Originally posted by Nubi I ask here politely what that "magic" really is. I have also seen plenty of what can be considered magic in pictures taken with APS-C sensors. Is this something that only novice can notice? Then is it worth it? I need a bit more tangibles here. Even if there is that "magic," is relying on that magic what photography as we know is all about? Consider Ben's work for example. They are not the kind of genre I am familiar with, but you still notice the total control he has with his subject and the equipment. To me that is what separates the pro from the rest of us, not the equipment. Having said that however, I want full frame, because I can afford it.
Don't you just love the double standard???
Thanks, Nubi, for letting us know that you can afford it (and completely contradicting yourself).
I'll second the idea that larger formats (not just 135s) can produce more "magic" shots. It lies with the fact that they are to produce a more natural perspective and field of view, especially in the wider angles. Lines are not as geometrically distorted and one is able to isolate subjects at medium distances with comparatively wide fields of view. All things being equal (including the talent of the photographer) they make for entirely better looking images, IMO. Looking through my MX makes me dislike my K10D; looking through a 645 (as I was, just the other day) makes me want to through my K10D out the window! A 75mm f/2.8 on a 645 (considered to have a "normal" field of view, much like a 50mm on a 135 format) is just not replicated by, say, even the 31mm on an APS-C. Point and shoots, on the other extreme, can never deliver the depth of field and perspective of even APS-C. (I won't even go into the 'other' merits of having a larger sensor, not because there aren't any, but because they really don't matter all that much. The sensitivity of APS-C is, and is becoming even more, impressive (for example). We are generally too spoiled in this respect already!) In short, it is ok to want a 'FF' camera (or larger) because the look just cannot (and will never) be duplicated by an APS-C system.