Best full-frame camera 2024: the top big sensor DSLRs and mirrorless cameras

PRICE
VERDICT
REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
VERDICT
REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
Sony A7 IV lead image
(Image credit: Future)

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.

Best by use-case

Written by
Tim Coleman
Written by
Timothy Coleman

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

The dream full-frame camera for many people

Specifications

Sensor: Full-frame
Megapixels: 33MP
Autofocus: 759-point AF
Screen type: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1,037 dots
Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10fps
Movies: 4K at 60p
User level: Enthusiast

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive 33MP sensor
+
Class-leading autofocus

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricier than its predecessor
-
Heavily cropped 4K video
-
Complex for beginners

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.

The best advanced full-frame camera

The best full-frame camera for advanced users

Specifications

Sensor: Full-frame CMOS
Megapixels: 45.7MP
Autofocus: 493-point AF
Screen type: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 2,100K dots
Maximum continuous shooting speed: Up to 120fps
Movies: 8K at 60p
User level: Advanced

Reasons to buy

+
Incredible stacked sensor
+
Smaller and cheaper than Z9 but with many of the same features

Reasons to avoid

-
EVF has fairly low resolution
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Better image stablization in other systems

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.  

The best entry-level full-frame camera

The top entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera right now

Specifications

Sensor: Full-frame CMOS
Megapixels: 24.3MP
Autofocus: 273-point hybrid AF
Screen type: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,040K dots
Maximum continuous shooting speed: 4.5fps
Movies: 4K at 30p
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Great to hold and use
+
Very capable autofocus

Reasons to avoid

-
Low burst speed
-
Average video specs

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.

The best full-frame camera for photography