Given the same field of view, a typical digital SLR will show a far shallower depth of field, but still 1.6 times larger than that of a full-frame digital camera.

ECONOMIST: A die-hard analog photographer goes digital

Especially when used with large aperture lenses, the EOS 6D camera's full-frame sensor offers a tremendous degree of creative control over depth-of-field, helping users to achieve pro-quality cinematic effects in Full HD video recordings.

ENGADGET: Canon unveils EOS 6D DSLR: full frame sensor and WiFi for $2,099 in December

Taking cues from its Alpha A99, which was just announced today, Sony brought that camera's 24.3-megapixel full-frame sensor to a camcorder form factor, delivering shallow depth-of-field and much improved low-light sensitivity in a more practical package.

ENGADGET: Sony announces NEX-VG30 and full-frame NEX-VG900 Handycams, we go hands-on

In "Jules and Jim, " Raoul Coutard's camera permits light to flood into the frame, which endows each composition with depth and space as well as imparting an extraordinary sense of naturalism to the scenes in the Alsatian countryside.

WSJ: Jules and Jim | For the Love of a Fickle Woman | Masterpiece by Peter Cowie