11 Best Cheap Full Frame Cameras 2022

You might be looking for the cheapest full frame camera if you’re looking to join the ranks of those who swear by sensor acreage. Sensor size isn’t everything, but there’s nothing like have that 35mm film size at your disposal. There are plenty of photography agencies who demand a full frame if you want to work for them.

But it’s an expensive niche, so finding a full frame camera that won’t break the bank can be a challenge. But don’t fret. We’ve collected the best full frame cameras at the budget end of the scale to guide you.

Overall, our top pick is a mirrorless camera—the Canon EOS R. It only just qualifies for this list, as it is in the mid-range price point of full frame cameras. But it combines top-class autofocus, excellent ISO range, and access to some of the best lenses in the world.

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What Are the Best Budget Full Frame Cameras?

This list of the cheapest full frame cameras is a must-read for all photographers interested in changing to a larger sensor size, especially if you’re on a budget.

Here’s our list of the 11 best budget full frame cameras available.

As you can see, this list contains several brands, as well as both DSLR and mirrorless models. Let’s have a look at them in detail.

The EOS R was Canon’s first full frame mirrorless camera to hit the market, and they got off to a good start.

This Canon handles well, and the reliable autofocus and electronic viewfinder make the EOS R a pleasure to use. The 30 MP resolution, 8fps burst mode, and 4K video make the EOS R a versatile full frame camera.

It isn’t the cheapest, but it is great value for money. The Canon EOS R will meet the needs of many a photographer, whether street, travel, or portrait. If you are willing to spend a little more, it could be just what you’re looking for.

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a superb full frame DSLR camera. The CMOS sensor has a highly respectable resolution of 26.2 MP and the image quality is fantastic.

This Canon also features a 45-point autofocus system that’s great for capturing moving subjects. In addition, the expandable ISO range of 102,400 allows you to capture beautifully detailed shots even when light levels are low.

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is not the cheapest full frame camera on this list. And the camera’s lack of 4k video capabilities is a drawback. So videographers might want to think twice before buying one.

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II has its limitations, but that’s not to say it’s not a great full frame camera. It’s a perfect choice for serious enthusiasts. But even professional photographers won’t be disappointed with the results.

If you’re new to the world of full frame cameras, then the Sony A7 II could be the place to start. It’s at the cheaper end of the A7 range, but the images still stand up to the competition.

The 24.3 MP sensor is perfectly respectable. And its 117-point autofocus and in-body image stabilization systems really make the Sony A7 II good value for money.

But for action photographers and videographers, the lack of 4K video and a slow burst rate means the Sony A7 II isn’t the camera for them.

A Nikon D750 in this day and age? Yes, definitely! If you’re a Nikon shooter and want to switch to a full frame camera, the D750 is a great choice.

It is still capable of producing wonderful images. And even though the video capability is only 1080p (not 4K), the quality is good enough for enthusiasts.

The dynamic range is impressive, and the 51-point autofocus system still holds its own when it comes to low-light shooting.

The Nikon D750 is not the most up-to-date full frame DSLR, but its age means that you can find some bargains out there.

The Canon EOS RP is one of the most affordable full frame mirrorless cameras on the market.

It features excellent autofocus for stills, a comfortable ergonomic design, and strong low-light performance. Canon’s vari-angle touchscreen also makes it easy to use when getting those tricky angle shots. The Canon EOS RP does have some slight drawbacks, though.

When shooting in 4k, you’ll have to deal with poor autofocus performance and heavily cropped footage. In addition, the dynamic range of the Canon EOS RP is mediocre at best. And it doesn’t have in-body image stabilization like some rival cameras.

But despite all that, the picture quality and the price make the Canon EOS RP a great entry-level full frame camera.

With the Sony A7R II, you might not get the cheapest full frame camera. But with its 42.4 MP CMOS sensor, you are sure to get some knockout images.

It also features 4K standard and 120 fps slow-motion video. And, the high ISO range enables you to shoot in low light without losing any image quality.

The poor battery life, lack of touch screen, and burst shooting speed of just 5 fps are drawbacks. But the Sony A7R II is one of the best full frame cameras out there regarding image quality.

There are more up-to-date Nikon mirrorless camera models on the market now, such as the Z6 II and Z7. But, the original Z6 is still worth considering. And, the release of newer models means the price of the Z6 will only go lower!

The 24.5 MP image resolution doesn’t quite match up to the newer releases. But the image quality is still excellent.

The Nikon Z6 also has two features that have not been surpassed. Its rapid 12 fps shooting speed and the superb 4K video capture.

The Nikon Z6 is still at the forefront of the full frame mirrorless camera market. And as Nikon releases new mirrorless cameras, the Z6 will become more affordable.

If you’re looking for a budget full frame camera for both stills and video, then the Sony A7 III might be the camera for you. It’s a cheaper alternative to the Sony A7R III but an upgrade from the A7 and A7 II.

You won’t be disappointed with the 24.2 MP resolution for stills and 4K resolution for video capture. The 10 fps burst mode for continuous shooting is also at a very high standard.

It’s not Sony’s latest installment in their full frame mirrorless camera range. But the quality holds up, and the Sony A7 II makes a fantastic budget option.

It’s not the most recent release on the list, but the Nikon D810 still delivers where it matters most—image quality.

The slow burst and the 1080p video do limit the D810’s versatility. But landscape photographers and portrait photographers won’t be disappointed. This camera offers excellent color rendering and image quality from the impressive 36.3 MP sensor.

The Nikon D810 was made to make great images. And the fact it still does means it cannot be ignored.

If the D810 is more than you need, then maybe the Nikon D610 is a better option. It certainly is cheaper.

The 23.3 MP CMOS sensor still packs a punch. And the EXPEED 3 image processor produces exquisitely detailed pictures with a wide dynamic range.

Although it lacks Wi-Fi connectivity and a movable screen, it does come with dual SD card slots essential for any professional.

It’s outdated in some respects, but the Nikon D610 is still a great way to enter the world of full frame photography.

Sony, Canon, and Nikon often dominate the headlines. But, if you’re more of a traditionalist, then the Pentax K-1 Mark II could be of some interest. It’s built to last with a durable and weather-sealed body. It is heavier than its DSLR rivals, but you can rest assured that the K-1 Mark II won’t let you down.

The 36.4 MP sensor resolution and 5-axis in-body stabilization system make the Pentax K-1 Mark II a solid and reliable full frame camera. It’s definitely one to consider if you need something highly reliable.

Conclusion

Even camera sensors as small as Micro Four Thirds, or even your phone’s camera produce stunning photos. And you might wonder if it’s worth going to the expense and bulk of a full frame beast. But plenty of people do.

Hopefully this guide has helped you to choose a relatively affordable route into the joys of full frame photography.

There’s something here for everyone. But the Canon EOS R is our top pick thanks to its autofocus, ISO range, and large choice of available lenses.