There's never been a better time to make the jump to a full-frame digital camera. Over the past few years, models with 24-by-36mm image sensors—the same dimensions as a frame of 35mm film—have become more and more affordable. And while the smaller APS-C sensor format is still the de facto standard for entry-level SLRs and mirrorless cameras, you don't have to move too far north of $1,000 to go full-frame.
There are real advantages to the format, which features a sensor with roughly twice the surface area of APS-C models. It gives photographers more control over depth of field, generally better images in difficult light, and access to higher-resolution capture than you'll find in cameras with smaller sensors.
Mirrorless, SLR, or Something Else?
Choosing the right full-frame model for you isn't the easiest prospect. You'll need to decide if you want to go with an SLR or mirrorless model—or to buck expectations and opt for a rangefinder or fixed-lens camera instead.
Mirrorless systems have overtaken SLRs in performance. You'll enjoy wider autofocus coverage, faster burst rates, and much better video than with a traditional optical viewfinder model. If you're not ready to move on, you can still get an excellent SLR from Canon, Nikon, or Pentax.
If you're thinking about moving to mirrorless, you can look to an adapter to take your existing lenses. Canon and Nikon both offer adapters for their respective systems, and other accessories, like flashes, can be used without the need for adapters.
The advantages of mirrorless systems are palpable. There are fewer moving parts, and engineers are able to put the autofocus system directly on the sensor, so there's never a need to make focus calibration adjustments, and focus points can extend all the way to the edge of the frame. And, while there's certainly an adjustment period needed for photographers used to optical viewfinders, the fact that an EVF is able to show you a preview of what a photo will look like with current exposure settings makes it easier for photographers to get the exposure where they want it.
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Video is the other arena in which mirrorless cameras outpace most competing SLRs. Putting focus on the sensor means that cameras are able to keep up with moving subjects when recording movies, and several models from Canon, Nikon and Sony offer in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which does a very good job steadying handheld video.
There are still plenty of great photos made with SLRs, and while they might not offer as many advanced features as upstart mirrorless rivals, they still have their place. Professionals with years of muscle memory may find that familiar ergonomics trump technical advantages. Others may find that they prefer an old-school, optical viewfinder.
And there's the road less traveled. There are cameras with full-frame sensors, like the Leica M10-R rangefinder series, which is a purely manual focus camera with an optical viewfinder and absolutely no video support.
There are even a few cameras out there with 24-by-36mm sensors and permanently attached lenses. The Leica Q2 and Q2 Monochrom, and the Sony RX1R II represent the current crop.
System Options
Fixed-lens outliers aside, most photographers buying into full-frame will go with an interchangeable lens camera. And before you settle in on a particular camera, you should make sure it's part of a system that will meet all of the challenges you face as a photographer.
Canon has two full-frame systems available. Its well-established SLR series uses the EF lens mount and offers cameras ranging from entry-level to professional. In 2018 it added the EOS R mirrorless family, which uses the RF mount, but can also use EF lenses via an inexpensive adapter.
In addition to its iconic M rangefinder series, Leica launched its own mirrorless system, with autofocus, in 2015 with the SL camera. It lived in its niche for a few years, but that changed at the 2018 Photokina conference. Leica announced that Panasonic and Sigma were joining it to form the L-Mount Alliance. Panasonic has released five models so far, and Sigma is shipping its compact fp and fp L, two of the smallest full-frame cameras.
Like Canon, Nikon has two full-frame systems. You can opt for an SLR, which uses the F-mount, and the mirrorless Z-mount system, launched in 2018.
Nikon has continued to support its SLR system with new full-frame releases, including 2020's D780, pleasing optical viewfinder devotees. Most of its newer cameras use the mirrorless Z mount. Current full-frame models include the entry-level Z 5, midrange Z 6 II, and high-resolution Z 7 II.
Pentax is an iconic SLR brand, but doesn't give owners much choice when it comes to full-frame cameras. It's released two—the K-1 and K-1 Mark II—and the Mark II's upgrades are minimal. Both are built around a 36MP sensor, include weather protection, and offer in-body stabilization.
Sony technically has two systems, but its A-mount SLR series is no longer in production. You may still be able to find a99 II second-hand, but it's a camera that only makes sense for photographers with a stash of Minolta and Sony A-mount SLR lenses. If you're in that boat and ready to move on to mirrorless, the Sony LA-EA5 adapter is there to bring your favorite SLR lenses to a mirrorless camera.
The Sony E mirrorless system is one of the most popular, and fully developed, in the mirrorless segment. After nearly a decade on the market, the company has delivered models tuned for high-speed action, high-resolution capture, and for video. There are loads of lenses available, both first- and third-party, and Sony continues to sell older models with reduced pricing, broadening the appeal for entry-level buyers.
If you're still not sure what system is right for you, we cover all the options, including those with smaller than full-frame sensors, here.
Get the Right Camera
It's easy to buy a full-frame camera—you just need a credit card. It's getting the right one that can be tricky. Once you've settled in on the right system, make sure the model you choose meets your needs. Photographers interested in action should look for one with great autofocus and a fast burst rate, while fine art and landscape specialists will seek out high resolution and extreme dynamic range.
You can take a look at our latest reviews to see what's just come to market. We also have some tips for enthusiasts who want to get more out of their camera, and guides with instructions on getting great shots of fireworks and lightning.
