The 6 Best Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras - Spring 2024 Reviews

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. It's a fantastic hybrid camera, too, with 4k video recording at up to 60 fps, albeit with an APS-C crop, along with internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording and in-body image stabilization (IBIS) for steadier handheld shots—not to mention one of the most accurate autofocus systems on the market.

At this price point, the Canon EOS R6 Mark II is also worth considering, particularly if you prefer Canon's ergonomics. The R6 II also has the advantage of shooting 4k 60 fps video without a crop and has a quicker max burst rate. That said, the plethora of lens options available for Sony's E-mount, including more affordable third-party options, gives it a slight edge over the R6 II.

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 performance. 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 Sony α7 IV above.

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 its few drawbacks is a very slow max burst rate—a measly five fps. Still, if you don't need very quick burst shooting, the Z 5 is an excellent photography camera for its price.

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 secondhand, 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. If you like the portability of the RP but want better video capabilities, the newer Canon EOS R8 takes the portable body of the RP and marries it with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II's sensor—just know that it's notably pricier. If your main focus is photography, the RP offers lots of value, simplicity, and portability for those who want to upgrade from APS-C or jump straight into full-frame photography without breaking the bank.

While full-frame cameras aren't known for their portability, compact full-frame 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 borrows its 33 MP sensor from the Sony α7 IV, meaning images are incredibly detailed, and you have a lot of leeway to crop.

Of course, there are some trade-offs with a more portable camera, most notably its small viewfinder, which isn't especially comfortable to shoot with. It also has just a single SD card slot. But if you're looking for full-frame image quality in a camera body that's super easy to take on the go, it doesn't get much better than the α7C II. Of course, 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. However, if you're primarily a photographer, it's right up there and has an even more efficient battery life.

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 for the price. With internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording and 4k at up to 60 fps (with an APS-C crop), along with nice touches for videographers like vectorscope functionality, 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 still an excellent choice, especially for those on a tighter budget.