How to Select a Lens for Your Camera: Introduction

Important note: Since these lessons discuss the attributes of the 35mm look, we I will use the terms "35mm," "full frame," and "5D Mk II" interchangeably. Each of these reference the 35mm format, or a camera that uses this format.

The Film Look

A topic that keeps coming up in forums and blogs, and was the motivator of the entire 35mm adapter cottage industry, is the "look" of 35mm film. This has been a holy grail of composition for at least a decade. For the last few years, this has been attainable with the Canon 5D Mark II camera and its full frame sensor.

However, filmmakers are finding other tools that suit their needs in different ways, such as the flexibility of the Canon 7D, or the image fidelity of the Panasonic GH2. Neither of these cameras have a full frame sensor. In the choice between the "35mm look" and the capabilities of the camera, something has to give.

That “something” is the combination of Field of View and Depth of Field.

Next section:
How to Select a Lens for Your Camera Part 1: Field of View