The best full-frame cameras
Full-frame cameras are high-end digital imaging devices that feature sensors that are similar in size to 35mm film (36 x 24mm). These relatively large sensors make it possible to capture high quality images even in poorly lit environments. They also tend to offer large dynamic range to reflect differences between dark and bright parts of a scene, and feature a rich color depth to allow for fine tonal gradation, for example, of skintones. On the downside, full-frame sensors are more expensive to produce and require larger lenses to cover the entire sensor area.
There is a wide and growing choice of full-frame cameras on the market. It is not easy to decide which one is best. Indeed, what does it really mean to look for the best full-frame? The camera that offers the best imaging experience? The one with the highest sensor resolution? The one that is most portable? The full-frame camera that does not break the bank? The answers to these questions come down to personal preference, but hopefully the listings below will prove to be useful for your camera decision process.
The highest rated full-frame cameras
The Camera Elo represents a comprehensive rating that takes the body, sensor and feature characteristics of digital cameras into account. It is based on the outcomes of thousands of pair-wise comparisons undertaken via the CAM-parator app.
The Sony A7R V is currently the top-ranked full-frame with a Camera Elo of 3088, followed in second place by the Sony A9 III with a rating of 3078. The table below lists the 20 highest ranked full-frame in descending order of their Elo. It also reports the cameras' DXO Mark sensor quality score, which can be taken as indicators of pure image quality. For both the Camera Elo and the DXO score, higher values represent better performance.
| Camera Model |
Lens Type |
Camera Elo |
DXO Score |
Camera Type |
Resolution (MP) |
Video Format |
Camera Launch | Launch Price (USD) | Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Sony A7R V | Sony E | 3088 | 100 | Mirrorless | 60.2 | 8k/24p | Oct 2022 | 3,899 | amazon.com | |
| 2. | Sony A9 III | Sony E | 3078 | 96 | Mirrorless | 24.0 | 4K/120p | Nov 2023 | 5,999 | amazon.com | |
| 3. | Sony A7R IVA | Sony E | 3071 | 99 | Mirrorless | 60.2 | 4K/30p | Apr 2021 | 3,499 | amazon.com | |
| 4. | Canon R5 C | Canon RF | 3042 | 96 | Mirrorless | 44.8 | 8k/60p | Jan 2022 | 4,499 | amazon.com | |
| 5. | Nikon Z9 | Nikon Z | 3029 | 98 | Mirrorless | 45.4 | 8K/30p | Oct 2021 | 5,499 | amazon.com | |
| 6. | Panasonic S5 II | L Mount | 3024 | 96 | Mirrorless | 24.0 | 6K/30p | Jan 2023 | 1,999 | amazon.com | |
| 7. | Nikon Zf | Nikon Z | 3020 | 96 | Mirrorless | 24.3 | 4K/60p | Sep 2023 | 1,999 | amazon.com | |
| 8. | Sony A1 | Sony E | 3003 | 98 | Mirrorless | 49.8 | 8k/30p | Jan 2021 | 6,499 | amazon.com | |
| 9. | Leica SL3 | L Mount | 2984 | 97 | Mirrorless | 60.3 | 8K/30p | Mar 2024 | 6,999 | amazon.com | |
| 10. | Nikon Z8 | Nikon Z | 2982 | 98 | Mirrorless | 45.4 | 8K/30p | May 2023 | 3,999 | amazon.com | |
| 11. | Canon R5 | Canon RF | 2979 | 95 | Mirrorless | 44.8 | 8K/30p | Jul 2020 | 3,899 | amazon.com | |
| 12. | Canon R3 | Canon RF | 2978 | 96 | Mirrorless | 24.0 | 6K/60p | Sep 2021 | 5,999 | amazon.com | |
| 13. | Sony A7R IIIA | Sony E | 2975 | 100 | Mirrorless | 42.2 | 4K/30p | Apr 2021 | 3,199 | amazon.com | |
| 14. | Sony A7 IV | Sony E | 2970 | 97 | Mirrorless | 32.7 | 4K/60p | Oct 2021 | 2,499 | amazon.com | |
| 15. | Sony A7C R | Sony E | 2963 | 96 | Mirrorless | 60.2 | 4K/60p | Aug 2023 | 2,999 | amazon.com | |
| 16. | Nikon Z7 II | Nikon Z | 2960 | 100 | Mirrorless | 45.4 | 4K/60p | Oct 2020 | 2,999 | amazon.com | |
| 17. | Nikon Z6 II | Nikon Z | 2952 | 94 | Mirrorless | 24.3 | 4K/60p | Oct 2020 | 1,999 | amazon.com | |
| 18. | Sony A7C II | Sony E | 2950 | 96 | Mirrorless | 32.7 | 4K/60p | Aug 2023 | 2,199 | amazon.com | |
| 19. | Sony ZV-E1 | Sony E | 2948 | 96 | Mirrorless | 12.0 | 4K/60p | Mar 2023 | 2,199 | amazon.com | |
| 20. | Sony A7R IV | Sony E | 2939 | 99 | Mirrorless | 60.2 | 4K/30p | Jul 2019 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
| Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. | |||||||||||
You can access more detail on the listed cameras by clicking on the camera's name. Alternatively, you can compare two full-frame cameras using the search boxes below. Just enter two model names into the input fields and you will promptly be taken to a respective comparison.
The highest resolution full-frame cameras
Perhaps your primary aim is to capture images with great detail, for example in landscape photography, or to have the ability to crop images heavily in post processing while still maintaining good image quality. In this case, the best full-frame might be the one with the highest sensor resolution. The following table lists the 20 full-frame cameras with the highest megapixel count. Again, clicking on the camera's name will reveal further detail.
| Camera Model |
Lens Type |
Resolution (MP) |
Camera Elo |
DXO Score |
Camera Type |
Video Format |
Camera Launch | Launch Price (USD) | Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Leica SL3 | L Mount | 60.3 | 2984 | 97 | Mirrorless | 8K/30p | Mar 2024 | 6,999 | amazon.com | |
| 2. | Leica Q3 | 28 mm f/1.7 | 60.3 | 2937 | 96 | Compact | 8K/30p | May 2023 | 5,995 | amazon.com | |
| 3. | Leica M11 | Leica M | 60.3 | 2819 | 100 | Rangefinder | - | Jan 2022 | 8,995 | amazon.com | |
| 4. | Sony A7R V | Sony E | 60.2 | 3088 | 100 | Mirrorless | 8k/24p | Oct 2022 | 3,899 | amazon.com | |
| 5. | Sony A7R IVA | Sony E | 60.2 | 3071 | 99 | Mirrorless | 4K/30p | Apr 2021 | 3,499 | amazon.com | |
| 6. | Sony A7C R | Sony E | 60.2 | 2963 | 96 | Mirrorless | 4K/60p | Aug 2023 | 2,999 | amazon.com | |
| 7. | Sony A7R IV | Sony E | 60.2 | 2939 | 99 | Mirrorless | 4K/30p | Jul 2019 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
| 8. | Sigma fp L | L Mount | 60.2 | 2910 | 96 | Mirrorless | 4K/30p | Mar 2021 | 2,499 | amazon.com | |
| 9. | Canon 5DS | Canon EF | 50.3 | 2093 | 87 | DSLR | 1080/30p | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | ebay.com | |
| 10. | Canon 5DS R | Canon EF | 50.3 | 2093 | 86 | DSLR | 1080/30p | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | ebay.com | |
| 11. | Sony A1 | Sony E | 49.8 | 3003 | 98 | Mirrorless | 8k/30p | Jan 2021 | 6,499 | amazon.com | |
| 12. | Leica SL2 | L Mount | 46.7 | 2866 | 95 | Mirrorless | 4K/60p | Nov 2019 | 5,999 | amazon.com | |
| 13. | Panasonic S1R | L Mount | 46.7 | 2839 | 100 | Mirrorless | 4K/60p | Feb 2019 | 3,699 | amazon.com | |
| 14. | Leica Q2 | 28 mm f/1.7 | 46.7 | 2634 | 96 | Compact | 4K/30p | Mar 2019 | 4,995 | amazon.com | |
| 15. | Nikon Z9 | Nikon Z | 45.4 | 3029 | 98 | Mirrorless | 8K/30p | Oct 2021 | 5,499 | amazon.com | |
| 16. | Nikon Z8 | Nikon Z | 45.4 | 2982 | 98 | Mirrorless | 8K/30p | May 2023 | 3,999 | amazon.com | |
| 17. | Nikon Z7 II | Nikon Z | 45.4 | 2960 | 100 | Mirrorless | 4K/60p | Oct 2020 | 2,999 | amazon.com | |
| 18. | Nikon Z7 | Nikon Z | 45.4 | 2746 | 99 | Mirrorless | 4K/30p | Aug 2018 | 3,399 | ebay.com | |
| 19. | Nikon D850 | Nikon FX | 45.4 | 2599 | 100 | DSLR | 4K/30p | Jul 2017 | 3,299 | amazon.com | |
| 20. | Canon R5 C | Canon RF | 44.8 | 3042 | 96 | Mirrorless | 8k/60p | Jan 2022 | 4,499 | amazon.com | |
| Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. | |||||||||||
The most portable full-frame cameras
A well-known proverb states that the best camera is the one that you have with you. As such, a smaller and lighter camera will likely get more use than a bulkier and heavier model. The table below lists the 20 lightest full-frame cameras that have been released since 2015 in ascending order of their weight.
| Camera Model |
Lens Type |
Camera Weight |
Camera Size |
Camera Elo |
Camera Type |
Resolution (MP) |
Camera Launch | Launch Price (USD) | Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Sigma fp | L Mount | 14.9 oz | 4.4 x 2.8 x 1.8 in | 2747 | Mirrorless | 24.0 | Jul 2019 | 1,899 | amazon.com | |
| 2. | Sigma fp L | L Mount | 15.1 oz | 4.4 x 2.8 x 1.8 in | 2910 | Mirrorless | 60.2 | Mar 2021 | 2,499 | amazon.com | |
| 3. | Canon R8 | Canon RF | 16.3 oz | 5.2 x 3.4 x 2.8 in | 2853 | Mirrorless | 24.0 | Feb 2023 | 1,499 | amazon.com | |
| 4. | Sony ZV-E1 | Sony E | 17.0 oz | 4.8 x 2.8 x 2.1 in | 2948 | Mirrorless | 12.0 | Mar 2023 | 2,199 | amazon.com | |
| 5. | Canon RP | Canon RF | 17.1 oz | 5.2 x 3.3 x 2.8 in | 2665 | Mirrorless | 26.0 | Feb 2019 | 1,299 | amazon.com | |
| 6. | Sony RX1R II | 35 mm f/2.0 | 17.9 oz | 4.4 x 2.6 x 2.8 in | 2181 | Compact | 42.2 | Oct 2015 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
| 7. | Sony A7C | Sony E | 18.0 oz | 4.9 x 2.8 x 2.4 in | 2934 | Mirrorless | 24.0 | Sep 2020 | 1,799 | amazon.com | |
| 8. | Sony A7C II | Sony E | 18.1 oz | 4.9 x 2.8 x 2.5 in | 2950 | Mirrorless | 32.7 | Aug 2023 | 2,199 | amazon.com | |
| 9. | Sony A7C R | Sony E | 18.3 oz | 4.9 x 2.8 x 2.5 in | 2963 | Mirrorless | 60.2 | Aug 2023 | 2,999 | amazon.com | |
| 10. | Sony A7R II | Sony E | 22.0 oz | 5.0 x 3.8 x 2.4 in | 2325 | Mirrorless | 42.2 | Jun 2015 | 3,199 | ebay.com | |
| 11. | Sony A7S II | Sony E | 22.1 oz | 5.0 x 3.8 x 2.4 in | 2243 | Mirrorless | 12.0 | Sep 2015 | 2,999 | ebay.com | |
| 12. | Leica M11 | Leica M | 22.6 oz | 5.5 x 3.1 x 1.5 in | 2819 | Rangefinder | 60.3 | Jan 2022 | 8,995 | amazon.com | |
| 13. | Leica Q Typ 116 | 28 mm f/1.7 | 22.6 oz | 5.1 x 3.1 x 3.7 in | 2149 | Compact | 24.0 | Jun 2015 | 4,249 | ebay.com | |
| 14. | Sony A7R IIIA | Sony E | 22.9 oz | 5.0 x 3.8 x 2.9 in | 2975 | Mirrorless | 42.2 | Apr 2021 | 3,199 | amazon.com | |
| 15. | Sony A7R III | Sony E | 22.9 oz | 5.0 x 3.8 x 2.9 in | 2794 | Mirrorless | 42.2 | Oct 2017 | 3,199 | ebay.com | |
| 16. | Sony A7 III | Sony E | 22.9 oz | 5.0 x 3.8 x 2.9 in | 2655 | Mirrorless | 24.0 | Feb 2018 | 1,999 | amazon.com | |
| 17. | Sony A7 IV | Sony E | 23.2 oz | 5.2 x 3.8 x 3.1 in | 2970 | Mirrorless | 32.7 | Oct 2021 | 2,499 | amazon.com | |
| 18. | Canon R | Canon RF | 23.3 oz | 5.5 x 3.9 x 3.3 in | 2679 | Mirrorless | 30.1 | Sep 2018 | 2,299 | ebay.com | |
| 19. | Leica M10-R | Leica M | 23.3 oz | 5.5 x 3.1 x 1.5 in | 2354 | Rangefinder | 40.9 | Jul 2020 | 8,295 | ebay.com | |
| 20. | Leica M10-P | Leica M | 23.3 oz | 5.5 x 3.1 x 1.5 in | 2221 | Rangefinder | 23.8 | Aug 2018 | 7,995 | ebay.com |
The most affordable full-frame cameras
A camera is only as good as the lens that is placed in front of its sensor. Thus, the best full-frame is one that leaves room enough in the budget to purchase a high quality lens to go with it. More generally, budgetary considerations are almost always important when deciding on a camera purchase, so that the following listing should be of interest. It displays the 20 least expensive full-frame cameras that have been released since 2015 in ascending order of their launch prices (camera only). The latter provide a good idea on the market position of the cameras, but it is often worthwhile to check the current pricing, as all except the most recent models might be available at discounts or as great deals on the pre-owned market.
| Camera Model |
Lens Mount |
Launch Price (USD) |
Camera Elo |
DXO Score |
Camera Type |
Resolution (MP) |
Video Format | Camera Launch | Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Canon RP | Canon RF | 1,299 | 2665 | 85 | Mirrorless | 26.0 | 4K/30p | Feb 2019 | amazon.com | |
| 2. | Nikon Z5 | Nikon Z | 1,399 | 2881 | 95 | Mirrorless | 24.2 | 4K/30p | Jul 2020 | amazon.com | |
| 3. | Canon R8 | Canon RF | 1,499 | 2853 | 93 | Mirrorless | 24.0 | 4k/60p | Feb 2023 | amazon.com | |
| 4. | Sony A7C | Sony E | 1,799 | 2934 | 95 | Mirrorless | 24.0 | 4K/30p | Sep 2020 | amazon.com | |
| 5. | Pentax K-1 | Pentax K | 1,799 | 2409 | 96 | DSLR | 36.2 | 1080/60i | Feb 2016 | ebay.com | |
| 6. | Sigma fp | L Mount | 1,899 | 2747 | 94 | Mirrorless | 24.0 | 4K/30p | Jul 2019 | amazon.com | |
| 7. | Panasonic S5 II | L Mount | 1,999 | 3024 | 96 | Mirrorless | 24.0 | 6K/30p | Jan 2023 | amazon.com | |
| 8. | Nikon Zf | Nikon Z | 1,999 | 3020 | 96 | Mirrorless | 24.3 | 4K/60p | Sep 2023 | amazon.com | |
| 9. | Nikon Z6 II | Nikon Z | 1,999 | 2952 | 94 | Mirrorless | 24.3 | 4K/60p | Oct 2020 | amazon.com | |
| 10. | Panasonic S5 | L Mount | 1,999 | 2852 | 94 | Mirrorless | 24.0 | 4K/60p | Sep 2020 | amazon.com | |
| 11. | Nikon Z6 | Nikon Z | 1,999 | 2723 | 95 | Mirrorless | 24.3 | 4K/30p | Aug 2018 | ebay.com | |
| 12. | Sony A7 III | Sony E | 1,999 | 2655 | 96 | Mirrorless | 24.0 | 4K/30p | Feb 2018 | amazon.com | |
| 13. | Pentax K-1 II | Pentax K | 1,999 | 2575 | 93 | DSLR | 36.2 | 1080/60i | Feb 2018 | amazon.com | |
| 14. | Canon 6D Mark II | Canon EF | 1,999 | 2446 | 85 | DSLR | 26.0 | 1080/60p | Jun 2017 | amazon.com | |
| 15. | Sony A7C II | Sony E | 2,199 | 2950 | 96 | Mirrorless | 32.7 | 4K/60p | Aug 2023 | amazon.com | |
| 16. | Sony ZV-E1 | Sony E | 2,199 | 2948 | 96 | Mirrorless | 12.0 | 4K/60p | Mar 2023 | amazon.com | |
| 17. | Nikon D780 | Nikon FX | 2,299 | 2800 | 95 | DSLR | 24.3 | 4K/30p | Jan 2020 | amazon.com | |
| 18. | Canon R | Canon RF | 2,299 | 2679 | 89 | Mirrorless | 30.1 | 4K/30p | Sep 2018 | ebay.com | |
| 19. | Sony A7 IV | Sony E | 2,499 | 2970 | 97 | Mirrorless | 32.7 | 4K/60p | Oct 2021 | amazon.com | |
| 20. | Canon R6 Mark II | Canon RF | 2,499 | 2936 | 96 | Mirrorless | 24.0 | 4k/60p | Nov 2022 | amazon.com | |
| Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. | |||||||||||
Further Reading
Additional information on the calculation of the Camera Elo can be found on a respective Elo methodology page. Moreover, there are other rankings of cameras by category that might be of interest:
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