Full Frame Camera Showdown: Compare the Pros and Cons of the Top Models 2023

Definition of full frame cameras

Full frame cameras are digital cameras with image sensors that are the same size as a 35mm film frame. This type of camera is known for producing high quality images with a wide dynamic range and low noise.

Importance of understanding the pros and cons of different models

When choosing a camera, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of different models in order to make an informed decision. By comparing the strengths and weaknesses of different full frame cameras, you can find the one that best meets your needs and budget.

Canon EOS R

The Canon EOS R is a mirrorless camera that features a 30.3 megapixel full frame CMOS image sensor, fast autofocus, and 4K video recording. It has a sleek and compact design, making it a great choice for photographers who want a portable camera with professional-level performance.

The EOS R also has a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to easily transfer photos and videos to your computer or mobile device.

It is compatible with a range of Canon lenses, including both EF and RF lenses, giving you flexibility in your lens choices. Overall, the Canon EOS R is a versatile and high-performing camera that is suitable for a wide range of photography styles.

Features for the Canon EOS R

Image sensor	30.3 megapixel full frame CMOS image sensor
Autofocus	Fast and accurate Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 5,655 manually selectable AF points
Video recording	4K/30p and Full HD/60p video recording with 10-bit 4:2:2 Canon Log internal recording
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity for easy sharing and transferring of photos and videos
Lens compatibility	Compatible with both EF and RF lenses
Design	Compact and lightweight mirrorless design
Viewfinder	0.5 inch OLED electronic viewfinder with 3.69 million dots
Display	3.15 inch fully articulating touchscreen LCD with 2.1 million dots

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
High image quality and low noise due to the full frame image sensor	Relatively high price point compared to some APS-C format cameras
Fast and accurate autofocus system	Battery life may not be as long as some DSLR cameras
Wide range of lens compatibility, including both EF and RF lenses	Limited number of native RF lenses available, although EF lenses can be used with an adapter
Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry and handle	Some users may prefer the feel and handling of a DSLR camera
4K video recording and a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth	Continuous shooting speed may not be as fast as some other full frame camera models
Fully articulating touchscreen LCD and high resolution electronic viewfinder for easy composition and viewing of photos and videos	Some users may find the menu system and controls to be somewhat confusing or difficult to navigate

Canon EOS 5D

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a DSLR camera that features a 30.4 megapixel full frame CMOS image sensor, fast and accurate autofocus, and 4K video recording. It is known for its excellent image quality and low light performance, making it a popular choice for professional photographers.

The EOS 5D Mark IV also has a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and NFC, allowing you to easily transfer photos and videos to your computer or mobile device. It is compatible with a range of Canon lenses, including both EF and EF-S lenses, giving you flexibility in your lens choices.

The camera has a durable and professional design, with a 3.2 inch touchscreen LCD and a high resolution optical viewfinder. Overall, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a reliable and high-performing camera that is suitable for a wide range of photography styles.

Canon EOS 5D features

Feature	Description
Image sensor	30.4 megapixel full frame CMOS image sensor
Autofocus	Fast and accurate Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 61-point AF system and 41 cross-type points
Video recording	4K/30p and Full HD/60p video recording with 10-bit 4:2:2 Canon Log internal recording
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS connectivity for easy sharing and transferring of photos and videos
Lens compatibility	Compatible with both EF and EF-S lenses
Design	Durable and professional DSLR design with a 3.2 inch touchscreen LCD and optical viewfinder
Continuous shooting speed	7 frames per second
ISO range	Expandable ISO range of 50-102400

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Excellent image quality and low light performance due to the full frame image sensor and expandable ISO range	Relatively high price point compared to some APS-C format cameras
Fast and accurate autofocus system with a wide coverage area	Battery life may not be as long as some other DSLR cameras
Wide range of lens compatibility, including both EF and EF-S lenses	Continuous shooting speed may not be as fast as some other full frame camera models
4K video recording and a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and NFC	Some users may find the menu system and controls to be somewhat confusing or difficult to navigate
Durable and professional design with a high resolution optical viewfinder and touchscreen LCD for easy composition and viewing of photos and videos	Some users may prefer the lighter weight and more compact design of a mirrorless camera
Built-in GPS for geotagging photos and videos	The camera does not have in-body image stabilization, so you will need to use lenses with optical image stabilization or a tripod for long exposures

Nikon D850

The Nikon D850 is a DSLR camera that features a 45.7 megapixel full frame CMOS image sensor, fast and accurate autofocus, and 4K video recording. It is known for its impressive image quality and high resolution, making it a popular choice for professional photographers and those who want to produce large prints.

The D850 also has a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to easily transfer photos and videos to your computer or mobile device. It is compatible with a range of Nikon lenses, including both FX and DX lenses, giving you flexibility in your lens choices.

The camera has a durable and professional design, with a 3.2 inch tilting touchscreen LCD and a high resolution optical viewfinder. Overall, the Nikon D850 is a reliable and high-performing camera that is suitable for a wide range of photography styles.

Nikon D850 features

Feature	Description
Image sensor	45.7 megapixel full frame CMOS image sensor
Autofocus	Fast and accurate 153-point AF system with 99 cross-type points
Video recording	4K/30p and Full HD/120p video recording with 10-bit output via HDMI
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity for easy sharing and transferring of photos and videos
Lens compatibility	Compatible with both FX and DX lenses
Design	Durable and professional DSLR design with a 3.2 inch tilting touchscreen LCD and optical viewfinder
Continuous shooting speed	7 frames per second
ISO range	Expandable ISO range of 64-25600

Pros and Cons

High image quality and resolution, making it suitable for producing large prints	Relatively high price point compared to some APS-C format cameras
Fast and accurate autofocus system with a wide coverage area	Continuous shooting speed may not be as fast as some other full frame camera models
Wide range of lens compatibility, including both FX and DX lenses	Some users may find the menu system and controls to be somewhat confusing or difficult to navigate
4K video recording and a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth	The camera does not have in-body image stabilization, so you will need to use lenses with optical image stabilization or a tripod for long exposures
Durable and professional design with a high resolution optical viewfinder and touchscreen LCD for easy composition and viewing of photos and videos	The camera is relatively heavy and bulky, which may not be suitable for all photographers
Expandable ISO range and excellent low light performance	Some users may prefer the lighter weight and more compact design of a mirrorless camera
Built-in interval timer for creating time-lapse videos and focus stacking for extended depth of field	Some users may not like the relatively slow buffer clearing time when shooting continuous bursts of images

The Nikon Z6

The Nikon Z6 is a full frame mirrorless camera that features a 24.5 megapixel CMOS image sensor, fast and accurate autofocus, and 4K video recording. It is known for its compact and lightweight design, making it a popular choice for photographers who value portability. The Z6 also has a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to easily transfer photos and videos to your computer or mobile device.

It is compatible with a range of Nikon lenses, including both native Z-mount lenses and F-mount lenses with an adapter. The camera has a 3.2 inch tilting touchscreen LCD and a high resolution electronic viewfinder for easy composition and viewing of photos and videos. Overall, the Nikon Z6 is a versatile and high-performing camera that is suitable for a wide range of photography styles.

The Nikon Z6 features

Feature	Description
Image sensor	24.5 megapixel full frame CMOS image sensor
Autofocus	Fast and accurate hybrid AF system with 273 focus points
Video recording	4K/30p and Full HD/60p video recording with 10-bit output via HDMI
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity for easy sharing and transferring of photos and videos
Lens compatibility	Compatible with both native Z-mount lenses and F-mount lenses with an adapter
Design	Compact and lightweight mirrorless design with a 3.2 inch tilting touchscreen LCD and electronic viewfinder
Continuous shooting speed	12 frames per second
ISO range	Expandable ISO range of 100-51200

Pros and Cons

Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry and handle	Some users may prefer the feel and handling of a DSLR camera
Wide range of lens compatibility, including both native Z-mount lenses and F-mount lenses with an adapter	The camera does not have in-body image stabilization, so you will need to use lenses with optical image stabilization or a tripod for long exposures
4K video recording and a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth	Continuous shooting speed may not be as fast as some other full frame camera models
High resolution electronic viewfinder and tilting touchscreen LCD for easy composition and viewing of photos and videos	Some users may find the menu system and controls to be somewhat confusing or difficult to navigate
Expandable ISO range and excellent low light performance	The camera is relatively new, so there may be a limited selection of native Z-mount lenses available
Fast and accurate hybrid AF system with a wide coverage area	–

Sony Alpha a7 III

The Sony A7 III is a full frame mirrorless camera that features a 24.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor, fast and accurate autofocus, and 4K video recording. It is known for its high image quality and excellent low light performance, making it a popular choice for professional photographers.

The A7 III also has a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to easily transfer photos and videos to your computer or mobile device. It is compatible with a range of Sony lenses, including both native E-mount lenses and A-mount lenses with an adapter.

The camera has a 3 inch tilting touchscreen LCD and a high resolution electronic viewfinder for easy composition and viewing of photos and videos. Overall, the Sony A7 III is a versatile and high-performing camera that is suitable for a wide range of photography styles.

Sony Alpha a7 III features

Feature	Description
Image sensor	24.2 megapixel full frame CMOS image sensor
Autofocus	Fast and accurate hybrid AF system with 693 focus points
Video recording	4K/30p and Full HD/60p video recording with 10-bit output via HDMI
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity for easy sharing and transferring of photos and videos
Lens compatibility	Compatible with both native E-mount lenses and A-mount lenses with an adapter
Design	Compact and lightweight mirrorless design with a 3 inch tilting touchscreen LCD and electronic viewfinder
Continuous shooting speed	10 frames per second
ISO range	Expandable ISO range of 100-51200

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
High image quality and excellent low light performance due to the full frame image sensor and expandable ISO range	Some users may prefer the feel and handling of a DSLR camera
Fast and accurate hybrid AF system with a wide coverage area	Continuous shooting speed may not be as fast as some other full frame camera models
Wide range of lens compatibility, including both native E-mount lenses and A-mount lenses with an adapter	Some users may find the menu system and controls to be somewhat confusing or difficult to navigate
4K video recording and a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth	The camera does not have in-body image stabilization, so you will need to use lenses with optical image stabilization or a tripod for long exposures
Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry and handle	The camera is relatively new, so there may be a limited selection of native E-mount lenses available
High resolution electronic viewfinder and tilting touchscreen LCD for easy composition and viewing of photos and videos	The camera is relatively expensive compared to some APS-C format cameras

Sony Alpha a9

The Sony Alpha a9 is a full frame mirrorless camera that features a 24.2 megapixel stacked CMOS image sensor, fast and accurate autofocus, and 4K video recording. It is known for its high speed continuous shooting and excellent low light performance, making it a popular choice for professional sports and action photographers.

The a9 also has a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to easily transfer photos and videos to your computer or mobile device. It is compatible with a range of Sony lenses, including both native E-mount lenses and A-mount lenses with an adapter.

The camera has a 3 inch tilting touchscreen LCD and a high resolution electronic viewfinder for easy composition and viewing of photos and videos. Overall, the Sony Alpha a9 is a high-performing camera that is suitable for fast-paced and demanding photography situations.

Sony Alpha a9 features

Image sensor	24.2 megapixel stacked CMOS image sensor
Autofocus	Fast and accurate hybrid AF system with 693 focus points
Video recording	4K/30p and Full HD/60p video recording with 10-bit output via HDMI
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity for easy sharing and transferring of photos and videos
Lens compatibility	Compatible with both native E-mount lenses and A-mount lenses with an adapter
Design	Compact and lightweight mirrorless design with a 3 inch tilting touchscreen LCD and electronic viewfinder
Continuous shooting speed	20 frames per second
ISO range	Expandable ISO range of 100-51200

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
High speed continuous shooting and excellent low light performance due to the stacked CMOS image sensor and expandable ISO range	Some users may prefer the feel and handling of a DSLR camera
Wide range of lens compatibility, including both native E-mount lenses and A-mount lenses with an adapter	The camera does not have in-body image stabilization, so you will need to use lenses with optical image stabilization or a tripod for long exposures
4K video recording and a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth	The camera is relatively expensive compared to some APS-C format cameras
Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry and handle	Some users may find the menu system and controls to be somewhat confusing or difficult to navigate
High resolution electronic viewfinder and tilting touchscreen LCD for easy composition and viewing of photos and videos	The camera is relatively new, so there may be a limited selection of native E-mount lenses available
Fast and accurate hybrid AF system with a wide coverage area	Continuous shooting speed may not be as fast as some other full frame camera models

Leica SL

The Leica SL is a full frame mirrorless camera that features a 24 megapixel CMOS image sensor, fast and accurate autofocus, and 4K video recording. It is known for its high image quality and robust build quality, making it a popular choice for professional photographers.

The SL also has a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to easily transfer photos and videos to your computer or mobile device. It is compatible with a range of Leica lenses, including both native L-mount lenses and M-mount lenses with an adapter.

The camera has a 3.2 inch touchscreen LCD and a high resolution electronic viewfinder for easy composition and viewing of photos and videos. Overall, the Leica SL is a high-performing camera that is suitable for a wide range of photography styles.

Leica SL features

Feature	Description
Image sensor	24 megapixel full frame CMOS image sensor
Autofocus	Fast and accurate hybrid AF system with 49 focus points
Video recording	4K/30p and Full HD/60p video recording with 10-bit output via HDMI
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity for easy sharing and transferring of photos and videos
Lens compatibility	Compatible with both native L-mount lenses and M-mount lenses with an adapter
Design	Robust and professional-grade design with a 3.2 inch touchscreen LCD and electronic viewfinder
Continuous shooting speed	11 frames per second
ISO range	Expandable ISO range of 50-50000

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
High image quality and robust build quality, making it suitable for professional use	Some users may prefer the feel and handling of a DSLR camera
Wide range of lens compatibility, including both native L-mount lenses and M-mount lenses with an adapter	The camera is relatively expensive compared to some APS-C format cameras
4K video recording and a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth	The camera does not have in-body image stabilization, so you will need to use lenses with optical image stabilization or a tripod for long exposures
Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry and handle	Some users may find the menu system and controls to be somewhat confusing or difficult to navigate
High resolution electronic viewfinder and touchscreen LCD for easy composition and viewing of photos and videos	Continuous shooting speed may not be as fast as some other full frame camera models
Fast and accurate hybrid AF system with a wide coverage area	The camera is relatively new, so there may be a limited selection of native L-mount lenses available

Fujifilm GFX 50S

The Fujifilm GFX 50S is a medium format mirrorless camera that features a 51.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor, fast and accurate autofocus, and 4K video recording. It is known for its large image size and excellent image quality, making it a popular choice for professional photographers and those who want to produce large prints.

The GFX 50S also has a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to easily transfer photos and videos to your computer or mobile device. It is compatible with a range of Fujifilm lenses, including both native G-mount lenses and F-mount lenses with an adapter.

The camera has a 3.2 inch tilting touchscreen LCD and a high resolution electronic viewfinder for easy composition and viewing of photos and videos. Overall, the Fujifilm GFX 50S is a high-performing camera that is suitable for a wide range of photography styles.

Fujifilm GFX 50S Features

Feature	Description
Image sensor	51.4 megapixel medium format CMOS image sensor
Autofocus	Fast and accurate hybrid AF system with 117 focus points
Video recording	4K/30p and Full HD/60p video recording with 10-bit output via HDMI
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity for easy sharing and transferring of photos and videos
Lens compatibility	Compatible with both native G-mount lenses and F-mount lenses with an adapter
Design	Professional-grade design with a 3.2 inch tilting touchscreen LCD and electronic viewfinder
Continuous shooting speed	3 frames per second
ISO range	Expandable ISO range of 100-12800

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Large image size and excellent image quality, making it suitable for professional use and producing large prints	Some users may prefer the feel and handling of a DSLR camera
Wide range of lens compatibility, including both native G-mount lenses and F-mount lenses with an adapter	The camera is relatively expensive compared to some APS-C format cameras
4K video recording and a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth	Continuous shooting speed may not be as fast as some other full frame camera models
Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry and handle	Some users may find the menu system and controls to be somewhat confusing or difficult to navigate
High resolution electronic viewfinder and touchscreen LCD for easy composition and viewing of photos and videos	The camera does not have in-body image stabilization, so you will need to use lenses with optical image stabilization or a tripod for long exposures
Fast and accurate hybrid AF system with a wide coverage area	The camera is relatively new, so there may be a limited selection of native G-mount lenses available

Pentax K-1 Mark II

The Pentax K-1 Mark II is a full frame DSLR camera that features a 36.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor, fast and accurate autofocus, and 4K video recording. It is known for its high image quality and robust build quality, making it a popular choice for professional photographers.

The K-1 Mark II also has a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to easily transfer photos and videos to your computer or mobile device. It is compatible with a range of Pentax lenses, including both native K-mount lenses and 645-mount lenses with an adapter.

The camera has a 3.2 inch tilting LCD and a high resolution pentaprism viewfinder for easy composition and viewing of photos and videos. Overall, the Pentax K-1 Mark II is a high-performing camera that is suitable for a wide range of photography styles.

Pentax K-1 Mark II features

Feature	Description
Image sensor	36.4 megapixel full frame CMOS image sensor
Autofocus	Fast and accurate SAFOX 12 AF system with 33 focus points
Video recording	4K/30p and Full HD/60p video recording with clean HDMI output
Connectivity	Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for easy sharing and transferring of photos and videos
Lens compatibility	Compatible with both native K-mount lenses and 645-mount lenses with an adapter
Design	Robust and professional-grade design with a 3.2 inch tilting LCD and pentaprism viewfinder
Continuous shooting speed	4.4 frames per second
ISO range	Expandable ISO range of 100-102400

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
High image quality and robust build quality, making it suitable for professional use	Some users may prefer the feel and handling of a mirrorless camera
Wide range of lens compatibility, including both native K-mount lenses and 645-mount lenses with an adapter	Continuous shooting speed may not be as fast as some other full frame camera models
4K video recording and a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth	The camera does not have in-body image stabilization, so you will need to use lenses with optical image stabilization or a tripod for long exposures
High resolution pentaprism viewfinder and LCD for easy composition and viewing of photos and videos	Some users may find the menu system and controls to be somewhat confusing or difficult to navigate
Fast and accurate SAFOX 12 AF system with a wide coverage area	The camera is relatively expensive compared to some APS-C format cameras

Olympus OM-D E-M1X

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X is a high-end mirrorless camera that features a 20 megapixel Live MOS image sensor, fast and accurate autofocus, and 4K video recording.

It is known for its excellent image quality and robust build quality, making it a popular choice for professional photographers. The E-M1X also has a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to easily transfer photos and videos to your computer or mobile device.

It is compatible with a range of Olympus lenses, including both native M.Zuiko Digital lenses and Four Thirds lenses with an adapter. The camera has a 3 inch tilting touchscreen LCD and a high resolution electronic viewfinder for easy composition and viewing of photos and videos.

Overall, the Olympus OM-D E-M1X is a high-performing camera that is suitable for a wide range of photography styles.

Olympus OM-D E-M1X features

Feature	Description
Image sensor	20 megapixel Live MOS image sensor
Autofocus	Fast and accurate hybrid AF system with 121 focus points
Video recording	4K/60p and Full HD/240p video recording with clean HDMI output
Connectivity	Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for easy sharing and transferring of photos and videos
Lens compatibility	Compatible with both native M.Zuiko Digital lenses and Four Thirds lenses with an adapter
Design	Robust and professional-grade design with a 3 inch tilting touchscreen LCD and electronic viewfinder
Continuous shooting speed	18 frames per second
ISO range	Expandable ISO range of 64-25600

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Excellent image quality and robust build quality, making it suitable for professional use	Some users may prefer the feel and handling of a DSLR camera
Wide range of lens compatibility, including both native M.Zuiko Digital lenses and Four Thirds lenses with an adapter	The camera is relatively expensive compared to some APS-C format cameras
4K video recording and a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth	Continuous shooting speed may not be as fast as some other full frame camera models
Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry and handle	Some users may find the menu system and controls to be somewhat confusing or difficult to navigate
High resolution electronic viewfinder and touchscreen LCD for easy composition and viewing of photos and videos	The camera does not have in-body image stabilization, so you will need to use lenses with optical image stabilization or a tripod for long exposures
Fast and accurate hybrid AF system with a wide coverage area	The camera is relatively new, so there may be a limited selection of native M.Zuiko Digital lenses available

Conclusion

Summary of key points: In this section, summarize the key points of the comparison, including the strengths and weaknesses of each camera model.

Recommendation for the best full frame camera based on the comparison: Based on the comparison, recommend the best full frame camera for different types of photographers or specific needs, such as travel, sports, or portrait photography.

FAQ