

Notice how the larger area on the full-frame sensor allows pixels to be larger? Here’s a simplified illustration of what the same number of pixels might look like on an APS-C and full-frame image sensor. The image sensor size also affects the possible pixel size, which in turn can affect the camera’s low light performance.
FULL FRAME LENS ON APSC ISO
If you need something small and light, and/or are on a smaller budget, you’ll probably find yourself looking at more APS-C camera models.Ĭonsideration #2: Low light and high ISO performance The image sensor size influences the size and weight of the camera and lens bodies, and also impacts the cost of producing them. In comparison, the much smaller image circle required by an APS-C image sensor allows lenses for APS-C cameras to be smaller and lighter.
FULL FRAME LENS ON APSC FULL
A full-frame image sensor requires a larger image circle than an APS-C image sensor, which means that the glass elements inside the lens need to be bigger to cover the full sensor area. The image projected by a lens is a circle. That’s why there is a limit to how light and compact a full-frame camera can be, compared to one with an APS-C image sensor.īack row: DSLR cameras EOS 6D Mark II (full-frame) and EOS 200D II (APS-C),įront row: Mirrorless cameras EOS R6 (full-frame) and EOS M50 Mark II (APS-C)ĪPS-C cameras can be made smaller and lighter than full-frame cameras. After all, the camera must be big enough to house the sensor and everything else! On DSLR cameras, it also affects the size of the mirror that’s right in front of the sensor and the pentaprism or penta-mirror at the top, which in turn further adds to the size and the weight.

The most immediate impact of the sensor size is on the size of the camera.

On DSLR cameras, the image sensor is behind the mirror but the same applies. When you remove the lenses on some mirrorless cameras, you can immediately see the image sensor, and the size difference is quite obvious when you put a full-frame and APS-C mirrorless camera side by side. When digital photography became more popular, camera manufacturers incorporated digital image sensors that were around the same size.Ĭonsideration #1: Impact on camera and lens sizes It originates from the C (“Classic”) format of the APS film negative format that was first introduced by manufacturers in 1996 as part of an effort to make cameras more accessible to non-professional camera users. “APS-C” stands for “Advanced Photo System type-C”. Read about the history and learn about cinema cameras in:Ħ Things About Cinema Cameras that Serious Video Creators Should Know Incidentally, 35mm film itself was adapted from the 35mm film reels used in cinema. If you measure a 35mm film negative, you will find that the image area is 36 x 24mm-which happens to be the around same size as the image sensor on a full-frame camera. “Full-frame” is also known as “35mm full-frame”, and it originates from the 35mm film is used in film cameras. While there may be very slight variations between different camera models, generally, the image sensor dimensions are as follows: Whether you are buying a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, the two formats that you will most commonly encounter are “full-frame” and “APS-C”. They come in different shapes and sizes, but there are certain standard formats that are widely used by camera manufacturers. On a digital camera, the image sensor is the part of the camera that receives light entering from the lens and converts them into electrical signals that can be viewed, analysed, or stored. In conclusion: APS-C or full-frame camera?ĪPS-C and full-frame: 2 different-sized image sensors Consideration #2: Low light and high ISO performanceĦ. Consideration #1: Impact on camera and lens sizesģ. APS-C and full-frame: 2 different-sized image sensorsĢ. What’s the difference between the two, and how does it matter? Read on to find out.ġ. Or perhaps you’re wondering if it’s really worth changing from an APS-C camera to a full-frame one.

When choosing your first camera, you’ve probably come across the terms “full-frame” and “APS-C” many times.
