Differences Between Full-frame and APS-C Format DSLR Cameras Explained

There are two different format types of DSLR cameras or Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras, referred to as either:

·         Full-frame

·         APS-C

The  Full-frame or APS-C format on  DSLR refers to the type of sensor that is incorporated into the camera, i.e. the type of light-sensitive electronic device that records the image.

A full-frame DSLR has the same size frame of a 35mm film negative frame, whereas an APS-C DSLR sees a smaller angle of view but with a longer reach.

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Both types of DSLRs have their advantages and disadvantages.  Let’s take a look at how these different DSLR formats work and how they affect the results you get:

Full-frame DSLR Cameras

As mentioned above, Full-frame DSLR Cameras match the size of a 35mm film negative frame.  But what does this mean to the photographer?

More light is able to enter a full-frame DSLR camera because the light-sensitive pixels are bigger, giving the following results:

·         Wider dynamic range.

·         Less “noise” / image distortion.

·         Higher quality images.

·         Smaller depth of field (for better bokeh effects).

APS-C DLSR Cameras

APS-C DSLR Cameras have a smaller sensor than the full-frame cameras and so give a smaller angle of view.  So what does this mean in real terms?

The smaller angle of view of APS-C Sensors covers less area than a full-frame camera, but gives a higher crop factor, offering the following results:

·         Smaller angle of view.

·         Longer reach (bringing subjects closer to you).

·         Greater depth of field (for sharper images through foreground to background, allowing you to use a lower f/stop number).

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EXAMPLE

·         A full-format DSLR = 1x crop factor

·         An APS-C DSLR = 1.5x crop factor

This means that if you take a 50mm digital SLR lens and compare it to a 50mm traditional SLR camera, you will get the following results with the same lens on the different format cameras:

·         Full-format DSLR = 50mm (same as a traditional 50mm SLR camera).

·         APS-C format DSLR = 75mm (25mm more than a traditional 50mm SLR camera).

How the Full-format and APS-C Format DSLRs Compare

If you look at the above examples, you can see that Full-format DLSR cameras can be better suited to photographing scenes that require a wider angle of view, like landscapes for example, while APS-C format DSLRs are ideal for bringing subjects that bit closer to you.

Full-frame DSLR cameras are also good for portrait photography as the larger sensor (combined with the right lens choice) gives a smaller depth of field to help blur background and give great bokeh effects.

APS-C format DSLRs on the other hand give a better depth of field, allowing you to use a lower f/stop number for sharp images from foreground through to background.  However, if you want to create the kind of bokeh effects that you can get with a Full-frame DSLR, manufacturers of APS-C format DSLRs have introduced more zoom lens ranges with shorter focal lengths.  They have also introduced more super wide angle lenses to compete with the Full-format cameras, giving the APS-C user greater choice and more flexibility than ever before.

There is generally a big price difference between full-format DSLRs and APS-C format DSLRs with regards to both camera bodies and camera lenses.  APS-C format DSLRs generally cost much less than Full-format cameras and are a great way to start out in the photography world.

ONE OF THE BEST ENTRY-LEVEL DSLRs with APS-C SENSOR:
Nikon D3300

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ONE OF THE BEST AMATEUR ENTHUSIAST DSLRs with FULL-FRAME SENSOR:
Canon EOS 6D

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ONE OF THE BEST HIGH-END DSLRs with FULL-FRAME SENSOR:
Canon EOS 5D Mark III

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*Prices/discounts/shipping indicated correct at time of writing/publishing and may be subject to change anytime.  E&OE.

Related articles:

• Different Types of Camera Lenses Explained
• Camera Terminology Explained Series, Part 1 (A-B)
• Camera Terminology Explained Series, Part 2 (C-D)
• Camera Terminology Explained Series, Part 3 (E-H)
• Camera Terminology Explained Series, Part 4 (I-J)
• Camera Terminology Explained Series, Part 5 (K-N)
• Camera Terminology Explained Series, Part 6 (O-R)
• Camera Terminology Explained Series, Part 7 (S-Z)
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