Nikon FX format is Nikon’s name for its full-frame digital camera sensor area, approximately 36 × 24 mm—the size of a 35 mm film frame. Nikon’s smaller DX format is approximately 24 × 16 mm. The difference affects the angle of view captured by a lens, but FX is a sensor-format label, not a lens-mount designation.
What does FX format mean?
Nikon explains that “In digital SLR cameras, the camera’s format refers to the size of its image sensor.” In other words, FX describes the size of the area used to capture an image. Nikon gives the FX format as approximately 36 × 24 mm, close to a 35 mm film frame. These are approximate format dimensions: the Nikon D780 manual, for example, specifies an active FX image area of 35.9 × 24.0 mm.
FX does not, by itself, tell you which lens mount a camera uses. Mount and lens compatibility depend on the particular camera and lens.
How FX compares with DX
Nikon DX is the smaller format, approximately 24 × 16 mm. Because it captures a smaller portion of the image projected by a lens, the same focal length gives a narrower angle of view on a DX camera than on an FX camera.
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#1 Best Overall
- Fast, upgraded f/1.8, compact FX format prime lens. The picture angle with 35 millimeter (135) format is 47 degree and the maximum reproduction ratio is 0.15X
- Focal length 50 millimeter, minimum focus distance 1.48 feet (0.45 meter)
- Newly developed optical system with aspherical lens element, exclusive Nikon silent wave motor (SWM)
- M/a focus mode switch, filter thread 58 millimeter, autofocus: Yes. Dimensions (approx.) (from the camera lens mounting flange): Approximately 2.83 inches diameter x 2.01 inches
- Optimized for edge to edge sharpness on both fx and dx format d SLRS
| Format | Approximate dimensions | Effect with the same focal length |
|---|---|---|
| FX | 36 × 24 mm (Nikon USA; publication date not stated) | Wider angle of view than DX |
| DX | 24 × 16 mm (Nikon USA; publication date not stated) | Narrower angle of view; Nikon describes DX as having a 1.5× crop factor relative to FX (Nikon UK) |
Nikon UK defines crop factor as the ratio between a camera sensor’s size and a 35 mm full-frame sensor. Its 1.5× example means a 50 mm lens on a DX body gives an angle of view similar to a 75 mm lens on FX. The lens is still physically a 50 mm lens: crop factor describes the framing, not a change to the lens’s focal length.
What happens when you use FX and DX lenses?
FX lens on a DX camera
An FX lens can be used on a Nikon DX body when the lens and body have compatible mounts. The smaller sensor records a narrower portion of the image the lens projects, so the captured angle of view is tighter than it would be on FX at the same focal length.
Rank #2
- Versatile 107x zoom lens with ED glass and VR II image stabilization
- Optimized for edge to edge sharpness on both FX and DX-format
- Covers a wide range of focal lengths to get the best out of every subject. Minimum Focus Distance- 1.6 ft. (0.5m) throughout entire zoom range
- 2 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) Elements; 3 Aspherical Lens Elements
- Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) Weight : 282 oz
DX lens on an FX camera
Nikon says an FX DSLR can automatically select DX crop mode when a DX lens is attached, recording the center of the sensor image to avoid vignetting. The exact behavior depends on the camera and its settings. For example, the Nikon D780 manual warns that with Auto DX crop off and FX image area selected, image edges may be eclipsed when a DX lens is attached. Check the manual for your specific camera before relying on automatic cropping or full-frame coverage.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check when choosing or using a format
- Sensor area: FX is the larger format; DX is smaller.
- Framing: Compare angle of view at the focal length you plan to use, accounting for DX’s 1.5× crop factor.
- Lens coverage: Confirm whether a lens is designed for FX or DX image coverage and how your camera handles it.
- Mount and settings: Verify mount compatibility and crop-mode behavior in the documentation for your exact body and lens.
Neither format is universally better on the basis of the format label alone. It tells you about sensor/image area and its framing consequences; it does not by itself determine a camera’s overall quality or suitability.
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Best Value
- This lens only work on AF with the Nikon D7000 cameras and up
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new
- The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging
Rank #4
- Fast f/2.8 constant aperture with an electromagnetic diaphragm
- Sensational image quality and sharpness with virtually no distortion, Focal Length Range : 24 to 70 millimeter
- Minimum Focus Distance : 35 to 50 millimeter focal length : 1.2 feet (0.38 meter) from focal plane; 24, 28, 70 millimeter focal lengths : 1.3 feet (0.41 meter) from focal plane; Dimensions : Approx; 88.0 millimeter maximum diameter x 154.5 millimeter (distance from camera lens mount flange)
- 4 stops of Vibration Reduction for handheld and low light shooting, Nonstick glass makes it easier to wipe off water, dirt and smudges
- Evolution of Nikon's legendary 24 to 70 millimeter workhorse.Type:Fmount, Type E AF S lens with built in CPU and F mount.Lens Elements:20
Rank #3
- Versatile 107x zoom lens with ED glass and VR II image stabilization
- Optimized for edge to edge sharpness on both FX and DX-format
- Covers a wide range of focal lengths to get the best out of every subject
- Ideal one-lens solution for travel, events and everyday shooting
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