What is a Full Frame Digital SLR?

It's time to find out all about full frame digital SLR cameras and what they're good for.

It has everything to do with crop factor. Is this another term that has no meaning for you?

Take a quick peek at our definition of crop factor, then come back here for more.

Zero Crop Factor

A full frame digital SLR camera has a sensor that is the same size as 35mm film.

Let's say that you have a film camera and a digital camera from the same manufacturer with the same lens.

Standing in one spot, you would be able to take the exact same photo with both the film and digital camera.

Full frame digital SLR cameras don't have any crop factor.

Available Models

Here's some good news: if you want a full frame digital SLR, there aren't a ton of choices.

While full frame digital SLR cameras are becoming more common (and more affordable) they are still designed for professional photographers.

You also can't be picky about your manufacturer: Canon makes three of them.

And the only other camera, a Kodak, was released in 2002 (ancient history in the digital SLR world).

Camera	Megapixels	Released	Cost
Canon 1Ds	11	2002	$4,500 (used)
Kodak DCS-14n	14	2002	$2,200 (used)
Canon 1DS Mark II	16	2004	$7,300 (new) or $6,900 (used)
Canon 5D	12.8	2005	$3,300 (new)

You'll notice that the Canon 5D which is the most recent camera in this lineup also costs significantly less (the Kodak cost $4,000 when it was first released).

One can only hope that the full frame digital SLR will soon be available at prices anyone can afford.

Who Full Frame Cameras Are For

Right now, these are the cameras of professional photojournalists and working photographers.

They are best suited for people who already have a massive collection of lenses and don't want to have to deal with the crop factor that is standard to most digital SLR cameras.

Full frame SLR cameras are also ideal for landscape photographers.

Since there is no crop factor on these cameras, wide angle lenses can really capture a wide angle view.

This creates landscape photos that really draw the viewer in.

If you're an amateur landscape photogrpaher with the money to burn, a full frame digital SLR might just be what you need.