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.

Canon

Canon has a wide selection of offerings for the advanced photographer. The newest RF mirrorless line of cameras offers modern sensors which are very capable in a wide set of scenarios - including low-light. The R5 (flagship camera) and R6 follow the lineage of the 5D and 6D cameras respectively.

The Canon 6D is a great full-frame sensor camera - containing about the same megapixels as the Canon 5D III. I shoot with it regularly and I recommend it to shooters who do not need the video aspects of the Canon 5D III / IV series.

The flagship Canon 5D III is well known for its image quality and professional usage. It's the core of a great system of accessories and amazing lenses which can handle virtually any professional assignment. 

The newest addition to the Canon 5D line offers 36% more image resolution - as well as 4K video. If your assignments involve a mix of video and stills - this is a great camera.

The R5 is Canon’s new flagship mirrorless body. It includes 8K video and a wide array of improvements over the Canon 5D Series. Excellent performer!

A full featured body with a modern sensor - with 4K video - and it includes many of the specs of the R5. This is a lot of value for the money!

Nikon

The Nikon D850 is a top performer for landscape and low light situations.
The new line of Z Series mirrorless offerings have the latest sensor technology and are outstanding performers as well.

I see a lot of 850s in my workshops and in the field. It's an amazing camera and it does a great job with astro and landscape photography. 

The Nikon Z series is a great line of cameras. They are based on the newest sensor technology which provides a wider-dynamic range and better low light handling.

The new Z6 II is a great full frame camera. It provides great image quality and is part of the Nikon system of lenses and accessories. I would strongly recommend getting the Z6 II over the Z5.

Sony

Sony’s “a7” is their line of full-frame mirrorless cameras.
These all offer excellent low-light capabilities.
The "R” stands for “High Resolution” - 61 Mega-pixels!
The “S” stands for “High Sensitivity” - with usable images up to 12,800 ISO!

The A7R IV is excellent! It offers an amazing sensor (61 MP!) which can handle low light and deliver clean RAW files well into ISO 5000. If low-light is a key scenario for you - then you need to try out the Sony.

The Sony A7S III is primarily a video camera. Its 12 MP is designed to render exactly a 4K (UHD) Image/video. BUT - This camera absolutely renders amazing still images, as long as you don’t need wall-size prints. I have this camera - it is amazing!

more bodies coming soon