10 Best Cheapest Full Frame Cameras in 2023 (Updated)

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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.

Our Top Pick

Canon EOS R

Experience the power of a full frame camera at an unbeatable price.

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What is the Cheapest Full Frame Camera?

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 10 best budget full frame cameras available.

Camera Name

Why We Love It

Buy From

Canon EOS R

Our Top Pick

Excellent autofocus system
Excellent ISO range
Ergonomic camera body
Responsive and articulating touchscreen

Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Best Canon DSLR

Fantastic image quality
Impressive 45-point AF system
Built well and nice to handle
Handy built-in Wi-Fi and GPS

Sony a7 II

Best Value Mirrorless Camera

Excellent built-in image stabilization
Fast, responsive AF with subject tracking
Low-noise at high ISO settings
Weather sealed and dust-resistant
Handy Wi-Fi connectivity

Nikon D750

Best Nikon DSLR

Excellent performance at high ISOs
Flip-up screen
Built-in Wi-Fi
Stereo microphone
6.5 fps continuous shooting

Canon EOS RP

Most Affordable Canon Mirrorless Camera

Affordable full frame mirrorless
Lightweight and easy to handle
Macro stacking and time-lapse
Convenient Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Nice 4K video performance

Sony a7R II

Best Silent Camera

42.4 MP sensor
Substantial programmability
Bright, clear electronic viewfinder
Solid construction
Impressive silent mode

Sony a7 III

Best Autofocus

Quick and accurate 693-point AF
Wide ISO range with a low 50 setting
Outstanding dynamic range and low-light performance
Records stunning 4K video and has live stream capabilities

Nikon D810

Best Nikon for Low Light

Outstanding image quality from the FX-format sensor
Wide ISO range and great low-light performance
Fast and accurate AF system that works well in dark conditions
High-quality pentaprism optical viewfinder

Nikon D610

Best Value Nikon DSLR

Nikon's cheapest full frame DSLR
Very compact and light
Flexible auto-ISO function
Built-in flash
Fast 6 fps continuous shooting

Pentax K-1 II

Best for Astrophotography

Plenty of manual controls
A wide ISO range for low light
5-axis Shake Reduction II worth 2.3 to 3.6 shutter stops
Dynamic Pixel Shift resolution provides sharper images
Astrotracer tracks stars at night
Durable camera body with excellent weather sealing

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.

1. Canon EOS R

Brand	Canon
Sensor Format	Full Frame
Lens Mount	Canon RF
Megapixels	30.3 MP
In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	5,655
Minimum ISO (Native)	100
Maximum ISO (Native)	40,000
Frame Rate	8 fps
Video
Screen Size	3.2"

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.

2. Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Brand	Canon
Sensor Format	Full Frame
Lens Mount	Canon EF
Megapixels	26.2 MP
In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	45
Minimum ISO (Native)	100
Maximum ISO (Native)	40,000
Frame Rate	6.5 fps
Video
Screen Size	3"

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.

3. Sony a7 II

Brand	Sony
Sensor Format	Full Frame
Lens Mount	Sony E
Megapixels	24.3 MP
In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	117
Minimum ISO (Native)	50
Maximum ISO (Native)	51,200
Frame Rate	5 fps
Video
Screen Size	3"

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.

4. Nikon D750

Brand	Nikon
Sensor Format	Full Frame
Lens Mount	Nikon F FX
Megapixels	24.3 MP
In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	51
Minimum ISO (Native)	100
Maximum ISO (Native)	25,600
Frame Rate	6.5 fps
Video
Screen Size	3.2"

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, 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.

5. Canon EOS RP

Brand	Canon
Sensor Format	Full Frame
Lens Mount	Canon RF
Megapixels	26 MP
In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	4,779
Minimum ISO (Native)	100
Maximum ISO (Native)	40,000
Frame Rate	5 fps
Video
Screen Size	3"

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.

6. Sony a7R II

Brand	Sony
Sensor Format	Full Frame
Lens Mount	Sony FE
Megapixels	42.4 MP
In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	399
Minimum ISO (Native)	100
Maximum ISO (Native)	25,600
Frame Rate	5 fps
Video
Screen Size	3"

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 a touchscreen, 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.

7. Sony a7 III

Brand	Sony
Sensor Format	Full Frame
Lens Mount	Sony FE
Megapixels	24.2 MP
In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	693
Minimum ISO (Native)	100
Maximum ISO (Native)	51,200
Frame Rate	10 fps
Video
Screen Size	3"

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.

8. Nikon D810

Brand	Nikon
Sensor Format	Full Frame
Lens Mount	Nikon F FX
Megapixels	36.3 MP
In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	51
Minimum ISO (Native)	64
Maximum ISO (Native)	32,000
Frame Rate	5 fps
Video
Screen Size	3.2"

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.

9. Nikon D610

Brand	Nikon
Sensor Format	Full Frame
Lens Mount	Nikon F FX
Megapixels	24 MP
In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	39
Minimum ISO (Native)	100
Maximum ISO (Native)	6,400
Frame Rate	6 fps
Video
Screen Size	3.2"

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.

10. Pentax K-1 II

Brand	Pentax
Sensor Format	Full Frame
Lens Mount	Pentax KAF4
Megapixels	36 MP
In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	33
Minimum ISO (Native)	100
Maximum ISO (Native)	819,200
Frame Rate	4.4 fps
Video
Screen Size	3.2"

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.

Our Top Pick

Canon EOS R

Experience the power of a full frame camera at an unbeatable price.

10 Best Cheapest Full Frame Cameras in 2023 (Updated)

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