Crop Sensor Cameras: A Creative Choice For Wedding Photography

Wedding photography is a challenging task, with photographers needing to capture fleeting moments in a variety of lighting conditions. While full-frame cameras are often considered the professional standard, crop sensor cameras can also be used successfully for wedding photography and offer some unique advantages.

Crop sensor cameras have a narrower field of view, enlarging the focal point and making it the primary focus of the image. This can be beneficial for wedding photography, as it allows the photographer to capture the finer details and emotions of the day without the background overwhelming the image.

Additionally, crop sensor cameras often have a higher pixel density, resulting in enhanced detail of distant objects or people. This can be particularly useful for wedding photographers who need to capture moments from a distance without intruding.

However, there are also some drawbacks to using crop sensor cameras for weddings. They tend to crop at the centre of the photo, have a narrow-angle view, and struggle with low light absorption, resulting in darker images.

Ultimately, the decision to use a crop sensor camera for wedding photography depends on the photographer's style and preferences. While some professionals prefer crop sensors for their ability to capture details, others opt for full-frame cameras to capture the entire scene. Many photographers also choose to carry both types of cameras to adapt to different situations.

Pros of using a crop sensor camera for weddings

There are many reasons to use a crop sensor camera for wedding photography. Here are some of the pros:

Higher pixel density

The higher pixel density of crop sensor cameras means that you can capture the finer details of the wedding, from the bride's dress to the decorations.

Enhanced detail of faraway objects or people

Crop sensor cameras are great for enhancing the details of faraway objects or people, allowing you to capture the couple's facial expressions or the intricate details of the wedding cake from a distance.

Fills the photo with the primary focal point

Crop sensor cameras fill the photo with the primary focal point, making the bride and groom the centre of attention. The background is de-emphasised, creating a more intimate and focused shot.

Portability

Crop sensor cameras are often smaller and lighter than full-frame cameras, making them more portable and easier to handle during a busy wedding.

Cost-effective

Crop sensor cameras are generally more affordable than full-frame cameras, making them a cost-effective option for wedding photography, especially for those starting their photography business.

Cons of using a crop sensor camera for weddings

There are several disadvantages to using a crop sensor camera for wedding photography. Firstly, crop sensor cameras have a narrower field of view than full-frame cameras, resulting in a more cropped image, particularly at the centre of the photo. This can be a limitation when trying to capture wide-angle shots or group photos, as you may need to stand further back to fit everyone in the frame.

Secondly, crop sensor cameras typically have poorer low-light performance due to lower light absorption. This can result in darker images, requiring the use of a flash or additional lighting equipment to brighten the picture.

Thirdly, crop sensor cameras may produce noisier images with less sharpness and detail, especially in low-light conditions. This is because their smaller sensors collect less light and details, leading to higher levels of noise and lower sharpness.

Additionally, crop sensor cameras often require more careful lens selection. Lenses designed for full-frame cameras may not be compatible or perform optimally with crop sensor cameras, and vice versa. Therefore, you may need to invest in specific lenses designed for crop sensor cameras to achieve the best results.

Finally, while crop sensor cameras offer a cost-effective option, they may not provide the desired level of image quality and performance for professional wedding photography. Full-frame cameras are generally considered superior for this purpose due to their larger sensors, better low-light performance, and higher image resolution.

Techniques for using crop sensors to photograph a wedding

• Ensure the focal point of the photo is within the area of cropping, as crop sensors crop the picture at the centre.
• For bride and groom portraits, keep the couple within the cropped frame to capture the background colour.
• Purchase a crop sensor for portraits. There are different types of crop sensors, including those for wildlife and portraits.
• Stand 1-2 feet further away than you would for a typical full-frame photo, as the field of depth is more significant with crop sensors.
• Use lighting to brighten the photo, as crop sensors do not absorb as much light.
• Check the angle before shooting, as certain angles that work well with a full-frame may be unflattering for a crop sensor.

The best crop sensor cameras for shooting weddings

Crop sensor cameras are a popular choice for wedding photography, with many photographers swearing by their ability to capture details and emotions. Here are some of the best crop sensor cameras for shooting weddings:

• Canon EOS R5: This camera offers 8K video and 30.3 MP stills. It has a full-frame, 30MP sensor, fast burst rates, and exceptional eye autofocus. The R5 is expensive, but its features make it a top choice for professionals.
• Fujifilm X-S20: This camera is a great entry-level option for those starting in wedding photography. It has a 26MP resolution, fast subject recognition, and tracking. The X-S20 also features an enhanced battery that can capture up to 800 frames on a single charge.
• Nikon Z5: The Z5 is Nikon's entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera, offering a 24.3MP CMOS sensor and 4K video capabilities. It has dual UHS-II card slots for backup and a 273-point hybrid autofocus system. The Z5 is lightweight and weather-sealed, making it ideal for outdoor weddings.
• Sony A7 IV: The A7 IV is a powerful hybrid camera with a 33MP sensor, 10fps continuous shooting, and 4K video capabilities. It has advanced autofocus, a large buffer depth, and dual card slots. The A7 IV also offers an extensive range of native lenses to choose from.
• Panasonic Lumix S5II: The S5II is a hybrid camera that shoots 6K video with a full-sensor readout. It has improved autofocus, excellent color science, and two SD UHS-II card slots. The S5II is competitively priced, making it a good option for wedding photographers on a budget.
• OM System OM-1: This Micro Four Thirds camera packs a lot of technology into a small, lightweight body. It offers 120fps burst shooting, 8 stops of stabilization, and a large native lens selection. The OM-1's 2x crop factor sensor gives you twice the depth of field, making it easier to keep both the bride and groom in focus in low-light scenarios.
• Nikon D850: The D850 is a powerful DSLR with a 45MP full-frame sensor and advanced autofocus capabilities. It has a fast continuous shooting speed of 7fps (9fps with an optional battery grip) and impressive battery life of 1840 shots. The D850 is a durable, well-built camera that can handle large lenses, making it a good choice for wedding photographers.
• Fujifilm GFX 100S: The GFX 100S is a medium format camera with a 102MP sensor, delivering breathtaking image quality. It offers improved image stabilization and excellent low-light performance. The GFX 100S is more affordable than previous medium format models, making it a good option for high-end wedding photographers.

How to choose the best camera for wedding photography

Wedding photography is a demanding and stressful genre of photography, but it can also be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable. To be a wedding photographer, you'll need a good deal of confidence, people skills, discretion, and technical know-how – and the right kit.

• Camera type: You'll need a camera with an interchangeable lens system. Mirrorless cameras tend to be much lighter and more compact than DSLRs, plus they offer silent shooting, which is useful during quiet wedding ceremonies. However, DSLRs use much less power than mirrorless cameras, so you'll need to invest in an additional battery grip or spare batteries if you go down the mirrorless route.
• Image sensor size and type: A higher-resolution image sensor means bigger final prints for your clients, but a larger image sensor can be a disadvantage as you'll be taking a lot of photos, and it costs money to store large image files. Full-frame sensors produce a shallower depth of field compared to APS-C sensors at the same aperture setting, resulting in more dreamy bokeh wedding images. Full-frame sensors also tend to perform better in low light due to their larger photosites.
• Low-light capabilities: Weddings involve shooting in low-light conditions, so you'll need a camera that performs well in these situations. Look for cameras with good ISO range and IBIS (in-body image stabilization).
• Burst mode: Weddings involve a lot of action, so a camera with a good burst mode feature will help you capture those fleeting moments. A rate of around 7fps or faster is desirable.
• Video capabilities: While you may not be interested in video, it's worth considering a camera with good video capabilities to add a little video into your offering for clients.
• Weight: You'll be carrying your camera around for long periods, so make sure to choose one that's comfortable for you to hold for extended periods.
• Build quality and weather sealing: A sturdy, weather-sealed camera body will give you better peace of mind when shooting a wedding, as you'll need to work quickly and may be exposed to unpredictable weather conditions.
• Nikon D850: This DSLR performs superbly in low light and has silent shooting in Live View mode. Its 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor delivers exceptional detail. It's comfortable to use and currently retails for around £2,439, making it a good option for those wanting a high-resolution DSLR.
• Canon EOS R5: This full-frame mirrorless camera offers impressive specs, including an 8K video feature, 8-stop Image Stabilization, 5,940 selectable autofocus positions, and an impressive ISO range. Its 45MP image sensor produces outstanding results, and its burst mode feature of 20fps ensures you won't miss a moment. However, it's one of the more expensive options at £4,300.
• Nikon Z5: A great choice for those on a budget, this full-frame mirrorless camera offers excellent build quality and dual memory card slots. Its 24.3MP full-frame sensor produces excellent results, and its autofocus system is fast and accurate. However, the 4.5fps burst rate is a bit slow, and there's a 1.7x crop when shooting 4K video. It's priced at around £1,000/$1,000.
• OM System OM-1 Mark II: This camera offers high-speed continuous shooting, a weather-sealed body, and improved autofocus with better tracking. Its 20MP sensor delivers extremely pleasing colours, great levels of detail, and very good dynamic range. It's easy to use and priced at £2,200, making it a good option for anyone from beginner to professional.
• Fujifilm X-H2S: One of the most capable APS-C cameras on the market, the X-H2S can burst shoot at up to 40fps and is equipped with AI-based subject recognition autofocus. It's lighter than most full-frame systems, making it a good choice for those conscious of size and weight. However, it's also one of the most expensive APS-C cameras at £2,499/$2,499.
• Sony Alpha A7R IV / A7R IVA: If you're looking for a high-resolution full-frame sensor, the A7R IV delivers with its 61MP sensor. It also has a 10fps burst mode, 5-axis in-body stabilisation, and impressive low-light capabilities. However, some may find the image sensor resolution too high, resulting in large file sizes and storage requirements. It's priced at £3,500.
• Canon EOS 90D: For those who prefer DSLRs, the EOS 90D is a good budget option. Its 32.5MP APS-C sensor produces excellent results, and its 10fps burst mode is ideal for wedding photography. It also has a long battery life of 1300 shots. However, it only has a single memory card slot, which may be a drawback for some. It's priced at £1,149/$1,199 (body only).
• Fujifilm X-S20: This is a great budget option, especially for those who value fashion and design. It offers fast tracking autofocus, enhanced battery life of up to 750 shots, and 5-axis in-body image stabilisation. However, it only has a single memory card slot, and some may find the APS-C sensor and limited lens choices to be drawbacks. It's priced at £1,149/ $1,299 (body only).
• Sony Alpha A1: This camera is for those who want the best of the best and are willing to pay for it. It features a 30fps shooting burst mode, a 50.1MP image sensor, a 9.44m-dot electronic viewfinder, and impressive low-light capabilities. It also records 8K video. However, it's very expensive, priced at £5,879/$6,498 (body only).
• Nikon Z6 III: This is a great all-rounder, offering a 24MP full-frame sensor, excellent autofocus capabilities, and a sturdy, weather-sealed body. It's a good choice for those looking for a well-rounded camera that handles well and delivers high-quality results. It's priced at £2,699/$2,500 (body only) or £3,249/$3,100 with a 24-70mm f/4 lens.

Frequently asked questions