The best full-frame cameras for 2021
There's never been a better time to upgrade to a full-frame digital camera. In recent years, models with 24 x 36 mm image sensors - the same dimensions as...
25/09/2021
There's never been a better time to upgrade to a full-frame digital camera. In recent years, models with 24 x 36mm image sensors - the same dimensions as a 35mm film frame - have become increasingly affordable. And while the smaller APS-C sensor format is still the de facto standard for entry-level DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, you don't need to stray too far north of $1,000 to switch to full size.
The. are real assets for the format which integrates a sensor of approximately twice the surface of the APS-C models. It gives photographers more control over depth of field, generally better images in difficult light conditions, and access to higher resolution capture than you'll find in cameras with smaller sensors.
Mirrorless, SLR or other?
Picking the full-frame template that's right for you isn't the easiest prospect. You'll have to decide if you want to go for an SLR or mirrorless model, or to push the expectations and opt for a rangefinder or fixed-lens camera instead.
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Mirrorless systems have surpassed 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 always get a great SLR from Canon, Nikon or Pentax.
If you're considering going mirrorless, you can turn to a take-home adapter. your existing lenses. Both Canon and Nikon offer adapters for their respective systems, and other accessories, such as flashes, can be used without the need for adapters.
The advantages of mirrorless systems are palpable. There are fewer moving parts and engineers can place the autofocus system directly on the sensor, so there's never a need to make focus calibration adjustments, and focus points point can extend to the edge of the frame. And, while there's certainly some adjustment period needed for photographers used to optical viewfinders, the fact that an electronic viewfinder is able to show you a preview of what a shot will look like with exposure settings makes it easier for photographers to get exposure where they want it.
Video is the other area where mirrorless cameras outperform most competing DSLRs. Focusing on the sensor means cameras are able to keep up with moving subjects when recording video, and several models from Canon, Nikon and Sony offer in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which makes a very good job of stabilizing handheld video.
There are still plenty of great photos taken with DSLRs, and while they don't offer as many advanced features as their mirrorless competitors, they still have their place. Professionals with years of muscle memory may find the familiar ergonomics outweigh the technical advantages. Others may find they prefer an old-school optical viewfinder.
And there is the road less travelled. There are cameras with full-frame sensors, like the rangefinder series
Leica M10
, which is a purely manual focus camera with an optical viewfinder and absolutely no video support.
There are even a few cameras with 24 x 36mm sensors and permanently attached lenses. the
Leica Q2
and
Q2 Monochrom
, and the
Sony RX1R II
represent the current harvest.
System Options
Fixed lens outliers aside, most photographers who buy the full frame will opt for an interchangeable lens camera. And before you settle on any particular camera, you need to make sure it's part of a system that will handle whatever challenges you'll face as a photographer.
Canon offers two full frame systems. 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 a
inexpensive adapter
.
In addition to its iconic M series of rangefinders, Leica launched its own mirrorless system, with autofocus, in 2015 with the camera
SL
. It lived in its niche for a few years, but that changed at the Photokina 2018 conference. Leica announced that Panasonic and Sigma were joining it to form the
L-Mount Alliance
. Panasonic has released four models so far, and Sigma delivers its compacts
fp
and
fp L
, two of the smallest full-frame cameras.
Like Canon, Nikon offers 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 the last year
D780
, delight enthusiasts of the optical viewfinder. Most of its new cameras use the mirrorless Z mount. Current full-frame models include the entry-level
Z5
, the mid-range
Z6 II
and the high resolution Z 7 II.
Pentax is an iconic SLR brand, but doesn't leave owners much choice when it comes to full-frame cameras. He released two: the
K-1
and
K-1 Mark II
—and Mark II 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 DSLR series is almost dead. You can always find
a99 II
at select retailers, 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 this boat and ready to go mirrorless, the Sony LA-EA5 adapter is here to bring your favorite SLR lenses to a mirrorless camera.
The Sony E mirrorless system is one of the most popular and developed in the mirrorless segment. After a full seven years on the market, the company has delivered models designed for high-speed action, high-resolution capture, and video. There are a host of lenses available, both proprietary and third-party, and Sony continues to sell older models at discounted prices, broadening the appeal of entry-level buyers.
If you're still unsure which system is right for you, we cover all options, including those with sensors smaller than full frame,
here
.
Get the right camera
Buying a full-frame camera is easy: all you need is a credit card. It can be difficult to find the right one. Once you've chosen the right system, make sure the model you choose meets your needs. Action-oriented photographers should look for one with excellent autofocus and a fast burst rate, while fine art and landscape specialists will want high resolution and extreme dynamic range.
You can check out our latest reviews to see what just hit the market. We also have some
tips
for enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their camera, plus step-by-step guides to getting great photos from
fireworks
p>
and
lightning
.