Equivalence can be hard to understand, but this lesson will tell you all you need to know for surf photography.
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Resources
- 35mm equivalent focal length page on Wikipedia – useful for some background information
- What is equivalence and why should I care? – this post on DPreview has over 2400 comments, so you can see how photographers love to debate this topic…
- Sensor crop factors and equivalence – this post has a nice diagram to visualise the difference between aps-c and full frame sensors
- Crop Factor TRUTH: Do you need Full Frame? – This is a YouTube video by Tony Northrup, it’s long, but the first half will cover everything you need to know
Understanding 35mm Equivalence for Surf Photography
In the world of photography, 35mm equivalence is a crucial concept that helps compare lenses and cameras across different sensor sizes. While not essential for surf photography, understanding 35mm equivalence can provide valuable insights when selecting equipment and interpreting lens specifications.
The Significance of Sensor Size
Digital cameras, unlike their 35mm film counterparts, utilize various sensor sizes. Common sensor sizes include full-frame, APS-C, and Micro Four Thirds. Full-frame sensors closely resemble the size of a 35mm film frame, while APS-C and Micro Four Thirds sensors are smaller, offering distinct advantages and disadvantages.
The Role of Crop Factor
The crop factor is a numerical value that represents the difference in field of view between a full-frame sensor and a smaller sensor. For instance, an APS-C sensor typically has a crop factor of around 1.5, while a Micro Four Thirds sensor has a crop factor of approximately 2.
Calculating 35mm Equivalent Focal Length
The 35mm equivalent focal length is a hypothetical focal length that represents the field of view of a lens on a full-frame camera. To calculate the 35mm equivalent focal length, multiply the actual focal length of the lens by the crop factor of the camera’s sensor.
Impact on Surf Photography
In surf photography, understanding 35mm equivalence allows you to assess the effective field of view of a lens relative to a full-frame camera. This can be particularly helpful when comparing lenses from different brands or sensor sizes.
Benefits of Smaller Sensors
Smaller sensors, despite their drawbacks, offer some advantages for surf photography. Firstly, they allow for the design of more compact and lightweight lenses, making them easier to carry and manoeuvre on the beach. Secondly, the increased depth of field associated with smaller sensors can be beneficial for capturing sharp images of both the waves and the surfers.
Conclusion
While mastering 35mm equivalence is not essential for surf photography, it provides a valuable tool for understanding lens behaviour and making informed equipment decisions. By understanding how crop factor affects focal length and field of view, you can optimize your gear selection for capturing stunning surf shots.
Lessons related to 35mm Equivalence for surf photography
Surf Photography – Essential Knowledge
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- Quick Start Settings for Surf Photography
- Shutter Speed in Surf Photography
- Aperture in Surf Photography
- ISO for Surf Photography
- Focus Modes for Surf Photography
- What You Need to Know About Equivalence for Surf Photography
- Working With Surfers
- Minimum Shutter Speed in Aperture Priority and Manual Mode
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