TheDman Loc: USA

Do you get into pixel density in your classes?

RRS Loc: Not sure

Yes and I too taught photography, have a degree in photography, and understand the concept. I do understand what you are saying and again my point was to point out the difference and the advantage of a crop sensor camera when compared to a FF camera with about the same number of pixels. Now you take that lens that was designed for a FF camera (35mm) and where it may be marginal on a FF it may excel on a crop due to lack of fall off on the edges. There are different tools to get the job done. I use the 7DMKII with a 1.4 with a 300mmf/2.8 and a 600mmf/4.0 for BIF or very small subjects when I want to fill the frame because I can't get any closer to my subject. Those same lenses also work very well with my 1DXMKII when I can get close. I try to fill the frame so I don't have to crop very much in PP. For what it's worth my degree and $5 bucks may still buy me a cup of coffee, maybe not. I see that you are still teaching, I gave that up, teaching in the classroom, many years ago but still enjoy teaching in a more relaxed manner. I don't know everything but I'm always trying to learn and understand more each day. I hope you enjoy teaching, I do.

AlfredU Loc: Mooresville, NC

Not so far. We only have intermediate and introduction. Understanding pixel density doesn't help our students make better images. Understanding crop sensors doesn't really help them much either. But we get the question from time to time.

AlfredU Loc: Mooresville, NC

I think we are in complete agreement. Agree on the value of that degree, at least economically. I stopped doing photography in 1979 and began a career in the learning field designing rather than teaching. I sold my business and retired a year ago and finally went back to working and teaching in photography. I haven't been happier in years. Thanks for asking.

TheDman Loc: USA

But you can't fully understand crop sensors without understanding pixel density.

AlfredU Loc: Mooresville, NC

I didn't say I didn't understand it, I just said I tried to avoid it in introductory and intermediates classes as it does not contribute to helping my students produce better images.

terpfan Loc: central coast, California

Bottom line. If i went from my 7dII crop sensor (20 megapixel) to a 5DIII full frame (22 megapixel), the overall IQ would not be significantly different, using the same L lenses. Correct?

AlfredU Loc: Mooresville, NC

Not exactly. If you cropped the image from the full frame sensor to be the same size at the smaller sensor, yes, the image quality would be very similar. Theoretically is you compared full frame from the smaller sensor to full frame on the larger sensor, the larger sensor should yield better enlargements. In actual use for most people, it probably doesn't make that much difference. It mostly depends on your final use for the image. I have a friend who makes 23 inch prints from her half frame sensor. They stack up quite nicely to my full frame images. When you get up to 20 to 24 megapixels, which most cameras have today, the biggest influence on the quality of the image is the person behind the camera. I hope you enjoy your 7D ll as much as I enjoy my 6D. They are both great cameras.

terpfan Loc: central coast, California

I was thinking of adding either a 5Diii or 6Dii to complement my 7Dii. I was leaning toward 5Diii because of dual cards though older technology. But if you feel that the IQ would not improve significantly, I'll save the money. I generally don't print larger than 11x14, though did a 20x30 that turned out quite well.

AlfredU Loc: Mooresville, NC

For me, the switch to a full frame from an old 30D was about more than image quality. I certainly would not let image quality alone be your driver. But I never want to discourage anyone from buying a new camera. I did not like the increased depth of field or maybe I should say lack of control over depth of field that I had with the crop sensor. I was so accustomed to shooting a 35mm film camera that I could no longer anticipate how my images would look. Once I got the full frame, everything felt more comfortable and familiar to me. I don't really feel the need for dual memory cards, so I am pretty happy with my choice. Maybe you should go rent or borrow a 6D ll. That might help scratch your itch.

terpfan Loc: central coast, California

Thanks for your excellent input. Is your name related to Alfred University? I had a good friend who went there years ago.

AlfredU Loc: Mooresville, NC

Yes, I graduated from there in 1972 with a BFA in photography. I was fortunate to study with John Wood for a few years. I also did one summer in photo illustration at RIT, but is was my time at Alfred that made me love photography. What is your friend's name?

terpfan Loc: central coast, California

Jim McCall. He graduated HS maybe 1964 in Harrisburg, PA. I think he went there as an art major. Haven't heard from him since, but he was a talented, nice guy.

TheDman Loc: USA

Crop sensors don't help them produce better images either but you're discussing it with them,
so might as well give them all the pros and cons.

AlfredU Loc: Mooresville, NC

He was before my time there. It was a good school and a great experience.