8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (2024)

Today we go over the best full frame cameras. A full frame camera has what is known as a 35mm equivalent sensor, which is 36 × 24 mm. This is based on film photography as it is the size of a 35mm frame. Any sensor smaller than that is called a crop sensor. Full frame means higher resolution and more details in your images.

If you’re looking for the best, we suggest the super-powerful Nikon D850. It has a high resolution, great autofocus, and a beautiful ergonomic design. You won’t find any better full frame camera for less! For other best full frame camera options, keep reading.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Full Frame Camera

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (1)

Nikon D850

Nikon D850

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (2)

Canon EOS 1D X Mark III

Canon EOS 1D X Mark III

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (3)

Nikon D780

Nikon D780

The Best Full Frame Cameras (Top 8 Picks)

A lot depends on what you would like to photograph. We’ve collected eight of the best full frame camera options. But there are also others available. So take a look. But keep in mind what kind of photographer you are and what you would use these cameras for!

Our Top Choice

Nikon D850

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Nikon D850

  • Fantastic overall image quality
  • Excellent 3D continuous AF tracking
  • Long, 1,840-shot battery life
  • Durable, weather-sealed construction
  • Sharp 4K/30p Ultra HD video

Best Canon Choice

Canon EOS 1D X Mark III

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (5)

Canon EOS 1D X Mark III

  • Excellent low-light capabilities
  • Dual Pixel AF and AI detection
  • Fantastic buffer for continuous shots
  • High frame rate for video recording
  • Great battery life

Best Mid-Level Camera

Nikon D780

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (6)

Nikon D780

  • Long-exposure presets
  • Plenty of autofocus (AF) points
  • Nice, uncropped 4K video capabilities
  • Dual memory card slots (UHS-II)

Great Value

Canon EOS 6D Mark II

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (7)

Canon EOS 6D Mark II

  • Fantastic image quality
  • Impressive 45-point AF system
  • Built well and nice to handle
  • Handy built-in Wi-Fi and GPS

Best Sony Choice

Sony a7R IV

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (8)

Sony a7R IV

  • Super high-resolution sensor
  • Stunningly sharp image quality
  • Excellent face and eye detection AF
  • Large, high-resolution EVF
  • Sharp 4K Ultra HD video
  • Weather sealing to protect from elements

Best Mirrorless

Nikon Z6 II

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Nikon Z6 II

  • Excellent low-light focusing
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Superb low-light dynamic range
  • Dual memory card slots

Best for Travel

Sony a7 IV

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (10)

Sony a7 IV

  • Excellent image quality
  • Super responsive autofocus
  • 5.5 stops of image stabilization
  • Fully articulating rear screen
  • Powerful video capabilities (4K / 60p, 10-bit video) and live streaming

Best Autofocus

Canon EOS R6

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (11)

Canon EOS R6

  • Relatively affordable
  • Excellent in-body image stabilization
  • Compact and ergonomic design
  • Fantastic expandable ISO range
  • Rapid burst speeds

1. Nikon D850

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (12)

Lens Mount

Lens Mount

Nikon F FX

Megapixels

Megapixels

45.7 MP

In-body Stabilization

In-body Stabilization

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (13)

Viewfinder Type

Viewfinder Type

Optical (pentaprism)

Autofocus Points

Autofocus Points

153

Maximum ISO (Native)

Maximum ISO (Native)

25,600

Frame Rate

Frame Rate

7 fps

Video

Video

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (14)

Screen Size

Screen Size

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (15)3.2"

×

Nikon D850

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (16)

Adorama

$2,496.95

Amazon.com

$2,496.95 $2,996.95

B&H

$2,796.95 $2,996.95

KEH

(second hand)

$1,929.99

The Nikon D850 is a full frame camera comes with a resolution of almost 46 MP. But it is the sensor that is the most impressive. The technology used allows the sensor to receive more light. This is great for narrower apertures and slower shutter speeds.

The high-resolution sensor allows you to keep a very high image quality from any scene you capture… especially in low-light conditions! This is handy for event photography and capturing darkhome interiors!

If you’re looking for a system with excellent video quality, you’ll get it from the Nikon D850. It has 4K video recording. It also has Wi-Fi. But the Wi-Fi is only usable via Nikon’s Bluetooth Snaprbridge app.

The most significant advantage of this camera is its incredibly low ISO of 64. This retains an outstanding amount of detail and quality in each image. Also, the dynamic range at ISO 64 is fantastic.

2. Canon 1D X III

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (17)

Lens Mount

Lens Mount

Canon EF

Megapixels

Megapixels

20.1 MP

In-body Stabilization

In-body Stabilization

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (18)

Viewfinder Type

Viewfinder Type

Optical (pentaprism)

Autofocus Points

Autofocus Points

191

Maximum ISO (Native)

Maximum ISO (Native)

102,400

Frame Rate

Frame Rate

20 fps

Video

Video

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (19)

Screen Size

Screen Size

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (20)3.2"

×

Canon EOS 1D X Mark III

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (21)

Amazon.com

$6,499.00

B&H

$6,499.00

There is no limit to your creativity with the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III. It has superb low-light performance due to the sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 819,200. Also, it can make 5.5K RAW and 4K 60p videos, which is outstanding.

Although image quality depends not only on the number of pixels, the 20.1 MP is relatively low. So if you are a professional who likes to have images printed, this camera might not be the best choice.

Otherwise, it’s a great camera when you need a fast burst rate, like in action photography. The 20 fps (frames per second) continuous shooting speed is impressive. You are definitely going to catch that decisive moment with it.

Also, it has a 191-point autofocus (AF) system. So you won’t have to worry about finding the perfect focus.

3. Nikon D780

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (22)

Lens Mount

Lens Mount

Nikon F

Megapixels

Megapixels

25 MP

In-body Stabilization

In-body Stabilization

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (23)

Viewfinder Type

Viewfinder Type

Optical (pentaprism)

Autofocus Points

Autofocus Points

51

Maximum ISO (Native)

Maximum ISO (Native)

51,200

Frame Rate

Frame Rate

12 fps

Video

Video

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (24)

Screen Size

Screen Size

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (25)3.2"

×

Nikon D780

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (26)

Amazon.com

$1,996.95 $2,196.95

Adorama

$2,049.00

B&H

$2,196.95 $2,296.95

KEH

(second hand)

$1,859.65

For a mid-range full frame camera, you cannot go wrong with the Nikon D780. For a good price, it has excellent resolution and built-in Wi-Fi. And if you are looking for video capabilities, this machine can offer you great 4K Ultra HD (UHD) videos.

One of the most significant benefits of this camera is its “highlight-weighted” metering. This allows the camera to meter light differently by looking at the highlights in the scene.

This gives you more control over the brightest areas. So it reduces the chance of overexposure and blown-out areas. This makes it great for really well-lit scenes, such as interior scenes and daytime events.

4. Canon 6D II

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Lens Mount

Lens Mount

Canon EF

Megapixels

Megapixels

26.2 MP

In-body Stabilization

In-body Stabilization

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (28)

Viewfinder Type

Viewfinder Type

Optical (pentaprism)

Autofocus Points

Autofocus Points

45

Maximum ISO (Native)

Maximum ISO (Native)

40,000

Frame Rate

Frame Rate

6.5 fps

Video

Video

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (29)

Screen Size

Screen Size

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (30)3"

×

Canon EOS 6D Mark II

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (31)

Amazon.com

$1,110.00

Focus Camera

$1,399.00

Adorama

$2,499.00

KEH

(second hand)

$1,008.99

With the Canon 6D Mark II, you get an impressive 26.2 MP resolution. This is a decent resolution if you wish to have your images printed. With this resolution, you can get great-quality prints up to 11 x 14 inches.

Both the 6.5 fps (frames per second) and the 45-point AF system are relatively low. They are not the best numbers compared to other full frame DSLRs on the market.

The ISO range runs from 100 to 40,000 but is expandable to 102,400. As a result, this camera performs great in low-light conditions. Overall, the Canon 6D Mark II is a professional camera with an expensive price tag. Still, it’s one of the best cameras in the DSLR world.

5. Sony a7R IV

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (32)

Lens Mount

Lens Mount

Sony FE

Megapixels

Megapixels

61.2 MP

In-body Stabilization

In-body Stabilization

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (33)

Viewfinder Type

Viewfinder Type

Electronic

Autofocus Points

Autofocus Points

425

Maximum ISO (Native)

Maximum ISO (Native)

32,000

Frame Rate

Frame Rate

10 fps

Video

Video

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Screen Size

Screen Size

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (35)3"

×

Sony a7R IV

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (36)

Amazon.com

$3,198.00

KEH

(second hand)

$2,481.26

First, the images come from a 61.2 MP full frame CMOS sensor. So expect an outstanding amount of detail and quality from the Sony a7R IV. You can use this digital camera for all kinds of photography.

For focusing, the 425-point autofocus is a fantastic gift from the Gods. It is fun and fast, which works well alongside the in-camera image stabilizer. So it’s great for action photography too.

It’s perfect for making videos as well because it’s a 4K camera. And the camera body is also much lighter than most full frame DSLRs. So it’s a great portable camera body for a DSLR.

6. Nikon Z6 II

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (37)

Lens Mount

Lens Mount

Nikon Z

Megapixels

Megapixels

24.5 MP

In-body Stabilization

In-body Stabilization

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (38)

Viewfinder Type

Viewfinder Type

Electronic

Autofocus Points

Autofocus Points

273

Maximum ISO (Native)

Maximum ISO (Native)

51,200

Frame Rate

Frame Rate

14 fps

Video

Video

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (39)

Screen Size

Screen Size

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (40)3.2"

×

Nikon Z6 II

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (41)

Amazon.com

$1,596.95 $1,996.95

B&H

$1,996.95

Among the Z series of Nikon, we recommend the Z6 II. It is particularly good for making videos. For photography, you can use the Nikon Z6 II in any field. Moreover, due to its size, it’s portable.

The autofocus system is speedy, and its image resolution is perfect. It also performs great in bad lighting conditions. This is due to the sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 51,200. And it reduces noise effectively.

So it provides every advantage a full frame mirrorless camera could provide.

7. Sony a7 IV

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (42)

Lens Mount

Lens Mount

Sony E

Megapixels

Megapixels

33 MP

In-body Stabilization

In-body Stabilization

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (43)

Viewfinder Type

Viewfinder Type

Electronic

Autofocus Points

Autofocus Points

759

Maximum ISO (Native)

Maximum ISO (Native)

51,200

Frame Rate

Frame Rate

10 fps

Video

Video

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Screen Size

Screen Size

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (45)3"

×

Sony a7 IV

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (46)

B&H

$2,498.00

Amazon.com

$2,498.00

KEH

(second hand)

$2,149.00

The Sony Alpha a7 IV is simply one of the best full frame cameras on the market. Moreover, as one of the best digital cameras, it has the power to beat DSLRs at their own game.

This monster comes with a 24 MP resolution and a hybrid AF system. The latter has a whopping 399 phase-detection points and 425 contrast focal points.

You get 10 fps, even when shooting silently. That’s the benefit of mirrorless cameras—no sound, as it has no moving parts. It’s around the same cost as the Canon 5D Mark III—for only the body. But it’s lighter, making it perfect for event and travel photography.

8. Canon R6

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (47)

Lens Mount

Lens Mount

Canon RF

Megapixels

Megapixels

20.1 MP

In-body Stabilization

In-body Stabilization

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (48)

Viewfinder Type

Viewfinder Type

Electronic

Autofocus Points

Autofocus Points

1,053

Maximum ISO (Native)

Maximum ISO (Native)

102,400

Frame Rate

Frame Rate

20 fps

Video

Video

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (49)

Screen Size

Screen Size

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (50)3"

×

Canon EOS R6

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (51)

Amazon.com

$1,899.00 $1,999.00

KEH

(second hand)

$2,414.52

The Canon EOS R6mirrorless camera is perfect for beautifully capturing what you see. It gives great freedom for creativity. You can shoot in low light due to the sensitivity range of ISO 100 to102,400.

It’s a superb digital camera for taking photos. It’s fast, and you can shoot many images in a row, which makes it great for catching the decisive moment. But it’s perfect for shooting video too.

There is no limit to what you can capture. This camera allows you to have full control over your settings. It’s a very capable camera. And the technical details won’t stand in your way.

Conclusion

While a full frame camera is nice, it is not always necessary. Full frame sensor cameras have higher resolutions. But this only matters if you blow up your images to a large print format. Examples would be billboards or murals for advertising or commercial projects.

The cost between the high-end and low-end full frame DSLRs or mirrorless systems is around $2,000. This cost might not be worth it if you only blog and shareyour images online. You don’t need the extra megapixels. You could look at a cheaper full frame camerainstead.

Perhaps you have the money. And maybe your field or style demands such high-quality resolution. If so, go for one of these best full frame cameras. We recommend the Nikon D850 if you want the best full frame camera on the market today!

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Full Frame Camera

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (52)

Nikon D850

Nikon D850

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (53)

Canon EOS 1D X Mark III

Canon EOS 1D X Mark III

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (54)

Nikon D780

Nikon D780

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated) (2024)

FAQs

8 Best Full Frame Cameras in 2024 (Updated)? ›

The Sony α7 IV is the best full-frame mirrorless camera we've tested. Following up on the highly popular Sony α7 III, the α7 IV has a new higher-resolution 33 MP sensor that captures plenty of detail and gives you more leeway to crop and edit your photos.

What is the best full-frame camera to buy? ›

The Sony α7 IV is the best full-frame mirrorless camera we've tested. Following up on the highly popular Sony α7 III, the α7 IV has a new higher-resolution 33 MP sensor that captures plenty of detail and gives you more leeway to crop and edit your photos.

When should I upgrade my full-frame camera? ›

Moving to a full-frame camera has many well-documented benefits. The larger image sensor generally allows for better performance in low-light conditions, which will be an advantage if you shoot interiors, weddings, indoor portraits or events, for example.

What will replace DSLR camera? ›

This is not to say that DSLRs will be obsolete right away, as they still hold a firm place in the market due to their superior autofocus systems and natural viewfinder experience. That said, the day will likely come when mirrorless cameras become the new standard in photography, replacing DSLRs.

Is Canon releasing any new cameras in 2024? ›

However, the rumors site also confidently writes that two exciting Canon mirrorless cameras are on the way in 2024 – the long-anticipated Canon EOS R1 flagship and the Canon EOS R5 II.

What will be the future camera? ›

In the future, image sensors will feature larger individual pixels, allowing them to capture more light even in dimly lit environments. Additionally, camera manufacturers are investing in technologies like backside illumination (BSI) and advanced noise reduction algorithms to further enhance low light performance.

What is the disadvantage of full-frame camera? ›

However, full-frame cameras also come with some drawbacks, such as higher cost, weight, and size due to the larger and more expensive sensors, bodies, and lenses. They also have less reach than crop-sensor cameras which can be a disadvantage for wildlife, sports, and macro photography.

Do professional photographers use full-frame cameras? ›

Additionally, lenses made for full frame cameras tend to be of higher quality since full frame is the industry standard for professional photographers, who demand nothing less than perfection. I, for one, love using my trusty 2004 24-70mm f/2.8 lens on my full frame camera.

Do all professional photographers use full-frame cameras? ›

While it's true that many professional photographers prefer to use full-frame cameras, there are other options that can give you great results. Many budget-friendly DSLR cameras or smartphones today can take high-quality photos, and with the right techniques, you can produce stunning real estate photos.

Why do full frame photos look better? ›

“You can't achieve the same low-light performance with a crop sensor that you can with full frame; full frame is so much sharper, clearer, and gives you less noise and more detail,” says photographer Felipe Silva. Astrophotography is one low-light scenario where the larger sensor really shines.

Is full frame better for night photography? ›

Full frame cameras and wide angle lenses offer the best quality for night photography. Crop sensor cameras lack the dynamic range and low light image quality of full frame cameras.

Why full frame is better than APS-C? ›

Benefits of full-frame compared to APS-C

Because a full-frame sensor has a wider field of view, a full-frame camera is ideal for sweeping landscapes, ultra-wide architectural interiors and astrophotography, and for creative effect when you want to exaggerate the perspective between foreground and background areas.

Which camera brand is best? ›

The best camera for photography 2024
  1. Sony A7 IV. The best full-frame hybrid for enthusiasts. ...
  2. Sony A7R V. The best photography camera for most professionals. ...
  3. Canon EOS R10. The best camera for beginners overall. ...
  4. Canon EOS R7. The best APS-C camera for enthusiasts. ...
  5. OM System OM-1. ...
  6. Fujifilm X100V.
Mar 21, 2024

Are pro photographers switching to mirrorless? ›

Mirrorless cameras are now the top choice for most professional photographers. In our 2022 survey, 73% of pros reported shooting with a mirrorless system.

Why is everyone switching to mirrorless cameras? ›

The very first reason why we believe that both professional photographers and even amateur or aspiring pros should switch to mirrorless is simply because mirrorless cameras are easier to use. And it all really comes down to the “electronic viewfinder” that's unique to mirrorless cameras.

Will cameras change in the future? ›

Emerging technologies like Light Field cameras, which allow focus adjustment after a photo is taken, and advancements in computational photography, might revolutionize the ways we capture and interact with images.

Will there ever be new film cameras? ›

Pentax's new film camera has taken a suitably long time to develop, with the project first announced way back in 2022. But if you've been hankering after an analog sidekick that isn't your family's dusty old SLR, we have good news – Pentax's unnamed camera will get a full launch in mid-2024.

Will there be a X100V successor? ›

The Fujifilm X100VI starts shipping next month and costs $1,599, marking an increase of $200 over its predecessor. Those with the X100V probably won't see enough compelling reasons to upgrade, but those with an older X100, or anyone just looking for a great mirrorless camera, will want to take a closer look.

What is the future of smart cameras? ›

In the future, all cameras will be capable of linking up with the Internet of Things (IoT) to create smarter, more responsive monitoring systems. Imagine cameras that talk to your access control system or send alerts to mobile devices when something's up.

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