Last Updated on March 16, 2021
Are you looking for the best full frame camera for photography? For this article I have reviewed the most popular models on the market and after reading you will know the top recommendations.
A full frame camera offers the best resolution and the proper focal length for using a 35mm lens. Here are the top picks, links to customer reviews and prices but you can read on for the full review.
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What Is a Full Frame Camera?
When referring to a full frame camera we mean a camera that does not use a crop sensor. A full-frame camera provides you with the largest sensor offered in DSLR cameras. While there are cameras with larger sensors, medium and large format models, this article is specifically for full frame cameras with a 35mm equivalent sensor.
A full frame sensor will capture more of the pictured scene than a crop sensor model will. For example, if you were using a 50mm lens mounted on a full frame camera you will have a 50mm focal length and a 58 degree viewing angle.
Note that one of the most popular crop sensors is the APS-C, so if your camera has this sensor you will have a much shorter focal length using that same 50mm lens. The difference in focal length varies by model but it is a significant difference. Because of this it is very important to remember that the same lens will perform differently with different sensor sizes.
Top Rated Picks: Best Full Frame Camera
Nikon D850
- Full frame sensor and 45.7 MP resolution
- Nikon F bayonet lens mount
- Features a large 3.2″ tilt touchscreen
- Offers 100% viewfinder coverage
- Features a 153 point autofocus system
- 7fps continuous shooting mode
- Offers 4k video capture
- Ideal for professional quality images
The Nikon D850 boasts a superb 45.7 megapixels providing exceptional image resolution. It offers an advanced image sensor that is more efficient at accepting light. This will allow you to shoot at slower shutter speeds and a narrower aperture. This alone will help you capture higher quality pictures, and it is particularly impressive in low light conditions. This camera is capable for many photography styles and is particularly popular among event and real estate photography professionals. The video capture quality is also very good adding to it’s versatility. With both Bluetooth and WiFi built in you can seamlessly upload images and videos directly to the web or another device. One of the standout features for the D850 is the low ISO of 64 which offers an exceptional dynamic range.
Canon 5D Mark IV
- Full frame sensor camera with 30.4 MP resolution
- Compatible with EF, TS-E, MP-E lenses
- Large 3.2″ screen with 1620k dots
- Features viewfinder with 100% coverage
- Has a 61 point autofocus system with 41 cross points
- Provides continuous shooting mode of 7fps
- 4k video capture
- Ideal for intermediate and advanced amateurs
Canon has a long history of producing top quality full frame cameras and the 5D is no exception. This model is not the fanciest from Canon but if you are looking for a little lower price point this is an exceptional model in it’s own right. It will provide you with a 30.4MP resolution coupled with a accurate autofocus system that will impress. The AF provides 61 points. This Canon offers an ISO range of 100 to 32,000 with the ability to extend it all the way to 102,400. The Mark IV offers professional level performance and is easily one of my favorite DSLR full frames on the market.
Nikon D750
- Full frame camera with 24 MP resolution
- Compatible with Nikon’s F mount lenses
- Features a large 3.2″ tilt screen with 1,229k dots
- The viewfinder provides 100% coverage
- Provides continuous shooting mode of 6.5fps
- 1080p video capture
- Ideal for intermediate and advanced enthusiasts
The D750 is an excellent mid range full frame camera from the photography giant Nikon. It provides exceptional image resolution and features for the price. While not the best camera for video on the list, it is an amazing still shot model. The 1080p video capture is still adequate so it’s not like you can’t do any video with it. One of the top features for this Nikon is the highlighted weighted metering mode that allows it to meter light different as the highlights of the frame change. This means that you will have more control over the bright areas of your scene. This will prevent overexposure even when shooting in bright conditions. This comes in particularly handy when shooting outdoor daytime events. This is a great camera and I take my D750 out regularly.
Canon EOS 6D
- Full frame camera with 20.2 MP resolution
- Compatible with EF mount lenses
- Large 3.0″ tilt screen with 1040k dots
- The viewfinder provides 97% coverage
- Features fast autofocus with 11 points
- 1080p video capture
- Ideal for intermediate photographers
The EOS 6D from Canon is an excellent balance of performance and affordability. Most full frame cameras of this quality will be priced above $1000 but not the Canon EOS 6D. The 20.2 megapixel sensor provides good image quality and the 11 point autofocus is accurate and snappy. It comes with built in WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities for transferring images to another device or directly to the web. It is lightweight and very popular with photographers around the world. I’ve found it to really excel shooting in low light conditions. This is a great low cost full frame camera.
Nikon Z7
- Full frame camera with 45.7 MP resolution
- Compatible with Nikon Z mount lenses
- Features an EVF screen with 3,690k dots
- Offers autofocus with 493 points and phase detect
- Features continuous shooting mode
- Ideal for advanced amateurs and professional photographers
This mirrorless camera is one of my favorites from Canon. It provides exceptional performance in a very well designed camera body. With a resolution of 45.7MP this camera provides amazing image quality. This CMOS full frame sensor makes image detail truly jaw dropping. It features a hybrid phase contrast autofocus system that boasts an impressive 493 dots. The autofocus is lightening fast and the accuracy is precise. Add in the built in image stabilization and you have a camera that is sincerely a joy to shoot. If you want to capture high quality video this Canon won’t disappoint either. The biggest drawback to this camera is the native lenses are expensive but that can be fixed with an adapter to use more affordable lens options.
Canon EOS R
- Full frame camera sensor with 30.3 MP resolution
- Compatible with Canon RF mount lenses
- Features an EVF monitor with 100% coverage
- High performing autofocus with 5655 points and phase detection and face tracking
- Offers continuous shooting mode
- 4k ultra high definition video capture
- Ideal for experienced amateurs and professional photographers
The Canon EOS R is the direct competitor to the Nikon Z7 and it is an awesome camera. Along with the Z7 no other models on the market can compete with the EOS R. This full frame mirrorless camera provides superb image quality, and out paces most comparable models out there. The sensor in this camera is pro level and it all comes in a lightweight camera body that is a joy to shoot with. The autofocus is the real star though. You get phase detection and 5,655 points. The AF system is fast and accurate. There are a couple trade offs to keep in mind. The video is cropped and there is no built in image stabilization. Because of this you will be working with lenses that offer stabilization. Other than that there are no complaints with this one.
Sony Alpha A7 III
- Full frame camera sensor with 24.2 MP resolution
- Compatible with Sony E mount lenses
- Large 3″ tilt LCD screen with 921,600 dots
- Features a color OLED viewfinder with 100% coverage
- Offers continuous shooting mode
- 4k video capture
I absolutely love my Sony Alpha A7 III and have been shooting with it for years. It is hands down one of the best full frame cameras you can get. There are few digital cameras that I have enjoyed shooting more than my Sony and it leaves most DSLR’s in the dust. The image quality is superb and it offers a hybrid autofocus system that is still one of the better systems you can find. You get 399 phase detection and 425 contrast focal points. With a continuous shooting mode that can capture 10 fps you will be amazed at how quiet it is. This is one amazing mirrorless camera.
Sony Alpha A7
- Full frame camera sensor with 24.3 MP resolution
- Compatible with Sony E mount lenses
- Large 3″ tilt LCD screen with 921,600 dots
- Features .5″ XGA OLED color viewfinder
- Features a hybrid autofocus with phase detection and contrast detection
- Video capture
- Ideal for intermediate amateurs and pros
Here you get the original version of the Sony above. It provides exceptional image quality and is a joy to shoot with. The sensor is excellent and at 24.3 MP it will not disappoint. It offers continuous shooting mode but it is not the fastest around. It provides an ISO range of 100-25,600. This camera is excellent for low light conditions and night photography. While I am partial to the original Sony A7 III, this is one great camera too and it comes in at a very reasonable price tag.
Conclusion
While a full frame camera requires a decent investment to get started, it is absolutely worth it if within your budget. I still shoot crop sensor cameras when the circumstances call for it but full frame cameras like my Sony A7 get a ton of use. I’ve earned a lot of money shooting events with my full frames. The higher resolution and performance are something I have grown to love. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a hobbyist there should be a place in your camera bag for a high quality full frame camera.