We explained here what is full frame on a camera vs a crop sensor version. This article covers full-frame vs. crop-sensor cameras and discusses key differences, pros and cons, and which one best suits your photography journey.
Introduction:
If you are entering the exciting new world of digital photography, you will likely search for the question of what is full frame on a camera and how it is different from a regular crop sensor camera. Both of these are the dominant formats in the camera world of 2025, and understanding their pros and cons will help you make a better purchase decision. Let's go through them one by one to make a better purchase this year.
What Is Full Frame on a Camera?
The term “full frame” here means that the sensor in such a camera is exactly the size of an old-school 35 mm or 36 mm x 24 mm film frame. The film size of the digital sensor mimics the same frame as one would get when using a traditional 35mm film camera from the past, and it can capture more in a scene. It is also reputed for better low-light performance in the frame.
It does that because bigger sensors are naturally able to capture more light in a frame, and each individual pixel in full-frame sensors is also designed to be larger. This arrangement captures much more light compared to smaller sensors, resulting in better low-light performance without boosting ISO.
What Is a Crop Frame on a Camera?
As the name suggests, this camera sensor has a “cropped” field of view due to its smaller size of 24 × 16 mm. Such camera sensors are popular in budget and mid-range cameras, as they are cheaper to produce than full-frame cameras. Using such sensors also enables OEMs to make lighter, more affordable, and more compact cameras for a wider market.
Their smaller size makes them popular for travel and street photography, where users appreciate smaller and lighter cameras. With smaller sensors, you get a “cropped” view, which may not be desired for close-up shots but works great for sports and wildlife shooters. This is because the narrowing effectively increases the focal length of telephoto lenses used by such shooters.
Pros and Cons of Full-Frame Camera Bodies
Advantages:
1. It's suitable for those who want to capture a wider field of view with a much more true-to-lens focal length.
2. If you plan to shoot more in low light, full-frame sensors will perform much better than smaller sensors.
3. They are used to create a shallower depth of field at the same aperture/focal length.
4. They also have better noise control in the final shots with more dynamic range.
5. You can use lenses of both cropped and full-frame platforms through adapters.
Disadvantages:
1. They are pricey, making them not suitable for beginners.
2. They are much heavier than those with cropped sensors.
Pros and Cons of Cropped Sensor Camera Bodies
Advantages:
1. The most significant benefit is their smaller profile and less weight.
2. They can create a deeper depth of field but also a less “blurry background.”
3. They are much cheaper and are suitable for those just starting with photography.
4. Smaller profile makes them a great option for those traveling and doing outdoor photography.
Disadvantages:
1. If you want wider shots, such a camera won’t be a great choice to capture them with.
2. They struggle in low-light conditions due to their smaller sensor size and fewer pixels being processed.
3. If you want more bokeh in back focus, cropped sensors are not a great choice for professional use.
Best Camera Lens for Mirrorless Platforms
Full-frame cameras are considered a standard for professional use due to their flexibility in working conditions and ability to process more light. In 2025, the perfect lens to truly unlock the creative potential of such camera bodies is the SIRUI AURORA 85mm F1.4 lens, a full-frame lens designed to capture professional-grade portraits in stunning image quality. The lens features an ultra-lightweight and small-sized body, which is not common for the full-frame domain in lens technology.
Inside are optics tuned at an f/1.4 aperture and the next generation of advanced optical design, which minimizes optical vignetting and brings exceptionally smooth out-of-focus rendering in the frame thanks to its 15-rounded blade diaphragm and optical arrangement. This is an easy recommendation for those looking to get top-tier performance at a reasonable price.
Wrapping Up:
As we covered what is full frame on a camera vs. a cropped version, it is worth mentioning again that both have their own pros and cons. Full-frame cameras are more targeted towards experienced professionals. For ultra-crisp portraits at a budget price, consider the SIRUI Aurora lens this year.
