Should you use crop mode on your camera? This helpful video takes a close look.
Coming to you from Brent Hall, this insightful video explores the benefits and limitations of crop mode. Hall addresses a common question from his workshops: what is crop mode, and why use it? Crop mode essentially allows your full frame camera to simulate an APS-C sensor, cropping the image and providing a 1.5x or 1.6x magnification. This can be particularly useful if you're shooting with a high-megapixel camera like the Canon EOS R5. The main concern many have is losing resolution, but Hall explains that there are situations where this trade-off is worthwhile.
Hall emphasizes that crop mode can enhance autofocus performance. Mirrorless cameras have advanced autofocus systems with features like eye tracking and subject detection. However, they can still struggle with small, fast-moving subjects, especially in challenging environments. By using crop mode, you effectively make your subject larger in the frame, which can help the autofocus system perform better. This is crucial when photographing small birds or other difficult subjects where precise focus is essential.
On the flip side, Hall advises against using crop mode for birds in flight. When subjects are far away, using crop mode can tempt you to try and "reach" with your gear, but this often results in less-than-ideal images. Hall suggests using crop mode when you know you’ll be cropping the image anyway. For action shots or fast-moving subjects, staying in full-frame mode and cropping in post might be a better approach. This allows more flexibility in composition and maintains higher image quality.
Hall also touches on the issue of megapixel obsession. Many photographers worry about losing resolution, but Hall shares that clients rarely question megapixels. His practical rule is to crop images to 2,160 pixels on the long edge for 100% display on a 4K monitor. Even in crop mode, this still leaves plenty of resolution to work with. Hall’s approach is pragmatic: use the tools available to get the best shot possible, rather than getting hung up on technical specifications. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Hall.
But 2,160 pixels is the vertical or short side of 4K, it's not the long edge.
Maybe he only shoots vertical photos lol.