ThomasJohansson
New member
Hi, When you are out of range do you change to Dx-mode on the camera or do you crop your image in postprocessing? Or does it not matter on the image quality? Have a nice day!
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No difference in IQ.Hi, When you are out of range do you change to Dx-mode on the camera or do you crop your image in postprocessing? Or does it not matter on the image quality? Have a nice day!
No.2 above is camera dependent. Improved AF in DX mode is unique to Nikon Z8/9. Makes no difference on Sony cameras(up through A1 at least). Not sure about Canon.Cropping in post has the exact same result as DX mode in terms of IQ and pixels.
The only value in using DX mode is following:
I crop often in post, but I very rarely use DX mode. I reserve it only for times when subjects are really far out and the AF is struggling.
- since the file size is smaller, it gives you more time before you hit an FPS buffer
- if you are having difficulty obtaining AF on a subject, DX mode reduces the area the camera must scan, so it can increase AF accuracy/speed
- if you know you will crop in post, it can save you time and file size
Storage is so cheap these days, I do not mind having bigger files with more options for how to crop in post.
That benefit applies to every pixel on the sensor. IOW the benefit doesn't go away if shooting a full frame sensor in crop mode or cropping in post.Arguably, FX has about a stop of dynamic range advantage over DX simply because of the working size of the sensor.
I have a Canon R5, on my camera I see improvement in AF when switching to crop mode if it seems to be struggling to lock onto eyes when using the full image area.No difference in IQ.
No.2 above is camera dependent. Improved AF in DX mode is unique to Nikon Z8/9. Makes no difference on Sony cameras(up through A1 at least). Not sure about Canon.
I don't think that's true. Dynamic range among similar sensors (identical in this case) are not driven by pixel-level, but rather system noise, which is in turn inversly proportional to the surface area of the sensor. If you go to photonstophotos, look up dynamic range for same camera at FX and DX, you'll see about a stop drop.That benefit applies to every pixel on the sensor. IOW the benefit doesn't go away if shooting a full frame sensor in crop mode or cropping in post.
Hi, When you are out of range do you change to Dx-mode on the camera or do you crop your image in postprocessing? Or does it not matter on the image quality? Have a nice day!
No difference in IQ.
No.2 above is camera dependent. Improved AF in DX mode is unique to Nikon Z8/9. Makes no difference on Sony cameras(up through A1 at least). Not sure about Canon.
You can! I programmed my exp. compensation button to switch back and forth. The Z8 latest update made even easier, and the Z9 already had it.I think if one has a fast way to switch back and forth from full to crop and can do it without being flustered when action is happening then no problem. Personally it's another thing to think about so I rather think about it in post and concentrate on the shot. But if you know every shot will be for sure cropped then go for it, but remember to switch it back later so you are not surprised.
I am not the steadiest handheld shooter, and many subjects are moving fast. For me, I always shoot full fram and choose if/how to crop in post. That gives me the most options. If you consistently shoot at very high frame rates your choices may vary.
That is a good point about the system noise. However, when using data from Photonstophotos there is another factor that comes into play. From my understanding of the explanation of his methodology the results are normalized for a standard output size. There is specific mention of correcting for circle of confusion when calculating results for testing full frame sensors in APS-C crop mode. So not sure how much of the difference in his "photo dynamic range" numbers are measured vs calculated.I don't think that's true. Dynamic range among similar sensors (identical in this case) are not driven by pixel-level, but rather system noise, which is in turn inversly proportional to the surface area of the sensor. If you go to photonstophotos, look up dynamic range for same camera at FX and DX, you'll see about a stop drop.
It depends on the situation. When I was using DX mode with a D850 to photograph birds in flight I found it very difficult to get the framing I wanted and so switched to FX mode to have more of a margin for error. With a stationary subject it would be quite different.Hi, When you are out of range do you change to Dx-mode on the camera or do you crop your image in postprocessing? Or does it not matter on the image quality? Have a nice day!
I tried that approach, but I was surprised that my autofocus on FX mode was much better than I had expected. When I shot I was thinking I am not sure I got anything but then when I brought up the image in post I found the camera/lens did a lot better than I had thought. I was then free to work on the image.DX or crop?
“Yes”.
I have my “Record” button on my Z9 set to toggle FX/DX. When I need more reach, I quickly reach for DX. And then later I crop if I need to.
I use DX mode because it makes exposure metering, checking focus, and aiming AF points boxes easier than when the subject is tiny in an FX viewfinder. I’m aware that there’s no real IQ difference… it’s all about ease-of-use.