Is The Canon 90D Full-frame Or Not?

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The Canon 90D has a 32MP APS-C CMOS sensor, which means that it’s not a full-frame camera.

Since APS-C or crop sensor cameras are smaller than their full-frame cousins, this also means that you’ll need to multiply the focal length of your lens by 1.6x to get an equivalent focal length when shooting with a full-frame camera.

Canon 90D’s sensor

Canon 90D DSLR

As I’ve mentioned earlier, this camera has a high-resolution 32.5 Megapixel APS-C sensor. And from my experience, it is a very good sensor, still relevant in today’s demanding photography world.

It produces amazing images with vibrant colors and its dynamic range is on par with the competition.

The term “APS-C” refers to the size of the chip (or “sensor”) in your camera.

This is the component that captures light and turns it into an image. It does this by converting photons (particles of light) into electrons, then turning those electrons into an electrical signal that your computer or smartphone can read.

Full frame sensors are essentially bigger versions of APS-C sensors. They’re larger than APS-C sensors because they have more area to capture light and turn it into an electrical signal—which results in better performance in low light situations like at night or indoors without flash.

Nevertheless, the Canon 90D is still a fantastic DSLR and one of the most popular DSLR cameras for wildlife. It’s a solid all-around DSLR that will serve both new and experienced photographers well.

I still use this camera when I’m shooting some wildlife and landscapes and it’s an excellent camera to travel with. Here are also some images from my friends. These are all taken with the Canon 90D.

a red bird standing on a branch
By Ken Rementer
red sky landscape
By Larry Farley
couple at the park - landscape
By Mike
motorbike race
By Ken Rementer

Its flip screen is really helpful when my camera is on a tripod or if you need to get low to the ground. The camera has a good, solid feel to it and feels great in my hand.

I also love the fact that its battery life is really good. I can shoot a lot before needing to change batteries.

Overall, if you’re looking for an APS-C DSLR with some advanced features like a high-resolution sensor, 4K, and fast AF, you should definitely check this camera out.

Pros and Cons

Even though this camera is a little bit older(released in 2019), it’s still a great option for beginners and experienced hobbyists.

The Canon 90D offers a lot of features for the price and is great for anyone looking to get into photography or videography.

However, no camera is perfect and the Canon 90D has some drawbacks as well.

Pros:

  • Its 32MP high-resolution sensor allows you to capture some beautiful images with good detail and color vibrancy.
  • The 4K video mode is also really helpful if you’re looking for that extra detail in your videos.
  • 10fps burst rate for fast-moving objects.
  • It has a flip-out screen, which is helpful when taking selfies or recording vlogs.
  • 45-point AF system that is fast and accurate.
  • Eye AF and Face Detection.
  • Outstanding battery life – around 1300 shots
  • Weather sealed, just like its predecessor the Canon 80D.

Cons:

  • Only one memory card slot.
  • Its price is higher than most APS-C DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
  • Canon already ended their DSLR production, which is just sad.

Final thoughts

The Canon 90D is not a full-frame camera, but it certainly delivers great image quality and video performance.

The camera has great features that can help you improve and I know some people also use this camera for their professional work.

If you’re planning to get one, then you should be aware that the camera is not cheap, especially when you compare it with other APS-C DSLRs.

With the same price point or even lower, I can get a Canon EOS RP, which is a mirrorless full-frame camera. But the RP has a measly burst rate of 4 fps, which is just about half of the 90D’s burst rate.

However, if you want to upgrade your photography game and get a serious crop sensor DSLR, then the Canon 90D is worth every penny.