I can't decide if I should get another APS Canon or change to full frame

[arthurc]

I've used a 20D for about 3 years now and would like to "upgrade" my camera. Lenses are the 17-40L, 50mm 1.8 and 70-200L. Exclusively family photos (kids). Always JPEG, never raw. I have the 580ex flash as well. Don't usually print, rather show photos on computer and 50 inch plasma TV. I was going to pre-order the 50D but for my uses, will I notice a significant improvement in picture quality with full frame (5D or its replacement)? I would be willing to spend more money on full frame if it will make a significant difference but on the other hand would be less willing to upgrade in three years if I do spend a lot more now, as opposed to the cheaper APS sensor camera.

[Bob Atkins]

If you regularly print at 11x14 and larger, then full frame may give you better image quality. If you don't print any larger than 11x14, then I doubt you'll see much difference.

Of course there are other reasons to go full frame, depending on what lenses you own. For example if you have a 16-35/2.8L, you'd want full frame if you wanted to use it as a superwide zoom, of if you had a 15mm fisheye and wanted the image to look like it was taken with a fisheye.

[arthurc]

Thanks. My only reason to switch would be for better image quality. I don't think I will ever be be printing large size prints but what about screen viewing, eg on a 50 inch high definition TV screen (via apple TV of some other hard drive)?

[Bob Atkins]

As far as I know the current 50" high res HDTVs are only 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution, which is around 2MP. I don't think you'll really see much difference between APS-C and full frame on such a display.

[marcfs]

I have a 40D and 20D.  The IQ of the 40D compared to the 20D is significantly better.  In fact the 20D appears to be quite out of date.

I anticipate a huge IQ improvement from the 50D over the 40D.

My question is, given the huge increase in MP, what is the real advantage of a full frame camera over the 1.6 sensor?  From my perspective one consideration is the kinds of images that you are capturing.

For me I shoot birds, landscapes and flowers.  I currently print up to 13x19, with expectations to move to the next size printer.

The 1.6 sensor gives me greater telephoto range when capturing birds.  The increased MP will allow me to crop and still have sufficient pixels to produce a solid image.

For landscapes, I primarily use the 10-22 or the 16-35 lenses.  I have been very satisfied with these lenses.  For macro flower work I primarily use the 180 macro, 100-400 and the 10-22.  All of these lenses work well for their given application.

What advantages will the FF sensor provide over the new 50D?  As technology advances, it is getting harder to see the differences in IQ output across cameras.  I do think that the one series offers better/faster focusing among other significant benefits, albeit at a significantly greater cost.

Should we anticipate the new 5D bringing us closer to a MF camera?  Will we see a significant increase in detail?  What should we expect?

Marc Schoenholz

[lukeap69]

For what you need, I think you have a very good setup. I suggest you wait for the 5D replacement and see the review and real world samples.