Future of the Crop Sensor?

glbtrekker wrote in post #6081159
This makes sense to me. BTW, why can't you use a EF-S lens on a FF body? Is the mount different or what?

Yes, the mount is different (and made that way on purpose). The EF-S lens has a smaller image circle so, on a FF body, you would get severe vignetting.

MaDProFF wrote in post #6081120
Personally Long term, and I mean long term I do think the crop sensor will disappear I think all bodies will be FF, with the ability to use it as a crop, with EFS lenses being backward compatible

Agree with this. The introduction of 5D it's a good proof that FF sensor production costs were already coming down.

timmyeatchips wrote in post #6081090
That won't happen, full frame sensors are hugely more expensive than crop to produce because you can only fit a few on a silicon wafer, they waste more of the round wafer area and are far more prone to defects. (see this: http://www.robgalbrait​h.com …rame_CMOS_White​_Paper.pdf )

Thanks for the article link...it explained a lot!

sandpiper wrote in post #6081202
EF-S lenses extend backwards into the body and so risk hitting the mirror as it flips up (some lenses will, some won't).

The main difference though is that they have an image circle designed to only cover the smaller sensor, so will create a very heavily vignetted result on a FF sensor as no light reaches the edges.

PacAce wrote in post #6081205
Yes, the mount is different (and made that way on purpose). The EF-S lens has a smaller image circle so, on a FF body, you would get severe vignetting.

Thanks for the explanations.

So if the EF-S format continues to be a concern for me, what would be a good alternative for low light with similar image quality and local range? I'm thinking about the 70-200mm f4 IS for a telephoto. What would cover the lower end of the range? I would like to find something with more range than the 17-40 for a walk around lens but something wider than the 24-70...any suggestions?

To be honest, I'd stop worrying about this, as you're likely to loose more money on a 40D depreciating as new versions are released than you will an EF-S lens over 5-10years as there is likely to be drop camera bodies demaniding lenses long after production stops!

If it worries you that much, why not buy a 5D or a second hand 1Ds MkII instead, and that way you have a full frame sensor from the off?

Certainly what you will find if you do buy a 40D is that you will want a 10-20mm or equivalent lens for landscape shots, as 24mm on the crop sensor doesn't really give a wide enough FOV.

Having said that, at the moment with my 40D I have the 70-200 F4 IS (for reach) and the 24-105 F4 IS ( as a walkabout) and would like to add the 10-20 now for landscapes.

***UPDATE***

Just thought I would give everybody an update. I finally made my decision and placed an order today. Here's the list.

• Canon 50D with 28-135 kit lens for $1,180. Kit lens will be sold hopefully for $250-300 thus reducing the body to about $930-980.
  
• Canon 17-55 2.8 IS
  
• Canon 580 EX II
  
• Sandisk III 16gb