The 6 Best Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras - Fall 2024

The Nikon Z 6III is the best full-frame camera we've tested. If you're looking for a premium mirrorless camera that's just shy of pro territory, you won't be disappointed by the Z 6III. From design touches like a remarkably high-res viewfinder, excellent build quality, and thoughtful, customizable ergonomics to its excellent partially stacked sensor, quick burst shooting, in-body image stabilization (IBIS), and great autofocus, there's very little that's missing here. It's also incredibly well-rounded for video, with lots of frame rate options, Log and 10-bit internal recording, as well as built-in RAW video support.

There's a small catch, and that's the fact that its partially stacked sensor does take a hit in dynamic range at lower ISO settings, but for most photographers, that'll be negligible. If having the best possible dynamic range is important for your work, you may still want to consider an alternative like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II or the Sony α7 IV. Both of them have slightly better dynamic range performance and slightly more reliable autofocusing, but any of these three top-tier enthusiast cameras will impress if you're upgrading or getting your first full-frame camera. The Nikon takes our top spot thanks to its build quality, ergonomics, and stand-out features like internal RAW video, but you should go with whichever model is within your preferred lens ecosystem.

Full-frame cameras aren't known for their portability, but compact models like the Sony α7C II prove that you don't need to give up portability to get full-frame image quality. With one of the most compact full-frame bodies on the market, the α7C II is a great choice for high-quality travel photography and street photos.

It uses the same sensor as the Sony α7 IV we mentioned above, so it captures excellent image quality and has a fantastic autofocus system. However, there are some trade-offs with a more portable camera, most notably its small viewfinder and cramped ergonomics, especially compared to a camera like the Nikon Z 6III. Still, if you're looking for full-frame image quality in a compact camera body, it doesn't get much better than the α7C II. If you're on a tighter budget, the original Sony α7C is a great deal, though its internal video recording specs aren't as advanced as its successor's. But if you're primarily a photographer, you won't be disappointed.

The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is the best full-frame camera we've tested for video work. It's a very solid hybrid camera, but it really shines because of its video features, especially at this price point. With internal 10-bit 4:2:2 color and 4k 60 fps recording (albeit with an APS-C crop), along with nice touches for videographers like vectorscope functionality and a full-size HDMI port, it's a very powerful option for videographers.

With this model, Panasonic also improved one of the biggest drawbacks of the original Panasonic LUMIX S5; the S5 II is the first LUMIX camera to feature a phase-detection autofocus system. While it still doesn't quite match up to competitors like Sony or Canon in implementation, it's a step in the right direction and rounds out a camera that offers a lot of value for its price. However, if you're not as fussed about AF, the OG S5 is a steal of a camera for those on a tighter budget. Alternatively, if you need more advanced features like internal ProRes codecs and external RAW video output, you should opt for the more video-centric Panasonic LUMIX S5 IIx, though it's a bit pricier.

The Nikon Z f is easily one of the best-looking full-frame cameras on the market, with a vintage-style design inspired by classic Nikon SLRs. Its relatively portable body makes it easy to take on the go, and its dedicated shutter speed and ISO dials let you quickly adjust settings. The ergonomics can take some getting used to, but if you're a fan of the retro aesthetic, you won't be disappointed.

Aside from a well-designed exterior, the camera also has the guts to back it up. With the same backside-illuminated sensor found in the Nikon Z 6II, the Z f can capture stunning images with plenty of dynamic range and great low-light noise management. This model also features Nikon's new and improved autofocus system, which does an impressive job of keeping moving subjects in focus. That said, its video features, while a step up from older Nikon Z cameras, still fall behind higher-end hybrid cameras like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Panasonic LUMIX S5 II.

The entry-level Nikon Z 5 is a fantastic deal for those dipping their toe into full-frame for the first time. It sits below the higher-end Nikon Z 6II in Nikon's mirrorless lineup and shares a lot of features with that model. The cameras look and feel similar, with weather-sealed bodies, excellent ergonomics, high-res viewfinders, tilting screens, and in-body image stabilization. However, one of the few drawbacks of the Z 5 is its slow max burst rate. If you don't need very quick burst shooting, though, the Z 5 is an excellent full-frame photography camera that you can often find for a steal.

If you're a hybrid shooter or interested in video, be aware that the Z 5 can only shoot 4k footage with a severe crop and offers fewer frame rate and recording options than a higher-end camera like the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II. But if you can live without adequate 4k recording, it captures excellent image quality and has a great battery life. While some of these things might be dealbreakers, this is still a relatively affordable full-frame camera with a lot to offer for photographers.

"Budget" is a relative term here, as the Canon EOS RP will still cost you a fair amount. But as far as full-frame cameras go, there isn't a more affordable option than this unless you buy a camera used, which may be the best route if you're trying to save money. With a decent full-frame sensor packed into a highly portable body, the RP has much to offer, from its impressive autofocus system to its excellent ergonomics and intuitive controls. While it's clear Canon skimped on things like build quality and burst rate compared to pricier models, full-frame image quality has never been more accessible.

Like the Nikon Z 5, it isn't the best option for video shooters, with an even worse 1.74x crop and less impressive video quality, and it doesn't have IBIS to help reduce camera shake. However, if your main focus is photography, the RP offers lots of value, simplicity, and portability, especially for those who want to upgrade from APS-C or jump straight into full-frame photography without breaking the bank.