Full-Frame Cameras

In my workshops I get to experience the performance of many cameras. I typically see new cameras as soon as they are released. And I get to see firsthand how these cameras perform in difficult low-light situations (Milky Way, Northern Lights,…).

I also get asked to recommend camera systems. Now, if you plan to get serious about photography, it requires a commitment to learning not only composition, but lens selection, technology and software - and to follow the updates and innovation in all of these areas.

If people cannot make that commitment, then I recommend they stick with smart phone photography - which is amazing - but has it limits.

In terms of modern pro- / semi-pro camera systems, here is my decision process.

What camera should I get?

In the days of film cameras, the main criteria for selecting a camera “system” was the selection (and quality) of their lenses. Since all cameras shared the same film, it was primarily up to the lens to create superior image quality on the film plane.

Now that we are in the “digital world” (including both DLSRs and Mirrorless), it is the “Sensor” that is the most critical component of the camera system when it comes to “Image Quality”. Lenses are still important (and there are good, bad and amazing glass), but the sensor has the most impact on overall image quality,

When choosing “what camera to purchase” - regardless of the manufacturer you choose - you need to evaluate the sensor first.

NOTE: Camera manufacturers and their systems have different levels of quality - and different feature sets. So, once you have decided your budget and essential feature set - then the decision comes down to the quality of the sensor. Also - I am discussing cameras for use in Landscape and Low-Light Photography. For these uses, you do not need 20 frames per second. But 20 fps might still be one of your requirements.

Q: How old is the sensor?

The “age” of the sensor should be the #1 criteria in determining which camera to purchase (even more so than Full-Frame vs cropped sensor). Cameras that were released just 5 years ago were designed over a decade ago. A decade is a long time in terms of sensor technology. A recently released APS-C camera can provide more dynamic range than a sensor that was designed a decade ago. And newer sensors operate much better in low-light.

Look at modern smart phones. They are revising and improving their cameras yearly. Why? Because the technology is improving rapidly. Every release gets better and better - approaching semi-pro camera capabilities (including RAW). Why are smart phone cameras so good? Because their sensors are modern (as is their software!).

Should I get mirrorless?

“Mirrorless” is just a feature. It is nice because the mirrorless design removes one of the most cumbersome mechanical parts ($$$) of the DLSR design (namely “the Mirror”). But Mirrorless does not imply a better camera. The reason that Mirrorless cameras are relevant is because they are new - and their sensors are recently designed. So, generally, a mirrorless camera is in your future - because their sensors are newer.

can i use my old dlsr Lenses with an adaptor?

Yes you can, but again, those amazing Nikon F and Canon EF lenses were designed decades ago - some are 30 years old! (There is a reason that Nikon and Canon are discontinuing the F and EF lenses). Since then, the manufacturing processes have greatly improved. The design and testing capabilities have greatly improved - and the glass compounds have greatly improved. So yes, you can use an adaptor as a stop-gap, but look to purchasing at least one modern lens with your new camera. You’ll see the difference.

I thought Equipment doesn’t matter?

It does. In the last decade, manufacturing processes have improved, sensor technology has improved, glass technology has improved - AND software has improved. All of these improvements were done to allow you to capture the best images possible in difficult situations - Sunsets, Sunrise, Milky Way, Northern Lights, Astro-Photography. These all require the latest technology to ‘capture’ your composition.