I have got so many questions from my readers about FX vs DX format camera and lens and if they can be used exchangeably to each others. As of my understanding, FX is a full-frame camera which uses bigger censor (36×24 mm) like in film camera to produce lower pixel density or high quality pictures. This kind of camera is used to produce large size full framed picture under low light condition and using high ISO settings. Nikon D3X, Nikon D700, Nikon D3S and Nikon D3 are FX camera from Nikon.
Whereas DX censors are usually 2/3 of size (almost 24×16 mm) of FX censors. That is the main reason DX cameras are cheaper than full framed FX camera.
Now the question is, can I use FX format lens with DX format camera body or DX format lens with FX format camera body? The simple answer is, in case of Nikon, you can use either DX lens or FX lens on the DX camera or FX camera but same is not true for Canon cameras. You have to have FX format lens for FX format Canon body. Lots of photographers think this is strength of Nikon camera that you can use either FX lens to DX body or DX lens to FX body. But the thing is you may not want to use DX lenses on FX cameras because, since the lens won’t fill the entire frame, the corners will be dark. Similarly if you mount FX lens on DX camera which has small sensor size, only the center of the lens’s image circle is captured. The edges are cropped off, which is equivalent to zooming in on the center section of the imaging area. To be more precise, 1.5 x crop factor will be applied when you use FX format lens with DX format body. That means if you mount 50mm FX format lens on DX format camera body, it will work as a 75mm (=50mm x 1.5) on DX body.
There are many pros and cons of both types. The main advantages of DX sensors are compact wide-range zooms, and you can reach more with telephoto lenses. You will also have greater working distance for close-up/macro shots with DX sensors. The advantages of FX sensors are you can shoot with lower noise at higher ISO setting and good wide-angle shot with certain lenses.
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About UM3$H
There is been always confusion to the beginners when they hear lots of photographers talking about FX and DX format. I am glad that you brought this up to their attention.
Nice work.
Andy
Thanks Umesh,
This helps a lot.
Your blog has been of great assistance to a novice like me.
I am in the learning phase and have a lot of questions. I am getting to know my camera better and while using it I am training my mind to reason.
I look forward to your posts and they are interesting and easy to understand.
Thanks for the DX/FX format post – it is much clearer now.
Is there a site where I can upload my best photographs for the purpose of a contest ?
Warm regards
I want to buy Nikon DX 3100 and use with it Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G (4.3x) Lens which is FX format lens as it costs less. Will it be feasible to do so or is it wise.
Imtiyaz,
It is possible to do with Nikon camera but I doubt if it would be wise decision for now but it will be once you get your first FX body. When you use FX lens for DX body, you will get cropped image of what you see through the lens.
Hi,
Im confused about DX & FX format. im palnning to buy nikon d3200 camera which is a DX format camera. is this worth buying.are there any options in cannon
It depends on what is your thought about photography? If you are buying camera just to take friends and family picture then d3200 is fine but if you are serious about photography (as a hobby or profession), you might end up buying FX format one day sooner or later. If you don’t have budget to buy FX format now, I recommend you buying DX body and FX lens so that when you upgrade to FX, you don’t have burden of buying expensive lenses.