What changes should I expect when moving from a Nikon DX body to full-frame FX?
Asked 4/30/2016
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I'm moving from a Nikon D3200 to a Nikon D600. I currently have a DX 35mm f/1.8 and a 50mm f/1.8G. I know the D600 can use crop mode with the DX lens, but I want to learn to shoot in full-frame mode rather than rely on that.
What are the main practical changes to get used to when moving from DX to FX? I'm interested in both shooting habits and camera handling—for example, field of view, depth of field, focus accuracy, stabilization, shutter speed choices, and ISO handling.
I'm also curious about differences that come from moving to a more advanced Nikon body at the same time, such as dual control dials, direct-access buttons, AF options, Easy ISO, and the 100% viewfinder.
What should I focus on first to make the transition smoother in daylight, low light, and flash photography?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
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The main fundamental thing to get used to is doing the crop math in the other direction with FX lenses. What you're used to seeing as 50mm with your crop body, on full frame, will look like 35mm on your crop would. Having all your glass get wider is the first disconcerting thing you think you're prepared for, that you really really aren't. Particularly when you slap on a telephoto zoom. :D
The other two things you'll end up paying more attention to than previously are likely to be focus accuracy (depth of field decreases, if you compensate for the crop factor difference by getting close to your subject, or using a longer lens), and stabilization. You may end up increasing shutter speed, adjusting your hold on the camera, or using a tripod a bit more.
Overall, though, the main thing to get used to is the vague disappointment you'll find after you've run through all the cool newness of the shiny toy, that your photography skillz essentially remain unchanged, and that it's just a new camera, after all. Maybe one that's a little better on noise, a little shallower on the DoF, a little heavier, a little bigger, a lot easier to handle. But overall, most of the changes you'll run into will be marginal. A stop here, a stop there. It all adds up to a much nicer camera, but it's not going to be a magic pill that instantly turns you into a great photographer, despite the pricetag. There may be a bit of buyer's remorse. Swallow it down. Wait a year. Then try shooting with your older camera again, look over the older camera's images vs. your newer ones, and you'll understand why you did it. :) The time gap is key to showing you how big the difference really is. You may not see all or even most of it right away.
Originally by user27440. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user27440
10y ago
0
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The biggest adjustment is field of view: lenses look wider on FX. A 50mm on full frame will feel closer to what a 35mm did on your DX body, so your framing habits will need to change.
Also expect shallower depth of field when you move closer or use a longer lens to match your old DX framing. That makes focus accuracy more critical, and you may need faster shutter speeds, steadier hand-holding, or a tripod more often.
A second transition is the body itself. The D600 gives you more direct controls, dual command dials, more AF-area options, and a 100% viewfinder. It’s worth learning those controls so you can change settings without diving into menus. Features like Easy ISO can help if you want quicker ISO adjustment.
For a smooth transition, focus first on:
- relearning focal lengths and framing on FX
- watching depth of field more carefully
- checking focus precision
- using shutter speed and stabilization more deliberately
- learning the direct controls and AF modes on the new body
Beyond that, practice matters most. The sensor size changes how your lenses behave; the camera body changes how quickly you can operate it.
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