The 5 Best Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras - Spring 2023 Reviews

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is the best full-frame mirrorless camera we've tested. With a new higher-resolution sensor, faster electronic burst shooting, and an updated autofocus system, it's a well-rounded enthusiast-level powerhouse that can do it all. Beyond that, it comes with premium features like in-body image stabilization, weather-sealing, and dual SD card slots. It's also one of the few cameras that can record 10-bit 4k 60 fps video without a crop.

That said, Canon's RF-mount still doesn't have a huge selection of lenses. If you'd prefer a camera with better third-party lens support, the Sony α7 IV is the way to go. It has an even higher-resolution sensor and matches the Canon in a lot of areas, though it can only record 4k at 60 fps with a significant crop, and it has a slower max burst rate. Of course, the original Canon EOS R6 is still a fantastic camera, especially if you don't mind the lower-resolution sensor and a 30-minute time limit on video recording.

If cameras like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II or the Sony α7 IV are a little out of your price range, the Nikon Z 6II is a worthwhile option at a slightly lower price point. While its autofocus system and tracking algorithm don't quite reach the same heights as the AF on the Sony or Canon, it's still very effective and will serve you well in all but the most extreme shooting situations. The camera is also right up there in build quality, ergonomics, and image quality.

The biggest downside of the Z 6II compared to those pricier models is its video capabilities, as it's limited to 8-bit internal recording, which gives you less flexibility to edit and color grade your footage. Nikon's Z-mount lens options are also more limited for the time being, especially compared to Sony's E-mount, which boasts a ton of third-party as well as native lens options. It's still an excellent photography camera that handles remarkably well, thanks to intuitive controls and ergonomics.

If you're on a tighter budget, the entry-level Nikon Z 5 is a fantastic deal. It's similar to the Nikon Z 6II mentioned above, sitting just below it in Nikon's mirrorless lineup. The cameras look and feel similar, with weather-sealed bodies, excellent ergonomics, high-res viewfinders, tilting screens, and in-body image stabilization. One of the few drawbacks it does have is slow burst shooting—a measly 5 fps vs. 14 fps on the Z 6II. Still, if you don't use continuous shooting much, 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 options than the Z 6II. The Z 6II also has a slightly more capable autofocus system with more sophisticated tracking. If you can live without adequate 4k recording, it performs on par for image quality and surpasses the more powerful Z 6II for 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 on a tighter budget.

"Cheap" 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. That is unless you buy a camera secondhand, which may be the best route if you're trying to save money. Still, with a decent full-frame sensor packed into a highly portable body, there's a lot to like about the RP, 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 and lenses have 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. That said, if your main focus is photography, the RP offers lots of value, simplicity, and portability, making it a solid option for those looking 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, manufacturers have been releasing smaller and smaller models for those who want a more portable kit, and the Sony α7C is the most capable compact full-frame on the market. It's a great choice for high-quality travel photos thanks to its remarkably compact body. As far as performance goes, it sits somewhere in between the Sony α7 III and the Sony α7 IV, with a better AF system than the α7 III but worse internal video specs than the α7 IV. For image quality, it's right up there with both of them.

Of course, there are some trade-offs with a more portable camera, most notably the camera's tiny viewfinder, which isn't especially comfortable to shoot with. It also has fewer buttons and dials and just a single SD card slot. Still, 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.