21 replies to this topic

[IanB]

Hi folks, i have a D5100 and love it but i am always seeing people banging on about how you should progress up to a full frame camera.  Picture wise only, what would i really benefit from by doing so.

 

Your thoughts/opinions please.

 

Ian.

 

[morticiaskeeper]

Back in the days of film, upgrading from 35mm to medium format made a big difference. But at least some of that difference was probably down to upgrading to better lenses.

A full frame sensor will be an improvement over APS-C, but would you notice enough difference to justify the cost?

If you're happy with the gear you've got, stick with it. My 6mp D40 still takes excellent pictures, I only upgraded to the 10mp D80 because the deal I was offered was to good to be turned down. Both of them take better pictures than higher mp mobile phones!

[singlerosa]

Better Image Quality (IQ), ability to shoot at higher ISO (less noise/better dynamic range), shallower DOF.  When I got my D600, I put on my 50 1.4 and took a few shots,  I could immediately tell the difference from my D7000. 

[IanB]

So if you took two sets of shots, one with a D5100 and 1 with the D600 and blind tested them you could pick out the D600, Yes?  That would be the only test that would make me think about changing.

 

Thanks for the replies,

 

Ian.

[Adam]

So if you took two sets of shots, one with a D5100 and 1 with the D600 and blind tested them you could pick out the D600, Yes?  That would be the only test that would make me think about changing.

 

Thanks for the replies,

 

Ian.

It depends on the resolution, but even often with a 1000px web-sized image you should be able to tell the difference.

 

I've written an article on the topic here:

How & Why Sensor Size Affects Image Quality (APS-C vs FF vs compact) - PentaxForums.com

[Mark Fischer]

Aside from know advantages of full frame. What size prints are you going to printing? Also what type of photography are doing? I have thoight of going to full frame for the ISO sensitivity but dx sensors are catching up.

[alden]

I'm hoping the cost of FX comes down a bit in the coming years so I can afford to buy one. 

[DCB]

I have a 16x20 print from my D40 (great little camera) that is great. Unless you are making wall size prints not sure if you will notice a huge difference.

 

Just my opinion.

 

Interesting read...

 

The Truth About Digital Cameras - The New York Times

 

Peace

[kbtimages]

I would advise you invest in better lenses rather than a new body. I can highly recommend the 85mm 1.8G and 50mm 1.8G or even the Tamron 24-70 F2.8 VC lenses.  You can see samples of my work here.

 

http://www.fluidr.co...tos/ukphotoart/

 

I own a D700 but have started to use my 3200 paired with the 85mm more often.  I forgot my lens hood hence the lens flare.

[alden]

Kb- why do you like the 3200 better now?

[iNYONi]

The picture on my profile page was taken with my 3100, I have it blown up on our livingroom wall , 100 x 70, it's as clear as it is on here. They would have to reduce the price of FX and lenses for me to even think about changing. Now that I've just got my 7100.

[DCB]

If you want to try full frame cheap.... get a 35mm film camera and scan the negatives. 

 

Peace

[K-9]

The larger viewfinder is my favorite thing about full frame. Second would be the true to 35mm film focal lengths. I like an 85mm to be an 85mm and not 125mm.

[kbtimages]

Kb- why do you like the 3200 better now?

Its not that I like it better its about the scenerios. I don't need the speed or dynamic range of the full frame when not shooting sports or in low light situations. The D3200 is far lighter and I can easily fit into a small bag with a flash and reflector and just go shoot.

[iNYONi]

I would advise you invest in better lenses rather than a new body. I can highly recommend the 85mm 1.8G and 50mm 1.8G or even the Tamron 24-70 F2.8 VC lenses.  You can see samples of my work here.

 

http://www.fluidr.co...tos/ukphotoart/

 

I own a D700 but have started to use my 3200 paired with the 85mm more often.  I forgot my lens hood hence the lens flare.

Just had a look at your picture, they are really good. Were they with your 3200? 

[IanB]

Hi, some great answers and links there, thanks all.  But, as a guy who just like trying to take nice pics i don't thing the difference is worth the expense.  Maybe i would think about it more if photography was my living, but as a keen amateur i think my D5100 is fine.

 

Thanks again, loving the way people dive in with advice and opinions on this forum.

 

Ian. 

[kbtimages]

Just had a look at your picture, they are really good. Were they with your 3200? 

 

If you look at the Exif data you will see there is a mixture of D700 and D3200 shots in my recent work. All the white dress ones were shot with the D3200 and 85mm 1.8g

[headingsouth]

Even older full frame cameras still outdo current APS-C though.

[IanB]

 

Interesting read...

 

The Truth About Digital Cameras - The New York Times

 

Peace

 

Yep, an interesting read.  I don't understand why so many people chase Mega Pixels then all they do is print 8 x 10's of the kids 

[Kenafein]

Another nice thing about the upper level bodies is the superior control. You can experience those on the upper level apsc cameras as well. My suggestion would be to keep what you have for now, and buy fx compatible lenses. Upgrade in a few years, FF bodies are becoming more mainstream, and prices are coming down.