Full-frame cameras are unquestionably the best type of camera you can get your hands on. Previously reserved for professional photographers because of their high price, the modern full-frame camera provides the same performance but at a much lower price.
What exactly is it that makes full-frame cameras superior to their equally amazing counterparts? Full-frame cameras give you the best of both worlds, with excellent features that promote easy usability and superior image quality.
You will never find a camera with the same level of autofocus speed, image quality, and burst speed as a full-frame camera. A full-frame camera’s sensor enables each pixel to be physically larger and gather larger amounts of light compared to smaller image sensors and APS-C. Thereby significantly reducing disturbances in the image quality and making it useable in low-light settings as well.
These cameras provide a tighter and better depth of field for portrait photography and still-life photography. Giving you a beautiful bokeh effect in the background that makes your images look soft and professional.
The full-frame camera market is currently highly saturated with cameras of all price ranges and qualities. To make selecting a camera that perfectly suits your needs easy for you, we’ve made a list of the best full-frame cameras currently on the market and all of their features.
1. Sony a7 III (Overall Winner)
If you’re relatively new to the field of photography and want to invest in a good camera that won’t make you bankrupt, then the Sony a7 III is the camera for you. An excellent camera for beginners, the Sony a7 III goes above and beyond in image quality and performance. The camera can capture images of the highest resolution and fine details thanks to its 24.2-megapixels, back Illuminated 35-millimeter Image Sensor with a high readout speed.
The camera has a remarkable autofocus system with 693-phase detection points, which covers around 93% of the image. Its burst mode can capture up to 10 frames per second with AE/AF tracking. It also has extended battery life as well as the ability to record exquisite 4K high-definition videos. The camera also boasts an excellent noise reduction system that has 1.5 stops to produce clear and well-defined pictures.
2. Nikon D850
Among all the competition in the full-camera market, one camera has genuinely stood out in terms of the best overall performance, the Nikon D850. This camera is one of the few ones that do not compromise on any detail whatsoever, whether that is speed, sensitivity, or resolution.
The D850 captures excellent, detailed still images with zero risk of moiré due to its 45.7-megapixel sensor, a fast burst mode comprising of seven frames per second and a 153 point AutoFocus system to ensure all of your pictures are sharp and well-focused.
The Nikon D850 has the potential to capture large images in stunning detail and works excellently, even in low-light settings. Making it an excellent all-around camera that can be used for all purposes, including but not limited to wedding, still-life, portrait, or wild-life photography.
This camera’s viewfinder is both bright and large, it contains a crop mode with 19.4 megapixels DX, and it even has 4K video shooting ability. Even the battery life on this nifty camera is epic. All in all, the Nikon D850 is an incredibly versatile camera that no one will ever regret buying.
3. Nikon Z6
A relatively small yet incredibly powerful full-frame camera, the Nikon Z6 can give any camera on the market a run for its money. It contains Sony’s iconic Z-mount and has a short 16mm flange yet a 55mm wide mount opening.
Although Nikon has since introduced numerous full-frame models, the Z6 is absolutely unbeatable. Giving you the perfect combination of performance, features, handling, image quality, and price. The 24.5-megapixel sensor produces high-resolution images that have very fine details and top-notch reproduction of color.
The sophisticated AutoFocus system has a whopping 273-points and covers the entire frame seamlessly. The burst mode contains 12 frames per second, which is nearly twice that of most cameras. The controls are laid out thoughtfully, and the electronic viewfinder is both large and bright.
For previous Nikon users, who have amassed a collection of F-mount lenses, you can still use this camera with said lenses, thanks to Nikon’s FTZ adapter. However, you must double-check compatibility for the older models. No function in this camera is subpar, and although it may be a bit heavy on the pocket, considering all the excellent features it contains, it is definitely worth the price tag.
4. Sony a7R IV
This camera has one of the best image sensors that produce high-resolution images like never before. The a7R IV is the first camera to have 61MP2 effective pixels, which gives an extraordinary depth of field. It also has specific techniques for noise reduction to produce brilliantly clear and highly sensitive images.
In burst mode, the Sony a7R IV camera can shoot up to 10 frames per second. The AutoFocus system is of 399-points but has a special Eye AutoFocus mode, which can lock onto the subject’s eyes. The camera is versatile as well and can be used in a range of different scenarios, such as the great outdoors or even indoor events that have relatively low light.
5. Pentax K-1 Mark II
Pentax is known for producing cameras with an excellent build. Its K-1 Mark II is an excellent example of this since the camera is durable, solid, and weather resistant. This makes it an excellent companion for all your wildlife adventures.
It has a tilting LCD screen at the back, which, although not a touchscreen, is excellent in terms of size and brightness. The camera produces high-resolution images and has a 36.4-megapixel count.
Pentax’s K-1 also contains a 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization that works for both stills and movies. The stabilization system is unique and does much more than reduce camera shake.
Other than fulfilling its basic functions, the camera’s stabilization system has different modes for anti-aliasing correction and capturing fine details, resulting in images that have an incredibly high image resolution.
Other nifty features include an Astrotracer mode, which contains an in-built electronic compass, a GPS, and enhanced horizontal and vertical tilt sensors. All of these work together to prevent celestial bodies from streaking in the sky during long exposure pictures. Overall, Pentax’s K-1 is a brilliant modern camera with numerous interesting features.
6. Sony a99 II
Although not a DSLR per se, the Sony a99 II is similar in both design in function to be considered a contender in the same league. The a99 II is reliable, robust, and easy to handle. An exceptional hybrid system that contains phase detection on both the AutoFocus system, which has 79 points as well as on the image sensor, which has 399 points.
The Sony a99 II camera has a five-axis shift image stabilization system to prevent camera shake. The a99 II contains a bright 2.36-megapixel OLED electronic viewfinder as well as a fully articulating rear screen.
Its fast 12 frames per second burst mode are complete with live metering and AutoFocus tracking. Perhaps not the best of the best, this camera still holds its own pretty well and is a dream to shoot with.
7. Canon EOS RP
Canon’s EOS RP is a much-needed improvement on its very first mirrorless full-frame camera, the EOS R. It has a lighter and smaller body and is priced quite fairly, making it an excellent choice for someone who wants to invest in a good quality mirrorless camera but without paying the hefty price tag.
It has DIGIC 8 Image processor and a 26. 2MP CMOS full-frame sensor, so the image quality is not compromised in any way. It features a fast and Advanced Autofocus system, a sensitive touchscreen, and a deep and excellent buffer to ensure all your images are clear and crisp. A good option for beginners.
8. Nikon D610 (Budget Winner)
Nikon’s D610 is an OG full-frame camera that can produce excellent images while being one of the cheapest cameras on the market. Although it lacks some of the technology that the newer full-frame cameras possess, such as WiFi or a tilting screen, if you only look at the essential camera functions, the D610 is still a camera to be reckoned with.
It contains a 24.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS FX-format sensor, which produces brilliant images that are high in resolution. This camera also has two card slots, something even the latest cameras skimp out on.
The camera’s 39-point AutoFocus system does its job well, its continuous shooting mode has a rate of six frames per second, and the camera is also able to capture High definition videos. This camera would be an excellent choice for beginners since it really does give you a lot of bang for your buck.
Final Words on Full-Frame Cameras
Full-frame cameras have always been and continue to be the best type of cameras when it comes to versatility, performance, and ease of use. Although mostly restricted to professionals before, the newer much cheaper models mean that even amateur enthusiasts can get a full-frame camera. Use our list to select the best full-frame camera that matches your photography needs.
