$1,500 Camera vs $5,000 Camera - Can You Tell the Difference?
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YouTube Screenshot/Duncan Dimanche
My guess is that you can’t…
There have been a lot of crop sensor vs full frame articles written over the years (like this one) that explain the distinct differences between the two kinds of cameras.
And while there is no denying that full frame sensors are larger and crop sensors are less expensive, the argument that full frame sensors are vastly superior in terms of image quality doesn’t always apply.
Sure, at a point in the past, there was a huge gulf between the image quality you could achieve with a pro-level full frame camera and what could be achieved with mid-range setup.
That’s no longer the case.
In the video above, Duncan Dimanche demonstrates the difference (or the lack thereof) between a relatively inexpensive crop sensor setup and a much more pricey full frame setup.
As Duncan notes early in the video, the chances are very good that you won’t be able to tell which images were captured with which camera. Even he got confused as he was editing his photos, so if the dude that took the shots can’t tell, I’m not sure any of us have hope of doing so.
Can you tell which of these images was taken with a full frame camera? YouTube Screenshot/Duncan Dimanche
Serge Ramelli (pictured above), famed photographer and YouTuber extraordinaire couldn’t tell, either…
Have a look at the video and see how you do in terms of identifying the “better” full frame photo and the “worse” crop sensor photo. Good luck!
Learn More:
$1,500 Camera vs $5,000 Camera Challenge: What Gear Was Used?
Sony a6500
Duncan’s crop sensor setup is a Sony a6500 paired with a Kamlan 50mm f/1.1.
At the time of this writing, the a6500 retails for about $1,100, though you can pick up a used body for about $934. Meanwhile, the Kamlan 50mm f/1.1 lens can be purchased brand-new for $180.
Sony a7r ii
The full frame setup that Duncan used for this challenge is the Sony a7R II and a Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM.
The a7R II is approximately $1,800 brand-new or you can find used a7R II bodies for as little as $1,400 depending on the condition of the camera. The Sony lens approximately $1,800 brand-new with used versions for about $1,600, again, depending on their condition.
As Duncan mentions in the video, since the a6500 is a crop sensor camera, the effective focal length of the Kamlan 50mm lens is about 75mm with an f/1.6 aperture. This offers a very close comparison from a focal length standpoint with the 85mm f/1.4 lens on the full frame a7R II.
This is an interesting comparison that demonstrates that you don’t have to spend a boatload of money to get gear that helps you take quality photos.
If you have an entry-level setup, you can still create beautiful images. You just have to know how to use your gear to get the most out of it!
In my MPB review, learn how you can get quality used gear for great prices.
