So, you want to switch to a full-frame camera?
Great! These days, even the cheapest full frame camera offers you high-quality images.
Here’s a list of the 12 best budget full-frame cameras in 2021.
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12 Best Budget Full Frame Cameras 2021
Switching from one sensor size to another has become a hot topic lately. A lot of photographers love to share why they’re switching and why you should too. The truth is, there is no right or wrong. It’s all a matter of preference and taste. Small sensors have their advantages but so do large ones.
A full-frame sensor is nearly 2.5 times bigger than an APS-C sensor. If you compare a crop sensor and a full-frame sensor with the same amount of megapixels, the full-frame will get you better image quality and light-gathering power. And it’s all because a full-frame sensor has bigger photo sites to capture the light.
So, are you ready to make the switch? Here are our top picks.
12. Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Type: DSLR
Sensor: Full-frame
Megapixels:26.2MP
Lens mount: Canon EF
Screen: 3in vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots
Viewfinder: Optical
Max burst speed: 6.5fps
Max video resolution: 1080p
User level: Enthusiast/professional
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a great all-round full-frame camera. It has everything from image quality to fast AF. However, it’s not the cheapest full-frame camera in the list. With that in mind, a drawback might be that this camera doesn’t feature 4K video. So, videographer, think twice before buying one.
Nevertheless, if you’re already a Canon shooter and you want to upgrade to a full-frame, the 6D Mark II is a great choice. Even professional photographers won’t be disappointed by its capabilities.
11. Sony A7
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Full-frame
Megapixels: 24.3MP
Lens mount: Sony E
Screen: 3in tiltable, 921,600 dots
Viewfinder: Electronic
Max burst speed: 5fps
Max video resolution: 1080p
User level: Enthusiast
The Sony A7 is the first of a generation of cameras that changed the game for many photographers. It’s still a great camera, even today. With a weather-sealed body, great autofocus and excellent video and image quality, you can’t go wrong with buying this camera.
Do keep in mind that it also doesn’t feature 4k video and you might want to buy and extra battery or two. Battery life is not great.
Sony A7R II
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Full-frame
Megapixels: 42.4MP
Lens mount: Sony E
Screen: 3in tilting touchscreen, 1,229k dots
Viewfinder: EVF, 2,359k dots
Continuous shooting speed: 5fps
Max video resolution: 4K
User level: Enthusiast/professional
With the A7R II, you might not get the cheapest full frame camera, but you get one of the best full-frame sensors and a lot more. It features 4k video and 120fps slow-motion video. You can shoot in low light because of the high ISO capabilities and all of this is packed into a durable body.
A few drawbacks are the mediocre battery life, lack of touch screen, and burst rate of just 5 frames per second. Not the best choice for sports photographers.
Canon EOS RP
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor Full frame
Megapixels: 26.2MP
Lens mount: Canon RF
Screen: 3-inch fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04m dots
Viewfinder: Electronic
Max burst speed: 5fps (One Shot), 4fps (Servo AF)
Max video resolution: 4K
User level: Enthusiast
The Canon EOS RP is one of the most affordable entry points into a full-frame mirrorless camera. It features great autofocus, excellent ergonomics and low light performance, and Canon’s “Vari-Angle” touchscreen.
It’s not all good though. When shooting in 4k, you’ll have to deal with poor autofocus and it’s heavily cropped. Dynamic range is mediocre at best and it doesn’t have in-body stabilization.
Nevertheless, if you’re looking for one of the cheapest full frame camera options in the mirrorless generation, the Canon EOS RP is definitely a great choice for tight budgets.
Nikon D750
Type: DSLR
Sensor: Full-frame
Megapixels: 24.3MP
Lens mount: Nikon F
Screen: 3.2in tilting touchscreen, 1,228,000 dots
Viewfinder: Optical
Max burst speed: 6.5fps
Max video resolution: 1080p
User level: Enthusiast/professional
A Nikon D750 in 2019? Yes, definitely! If you’re a Nikon shooter and want to switch to a full-frame camera, the D750 is a great choice.
Sure, it’s a little bit dated but don’t be fooled. For the price, it’s a great camera and you should definitely check it out. Dynamic range is impressive, image quality is great and you don’t need to worry about shooting in low light.
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Full-frame
Megapixels: 24.2MP
Lens mount: Sony E
Screen: 3in tilting touchscreen, 922k dots
Viewfinder: EVF, 2,359k dots
Continuous shooting speed: 10fps
Max video resolution: 4K
User level: Enthusiast
Looking for value for money? Check out the Sony A7 III. Videographers won’t be disappointed.
It’s definitely one of the best options if you’re both into video and stills. If you’re looking at the a7R III but find it too expensive. Look no further, the Sony A7 III is the camera you want and deserves its place in this budget full-frame camera list.
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Full-frame
Megapixels: 12.2MP
Lens mount: Sony E
Screen: 3in tiltable, 921,600 dots
Viewfinder: Electronic
Max burst speed: 5fps
Max video resolution: 4K
User level: Expert
You might be tempted to skip this one because of the low amount megapixels. I think you definitely have to give it a chance because megapixels is not the most important thing.
This camera is more than excellent in low light situations. You can shoot at ISO 80,000 without worrying about ruining the image. Also in normal situations, the image quality is excellent.
If you’re not looking for insane details and cropping power, the A7S might be the camera for you. It’s definitely not the cheapest full frame camera in this list, though.
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Full-frame
Megapixels: 24.3MP
Lens mount: Sony E
Screen: 3in tiltable, 1,228,800 dots
Viewfinder: Electronic
Max burst speed: 5fps
Max video resolution: 1080p
User level: Enthusiast/professional
Sony A7 II is one of the best full frame cameras to start with. The image quality and handling are great and the ISO performance is excellent. 24MP is also all you’ll ever need when shooting full frame. The Sony A7 series is so popular for a reason.
It’s not for everyone, though. The autofocus system is not great for sports and action photographers should look elsewhere. Also, it doesn’t feature 4K so videographers beware.
Type: DSLR
Sensor: Full-frame
Megapixels: 36.4MP
Screen: 3.2in pivoting screen, 1,037,000 dots
Viewfinder: Optical
Max burst speed: 4.4fps (6.4fps in APS-C crop mode)
Max video resolution: 1080p
User level: Enthusiast/professional
Hey, it’s not all about Sony, Canon, and Nikon! Take a look at the Pentax K-1 II if you haven’t already invested heavily in lenses of other brands. It has weather sealing and rock-solid build quality. The image quality is excellent and it features dual SD card slots.
It’s not without flaws, of course. The autofocus might be too slow for some photographers. Also, it’s built to last a lifetime but because of that, it’s heavier than you might like. Nevertheless, don’t just skip the Pentax when looking for the cheapest full frame camera.
Nikon D810
Type: DSLR
Sensor: Full-frame
Megapixels: 36.3MP
Screen: 3.2-inch TFT-LCD screen
Viewfinder: Optical
Max burst speed: 5fps
Max video resolution: 1080p
User level: Enthusiast/professional
When the D800 came out, it was a game-changer. But is the upgraded D810 still a good choice in 2019? Yes, it is. This full-frame SLR camera is designed primarily for those photographers who need high image quality.
Landscape photographers and portrait photographers won’t be disappointed. This camera offers excellent color rendering and image quality.
The low light performance is excellent and also videographers will be happy with the Nikon D810. Again, a drawback is that it doesn’t feature 4K video. If you want detail and superb image quality, the D810 is a very strong contender.
Nikon D610
Type: DSLR
Sensor: Full-frame
Megapixels: 23.3MP
Screen: 3.2in 921k-dot LCD screen
Viewfinder: Optical
Max burst speed: 6fps
Max video resolution: 1080p
User level: Enthusiast/professional
Is the D810 too much for you? Take a look at the Nikon D610. The image quality is great, even at high ISO values.
The autofocus is also great and it’s built to last a lifetime, just like the 810. A few drawbacks are the lack of WiFi and the fixed LCD screen.
Canon EOS R
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Full-frame
Megapixels: 30.3MP
Screen: 3.2in, 2.1M-dot fully-articulating touchscreen LCD
Viewfinder: Electronic
Max burst speed: 8fps, 5fps with Servo AF
Max video resolution: 4K
User level: Enthusiast/Advanced
Canon’s first attempt at a full-frame mirrorless camera. Definitely not the cheapest full-frame camera but it’s a great camera to enter the mirrorless full-frame market. For enthusiasts, it’s an excellent camera but professionals might not find what they’re looking for.
Nevertheless, it handles great, has a good autofocus system and a great electronic viewfinder. Canon certainly proves that it’s working towards the future and there’s no reason not to enter the mirrorless market with Canon.
The image quality is great. Street and travel photographers should definitely take a look at the Canon EOS R.
