Full-frame Cameras (38 Photos): SLR, Budget And Expensive Cameras. What Is Full Frame? Rating Of The Best Models

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 05:33

The world of photographic technology is large and varied. And it is natural that many people want to get to know him better from the very beginning. Among other things, it is worth finding out the main features of full-frame cameras.

What it is?

Everyone who is interested in photography has heard about full-frame cameras at least once. A number of enthusiasts (both professionals and amateurs) leave rave reviews about them. To understand what full frame means, you need to pay attention to the principle of image acquisition . In a digital camera, the sensor captures light from the moment the shutter opens until it finally closes. Before the digital era, a separate, pre-exposed frame was used as a "sensor".

The frame size in both cases is not so easy to control . - it exactly matches the size of the photosensitive part of the camera. Traditionally, a full frame is considered a 35 mm image, since this was the most common film format. The creators of digital technology simply copied this size. But then, in order to save on matrices, their dimensions began to be reduced.

Even today, making a full-size photosensitive element is very expensive, and manufacturers often flaunt this equipment on their models.

Advantages and disadvantages

The obvious advantage of a full-frame camera is the increased detail. As more light enters the large sensor, the clarity of the picture also increases . There is no doubt that even relatively small details will be drawn well. The size of the viewfinder is also increased, which simplifies and speeds up the photographer's actions. The same circumstance makes it possible to increase the resolution of images.

Some manufacturers, instead of adding additional light-sensitive points, increase the size of the already used pixels . This technical solution increases the photosensitivity of the matrix. Therefore, the pictures will be brighter in the same lighting. But the larger pixel size also guarantees significant sharpening.

The lack of "zoom" effect and the slight manifestation of digital noise also testify in favor of full-frame cameras.

How do they differ from partial-frame ones?

But to better understand these models, it is necessary to study the difference between full-frame and partial-frame cameras. Contrary to popular belief, full frame is not always better . This is undoubtedly a useful thing, however, it reveals its advantages only in capable hands. A large format has a greater potential dynamic range. Double the light capacitance helps to improve the signal-to-noise ratio by 2 times.

If the ISO values are the same, the full-frame sensor makes less noise . If the ISO is lower, it will be much more difficult for even experienced photographers and experts to notice the difference. And when using a base ISO of 100, the only real benefit of a full frame is the ability to more effectively stretch shadows in post-processing. In addition, only models released at the same time and on a more or less similar element base can be directly compared.

Technological advances are also affecting non-full-frame cameras, modern designs of which may be better than older devices with large frames.

Shots with huge ISO values can really interest only true professionals who know how and why to take them . But ordinary people are unlikely to be able to determine the difference in one or two dynamic steps. Therefore, you should not be afraid of buying a partial-frame camera - it almost always lives up to expectations. As for the depth of field, the effect of the size of the frame on it is only indirect. The size of the diaphragm must also be taken into account.

Full frame cameras are slightly better at separating the main subject from the background with insufficient depth of field . Such a need arises when shooting portraits. But everything changes when you need to make a frame with the same sharpness up to the horizon. Therefore, it is more correct to use crop type cameras in landscape shots. Under strictly equal conditions, their increased real sharpness is very attractive.

It is also worth considering that the choice of lenses for full-frame cameras is very large … Many prominent manufacturers supply them. But it is much more difficult to equip partial-frame cameras with a good lens. It is not only a matter of a smaller assortment, but also of much more complex general principles. Suffice it to say that many amateur photographers are confused by the calculation of the equivalent focal length. In addition, full-frame models are larger and heavier than the smaller versions.

What are they?

If, nevertheless, it is decided to use exactly cameras with a full frame, then you need to pay attention to SLR models. A special mirror is placed behind the lens. The installation angle is always 45 degrees . The role of the mirror is not only sighting, but also getting optimal focus.

It is from it that part of the light flux is redirected to the focusing sensors.

When the mirror element rises, a characteristic sound is heard . Vibration may appear in this case, but it will not affect the quality of images. The problem is that at high shooting speeds, the mirror is under significant stress. But the cost of a DSLR is more profitable than the cost of many mirrorless models. The design has been worked out very well.

It should be noted that compact full-frame cameras also exist … Such models are in the assortment of Sony. But the Leica Q is still a good example. Such devices work well in the hands of professionals. The compactness does not interfere with achieving a decent quality of images and equipping the devices with high-quality "stuffing". Of course, there are also full-frame digital cameras.

Rating of the best models

Budget

The list of the cheapest full-frame cameras deservedly opens Canon EOS 6D … The resolution reaches 20.2 megapixels. A high-quality optical viewfinder is provided. It is possible to shoot video in 1080p quality. There is a 5FPS burst option. Alternatively, you can consider Nikon D610 … This inexpensive camera has a resolution of 24.3 megapixels. As with the previous version, an optical viewfinder is used. Burst quality is increased up to 6FPS. A rigidly fixed screen with a diagonal of 2 inches is installed.

Undoubtedly, the useful properties of this model are the presence of a dual slot for SD cards and an increased level of protection against moisture. But at the same time, it is worth pointing out the impossibility of working with wireless protocols (it is simply not provided). But there is an option for quiet photographing at a speed of 3 frames per second. 39 base points were entered into the automatic focusing system. As a result, the device turned out to be quite affordable and, moreover, worthy from a technical point of view.

Middle price segment

The expected representative of the top full-frame cameras is Nikon D760 … This digital DSLR device has yet to hit the market but is eagerly awaited. In fact, a continuation of the D750 has been announced. Of the most likely additions, it turns out the presence of shooting in 4K quality. An increase in the number of focus points is also expected.

Has a good reputation and Sony Alpha 6100 … The device was equipped with an APS-C matrix. The very fast focusing also speaks in favor of this model. Users will appreciate the automatic focusing on the eyes of animals. The tilt angle of the touch screen reaches 180 degrees. The screen itself is made using TFT technology.

Premium class

Compared to other models, it seriously wins Nikon D850 … This version is positioned as a good assistant for professional shooting. The DSLR matrix will not fail in any situation. 4K video recording is possible, which is very good for the 2017 model.

But it is worth noting that when shooting in poor lighting, due to the ultra-high resolution, strong optical noise appears.

A worthy conclusion to the review will be Sigma FP … The designers have envisioned an aluminum body that guarantees increased reliability in adverse situations. The sensor with a resolution of 24.6 megapixels is backlit. 4K resolution is available even at 30 frames per minute. Continuous shooting is possible at up to 18FPS.

How to choose?

The most important thing is to immediately determine how much money you can spend on buying a camera. So, choose an amateur or professional class of the device. There is a division among household models - simple automatic and mirror versions . (which require complex settings). Only those people who understand their structure and the nuances of their work can use SLR cameras. For those who do not have complex skills, it is worth choosing an automatic camera.

You should not be guided by the "latest" devices . All the same, they will become obsolete in 2-3 months, and they will not surprise anyone. Marketers are diligently promoting this point. But purchasing devices manufactured over 4-5 years ago is also unlikely to be rational.

The exception is the most successful models, which are enthusiastically appreciated by many photographers.

The number of megapixels (image resolution) is not too important for professionals . They shoot all the same on equipment for which the difference in this characteristic is hardly noticeable. But for home cameras, taking this parameter into account is quite appropriate, it is especially relevant when printing large-format photographs. Novice photographers can safely ignore the weight and dimensions of the device.

But those who plan to engage in long-term or reportage, outdoor filming should choose the lightest and most compact modification possible.

Those who are going to shoot a video at least occasionally should inquire about the presence of a microphone. It is also advisable to check its work immediately in the store. If you need to choose an impeccably high-quality device, you should pay attention only to products from Nikon, Canon, Sony . All other brands can also make high-quality equipment, but the products of the "three grands" have a well-deserved unattainable reputation. And one more recommendation is to try the operation of the camera with different lenses, if only it is possible to change them.