Exploring the Benefits of Full Frame Cameras

Full Frame and what is it?   We need a little history first starting in the late 1800's with a 35mm film that was used for silent movies. When talkies came along an analog soundtrack was added and it became known as Super 35mm film. While 35mm was used for stills the film had to be loaded in a darkroom. The game changer was Kodak introducing 35mm film in a cartridge that could be loaded in daylight.

Full Frame is based on 35mm film and in the world of digital cameras full frame is 36 mm x 24 mm sensor, comparable to 35 mm film. When compared to an APS-C (Advanced Photo System-Classic) sensor, common in entry level cameras, full frame is approximately 1.5 times larger providing more image for the photographer. In addition to the surface area with a wider-angle image and shallower depth of field, full frame cameras offer other advantages. Typically, they have more advanced technology and other Pro/Am features including superior optics and a selection of zooms, wide angles, and telephotos.

Our discussion will focus on the frame size advantages and image resolution. The 2 images above a shot with a full frame Canon Mirrorless Camera.  The left is a shot in the sequence and the right is a crop from another shot.  Before the crop, our base shot captured more image area, and at a higher resolution, than entry level cameras and cell phones.  This gives the photographer a significant advantage at capturing more and better shots.  As the right image shows you can crop and size and still have enough quality for enlarging the prints.

The discussion does not mean entry level cameras of cell phones are bad.  Frankly I still use the cell phone when encountering a photo opportunity and am not equipped with my Canon.  A good shot is a good shot. And with modern retouch software such as Photoshop and Lightroom, you can improve any shot, including a cell phone shot. However, with a Full Frame Camera, the photographer has more image, higher resolution, and much better odds at making a good shot a great shot.

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