO AWARDS ANNOUNCES 2024 WINNERS
Prestigious contest celebrates outstanding photography from around the globe
ROLLEI 35AF WILL GET A 35MM F/2.8 LENS AND AUTOFOCUS
Mint Camera confirms key specs for upcoming reboot of classic film model
SIGMA 500MM F/5.6 DG DN OS SPORTS
This relatively lightweight lens packs a load of upmarket features