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Does sensor size affect depth of field – the definitive answer

by 10 Comments

In this video I’m going to put to rest this question once and for all, does sensor size affect depth of field? I’ll be physically taking pictures with a full frame camera and a micro 4/3 camera and showing you the visual difference in a range of aperture settings. There are lots of theories and opinions on this but here is the definitive answer.

See for yourself and let us know what you think – Is there a difference in sensor sizes when it comes to the visual effect of depth of field? If so, does it matter? Is it worth the extra size, money and weight to get a full frame camera? Let us and others know your thoughts in the comments.

Images showing the effect of depth of field using different sensor sizes

About the Author

Marc Newton is a photographer, educational speaker, author, photography teacher, and the founder of The School of Photography. You can follow his work on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. This article was also published here and shared with permission.

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  • Dumb question, of course it does. Did 35mm ever look like large format?

  • No it doesn’t affect dof as dof is an absolute measure expressed in metric or imperial terms, and is dependent on optical characteristics such as aperture, focus distance, and focal length. That does not include the camera sensor.
    So, no, it does not.
    Now go out and shoot some pics instead of reading Facebook articles 😜

    • I guess nobody was supposed to notice he changed the focal length to 25mm for the M43 shots.

    • But hyperfocal distance is dependent on circle of confusion too (determined by size of sensor or film) and that affects calculation of depth of field too, or am I wrong? 😮
      (well of course I agree that it’s only math and not art, and that actually shooting is better than only reading! 🙂 )

    • Lorenzo Morgoni not exactly. circle of confusion is still optical. You’re thinking of the resolving power of sensors.

    • Kryn Sporry Exactly on all accounts. Now if we can just get people away from thinking/stating that vs an FX lens a DX gives a telephoto effect by magically “changing” your lens focal length.

  • This guy’s dramatic presentation distracts from the subject matter.

    • Dana Bailey

      Thanks, I was wondering whether it was worth the time to watch it, and your comment saved me some time.

  • Valkyrie 2SS

    I am not sure that methodology for testing the sensor thing is very valid. There are just too many variables he introduces:
    –different cameras: Yes, they are in the same tripod location, but the camera itself may not have the tripod mount in the same relative location. Camera 1 may have the mount directly under the focal plane, while camera 2 could have it a cm or so in front or behind the focal plane. Not a lot of distance, but it introduces a variable into the test
    –different focal length: He went from a nifty 50 prime lens to a zoom lens at 25mm. While the 25mm setting is the same angle of view as the 50mm on full frame, the optical characteristics of the lens would not necessarily be the same. “Equivalents” does not mean “equal”.

  • Dean Hawk

    Clear difference. Worth the price difference? No.

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