Focus Point
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Full-frame vs crop factor
I’ve never believed you get a greater magnification using lenses on a crop-sensor camera body, so I tried experimenting with my full-frame 5D Mk III and APS-C crop factor 7D Mk II, to do some simple tests. I set up my EF 100-400mm L-series lens on a tripod in my garden and took shots of a group of flowers. First using the 7D Mk II, then making sure I used the same zoom, shutter speed, aperture and ISO settings, I switched to the 5D Mk III for another sequence of images. Obviously the 7D Mk II images filled the frame, while the 5D Mk III captured a wider view.
Looking at the shots in Lightroom, I then cropped the 5D Mk III images to the same view as the 7D Mk II to simulate the crop factor effect. Close examination revealed very little difference in image quality. When enlarging both images, however, I noticed the 5D Mk III images were far better quality. I repeated the tests at ISO800; this really highlighted the difference in image quality and noise control. Yes, the crop factor body will initially fill the frame better than a full-frame body, but for image quality, a full-frame body leaves the crop cameras in the dust. I have since sold my 7D Mk II. Mike Grundy, Chelford, Cheshire