Getting started with photography can be exciting - but it can also be a bit confusing, especially when it comes to understanding different camera sensor formats! Who knew that there were so many different kinds of digital cameras? Is full frame really the best to go for, or can beginners start with a different kind of camera?
Whether you're looking to buy your first camera or upgrade your current one, knowing the basics about Micro 4/3s, APS-C, Full Frame, and Medium Format sensors will help you pick the right camera.
In this post, we'll break down each format, discuss their pros and cons, and help you understand which might be the best fit for you.
What is a Camera Sensor?
The camera sensor is the heart of your digital camera - it captures light and converts it into electronic signals, creating your photos. When you press the shutter button, the camera's lens directs light onto the sensor, which then records the intensity and colour of the light at each point. Pretty cool, huh?
This information is processed to form a digital image. The size of the sensor plays a crucial role in determining the image quality, depth of field, and low-light performance of the camera. Larger sensors generally offer better image quality but come with trade-offs in size, weight, and cost.
Micro 4/3s, APS-C, Full Frame, and Medium Format are the most common sensor sizes for interchangeable lens cameras; there are others, such as 1” sensors, but these are usually reserved for compact cameras, so this blog post won’t cover them today.
Micro 4/3s
Starting with the smallest sensor size: Micro 4/3s (Micro Four Thirds) sensors are smaller than both APS-C and Full Frame sensors. However, just because they’re small, doesn’t mean that they don’t take high-quality images!
In physical size, these sensors measure 17.3mm x 13mm, with a 2x crop factor compared to Full Frame sensors (more on those later).
Lens Compatibility and Brand Flexibility
One thing that I think is incredible about Micro 4/3 cameras is that you can seamlessly use lenses from a different brand; the mount remains the same across all brands. That means you can use an Olympus M4/3 brand lens on a Panasonic M4/3 body, or even the Leica M4/3 lenses on an Olympus M4/3 body.
It’s awesome that you’re not limited to a specific brand of lenses, like you would be with other systems; the universal lens mount for M4/3 means that you can maximise creativity and try so many different options! In comparison, all of the other sensor format cameras are limited by their proprietary mount, which some third-party manufacturers may also make lenses for.
Ideal Use Cases
Micro 4/3s sensors are fantastic for travel and street photography. Their smaller size allows for more compact and lightweight camera bodies - perfect for photographers on the go. This also makes them easier for learners to handle (if you ask me). Full frame DSLRS can be clunky, so having a smaller, but no less capable option is a great way to start photography.
There is no reason that you can’t create amazing pictures to sell stock images or photographic prints with an M4/3 camera, however, if wedding photography is your goal, you may want to choose a different sensor size.
Affordability
Another bonus for this system is that M4/3 cameras are more affordable than APS-C or full-frame cameras, especially when shopping second-hand. Hands down, this is the best way to try new lenses and cameras without having to shell out the money for brand-new every time!
Performance in Low Light and Dynamic Range
However, because the sensor is small, there is less surface area for the light to cover. A larger sensor allows for the inclusion of larger pixels. Larger pixels can capture more light compared to smaller pixels, which means they can gather more information even in darker environments.
They also have a limited dynamic range in comparison to full frame - however, these drawbacks are not enough to keep people away from M4/3s cameras. Many photographers take amazing photos with this sensor size!
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight.
- Affordable compared to larger sensor formats.
- Wide range of lenses available.
Cons:
- Smaller sensor size means lower light performance.
- Limited dynamic range compared to larger sensors.
- 2x crop factor might be limiting for wide-angle shots.
APS-C
APS-C sensors are larger than Micro 4/3s sensors but smaller than Full Frame sensors. They typically measure around 22mm x 15mm and have a crop factor of 1.5x or 1.6x, depending on the brand. ‘APS-C’ stands for Advanced Photo System type-C. Advanced Photo System is a now discontinued film format that had different versions. C, meaning ‘Classic’ measured at 25.1 x 16.7 mm.
Many ‘starter’ cameras from brands like Nikon, Canon, and Sony are APS-C sensors (my first digital camera was!), however, they’re still capable of creating fantastic images. Cameras with these sensors are good enough for professional use - as evidenced by how many wedding photographers go with the XT series from Fujifilm -
What is a Crop Sensor?
When people say ‘crop sensor’, they’re usually referring to an APS-C sensor. They’re considered cropped (smaller in size) in comparison to a full-frame sensor camera! While this does have some trade-offs in terms of depth of field and allowing light to the sensor (remember what we said above about pixels and light?) there are some fantastic reasons to stick with APS-C sensor cameras.
APS-C for Wildlife & Sport
Crop factor cameras have a secret weapon - they get you 1.5x closer to your subject. For example, if you put a lens designed for full-frame with a focal length of 90mm on a crop sensor camera, the effective focal distance becomes 135mm. You get a bit closer to your subject without having to need
This is especially beneficial when it comes to both sports and wildlife photography, as it means you can be ‘closer’ to your subject compared to full frame! This keeps your camera system overall lighter, as zoom lenses can start to get incredibly heavy and a bit unwieldy.
Brands and Systems
APS-C sensors are found in cameras from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm - pretty much all the major brands. Each of these brands has a dedicated line of lenses and accessories tailored to APS-C sensors. Fun fact: Canon’s APS-C sensor has a slightly different size from all the other brands; it is 22.2 x 14.8mm, while all other brands are 23.5 x 15.6 mm.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Better low-light performance than Micro 4/3s.
- More affordable than Full Frame cameras.
- Suitable for a wide range of photography genres.
- Good balance of size and performance.
Cons:
- Not as compact as Micro 4/3s.
- Crop factor can be restrictive for wide-angle shots.
- Marginally lower image quality compared to Full Frame.
Full Frame
Full Frame sensors measure approximately 36mm x 24mm - the same size as a 35mm film frame. That’s why it’s called ‘full frame’.
This larger size allows for superior image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance. It’s generally considered the gold standard for digital photography, especially for working professionally. It maximises low-light performance and dynamic range to create incredible images.
What’s great about full frame is that field of view is now true to sensor - a 50mm lens on a full frame camera has a true 50mm focal length. In comparison, a 50mm lens on a crop sensor camera becomes closer to an 85mm field of view equivalent.
If you ask me, this makes shopping for camera lenses much easier!
Brands and Systems
Major brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sony offer Full Frame cameras. These cameras often come with a premium price tag but provide professional-level performance.
Best Uses
Full Frame sensors excel in almost all photography genres, from landscape and portrait to wedding and event photography. Their superior image quality and dynamic range make them the go-to choice for professionals.
However, one of the major cons (to me) for full frame is that cameras and lenses generally are bigger and heavier than their APS-C and Micro 4/3s counterparts. If you’re looking for a lightweight camera for everyday, a full frame camera won’t be at the top of your list!
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Superior image quality and dynamic range.
- Excellent low-light performance.
- Wider field of view with lenses compared to smaller sensors.
- Greater control over depth of field.
Cons:
- Larger and heavier camera bodies.
- More expensive than APS-C and Micro 4/3s cameras.
- Lenses can be more costly and heavier.
Medium Format
Medium Format sensors are the largest available in consumer cameras - measuring around 44mm x 33mm or even larger. They offer unparalleled image quality and detail. They are a digital version of Medium Format Film.
Medium format photography embodies the meaning of bigger is better; bigger film sizes and sensor sizes capture incredible detail for high-quality images.
They tend to also have a higher megapixel count, making them ideal for massive print sizes. However, the downside of this is massive file size - so if you shoot digital medium format, make sure you have a lot of backup hard drives!
Brands and Systems
Brands like Hasselblad, Fujifilm, and Phase One specialise in Medium Format cameras. These cameras are designed for high-end professional use, often in studio or commercial photography settings.
One thing to note about medium format cameras, for example those from Fujifilm, is that regular XF lenses won’t be compatible for these bodies. If you’ve been paying attention (and I hope that you have), that should make total sense. Fujifilm’s medium format lens line is called GFX, and are only compatible with their medium format cameras.
Best Uses
Medium Format sensors are ideal for commercial, fashion, and landscape photography - where the highest possible image quality is paramount. They provide incredible detail and dynamic range, making them perfect for large prints and fine art.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unmatched image quality and detail.
- Exceptional dynamic range.
- Ideal for large prints and commercial work.
Cons:
- Extremely expensive.
- Large and heavy camera bodies.
- Slower operation and limited burst rates.
- Requires more expensive lenses and accessories.
Crop Factor and Lens Compatibility
Crop Factor Explained
The crop factor is the ratio of a camera's sensor size to a 35mm Full Frame sensor. It affects the effective focal length of lenses - a 50mm lens on an APS-C camera with a 1.5x crop factor behaves like a 75mm lens on a Full Frame camera.
Lens Compatibility
Using lenses across different formats can be tricky. Generally, Full Frame lenses can be used on APS-C cameras, but with a crop factor applied. However, APS-C lenses are not recommended for Full Frame cameras as they don't cover the entire sensor, leading to vignetting.
However, some cameras such as the Nikon Z6II have a ‘crop sensor mode’, so you can adapt these types of lenses to your camera. This doesn’t go for all camera bodies though, and you should always do your best to check compatibility between any new lenses and your camera body!
Practical Tips:
- Check your camera's compatibility with lenses before purchasing.
- Consider the crop factor when choosing lenses for specific photography needs.
- Full Frame lenses offer more flexibility if you plan to upgrade your camera in the future.
Key Points
Understanding the different digital camera sensor formats is crucial for choosing the right camera for your photography journey.
Whether you prefer the compact and versatile Micro 4/3s, the balanced and popular APS-C, the professional-grade Full Frame, or the high-end Medium Format - each has its unique advantages and use cases.
Consider your photography style, budget, and future needs when making your decision. Happy shooting!
