Sensor size doesn’t mean everything, however, a bit of extra silicon real estate definitely will help in terms of image quality or the depth of field. This is why full-frame cameras are extremely popular among photographers and video-makers. The term “full-frame” signifies cameras with sensors that are exactly the same dimensions as a single image that was taken with 35mm film. It’s about 36mm wide and 24mm high. The familiar size of this lens means that normal lenses will give you the same angle of view that one would expect to see if shooting with a vintage film camera. A 50mm lens is similar to an equivalent 50mm lens on an all-frame camera. Sensors that are smaller, such as those with APS-C sensors, only record portions of the image that makes the photos appear to be more zoomed in. The images don’t have the full length of the circle from your lenses. Because there’s less space for the camera’s sensor APSC cameras usually aren’t able to match the image quality of the most advanced full-frame cameras.

However simply because cameras have a large chip doesn’t mean it’s the best. We’ve compiled this list of top full-frame cameras by choosing models that are best suited to different types of content creators and photographers. Although upgrading to full-frame cameras is certainly not a replacement for talent and hard work It’s also not a bad idea.

  • Best overall: Canon EOS R6
  • Best upgrade from a smartphone: Sony a7C
  • The best Nikon DSLR Camera: Nikon D850
  • Ideal for novices: Nikon Z5
  • The best camera for videos and photos: Sony a7S III
  • The best budget: Canon EOS RP
  • Pros with the best full-sized cameras: Nikon Z9
  • The best regular-sized pros for pros: Sony A1
  • Best for sports: Canon EOS R3

We picked the top full-frame cameras

The editors and writers at Popular Photography have been testing and reviewing cameras for years and have spent time hands-on with every camera listed included on this list. The list was assembled using the combination of hands-on testing and comparisons between specs as well as editorial reviews and feedback from users. We started with a list that was a plethora of options and narrowed it down to these choices. The list is constantly evolving and could include several new models like the fantastic Sony A7 IV when we’ve had more experience with it.

 

The top full-frame cameras Reviews and Recommendations

Best overall: Canon EOS R6

The reason it got the nod: It’s the right combination of price, size and resolution that will appeal to the majority of shooters with advanced capabilities.

Specs:

  • Size of the sensor:Full-frame
  • Resolution: 20 megapixels
  • Weight: 1.5 pounds

Pros

  • Great combination of features
  • Advanced video features
  • Fantastic image quality
  • A tough build

Cons

  • There aren’t so many controls with tactiles some might like

Looking for the most powerful mirrorless camera with full frame? It’s the Canon EOS R6 will be an outstanding all-around mirrorless camera that has 20MP full-frame sensors with Canon’s Dual-Pixel CMO AF II autofocus, up to 20fps continuous video recording and an ultra-high resolution electronic viewfinder, five-axis in-body image stabilization, and the capability to record 4K video at 60fps or more. It’s slightly more expensive than our top choice for beginners, but comes with many impressive features that will make it more suitable for high-end video or sports shooting. If you’re in the market for higher resolution, you could move into the Canon EOS R5 with the resolution of 45 MP, as well as additional controls that are tactile, however it’s also pricier.

 

Best upgrade from a smartphone: Sony a7C

What made it into it to the list: Simple layout, and absence of a viewfinder make it an easy leap from smartphones, but it’s an enormous leap in image quality.

Specs:

  • Dimensions of sensorFull-frame
  • Resolution: 24-megapixels
  • Weight: 0.93 pounds

Pros

  • Simple controls
  • Compact body
  • Excellent image quality

Cons

  • Shooters with more advanced skills may not see the built-in viewfinder

Looking for the best cameras with full frame for the average person? The Sony A7C is basically smaller version of the highly acclaimed Sony A7 Mark III. It comes with a 24MP image sensor, 10fps continuous recording and Sony’s hybrid autofocus technology with eye-detection, five-axis body stability, 4K HD video and a high-quality 2.36m-dot electronic viewfinder that is OLED. The only issue is the one SD card slot however leaving aside this issue it’s a great device. Sony a7C is a great choice for anyone who wants to check all the boxes that are needed for the majority of people.

 

Best full-frame DSLR camera: Nikon D850

The reason it was chosen: Nikon’s high-res DSLR is still able to keep up with the top of them.

Specs:

  • Dimensions of sensorFull-frame
  • Resolution: 45.7-megapixels
  • Weight: 2.02 pounds

Pros

  • High-end sensor with a lot of resolution
  • The tried-and-tested Nikon design and layout
  • Excellent dynamic range
  • Lag-free optical viewfinder

Cons

  • The Nikon X-T1 is in fierce competition with Nikon’s high-res mirrorless mirrorless cameras

Since its introduction in the year 2017 The Nikon D850 has pretty much held all the glory of the Full-Frame DSLR camera’s crown. The 45MP camera offers high-resolution with lightning-fast autofocus, 9fps continuous shooting as well as 4K video recording. It also has a time-lapse mode of 8K as well as one of the most well-loved mounts for lenses available. It’s interesting that our choice for the top full-frame DSLR is just four years old. The Nikon D850 remains incredibly hard to beat.

 

The best for beginners: Nikon Z5

What made it to this list? The HTML0 is an extremely cost-effective way to go full-frame mirrorless.

Specs:

  • Dimensions of sensorFull-frame
  • Resolution: 24-megapixels
  • Weigh: 1.30 lbs

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Compact
  • Utilizes Nikon’s complete-frame Z mount, which comes with many new lenses that are coming soon.
  • Two slot cards

Cons

  • Controls on physical aspects are not as strict.

Are you looking for the ideal camera for beginner photographers? Nikon’s basic Z5 makes up the full-frame mirrorless Z-series specifically designed for novices. It has a 24MP image sensor, which comes with 4.5fps continuously shooting five-axis image stabilization in the body and 4K video recording. It also has integrated WiFi and Bluetooth with a high-resolution digital viewfinder, and two SD slot for quick backup and additional storage. This is a great mirrorless full-frame camera to begin with but still offers plenty of room for growth.

 

The best camera for videos and photos: Sony a7S III

The reason it was chosen: The low-resolution sensor can work in the A7S’s advantages when it comes down to capturing uncropped videos and low-light performance.

Specs:

  • Dimensions of sensorFull-frame
  • Resolution: 12.1 megapixels
  • Weight: 1.35 pounds

Pros

  • Massive pixels dispersed across a full frame sensor
  • Video that is not cropped at high resolutions.
  • Amazing low-light performance

Cons

  • 12.1-megapixel sensor might not impress photographers.

The a7SIII from Sony was a long delay, but when it was released, it quickly was a cult favorite among videographers from all over the world. Even though it has only 12MP of image resolution it is able to shoot 4K video with 120 frames per second, and has the ability to record at 10 bits, which is 4:2:2 internal, 16-bit raw output to the external recording device, as well as Sony’s top-of-the-line autofocus feature. In essence, you’re trading resolution for incredible video performance, and not having to spring for a camera with the ability to shoot 8K.

 

The best budget: Canon EOS RP

The reason it was selected: It’s hard to find a modern full-frame camera at a lower price.

Specs:

  • Size of the sensor:Full-frame
  • Resolution: 26.2-megapixels
  • Weight: 1.2 pounds

Pros

  • Very reasonable
  • Amazing resolution for the price.
  • Excellent image quality
  • Canon’s RF mount uses Canon’s

Cons

  • One memory slot for cards
  • Rocker that is awkward controls

Its Canon EOS RP is the most affordable full-frame camera available on the market. It still has all the features you need, including an image sensor of 26MP and continuous shooting at 5fps. Dual Pixel CMOS AF autofocus as well as 4K video. WiFi as well as Bluetooth connectivity, as well as the 2.36m-dot digital viewfinder. The only thing missing at this price is a body-integrated image stabilization system as well as dual card slots however, at a cost of $999, there are a few compromises in resolution and slower autofocus.

 

The best full-sized pros for pros: Nikon Z9

The reason it was selected: Nikon’s flagship mirrorless camera takes high-quality photos at high-speeds.

Specs:

  • Size of the sensor:Full-frame
  • Resolution: 45.7-megapixels
  • Weight: 2.95 pounds

Pros

  • Super-fast photos
  • High-resolution sensor
  • A plethora of tactile controls
  • Silent operation
  • Advanced Metering and AF tracking
  • A plethora of customization options

Cons

  • Big
  • Expensive

Nikon decided it didn’t want to be in moderation when it came up with the wildly absurd Z9. It’s a camera that doesn’t have any mechanical shutter. Its sensor reads very quick, so it’s able to capture enormous bursts of images at 20 frames per second with complete AF tracking and measuring continuously. It’s constructed like a tank with plenty of weather-proofing and is designed to last for a long time even when it’s subjected to severe punishment. If you can locate an item in stock and can afford it, there’s no circumstance where this camera’s body will be beaten.

 

The best regular-sized pros for pros: Sony A1

What made it into this list? The camera looks similar to the typical A7 camera however Sony packed this professional camera to the max with options.

Specs:

  • Size of the sensor:Full-frame
  • Resolution: 50-megapixels
  • Weight: 1.62 pounds

Pros

  • Packs pro is the normal size of a mirrorless body
  • Super-fast capture
  • High-resolution sensor
  • Advanced Settings for AF

Cons

  • Clunky menu system
  • Expensive

Sony’s flagship mirrorless camera follows the same route as Nikon’s Z9 in that it’s able to perform almost everything you’d ever want it accomplish. The sensor’s 50 megapixel resolution reads very quickly, which enables it to create lengthy bursts of 30 frames per second images in full resolution. Despite its distinctly professional specifications it fits into the form of an A7-series mirrorless camera, rather than incorporating the bulky vertical grip. It’s among the top Full-Frame cameras we’ve used.

 

Best for sports: Canon EOS R3

What made it into it to the list: Its perfectly balanced structure puts the focus on speed in every stage of the way.

Specs:

  • Size of the sensor:Full-frame
  • Resolution: 24.1 megapixels
  • Weight: 3.4 pounds

Pros

  • Unmatched tracking of AF
  • Amazing build quality
  • The perfect resolution for the purpose.

Cons

  • Eye AF isn’t extremely useful in all circumstances.

Instead of trying to ramp up the speed of its high-resolution cameras Canon designed a camera specifically to cater to sports photographers. It features a super-rugged finish on the outside, and an incredibly grip, making it a breeze to hold even if you have a massive lens that is attached at the top. Autofocus menus include pages of customization however the object and person tracking is a great feature straight out of the box. The viewfinder is huge and bright due partially to the Eye AF system that tracks your eyes to decide where to the focus. If you’re a professional sports photographer I would say this is the most powerful camera available right now.

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