Essays

Aperture, depth of field and sensor size – Or: how I learned to love smaller sensors as much as larger sensors

08/02/2016 By Mathieu 31 Comments

A few weeks ago I wrote an article explaining why the angle of view is more helpful than the focal length when comparing lenses of different camera systems. I also pointed out why there is the need for a reference and why the 35mm format (36x24mm, also called “full frame”) is the one we tend to use. If you haven’t read it, I invite you to check it out!

This time I want to talk about another topic that often causes confusion and triggers fierce discussions when comparing camera systems: aperture equivalence.

Angles of view and Points of view

08/01/2016 By Mathieu 34 Comments

Reviewing camera equipment often requires us to compare specifications because each system is different, beginning with the sensor size. One of the most common comparisons involves focal length equivalence, a topic that often generates some confusion. The most recent example we’ve encountered concerns the new Olympus 300mm f/4 Pro (see our review here) that gives the equivalent focal length of 600mm on a full-frame camera. Not only have I read many discussions, but I’ve also received a few comments stating that this comparison is not fair and that a 300mm is a 300mm lens regardless of the sensor that resides behind it.

Is it correct to compare the M.Zuiko 300mm to a 600mm lens designed for a full-frame system?

Telling a story with 1 camera & 1 prime: the Fringe Festival with the Sony A7s & 55mm

11/08/2014 By Mathieu 5 Comments

Photographers usually love to own a wide range of lenses that suit different purposes and different occasions but I also think that limiting ourselves to one focal length can sometimes be a good exercise. In my case, the ‘one focal length’ exercise was actually the only option for me with the Sony A7s because I currently own only one lens for the system, the 55mm f/1.8.

Rainy Day Photography – Why shooting on a bad day can be good training

05/02/2014 By Mathieu 6 Comments

It’s been raining non-stop for more than a week. You were hoping for a sunny weekend to go out and take some colourful landscapes, but you are now torn between curling up by the fire or wrapping yourself up in the warmth of the bed covers. You are thinking that there isn’t any light worth chasing. It’s grey, it’s cloudy, and it’s miserable.

Yet, can you really be so sure that there is nothing out there worth shooting?

The Quest for Full Frame: Is it worth it? – Part I

14/12/2013 By Mathieu 11 Comments

Full Frame: these two words put together make lots of photographers happy. Immediately we think of gorgeous image quality, beautiful shallow depth of field, exceptional dynamic range and great low-light performance. But technical specifications aside, what are the real benefits of using a Full Frame camera and what are the reasons to choose one?