What is a full frame camera?

Film and cameras came in a variety of shapes and sizes, but 35mm became the standard. The name “35mm” came from the width of the filmstrip, including sprocket holes; the size of the actual image 24×36 mm. Images on a full frame digital sensor are the same size. 

Advantages of a full frame camera

Dynamic Range

Full frame cameras have a higher dynamic range, which means they can record more values between the darks and lights. This gives an image more contrast and is more forgiving in recovering the underexposed or overexposed areas in the image during post processing.

Low light performance

Full frame cameras have larger pixels that allow the sensor to capture more light and create less digital noise at higher ISOs. Usually you can get an extra stop or two of light than crop sensors, which allows for shooting at faster shutter speeds or lower ISOs.

Shallow Depth of Field

You can get much softer, smoother backgrounds than you would on crop sensor because the wider focal length requires photographers to shoot closer to the subject than they would with the same focal length on a crop sensor. The shorter focusing distance creates the bokeh. So it may be advantageous to forgo the longer reach of the crop sensor for a blurry background.

Less Lens Distortion

Lens distortion, the unnatural bowing of objects caused by your lens, is one of the most common problems in photography, and it can make for a less than ideal photo. A full frame camera reduces the effect at wider angles because it naturally wider than crop sensors.

Better Features

Full-frame cameras are geared towards professionals and experienced enthusiasts, so they offer more functionality and durability. It’s common for full-frame cameras to be weather-sealed, meaning can be used in more demanding conditions and their shutters will probably last longer. They also offer more advanced focusing systems with more auto focusing point points, more accurate metering and white balance.

disadvantages of a full frame

Pricier and bulkier

The improved functionality and quality of full frame cameras comes at a cost. There are a few affordable lenses and camera bodies, but prices increase quickly in this category. Full frame cameras are larger and heavier to accommodate the larger sensor size. The lenses have larger and higher quality glass, which adds more weight to the overall camera system.

Slower Frame Rate

A full frame camera captures more information, which increases the file size the memory card must record. When using burst mode, the camera stores images in the buffer while the card saves the information. Larger the file sizes increase the time it takes to process each file which affects the frames per second capabilities in burst mode. Some cameras combat this with a larger buffer, allowing the camera to store more files before they are recorded on the card.

Favorite Full Frame cameras