Full Frame vs APS-C: Which Camera Sensor Size is Best for Your Photography Needs?

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 20 June 2023 9 min read

Making the Decision: Which Sensor Size is Best for You?

If you're interested in photography, you've probably come across the terms "full frame" and "APS-C" when looking at camera options. These terms refer to the size of the camera sensor, which can have a significant impact on your photos. In this blog, we'll explore the differences between full frame and APS-C sensors, and help you decide which one is best for your photography needs.

Understanding Sensor Sizes: Full Frame and APS-C

Before we dive into the differences between full frame and APS-C, let's first understand what these terms mean and how they relate to camera sensors.

Full Frame Sensor

A full frame sensor is the same size as a 35mm film frame, measuring approximately 36mm x 24mm. This large sensor size is often found in professional-level DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Some advantages of a full frame sensor include:

Higher image quality: Larger sensors can capture more light and detail, resulting in better overall image quality.
Better low-light performance: With larger pixels, full frame sensors can perform better in low-light situations, reducing noise and producing clearer images.
Shallower depth of field: A full frame sensor allows for a shallower depth of field, making it easier to achieve that desirable background blur in your photos.

APS-C Sensor

APS-C sensors are smaller than full frame sensors, typically measuring around 23.6mm x 15.6mm. You'll find APS-C sensors in many entry-level and mid-range DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Some advantages of an APS-C sensor include:

Smaller size and weight: Cameras with APS-C sensors are generally more compact and lightweight, making them easier to carry and handle.
Lower cost: Cameras and lenses designed for APS-C sensors are often more affordable than their full frame counterparts.
Greater effective focal length: Due to the smaller sensor size, APS-C cameras have a "crop factor" that can effectively increase the focal length of your lenses, making them more suitable for certain types of photography, like wildlife and sports.

Now that we've covered the basics of full frame and APS-C sensors, let's dive deeper into the differences in image quality, size and weight, and price between these two sensor types.

Image Quality: Comparing Full Frame and APS-C Cameras

When it comes to image quality, both full frame and APS-C cameras have their strengths and weaknesses. Let's examine some key factors that affect image quality and how these two sensor types compare in each aspect.

Dynamic Range

Dynamic range refers to the range of light to dark tones a camera can capture in a single image. A wider dynamic range means better detail in both shadows and highlights.

Full frame: Due to their larger sensor size, full frame cameras generally have a wider dynamic range, allowing for more detail in both highlights and shadows.
APS-C: Although APS-C cameras have improved significantly in recent years, their dynamic range is generally not as wide as full frame cameras.

If capturing a wide dynamic range is important to you, a full frame camera might be a better choice.

Low Light Performance

Low light performance refers to how well a camera can capture images in dimly lit situations without introducing excessive noise or loss of detail.

Full frame: Thanks to their larger sensor size and larger pixels, full frame cameras typically have better low-light performance, resulting in cleaner images with less noise.
APS-C: While APS-C cameras have made significant advancements in low-light performance, they still generally lag behind full frame cameras in this area.

If you frequently shoot in low-light conditions, it's worth considering a full frame camera for its superior low-light capabilities.

Depth of Field

Depth of field refers to the area of your image that appears in focus. A shallow depth of field creates a pleasing background blur, while a deep depth of field keeps more of the scene in focus.

Full frame: Full frame cameras have a shallower depth of field due to their larger sensor size, making it easier to achieve background blur and isolate subjects from the background.
APS-C: APS-C cameras have a deeper depth of field, which can make achieving background blur more challenging. However, this can be a benefit for certain types of photography, like landscape or macro, where you want more of the scene in focus.

Depending on your preferred shooting style and subjects, depth of field could be a deciding factor in the full frame vs APS-C debate.

Size and Weight: How Camera Sensor Sizes Affect Your Gear

When it comes to choosing between full frame and APS-C cameras, size and weight can play a significant role in your decision. Let's explore how sensor size affects the overall size and weight of your camera gear.

Camera Bodies

Full frame: Full frame cameras typically have larger, heavier bodies due to the need to accommodate their larger sensor size. This can make them less convenient for travel or extended periods of handheld shooting.
APS-C: APS-C cameras generally have smaller, lighter bodies, making them more portable and easier to carry around for long periods. This can be a significant advantage for photographers who value a compact setup.

If size and weight are important considerations for you, an APS-C camera might be the better choice.

Lenses

Full frame: Lenses designed for full frame cameras are often larger and heavier than their APS-C counterparts. This is because they need to cover the larger sensor area and maintain image quality across the entire frame. Additionally, full frame lenses tend to be more expensive.
APS-C: Lenses for APS-C cameras are generally smaller, lighter, and more affordable than full frame lenses. This can make building a versatile lens collection more accessible for photographers on a budget or those who prefer lightweight gear.

When it comes to lenses, the choice between full frame and APS-C can impact not only your gear's size and weight, but also your overall investment in lenses.

Considering the size and weight of your camera gear is essential when deciding between full frame and APS-C cameras. Keep in mind your shooting style, preferences, and budget to make the best choice for your needs.

Price Differences: Full Frame vs APS-C Cameras and Lenses

When comparing full frame and APS-C cameras, price is an important factor to consider. The cost of the camera body and lenses can vary significantly between the two sensor sizes. Let's break down the price differences and how they can affect your photography budget.

Camera Cost

Full frame: Full frame cameras are generally more expensive than APS-C cameras due to their larger sensor size and more advanced features. This can make them less accessible to photographers on a budget or those just starting out in the world of photography.
APS-C: APS-C cameras are usually more affordable than full frame cameras, making them a popular choice for beginners, hobbyists, or those looking to save money on their camera gear. The lower price point can also allow you to invest more in lenses and accessories.

When considering camera cost, be sure to weigh the benefits of full frame vs APS-C in relation to your specific needs and budget limitations.

Lens Cost

Full frame: As mentioned earlier, full frame lenses are generally more expensive than APS-C lenses. This is because they need to cover a larger sensor area and maintain image quality across the entire frame. Building a collection of full frame lenses can be a significant investment over time.
APS-C: Lenses designed for APS-C cameras tend to be more affordable, which can make it easier to build a versatile lens collection without breaking the bank. Keep in mind, however, that if you eventually upgrade to a full frame camera, you may need to invest in additional lenses compatible with the larger sensor size.

When comparing full frame vs APS-C lenses, it's essential to factor in not only the initial cost but also the long-term investment in your lens collection.

Price differences between full frame and APS-C cameras and lenses can play a significant role in your decision-making process. Be sure to consider both the short-term and long-term costs associated with each sensor size, as well as your individual photography needs and budget limitations, to make the best choice for your photography journey.

Best Cameras for Different Types of Photography

When choosing between full frame and APS-C cameras, it's important to consider the specific type of photography you plan to pursue. Each sensor size offers its own set of benefits and challenges for various photography genres. Let's explore how full frame vs APS-C cameras perform in different types of photography.

Landscape Photography

For landscape photography, the wider dynamic range and better low light performance of full frame cameras make them a popular choice. The larger sensor size allows for capturing more detail and color depth in your images, which is especially valuable when photographing vast landscapes and scenes with high contrast. However, APS-C cameras can still produce stunning landscape images, and their smaller size and weight can be advantageous when hiking or traveling to remote locations.

Portrait Photography

When it comes to portrait photography, both full frame and APS-C cameras can produce excellent results. Full frame cameras are known for their ability to create a shallow depth of field, which can help isolate your subject and create a pleasing background blur. On the other hand, APS-C cameras can still achieve a shallow depth of field with the right lens, and their lower cost can make it easier to invest in higher quality lenses for better portrait results.

Wildlife Photography

In wildlife photography, the smaller sensor size of APS-C cameras can actually be an advantage due to the crop factor. This effectively increases the focal length of your lenses, allowing you to get closer to your subjects without physically moving. Additionally, APS-C cameras tend to have faster frame rates, which can be beneficial when capturing fast-moving animals. Full frame cameras can still be used for wildlife photography, but may require longer, more expensive lenses to achieve similar results.

Sports Photography

For sports photography, both full frame and APS-C cameras have their merits. The faster frame rates and increased focal length provided by APS-C cameras can be beneficial for capturing fast-moving athletes. However, full frame cameras offer better low light performance, which can be important when shooting indoor sports or events with challenging lighting conditions. Ultimately, the best choice for sports photography will depend on your specific needs and shooting conditions.

Street Photography

Street photography often requires a discreet and portable camera setup, making APS-C cameras an appealing option. Their smaller size and weight make them easier to carry around and less noticeable when shooting in public spaces. However, the improved low light performance and dynamic range of full frame cameras can also be beneficial for capturing the various lighting conditions and contrasts often found in street scenes.

As you can see, the choice between full frame vs APS-C cameras can vary greatly depending on the type of photography you plan to pursue. Consider the specific requirements and challenges of your preferred photography genre, as well as your personal preferences and budget, when deciding which sensor size is best for your needs.

Making the Decision: Which Sensor Size is Best for You?

Now that we've compared full frame vs APS-C cameras in various photography genres, it's time to make a decision. Which sensor size is the best fit for your photography needs? To help you decide, consider the following factors:

Your photography style: Reflect on the types of photography you enjoy the most and the specific requirements of each genre, as discussed in the previous section. This will help you determine which sensor size is likely to produce the best results for your preferred style.
Size and weight: Consider how important portability is to you. If you plan to travel frequently or prefer a more discreet setup, an APS-C camera may be the better choice. If size and weight are less important, a full frame camera could offer superior image quality.
Low light performance: If you anticipate shooting in low light conditions often, a full frame camera might be more suitable due to its better low light performance. However, if you primarily shoot in well-lit environments, an APS-C camera may suffice.
Budget: Full frame cameras and lenses tend to be more expensive than their APS-C counterparts. Determine your budget and weigh the cost difference between the two sensor sizes. Sometimes, investing in higher quality lenses for an APS-C camera can produce better results than a full frame camera with lower quality lenses.

Remember that there's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to full frame vs APS-C cameras. The best choice for you will depend on your unique photography needs, preferences, and budget. By considering the factors mentioned above and evaluating the specific requirements of your preferred photography genre, you can make an informed decision and choose the camera sensor size that's perfect for you.

Happy shooting!

If you're interested in finding the perfect camera to suit your needs, don't miss the workshop 'Choosing the Perfect Camera for You' by Louis Bever. This workshop will guide you through the process of selecting the right camera for your specific requirements, ensuring you make a well-informed decision and capture those unforgettable moments with ease.