Full-Frame vs. Small-Frame Digital (Does It Matter?)

Digital sensors come in a variety of sizes. Is bigger better?

By Mike Stensvold

Published August 1, 2007

Like film cameras, digital SLRs come in a wide range of formats. But with D-SLRs, the format is based on the size of the image sensor, not on the size of the film. Sensor size has several ramifications for the photographer. First, larger sensors cost a lot more than small ones, in part because of the difficulty in manufacturing them. Second, larger sensors "see" more of the image formed by a lens and thus provide a wider field of view with any given focal length. Third, for a given pixel count, larger sensors contain larger pixels, which, all other things being equal, collect light more efficiently for better low-light and high-ISO performance. Finally, larger sensors generally require larger camera bodies.

To read this Photography Gear article, become a Member.

Become an Outdoor Photographer Member to access this Photography Gear Article, plus techniques, inspiration and equipment reviews from the pros!

Featured Articles

red-bellied woodpecker photographed from a photo blind

Using Photo Blinds

Ways to conceal our presence as wildlife photographers, allowing us to capture natural behavior while minimizing disruption for our subjects.

Landscape Light, Part 2

Landscape Light, Part 2

Lighting styles and techniques to add dimension and form to your landscape compositions

To access this content, you must purchase Outdoor Photographer Membership.

Porcupine Mountains, Michigan

Lake Of The Clouds

Best times and locations to photograph in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan.

Keeping Your Photos Safe, Part 2: Tools Of The Trade

In part two of this four-part series, we take an overview of the hardware options for creating redundant backups.

To access this content, you must purchase Outdoor Photographer Membership.

Telephoto Technique For Wildlife

Telephoto Technique For Wildlife

Insights into long-lens technique for wildlife photography

Landscape Light, Part 1

Landscape Light, Part 1

Lighting styles and techniques to add dimension and form to your landscape compositions

To access this content, you must purchase Outdoor Photographer Membership.