Best full-frame mirrorless cameras 2021: top models from Sony, Canon, Nikon and more

(Image credit: Future)

PRICE

VERDICT

REASONS TO BUY

REASONS TO AVOID

VERDICT

REASONS TO BUY

REASONS TO AVOID

The full frame mirrorless market is slowly but surely becoming a crowded and highly competitive market. It wasn't too long ago that choosing which full-frame mirrorless camera to buy was a simple task, but now it requires some thought as there are so many models in what was once a nice niche space.

Full-frame cameras are renowned for their large sensors and superior image quality, especially for those shot at high ISO sensitivities. Traditionally, full-frame sensors were only found in heavier DSLR camera bodies, until Sony released the first full-frame mirrorless model, the Alpha A7

, in 2013.

It wasn't until 2018 that other big players decided to enter the fray, as Canon, Nikon and Panasonic all announced mirrorless cameras with full-frame sensors. Now buyers are spoiled for choice when it comes to camera bodies and lenses. Which is good news, because full-frame mirrorless cameras combine the legendary quality of those larger sensors with the advanced shooting features associated with modern mirrorless cameras.

So which full frame is best? While it's very tempting to put a speedster like the Sony A1 at the top of our list, it's also a very expensive option for most users, and probably too high. So, for now, we think the Sony Alpha A7 III (the successor to the model that started it all) is the best full-frame mirrorless camera money can buy. Although it's part of the so-called 'basic range', it's anything but basic, offering features to rival most competitors. And it's also relatively affordable.

Again, with such a growing range of capable cameras to choose from, chances are you'll find something more suited to your shooting preferences in the list below. The Canon EOS RP, for example, is a great all-rounder at a reasonable price, while the Canon EOS R5 is a pioneering, albeit expensive, all-rounder that's a game-changer again.

Nevertheless, it is true. now, here are the best full-frame mirrorless cameras you can buy.

Best full frame mirrorless cameras 2021 at a glance:

Sony A7III

Canon EOS-R5

Nikon Z6 II

Sony A7S III

Sony A7R IV

Panasonic Lumix S5

Canon EOS RP

Panasonic Lumix S1

Canon EOS R6

Nikon Z5

Best full-frame mirrorless cameras in 2021: p>

1. Sony Alpha A7 III

Sony's third-generation all-rounder is a gem of a mirrorless camera

Specifications

Sensor size:

Full frame CMOS

Resolution:

24.2MP

Auto-focus:

693-point AF

Typical screen:

3.0-inch, 921,000-dot tilting touchscreen

Maximum continuous shooting speed:

10fps

Movies: p>

4K

User level:

Enthusiast/Expert

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☆

☆

☆

☆

Specifications

Sensor:

Full frame CMOS

Resolution:

24.5MP

Auto-focus:

273 AF points

Screen type:

3.0-inch, 2,100,000-dot tilting touchscreen< /p>

Burst speed:

14fps

Video:

4K/60p

User level:

Enthusiast/Expert

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Reasons to buy

+

Top-notch image quality

+

Two card slots

Reasons to avoid

-

Non-competitive AF

-

Display tilt angle, not vari-angle

the original

Nikon Z6

was our top pick for best full-frame mirrorless camera since it launched in 2018. And while it's tempting to keep the second-gen model in first place, it's only a minor upgrade . The Z6 II is physically identical to the old body, but the small changes inside make the Z6 II a better camera. For starters, there's now a pair of Expeed engines under the hood, giving the Z6 II a performance boost by increasing the burst rate to 14fps (up from 12fps) and providing enough processing power for the 'Ocular AF for humans and animals. Along with the existing XQD/CFexpress card slot, you also get a UHS-II SD slot, and a firmware update has brought 4K/60p video recording capabilities to the camera. It's only because its AF capabilities aren't as competitive as those of Canon and Sony that we've dropped the Z6 II a little lower on our list, but it's still a solid performer and a great alternative to rivals like the Canon EOS R6.

Read our detailed review

Nikon Z6 II

(Image credit: Future)

4.Sony A7S III

The best video camera you can get your hands on

Specifications

Sensor:

Full frame BSI CMOS< /p>

Resolution:

12.1MP

Auto-focus:

759 on-sensor phase detection, 425 contrast detection

Screen type:

3-inch, 1440,000-dot articulating touchscreen

Burst speed:

10fps

Video:

4K/120p

User level:

Enthusiast/Expert

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Reasons to buy

+

Terrific video specs

+

Excellent low-light performance

Reasons to avoid

-

Lack of 8K or 6K video

-

Low resolution images

It took five years between the A7S II and the A7S III but, as they say, good things come to those who wait. Sony's third-generation video-centric full-framer is arguably the best option for avid and professional videographers. It may not be able to match the 8K video of the EOS R5 or even the 6K prowess of the Lumix S1H, but it's currently the only camera capable of recording 4K footage internally at 60 fps without cropping and without recording time limitation. Video specs aside, the A7S III is also the discerning photographer's camera, despite its meager 12MP stills. It's a pure hybrid, although there's hardly any question of paying more for less resolution. But when you consider the benefits of larger pixels in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and high ISO performance, the A7S III is unmatched in flexibility and low-light performance. And with 10fps bursts, not only will it handle street photography wonderfully, but it'll also do just fine in the sports arena.

Read our in-depth review

Sony A7S III< /p>

5. Sony Alpha A7R IV

Sony enters the medium format domain with its ultra high resolution model

Specifications

Sensor size:

Full frame CMOS

Resolution:

61MP

Auto-focus:

567-point AF

Screen type:

3.0-inch, 1440,000-dot tilting touchscreen

Maximum continuous shooting speed:

10 fps

Movies:

4K

User level:

Expert

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Reasons to buy

+

Superb detail

+

Excellent handling

+

Excellent 4K video

Reasons to avoid

-

Coul touch screen d be better

-

High price

The R in the name of this range of Sony cameras stands for "resolution", and you won't find anything higher than that in the full-frame category. Indeed, at 61 megapixels, that's pretty much medium-format territory. All those juicy pixels give you a chance to achieve all the optical excellence of Sony's premium G prime lenses. This is the fourth iteration of the A7R, and the A7R IV builds on the foundation laid by the hugely popular

A7R

,

A7R II p>

and

A7R III

. There's crisp and impressive 4K video, effective five-axis image stabilization and a beautiful 5.76 million-dot viewfinder (the best on the market). Add to all that 10fps continuous shooting, a hybrid AF system with 567 bubble points, dual card slots, Eye AF and a whole lot more and there's not much to hate about it. of this model. Battery life has even been improved over the previous model, now delivering 530 shots per charge (that's CIPA rating, so you'll undoubtedly get even more out of it). While we can't help but fall in love with 61-megapixel files, you'll definitely need some serious storage options if you invest in this camera - while if your computer is slow or old, it may struggle to keep up. to file processing. If you want the details, but don't have the capability, budget or assistive tech, it's worth checking out the A7R IV's predecessor, which is still on sale.

Read our in detail< /p>

Sony Alpha A7R IV review

(Image credit: Future)

6.Panasonic Lumix S5

A compact and powerful video camera

Specifications

Sensor:

Full frame CMOS

Resolution:

24.4MP

Auto-focus:

225-point DFD contrast AF

Screen type:

3-inch vari-angle, 1,840,000 dots

Burst speed:

7fps

Video:

4K UHD up to 60/50p

User level:

Enthusiast/Expert

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Reasons for purchase

+

Great for video

+

Reasons to avoid

-

mini-HDMI port

-

AF contrast only

Panasonic's latest addition to its full-frame mirrorless lineup is smaller and more compact than previous bodies, yet brings plenty of

Lumix S1H

great video prowess in the mainstream market. But it's not just its video specs that make it an exceptional option - it's also an extremely capable camera. It uses the same 24MP sensor as in the S1, but with improved autofocus performance. Besides the excellent AF system, its color reproduction is magnificent and it also handles noise very well. There's 5 stops of image stabilization onboard, a 96MP high-res multi-shot mode, and two card slots for all the movies you want to capture. Its small size makes it a traveling content creator's dream, with support for anamorphic lenses as well. It is easy to use and the

L-Mount Alliance

means there are plenty of lens options to choose from. There's so much for the Lumix S5 to do that it's hard not to list it here.

Read our

Panasonic Lumix S5 Detailed Review

7.Canon EOS RP

Sometimes bigger isn't better, as the EOS RP proves

Specifications

Sensor:

Full frame CMOS

Resolution:

26.2MP

Auto-focus:

5655-point AF

Screen type:

3-inch, 1,040,000-dot vari-angle touchscreen< /p>

Burst Speed:

5fps

Movies:

4K

User level:

Beginner/enthusiast

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618 Amazon customer reviews

☆

☆

☆

☆

☆

Reasons to buy

+

Tiny body considering its full-frame sensor

+

Great price

Reasons to avoid

-

Battery life isn't great

-

Limited native lens selection

An alternative to the EOS R that arrived just at the start of Canon's latest mirrorless range, the EOS RP is simply a much better option for a lot more people right now. Although it's not as powerful in some areas, it's smaller, lighter and much cheaper, and it has very good autofocus, a generous buffer and an excellent touchscreen that turns completely to face the front. It wouldn't be our first choice for video, and the current selection of native lenses is still somewhat limited (but growing steadily) and the best RF glass won't work as well with this camera, but you can use masses of EF lenses via an adapter. So it's a no-brainer for existing Canon users looking to upgrade to mirrorless without spending a fortune doing so.

Read our in-depth review

Canon EOS RP

8.Panasonic Lumix S1

Panasonic's first full-framer packs a punch

Specifications

Sensor size:

Full frame CMOS

Resolution:

24.2MP

Auto-focus:

225-point AF

Screen type:

Burst speed:

9ips

Video:

4K

User level:

Intermediate/ expert

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Reasons to buy

+p>

Great pictures and great video

+

Sublime electronic viewfinder

Reasons to avoid

-

Big and heavy

-

Very unaffordable l'ense right now

Kicking things off for Panasonic's S-series, with the

S1R

, the S1 is the more affordable option, but still packs some seriously impressive tech. There's the 24MP full-frame sensor that performs brilliantly when shooting 4K photos and video, plus a sensor-based image stabilization system that does exactly what it should, and does it well. Operation is fast, build quality is excellent and it's no exaggeration to say that the viewfinder is stunning - it's certainly the best right now (the same device is inside the S1R). It's just a bit too big and heavy, and a bit difficult to use at times, while the autofocus system is a bit behind the competition. But it's still a model that offers far more reason to get excited than many others.

Read our in-depth review

panasonic s1

(Image credit: TechRadar)

9. Canon EOS R6

A relatively affordable all-rounder with some high-end features

Specifications

Sensor size:

Full format CMOS

Resolution:

20.1MP

Auto-focus:

6072-point AF

Screen type:< /p>

3.0-inch, 1620,000-dot tilting touchscreen

Burst speed:

Up to 20fps

Movies:

4K/60p

User level:

Enthusiast/Expert

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Reasons to buy

+

Best-in-class autofocus

+

IBIS leader in its category

Reasons to avoid

-

Video Recording Limits

-

If you think the Canon EOS R5 (listed earlier on this list) is overkill, then the EOS R6 is a compelling alternative, given that you get almost all the class-leading features of the flagship model, except 8K video. It offers the excellent AF performance of the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III sports DSLR

(and the R5), with an impressive number of usable AF points, as well as one of the best image stabilization systems on the market. As a video camera it's capable of shooting 4K/60p footage, but it suffers from overheating - just like the R5 - so there are limits to the length of video clips. But it's one of the best full-framers available today, although it might be a bit too expensive for some.

Read our detailed test

Canon EOS R6

10.Nikon Z5

A compelling choice for an entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera

Specifications

Sensor:

Full frame CMOS

Resolution:

24.3MP

Auto-focus:

273-point AF

Screen Type: p>

3.2-inch, 1040k-dot tilting touchscreen

Burst speed:

4.5fps (mechanical shutter)

Video: p>

4K

User level:

Beginner

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Reasons to buy

+

Solid build

+

High resolution EVF

Reasons to avoid

-

Disappointing maximum burst speed

-

Cropped 4K video

It's been labeled as an entry-level camera, but the Nikon Z5 offers a little more than the basics. For starters, it comes with the same high-resolution EVF used in the Z6 and Z7 flagships, and also inherits the Z6's excellent 273-point hybrid AF system. What lets the Z5 down are specs that might not bother many entry-level users (the camera's target audience) – its 4.5fps burst speed is a bit disappointing, while that cropping is applied to 4K video recording. So while this may not be for all sports photography or vlogging enthusiasts, it is arguably the best beginner full-frame mirrorless camera on the market today. And, if you can pick it up at a sale, it'll cost you as much as Canon's EOS RP.

Read our detailed review

Nikon Z5

Also consider...

(Image credit: Future)

Sony A1

The hi-res speedster with a price that flies with your wallet

Specifications

Sensor size:

Full frame BSI CMOS

Resolution:

50.1MP

Auto-focus:

759 Hybrid AF -point

Screen type:

3 inch drop, 1.44m points

Burst speed:

30fps

Video:

8K

User level:

Expert/professional

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Reasons to buy

+

Incredible image quality

+

Ultra-fast AF and burst speed

+

High resolution sensor

Reasons to avoid

-

Very expensive p>

-

Complicated menu system

-

Overkill for most users

The Sony Alpha 1 lives up to its name, being the pinnacle of camera technology that other manufacturers should be aiming for. The A1 is that very rare blend of high resolution and high speed, without any compromise. Incredible burst speeds and autofocus make it the perfect camera for any scenario, and its ability to shoot 8K video is just as incredible. However, it is precisely this combination of perfection that might be overkill for most users, keeping it within the realm of professional photography. And then there's that hefty price tag that also keeps it at a distance from most users - and the only reason it's not higher on our list. If the cost is something you can afford, full-framers don't get any better than that.

Read our in-depth review

Sony A1

(Image credit: Future)

Leica SL2-S

Leica pushes its SL full-frame mirrorless system even further into the mainstream

Specifications

Full frame BSI CMOS

Resolution:

24.6MP

Auto-focus:

225 point wide area contrast detection

Screen type:

Fixed 3.2 inch, 2100000 stitches

Burst speed:

Up to 25fps (electronic shutter)

Video:

Upsampled 4K/30p video (up to 10bit 4:2:2)

User level:

Expert

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Reasons to buy

+

Solid and beautifully designed body

+

Competitive Video Specs

+

Good price (for a Leica)

Reasons to avoid

-

always expensive

-

Unreliable AF

-

Can be heavy

This is Leica's first time targeting videographers, packing the SL2-S with excellent video specs, but its fixed screen can be a deterrent. Additionally, there's plenty of competition among capable 24MP full-framers (some are listed above), but none of them can match the SL2-S for precision and build quality, this which makes it a unique handling experience. It has clean controls, a no-frills feature set, and a simple interface, but you'll never miss a thing with this camera. It's nowhere near as uncompromising as an M digital camera, but it's still unmistakably a Leica on many levels. The German brand has never fused tradition and technology so seamlessly and efficiently, making the SL2-S a pleasure to use and hold. And given its relatively low price, it's hard to ignore the SL2-S here.

Read our in-depth review

Leica SL2-S

What to look for in a full frame mirrorless camera:

Many of these systems are still being established, so what should you be looking for? There's obviously the sensor at the heart of the camera, but it's also worth looking at the lens options currently available and what lens makers have said are in development.

While Sony has been churning out full frame mirrorless options for a while now, others in this list are much newer to the game. That means the range of lenses and accessories can be a little more limited - this worth looking at what's currently available, as well as what's promised for the future.

There's not much point in buying a great camera if the lenses you want to use don't exist or are out of your price range. You can also use existing lenses from whatever you're currently using, via an adapter, so it's always worth checking the adapter situation as well.

If you frequently capture bursts of frames, be sure to check not only the burst rate, but also the burst depth - the former spec tells you how many frames you can take per second, while the latter tells you how long you can keep shooting in terms of number of frames. Continuous tuning can decrease these numbers, so watch out for that in the spec sheet as well.

If you're someone who frequently takes burst photos - for example sports and action photographers - be sure not only to check the burst rate, but also the burst depth. This last specification will indicate how long you can keep shooting and is also very important to consider. Continuous focus can reduce these numbers, so keep an eye out for that when shooting too.

For video enthusiasts, you may find that you'll be better served by a camera with a lower sensor resolution rather than a very high pixel count. Also be sure to check the shooting options you have in terms of video frame rates, as well as ports for microphones and headphones. If you shoot a lot of videos, you might want to check out our

guide to the best 4k cameras

for more video-focused suggestions.

The design and resolution of electronic viewfinders (EVFs) and LCDs vary greatly from model to model. Some EVFs are large and detailed, others less so. LCDs sometimes tilt, sometimes swivel, and sometimes do neither, although almost all are now touch sensitive, which is great for things like adjusting the focus point.

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