Sensor sizes

Could I have the names given to sensor sizes explained please, have come across APS C, APS H and I am sure there are others. Can understand if they are given in mm but not the names that they are sometimes given. In particular I am interested so as not to buy lens that are not best suited to the size of the sensor my new camera, what ever that turns out to be, has. Thanks.

Oh! and whilst I am asking silly questions I see elsewhere the term FF have a feeling this means full format or frame but not sure and anyway what does that mean. Thanks again.

FF = Full frame

The APS-C and APS-H are (I am sure) a reference to Kodak's Advanced Photo System where they used different size sensors (as oppose to Active Pixel Sensor).

APS-C = Advanced Photo System - Classic
APS-H - Advanced Photo System - High Definition

In Canon cameras, APS-C sensors have a 1.6x crop sensor and APS-H cameras have a 1.3x crop sensor. So for example if I use my 85mm lens on my 20D (which has an APS-C sensor) I effectively get a focal length of 136mm.

I think Nikon APS-C sensors have a different crop (1.5X?).

The names are the frame sizes, or film format equivalent sizes.

APS C relates roughly the digital equivalent to the APS (Advanced Photo System "classic") size negatives. These negatives were 25.1 × 16.7 mm and had an aspect ratio 3:2.

All Canon bodies below the 5D use APS size sensors, and they all have a crop factor of about 1.6. This means that the sensor only collects light from the middle of the lens. This is only true of course if you are using standard EF lenses.

The EF-S lenses sit much closer to the sensor, and do not have this wasted area, which is why they will not fit on to a standard EF body. This is why, apart from the original kit lens, I have never purchased any EF-S lenses, because in the long run I figured that was a bit of a mugs game. (if you are the sort of person who thought they might go to a FF sensor eventually)

The 1DMk111 also has a crop sensor, all be it 1.3, but only uses EF lenses, I believe this was becasue they could not get teh required 10FPS with something like 90Frame buffer with a FF sensor using Digic 3.

Having a crop factor sensor gives the down side that a 17mm lens, gives images that look like they were taken with a 27mm lens (17mm*1.6crop=27mm)

But, the upside is that a 100 mm telephoto lens works like a 160mm lens, nice

Also, especiall with cheap lenses, the outside of the glass is the worst part of the lens, and with a crop factor sensor you never use that part of the lens.

Fact is, if you think you might go FF one day, you can buy an APS sensor body, just don't buy any EF-S lenses.

Alan.

Think I understand that, thank you both. Now how do you know what the sensor is when the camera spec only gives size of the sensor like 23.8 x 15.6 or some such?

look it up on google

The sensor size shouldn't be important anyway. Why is it you think you need to know this Snapper?

Alan.

Some lens say suitable for or not suitable for APS C so I though I would need to know what a camera sensor was so I could know what lens would be suitable. Obviously I do not understand it at all, back to the drawing board.

As to the use of goggle I have tried that but most of the time it is listed by size mm and not a APS whatever.

In Canon, APS-C cameras can take all lenses, it is simply that EF-S lenses can not be used on FF or APS-H cameras

I wouldn't worry about a full frame camera unless you have loads of cash to splash. Also lenses for these cameras are one hell of a lot more expensive and with fewer choices.
cheapest FF Nikon the D700 is around £1800 up to the D3 @ £2500 both body only no lens.


I think I read in another of your posts you were also looking around the £600 mark including lens, (£470 body only) in reply to another thread by Manguish headed "Thoughts on D80"


Bazza

Hey Bazza, agreed the body prices are expensive. Although if you shop about you can get a 5D for about £1,100 to £1,200 at the moment. (same price as a 50D)

Some of the lenses are expensive yes, but not all. Look at the Canon 17-40 F4.0 L I got mine brand new for just over £420. That puts it in the same price range as the Canon 10-22mm (which works at 16-35mm after the crop factor) and the 17-40 is an 'L series' lens at F4 where as the 10-22 is not 'L series' and is f/3.5-4.5.

A lot of people that get in to photography will (like any hobby) want to take a step up, that might be a new APC body, or might be FF. If you have no EF-S lenses then you are not restricted.

Of course, some people will just use the kit they have and thats it, in which case yes, EF-S lenses are fine, but not when they are the same cost as an 'L' lens.

Alan.

Alan

I was actually thinking more for Snappers thread in the beginning worrying about FF cameras. I can't speak for Canon owners so I bow to your greater knowledge on this particular brand as to camera/lens costs etc.

I totally agree that the more you get into photography the more you want to go up the next level , me especially.

Being in the Nikon "camp" obviously I pay more attention to that make than anything else.

Bazza