Full Frame vs CMOS?

[Iris333]

I've noticed that most proffessional photographers are shooting with full frame cameras (I shoot canon, I am seeing people with Canon 5D) I purchased the Canon 7D which seems to have a few perks above the 5D (one being lower price) but I'm wondering if the full frame is a huge necessity?

[dakwegmo]

There are advantages and disadvantages to shooting with both a full frame and a cropped sensor, depending on what you like to shoot and what you do with your finished images, either or both may suit your needs.

[BCampbell]

Well, first off CMOS is simply a type of sensor, it can be full frame or cropped. Canon's 5D does have a full frame CMOS. Small niggle.

Given the same MP, a full frame sensor will return better quality images because of a lower pixel density. Generally, though, manufacturers simply put their bets technology into their highest-end cameras, which tend to be full-frame -- that's really the main reason they deliver the best images.

One of the other main differences between full frame and cropped sensors is the crop factor on focal length. We may feel like we get more telephoto with a cropped sensor, but full frame cameras usually have more pixels in total -- so you can just crop the full frame image to achieve the same "zoom". But it's much more difficult to make up for the lack of the wide angle end on a cropped sensor.

For most of us, the cropped sensor is fine if we do the math to figure out our effective focal length. If you're intent to taking lots of wide shots -- landscapes, architecture, some action sports -- you'll find yourself limited pretty quickly if you're not full frame. Try to get a fast lens that's effectively 24mm or wider on a cropped body and you'll see what I mean.

[Iris333]

That's pretty much what I've come up with so far.. no real pin point Have to have full frame advantage. Obviously it will be more expensive to find a "real" wide angle lens due to the crop factor. I don't see myself doing much landscape or having a need for a ultra wide angle. I plan on doing portrait and some abstract, cars motorcycles.. but I think I can get away with the 18mm (technically 28) for now, though it is not as fast and my current camera is 18mp the full frame is 22 sooo..

[Iris333]

Thank you both

[Samanax]

If you're interested in getting a full frame DSLR (especially if you're going to be doing a lot of portrait work), consider getting a used Canon 5D (the original one, not the Mk II). I've seen them going for as low as $1,100 recently. It's a little old but in the right hands it can create amazing images.