Why I Revisited Crop Sensor Mode on a Full Frame Camera - TDS Photography Podcast
This is The Digital Story Podcast 1,045, March 31, 2026. Today's theme is, "Why I Revisited Crop Sensor Mode on a Full Frame Camera." I'm Derrick Story.
An APS-C sensor isn't exactly chopped liver, right? And it becomes even more alluring when it's extending the reach of your telephoto by 1.5X, and with no light loss! But you do lose a bit of resolution, and that was a speed bump for me. But I'm over it! And I'll explain why, plus industry news, in today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 1045
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Why I Revisited Crop Sensor Mode on a Full Frame Camera
Captured in crop-sensor mode with a Nikon Zf and 28-400mm Z zoom.
What is crop sensor mode?
Many full frame cameras have a crop sensor setting that provides 1.5X or 1.6X magnification. Essentially, this mode uses the center area of the chip and not the full 35x24mm surface.
This allows photographers to use compatible crop-sensor lenses, call DX in Nikon terms, on a full-frame body. But it's also a way to extend the reach of a full frame optic without having to add a physical teleconverter.
The catch is, since you're only using part of the sensor, the resolution decreases. In the case of my 24.4 MP Nikon Zf, I co from 6048x4032 pixels in FX mode, to 3984x2656 in DX mode, which is 10.6 MP.
Unlike digital magnification that interpolates pixels, these are real pixels right off the sensor. DX mode renders both the JPEGs and the RAWs the same resolution. There is savings in file size too. A DX RAW from my Zf is around 14.6 MBs compared to FX at 30.9 MBs.
Why did I revisit DX mode?
As I mentioned earlier, dropping down to 10.6 MP was a speed bump for me. Sure, for publishing online, 3984 pixels on the longest side was more than enough. But beyond that, let's say for printing, it's a bit short. Plus, why not just crop the FX version of the shot in post production and call it a day?
What changed things for me was the potential of AI resolution enhancement when I needed it. If, for example, I used Photomator's Super Resolution enhancement, I could enlarge that 10.6 MP shot to 6147x4095 pixels, essentially the same size of the FX version, with no noticeable loss of detail. In fact, sometimes the shot looks better.
Having this capability in my back pocket allowed me to reconsider DX mode. I could now frame the picture the way that I wanted as I was shooting. And I was recording half as many megabytes in the process. Essentially, I was getting 600mms for the price of 400.
For those of use with higher resolution full frame cameras - 40 MP+ - the equation makes even more sense.
Examples of cameras with cropped sensor modes
Sony full-frame cameras including the A7 III, A7 IV, A7C, A7C II, A7R II, A7R III, A7R IV, A7R V, A7S II, A7S III, A9, A9 II, A9 III, A1, and FX3. Look for the setting called Super 35mm or APS-C mode. For example, the Sony a7R V with a 61 MP sensor yields approximately 26-megapixels (6240x4160) when using APS-C/Super 35mm mode (1.5x crop factor).
Nikon full-frame cameras including the Z6III, Z6II, Z7II, Z8, Z9, D850, and D780. The Nikon Z7 II with its 45.7-megapixel FX sensor provides 19.5-megapixel images when using the 1.5x DX (APS-C) crop mode.
Canon full-frame EOS R-system cameras including the R1, R3, R5, R5 Mark II, R6, R6 Mark II, and R8 have a 1.6x crop setting. For example, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II offers a 1.6x crop mode that produces approximately 17.5-megapixel images (5088x3392).
Panasonic L-Mount cameras such as the Lumix S5II/S5IIX, S1H, and S9. The Lumix S5 II utilizes a 1.5x crop factor in its dedicated APS-C mode, reducing the 24.2MP sensor's active area to an effective resolution of approximately 10.7MP (3984x2656).
Cameras with fix-mounted lenses
High-resolution fixed lens cameras, such as the Leica Q3 and the Fujifilm GFX100RF use crop-sensor technology to provide additional focal lengths from a single optic. The Leica Q3 with its 60MP sensor allows for cropping to 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, or 90mm.
The Fujifilm GFX100RF takes this even further with its 102MP, 44x33mm medium format sensor. The fixed 35mm lens provides a 28mm equivalent field of view. Its high resolution allows for significant cropping, yielding 66MP in 35mm mode, 31MP at 50mm equivalent, and 20MP at 63mm equivalent.
Final thoughts
Photographers with full-frame sensors who don't always need the highest resolution they provide can extend the reach of their existing telephoto lenses, or travel with lighter optics when switching to crop sensor mode.
It's not a choice for everyone, but for those willing to exchange pixels for reach, they can travel with smaller, more flexible lenses.
As for me, with my Nikon Zf, I'm going to continue stretching my 28-400mm Nikkor zoom to 600mms when the occasion calls for it.
PS: I've also published an article with images and more details titled, Your Full-Frame Sensor Has More Reach Than You May Realize. Free access for our podcast listeners.
This Week in the News
Panasonic, Please Stop Removing Viewfinders as featured on PetaPixel.com
Never say never: OM System reopens the door to compact cameras as featured on DPReview.com
Virtual Camera Club News
Interview with Rob Knight About Red River Paper
Rob is now the Educational Director for Red River, and he's stopping by to report on a Camera Club event he just participated in. You can meet with Rob in-person at Florida's Photo Fest, April 22-26, 2026.
Workshops!
The 2026 TDS Photography Workshop Season. We are featuring webinars, online workshops, and in-person events focused on creating impactful images in the company of those who love photography as much as you. Our workshops are like no others, and we think you will throughly enjoy the camaraderie and the tips and techniques.
Stop by The Nimble Photographer Workshop Page and reserve your spot today.
Inner Circle Bold. Sign up for the Annual Membership that's only $75.60 a year, you will receive all of the regular Inner Circle benefits, plus a coupon for your choice of a 2026 Online workshop hosted by me.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at [email protected].
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
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