Full frame

[marcfrye]

Hey guys. When I attended the Southeast Center for Photographic Studies in 1983, We didn't even dream of digital. I jumped in with a 20D about 5 years ago. 2 weeks ago I upgraded to the 5D Mark II. I primarily did this because I was sick of having to mentally crop the image to a usable 8x10. I just noticed that I still have to crop the same amount to get an 8x10. Am I doing something wrong? Is there a setting that I'm missing? What say you?

[LoveDSLR]

Full frame or 35mm has an aspect ratio of 2:3 while 8x10 is 4:5. Nikon FX cameras such as D3 allows a choice of 2:3 and 4:5.

[RichardTaylor]

Nothing has changed at all, if you were shooting 35mm film or 6x9cm (2 1/4 x 31/4").

[Doug Pardee]

Originally Posted by marcfrye

I just noticed that I still have to crop the same amount to get an 8x10.

No cameras smaller than a 4x5 produce images that will expand to 8x10 without cropping.

The inconsistency between 4x6, 5x7, and 8x10 print sizes remains (in my mind) a significant problem that the photographic industry should be addressing. But they don't seem to be.

35mm film used a 3:2 aspect ratio. Consequently, all DSLRs except those using the 4/3 sensors also use a 3:2 aspect ratio. The 4/3 DSLRs (mainly Olympus) use a 4:3 aspect ratio.

3:2 is a perfect fit for 4x6. 4:3 is not a perfect fit for anything.

No DSLR produces an image that's a perfect fit for 5x7 or 8x10. No film SLR ever did, either (to my knowledge).

You need to learn to estimate how much of the image will be lost on an 8x10 when you look through the viewfinder. You might be able to buy a replacement focus screen that has markings showing 8x10 limits. They're available for some cameras, but I don't know about yours.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Doug Pardee

3:2 is a perfect fit for 4x6. 4:3 is not a perfect fit for anything.

No DSLR produces an image that's a perfect fit for 5x7 or 8x10. No film SLR ever did, either (to my knowledge).

4:3 is what the older, square computer monitors and TVs were. Most are 16:9 now.

As LoveDSLR mentioned, the D3 (and D700) have masks in the viewfinders that one can set for the 4:5 ratio. I believe the older F4 did too.

[jdepould]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

4:3 is what the older, square computer monitors and TVs were. Most are 16:9 now.

As LoveDSLR mentioned, the D3 (and D700) have masks in the viewfinders that one can set for the 4:5 ratio. I believe the older F4 did too.

The weird thing is that I'm finding a lot of 16:10 computer monitors.

[marcfrye]

Thanks to all who replied. I have been estimating as I shoot for years with my 20D. I thought full screen would fix the issue so I bought the 5D. After you all made me aware of the facts, I bought the EG focusing screen (lined). They are not a perfect fit for 8x10 but close. If nothing else, it reminds me to crop when I get carried away during a shoot.

[JeffSmith]

What's the fascination with 8x10? Why do you have to crop to this size?

[Sterling]

I thought full screen would fix the issue so I bought the 5D.

Ouch! Hopefully you can make use of the other upgrades with the 5D.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by JeffSmith

What's the fascination with 8x10? Why do you have to crop to this size?

It's been found to be the most pleasing ratio for portraits (not too skinny, not too fat). Also, it was the standard for many larger-format film cameras, back in the day. Ansel Adams used 4x5 and 8x10 (mostly the latter) view cameras.