Free Focal Length and F-Stop Converter
Use our Focal Length and F-Stop Converter Tool to see how your lens performs on various camera sensors. Enter the focal length and f-stop to instantly understand their effects on full-frame, APS-C, and Micro Four Thirds sensors. This helps you anticipate changes in field of view and depth of field.
What Is Crop Factor?
Crop factor measures how a smaller camera sensor narrows your lens's field of view compared to a full-frame sensor. It makes the image appear more zoomed in, as if the focal length is increased. Our tool calculates this by multiplying the focal length by the crop factor, letting you see how your lens’s view changes across different sensors.
Why Are There Different Sensor Sizes?
Different sensor sizes exist to suit various photography needs and budgets. Full-frame sensors offer a wider view and perform well in low light, while smaller sensors like APS-C and Micro Four Thirds are more compact and cost-effective, providing extra reach for telephoto lenses. Knowing these differences helps you choose the right camera for your photography preferences.
The Evolution of Camera Sensor Sizes
The diversity in camera sensor sizes originated from the film era, particularly the adoption of the 35mm film format, which balanced image quality and convenience. As digital photography evolved, sensors were designed to emulate or surpass these film formats, leading to the variety we see today. Notably, the APS-C sensor size has roots in the 1990s APS film format, which aimed to simplify and improve upon traditional film photography.
Sensor Size Overview
Full-Frame Sensors
Origins: Modelled after the 35mm film frame.
Common Uses: Widely used in professional photography, low-light environments, and scenarios requiring high dynamic range.
Pros: Offers excellent image quality, a broader field of view, and superior performance in low-light conditions.
Cons: Associated with larger, heavier, and more expensive cameras and lenses.
APS-C Sensors (Canon & Nikon/Sony)
Origins: Developed from the Advanced Photo System (APS) film format.
Common Uses: Popular for general photography, enthusiast-level shooting, and travel.
Pros: Provides a good compromise between image quality and camera size, making it cost-effective.
Cons: Has a narrower field of view compared to full-frame, and slightly reduced performance in low light.
Micro Four Thirds Sensors
Origins: Created specifically for digital cameras by Olympus and Panasonic.
Common Uses: Favoured for travel, street photography, and video.
Pros: Known for its compactness and versatility, making it suitable for video work due to the deeper depth of field.
Cons: More noise in low-light situations and a narrower field of view than larger sensors.
1-Inch Sensors
Origins: Gained traction in high-end compact cameras for improving image quality over smaller sensors.
Common Uses: Found in compact cameras, some smartphones, and drones.
Pros: Offers a balance of good image quality and compact size.
Cons: Limited in low-light performance and has a narrower field of view compared to larger sensors.
Medium Format Sensors (Fujifilm GFX & Hasselblad H6D)
Origins: Evolved from medium format film cameras used in professional studios.
Common Uses: Typically used in high-end commercial photography, landscapes, and fashion photography.
Pros: Delivers exceptional image quality, higher resolution, and excellent dynamic range.
Cons: Very expensive and associated with larger, heavier equipment.
Summary
Understanding the different sensor sizes helps you choose the right camera for your needs, balancing factors like image quality, size, and cost. For a deeper dive into each sensor size and its applications, refer to the comprehensive resources available through DPReview, Photography Life, and other detailed guides.