Page 5 - Learning How to Photograph with your DSLR Camera 2nd Edition Jan 2021
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A full frame sensor is approximately 35mm and has field of view is the same as if you
were shooting with a 35 mm camera. Manufacturers use different designations to
indicate the camera is a full frame body. Nikon uses FX and Canon uses Full Frame to
name two
Crop Sensor (APS-C)
These are based on the size of a film format known as Advanced Photo System; High
Definition (H) and Classic (C). The film format never caught on in the 1990’s and was
soon abandoned as most photographers still preferred the 35mm film format.
Today the sensors in these cameras are APS-C in size, or about a 1/3 smaller than the
35 mm film format and the full frame sensor. Being smaller does not imply these are
bad cameras. To the contrary, these are excellent cameras. These are more affordable
and have many of the same settings and features that are seen in professional
cameras. It is an excellent choice if you are just starting out in photography or even if
you are a more advanced photographer.
Figure 1 The field of view of each type of camera sensor. Notice the crop sensor cameras have a tighter field of view.
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