Full-frame is still regarded as the holy grail of sensor formats in 2024’s mirrorless and DSLR cameras, with the latest and greatest models offering superb image quality in any light and speedy performance. The format isn’t just for professionals and/or those with high-end budgets either, with a number of affordable options included in this guide.
We’ve whittled the best full-frame mirrorless and DSLR cameras to 12 entries covering a range photo and video needs and budgets, where you’re into sports, landscapes or a bit of everything. Sony’s A7 IV stalwart remains a superb all-rounder with 33MP still and powerful video performance, while Nikon wowed us with the Z8 that’s extremely capable for just about everything, period, and comes in much cheaper than the Z9.
There are so many other great options out there not included in this list, too, such as the Canon EOS R6 II and Nikon Z6 II all-rounders and the supremely powerful Sony A1. We keep this guide regularly up to date with the latest models, and do scroll down to the bottom of the guide for more full-frame camera info and buying advice.
Top 3 picks
The summary below gives you an instant overview of the best full-frame cameras for every budget. When you find one that looks right for you, use the links beneath each entry to jump down to our full write-up.
The best for most people
With top-spec autofocus, powerful video skills and an impressive 33MP sensor, the Sony A7 IV is the best full-frame hybrid right now.
The best advanced option
Taking the best bits of the Z9 and packaging them in a smaller body, the Z8 offers flagship quality and performance for serious shooters.
The best entry-level choice
There are better options for video, but its combo of great image quality, reliable autofocus and easy handling make the Z5 a solid first full-framer.
Best by use-case
The best for photography
It’s not cheap, but the EOS R5 is the best stills camera Canon’s ever made, complete with incredible autofocus and a versatile skill set for photographers.
The best for video
With phase detect AF, an arsenal of recording modes and uncropped 6K footage that offers cropping freedom for social, the S5 II is a win for video creators.
The best high-res option
The back-illuminated sensor inside the A7R IV delivers 61MP stills packed with detail, while Pixel Shift Multi Shooting can create 240MP images.
The best for sports
An innovative camera with a global shutter, the A9 III offers Sony’s fastest ever burst speeds, most reliable autofocus and not a hint of distortion.
The best full-frame Leica
Its rivals are strong, but incredible build quality, phase detect AF and a 60MP sensor make the SL3 the only full-frame choice for fans of the Leica experience.
The best premium compact
No other compact camera can match the superior performance, build quality and tactile handling of the Leica Q3 – which also explains the price tag.
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The best full-frame DSLR
Canon’s last flagship DSLR is also its most impressive: fast, rugged and packed with powerful features, its performance will never leave you wanting.
The best enthusiast DSLR
A very modern DSLR, the D780 pairs superb battery life, build quality and handling with impressive autofocus and image quality in a beefy body.
The best budget DSLR
A well-rounded DSLR that’s a pleasure to shoot with, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II offers a great value entry-point into full-frame photography.
Tim is TechRadar's Cameras Editor. With more than 15 years’ experience as a photographer and journalist, Tim has shot with many of the best full-frame cameras. As a result, he's acquired a comprehensive practical knowledge of what makes a full-frame camera worth considering. He notes, “almost all of the best full-frame cameras in 2024 are mirrorless models, but you'll also find a handful of capable DSLR options in our list. Most of these are hybrids designed to shoot both images and video, but if photography is your focus, you’ll find better value from a stills-focused camera.
Best full-frame cameras in 2024
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Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best full-frame cameras in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best full-frame camera for most people
Sony A7 IV sample images
Sony’s A7 III has long been a full-frame favorite among enthusiasts, so improving on its superb skill set was never going to be easy. But in our review, we found that the A7 IV more than delivers. A price increase means it’s not quite the entry-level option that its predecessor was, but we think there its improvements do plenty to justify the inflation. While a new 33MP sensor doesn’t dramatically improve the quality of still images, we found that it does contribute to a versatile shooting experience that’s better all round.
Powered by a Bionz XR processor, our tests proved that this is a hybrid camera which is good in almost any situation. Though there’s a crop on 4K footage, Eye AF and 10-bit support also give it proper video chops. Sure, it’s not the easiest camera for beginners to get to grips with. Nor is it the best value for purist stills photographers. But add a huge CFexpress card buffer into the mix and we think the Sony A7 IV shapes up as a compelling full-frame all-rounder.
- Read our in-depth Sony A7 IV review
The best advanced full-frame camera
Nikon Z5 sample images
The Nikon Z8 takes everything that made the Z9 our camera of the year 2022, and squeezes that powerful performance into a smaller and cheaper package. We think it's one of the most capable mirrorless cameras money can buy and, based on our time with it, the more sensible option of those two models. Like the Z9, the Z8 features the quickest-ever stacked sensor, and doesn't have a mechanical shutter. That means you get superb shooting speeds with no distortion of fast-moving subjects: 20fps burst shooting at full-quality or up to 120fps if you’re happy with 11MP output.
In testing, we found the Z8 to be a superb hybrid camera, producing pin-sharp 45.7MP stills and fantastic 8K video up to 60fps. It marries speed and quality perfectly. The 61MP Sony A7R V might have better detail, but it's twice as slow in general. We did find battery life a little limited in testing – that's where the larger Z9 battery shines – while in-body image stabilization is only OK. Otherwise, you'll struggle to find a more capable hybrid full-frame camera.
- Read our in-depth Nikon Z8 review
The best entry-level full-frame camera
Nikon Z5 sample images
A dead-ringer for the Nikon Z6, Nikon’s latest large-sensor effort is the best entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera on the market. As a beginner’s option, it ticks a lot of boxes. Its weather-sealed body features a big, comfy grip and a neat control layout that’s accessible in the hand, with a 3-inch tilting touchscreen that makes menu navigation a cinch. The 24.2MP full-frame sensor inside serves up lovely images in a range of shooting scenarios, while the large, bright EVF is fantastic for framing shots. Autofocus is very impressive, too, with the 273-point hybrid system working well for both static and moving subjects.
There are some compromises, though: the 4.5fps burst speed is underwhelming, while a 1.7x crop on 4K footage is disappointing. And if you regularly shoot in low-light, the back-illuminated sensor of the Z6 performs better at higher ISOs. Still, the Z5 delivers plenty for those looking for their first full-frame camera – provided you have a healthy budget. It’s pricier than several rivals and, as the cost of the older but more capable Z6 continues to fall, buyers will have a tricky choice to make.
- Read our in-depth Nikon Z5 review
