What is dx format

Since the DX sensors have smaller size they have lesser light gathering capabilities therefore giving slightly poorer image quality and tonal range. They also exhibit high noise especially at higher ISO and poorer light sensitivity.

That is the reason why pro grade photographers who are obsessed with image quality prefer using these full frame systems. Moreover FX lenses are fully compatible with DX bodies but not vice versa. It's birth is due to DX and other cropped lenses. As discussed earlier, 24mm focal length on a DX lens will be equivalent to 36mm on a full frame lens. This conversion to full frame focal length is called as equivalent focal length. This can be useful when you are buying a lens for your DX camera.

For example, 50mm is considered as the best focal length to capture portraits and do street photography. But that focal length is with respect to a full frame body. The equivalent focal length of a 50mm lens on a DX body will be around 80mm.

For photographers on budget or those who will publish their work only on the web a DX sensor camera should suffice. Obviously if you want the best image quality FX camera is the way to go. But remember that even your subsequent investments in lenses will cost you comparatively more.

I hope this article has eliminated any doubts regarding DX sensors once and for all! Please share your thoughts in the comment section below. Skip to content. On a full frame FX-format camera with a DX lens mounted, the camera will automatically engage its built-in DX crop mode, thus recording an image only from the center section of the sensor. Yes, FX camera bodies and lenses are full frame!

The FX sensor, with more "light gathering" area, offers higher sensitivity and, generally, lower noise. There is, of course, no crop factor present with the FX sensor with an FX or full frame lens. And here's why. Each lens is designed to cast an image circle on the camera's sensor. The circle cast by a DX lens is smaller and corresponds to the size of a DX sensor.

Non-DX lenses cast a larger image circle corresponding to an FX-format sensor. On an FX-format camera with a DX lens mounted, the camera will automatically engage its built-in DX crop mode, thus recording an image only from the center section of the sensor. By clicking Sign Up, you are opting to receive educational and promotional emails from Nikon Inc. You can update your preferences or unsubscribe any time. Understand the differences between the formats to determine which is the one for you.

Search Articles. Glossary Off On. Featuring Diane Berkenfeld. More Like This More articles like this. Article Collections. Articles like this, right in your inbox. First Name required.

Last Name required.