Full-frame cameras have become a big deal in photography due to their amazing benefits. The advantages of shooting with full-frame cameras are numerous, including the improved low-light performance, higher ISO performance, improved dynamic range and color depth, and more control over depth of field. Although many full-frame cameras come with a hefty price, you can find a great camera on the budget as well. Scroll down to see our picks for the seven best cheap full-frame cameras.
1. Sony a7IIK (Budget Winner)
If you are looking for an affordable yet feature-laden full-frame camera, then Sony’s Alpha a7IIK is definitely worth considering. The biggest advantage that you get with this camera is built-in optical stabilization which allows users to capture steadier shots in a wide range of lighting conditions. The camera operates with any lens from Sony’s E-mount range. Due to the 24.3 megapixel resolution, the photos you take are going to be clear, sharp, and vivid.
Super-fast autofocus and a compact design make the a7IIK an ideal ally for aspiring photographers are constantly on the go and are looking for practical cameras they can easily take with them wherever they go. Sony also made sure users share their images easily with fast WiFi and NFC connectivity. This full-frame mirrorless camera allows you to take high-quality videos, personalize it with PlayMemories Camera Apps, and to accurately monitor results i.e., your photos with high-contrast 2.4-million dot OLED EVF for eye-level framing.
2. Canon EOS 7D Mark II (Overall Winner)
If you have a higher budget then you should consider the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. The base features a 20.2MP CMOS Sensor. The camera also has an ISO rating that can be adjusted between a range of 100 and 16000. There is also a continuous shooting option that provides a high-speed function, which can be adjusted to provide shots of up to 10fps.
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II comes with a cross-type AF system, which provides a total of 65 points. In addition to the quality CMOS sensor that is built into this camera, you are also able to record video content in full HD resolution. The camera is equipped with a Custom Move Servo AF. This allows you to set the speed of video recording, as well as the sensitivity.
3. Sony a7 III
Sony’s a7 III isn’t actually the cheapest full-frame camera out there, but it is still more affordable compared to other options on the market. The camera comes with new full-frame CMOS sensor Exmor R with 24.2 megapixels resolution and backlighting. In addition to high-resolution, the advantages of this camera include top sensitivity, extreme dynamic range, and low noise.
The a7 III camera can shoot in a continuous burst at up to 10fps. If you’re looking for a camera that can also allow you to shoot great videos, then this is the one. The Sony a7 III has a 4K video format, and it’s automatic, which is always a good thing to know. Compared to the a7 II, this camera has a better performance and the 4D FOCUS. The camera also comes with a rechargeable battery, AC adaptor, shoulder strap, body cap, eyepiece cap, accessory shoe cap, and USB cable.
4. Nikon D3400
Next up we have the Nikon D3400 24.2MP DSLR Camera. This is definitely one of the more budget-friendly options on the market. This camera is available in two different colors, including black or red. You can choose just the base package or one that comes with an additional lens. The camera features a 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor, which can provide exceptional quality picture quality at this low price.
The D3400 comes with the EXPEED 4 image processor. This helps to enhance the overall quality of the photo that you have taken. The product features Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with SnapBridge. The camera also has magnification that runs through the included f/1.4 lens. Furthermore, it offers native ISO with a range of 100 to 25600. This particular Nikon camera is compatible with the latest firmware versions from the manufacturer as well.
5. Nikon D750 (Overall Winner)
Nikon, as one of the most reputable names in the industry, has released a wide range of full-frame DSLR cameras over the years. Their D750 model is on the more affordable side compared to its counterparts, and it’s particularly good for beginners who are still stepping into the world of photography and full-frame DSLRs. The camera features 24.3 megapixel CMOS image sensor and EXPEED 4 image processor for crystal clear, high-quality photos.
According to the famous brand, this particular model has a feature set that other DSLRs on the market can’t match. For example, the D750 utilizes the same autofocus and metering technology as the D4S and D810. This camera is fast, responsive, and incredibly versatile as it also allows users to shoot stills in various formats, take videos with enhanced definition, and so much more. Thanks to built-in WiFi connectivity, it’s easy to share and transfer your photos wherever necessary. Therefore, if you’re looking for a full-frame DSLR camera that will take not only amazing photos but also high-quality videos, this is the one.
6. Canon EOS Rebel T7i
The Canon EOS Rebel T7i has a higher price tag and offers you access to the features that you are likely to depend on if you are looking for a full-frame DSLR camera. This product is an upgrade of the Rebel T7 has a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor to provide exceptional details in every shot you take, combined with the DIGIC 7 image processor.
There is a built-in 3.0-inch display that offers touchscreen control. The camera is also capable of shooting video in full HD resolution at a 60fps rate. Other important features that we should note here include the built-in Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi technology.
7. Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Compared to its predecessor, the Canon EOS 6D, this model features significant upgrades including the jump from 20.2 megapixels to 26.2 megapixels. Besides better resolution, the EOS 6D Mark II comes with Canon’s latest DIGIC 7 processing engine, touch-sensitive display, and 5-axis digital stabilization for handheld video recording. Basically, the brand put the full-frame performance into a compact camera with outstanding image quality, fast and accurate autofocus, and various features to allow you to get the maximum out of this device.
If you’re a fan of time-lapse videos, you’ll be happy to know that the Canon EOS 6D Mark II can make this process a lot easier thanks to 4K and full HD time-lapse video recording feature which automatically combines still images taken over specific intervals to show changes to a subject or landscape in a short period of time. Remote shooting and sharing of the captured photo are made easier with built-in WiFi, NFC, and Bluetooth connectivity.
8. Nikon D5300 (Budget Winner)
If you find yourself short on cash and you still need access to a great full-frame DSLR camera, then do not miss out on our top budget pick – the Nikon D5300. The camera has a built-in 24.2MP CMOS sensor to provide you with high-quality photographs. It comes with an 18-55mm lens and has an exposure rating that can be adjusted in the range of f/3.5-4.6G.
The Nikon D5300 also offers an Auto Focus feature, allowing you to capture shots with improved stability and focus on the main subject of the photograph. The camera is available in a variety of color options. It has an ISO rating that ranges from 100 up to 12800. The product also features built-in 3D tracking, along with a 3.2-inch LCD screen.
9. Sony a7
Sony’s a7 range of full-frame mirrorless cameras is truly impressive and affordable, so here is the third option you can consider – the a7 model. In a nutshell, this is the original model that kicked off the groundbreaking a7 range, and it offers a complete package of high detail, sophisticated autofocus, sensitivity, and image quality. Although it’s not the latest model, a7 is still an amazing option for those who are looking for an affordable, yet high-quality full-frame camera.
The 24.3-megapixel resolution and true-to-life 2.4 million dot OLED viewfinder make this full-frame camera an excellent choice for people who prioritize clarity and sharpness of their images. This interchangeable-lens camera is lightweight and easy to take from one place to another, which is particularly awesome for people on the go. The compact camera is fully compatible with Sony’s E-mount compact and lightweight full-frame lenses.
The addition of WiFi/NFC control allows for easy connectivity with smartphones for one-touch sharing. Users have the opportunity to personalize and upgrade their camera with PlayMemories Camera Apps. The a7 has a number of great features including image data converter, a multi-interface shoe for flash and microphone flexibility, new eye AF control, just to name a few. When it comes to full-frame DSLRs, a7 is a classic model that will not disappoint.
10. Nikon Df
Nikon’s Df has a weaker resolution than other cameras on the list with “only” 16.2 megapixels, but it still has some useful features that make it a good choice for beginners who want their first full-frame DSLR to be reliable and practical. The camera comes with EXPEED 3 image processing dedicated mechanical dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, ISO sensitivity, and so much more.
The Nikon Df is thin, lightweight, and compact camera with the ultra-fast 39-point autofocus system, high-resolution LCD display, and WiFi connectivity. The camera is specifically designed for taking still photos with advanced functions and high reliability. Sure, it’s kind of a disadvantage that you can’t take amazing videos with this camera, but if you’re a type of person who doesn’t even record video content, then you may still want to consider this practical, yet conveniently priced model.
11. Nikon D610
The Nikon 610 replaced its predecessor Nikon 600 as the brand’s original, affordable full-frame camera. Although it’s an older model compared to the D750, it’s still a practical camera and worth taking into consideration, for sure. When it emerged on the market for the first time, the D610 introduced Quick Release feature that allows wildlife photographers to take photos in the near silence at up to 6fps and avoid scaring the animal.
Due to the fact the construction is sturdy and weather-sealed, users have the opportunity to use this camera even in some of the harshest conditions. That’s particularly amazing if we bear in mind that many cameras on the market don’t perform well in some harsh weather environments. The in-camera HDR allows for dynamic range images, and the camera also has amazing low-light performance. The 24.3-megapixel resolution produces clear images with minimum noise and blurring. All in all, the Nikon 610 is an ideal full-frame DSLR for people who have been using cropped sensor cameras and smartphones.
The Skinny on Cheap Full-Frame Cameras
Full-frame cameras allow users to enhance the quality of their images and videos without too much hassle. While these cameras tend to be expensive, it’s entirely possible to find cheap full-frame cameras. Take into consideration your needs, budget, and types of photos you’re shooting before you decide which one to buy.
