Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What is a primary characteristic of cropped sensors?

1. Larger than full-frame sensors

2. Smaller than 35mm film

3. Ideal for professional use only

4. Better low light performance

The correct answer is: Smaller than 35mm film

Cropped sensors, also known as APS-C sensors, are indeed smaller than the traditional 35mm film format. This characteristic is fundamental because it affects both the field of view and the depth of field in photography. Since cropped sensors have a smaller physical size compared to full-frame sensors, they result in a crop factor that effectively multiplies the focal length of the lens used. This can be particularly advantageous for photographers who want to achieve a greater magnification, such as wildlife or sports photographers. Cropped sensors are not larger than full-frame sensors, nor are they exclusively ideal for professional use; they are used by amateur and professional photographers alike for various purposes. Additionally, while cropped sensors can perform well in low-light situations, they generally do not have better low-light performance than full-frame sensors, which typically provide superior performance due to their larger size and ability to gather more light. Thus, the defining feature of cropped sensors is their smaller size in relation to the 35mm film format.