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 frame of 35mm film - have become increasingly affordable. And while the smaller APS-C sensor format is still the de facto standard for entry-level SLRs and mirrorless cameras, you don't have to stray too far north of $1,000 to reach full-frame.
The format has real advantages, as it has a sensor with about twice the area of the APS-C models. It gives photographers more control over depth of field, generally better images in difficult light, and access to higher resolution footage than cameras with smaller sensors.
Choosing the right full-frame model for you isn't the easiest option. You'll have to decide whether to go with an SLR or a mirrorless model, or opt for a rangefinder or a fixed-lens camera instead.
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Mirrorless systems have overtaken SLRs in performance. You'll enjoy wider autofocus coverage, faster burst rates, and much better video than a traditional optical viewfinder model. If you're not ready to move on, you can still get an excellent SLR from Canon, Nikon, or Pentax.
If you're thinking about switching to mirrorless lenses, you can look for an adapter to use your existing lenses. Canon and Nikon both offer adapters for their respective systems, and other accessories such as flashes can be used without an adapter.
The advantages of mirrorless systems are palpable. There are fewer moving parts, and engineers are able to put the autofocus system directly on the sensor, so there's never a need to make focus calibration adjustments, and focus points can extend all the way to the edge of the frame. And, while there's certainly an adjustment period needed for photographers used to optical viewfinders, the fact that an EVF is able to show you a preview of what a photo will look like with current exposure settings makes it easier for photographers to get the exposure where they want it.
Video is the other arena in which mirrorless cameras outpace most competing SLRs. Putting focus on the sensor means that cameras are able to keep up with moving subjects when recording movies, and several models from Canon, Nikon and Sony offer in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which does a very good job steadying handheld video.
There are still plenty of great photos made with SLRs, and while they might not offer as many advanced features as upstart mirrorless rivals, they still have their place. Professionals with years of muscle memory may find that familiar ergonomics trump technical advantages. Others may find that they prefer an old-school, optical viewfinder.
And there's the road less traveled. There are cameras with full-frame sensors, like the Leica M10 rangefinder series, which is a purely manual focus camera with an optical viewfinder and absolutely no video support.
There are even a few cameras out there with 24-by-36mm sensors and permanently attached lenses. The Leica Q2 and Q2 Monochrom, and the Sony RX1R II represent the current crop.
Fixed-lens outliers aside, most photographers buying into full-frame will go with an interchangeable lens camera. And before you settle in on a particular camera, you should make sure it's part of a system that will meet all of the challenges you face as a photographer.
Canon has two full-frame systems available. 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 an inexpensive adapter.
In addition to its iconic M rangefinder series, Leica launched its own mirrorless system, with autofocus, in 2015 with the SL camera. It lived in its niche for a few years, but that changed at the 2018 Photokina 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 is shipping its compact fp and fp L, two of the smallest full-frame cameras.
Like Canon, Nikon has 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 last year's D780, pleasing optical viewfinder devotees. Most of its newer cameras use the mirrorless Z mount. Current full-frame models include the entry-level Z 5, mid-range Z 6 II, and high-resolution Z 7 II.
Pentax is an iconic SLR brand, but doesn't give owners much choice when it comes to full-frame cameras. It's released two—the K-1 and K-1 Mark II—and the Mark II's 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 SLR series is all but dead. You may still be able to find a99 II at some 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 that boat and ready to move on to mirrorless, the Sony LA-EA5 adapter is there to bring your favorite SLR lenses to a mirrorless camera.
The Sony E mirrorless system is one of the most popular, and fully developed, in the mirrorless segment. After a full seven years on the market, the company has delivered models tuned for high-speed action, high-resolution capture, and for video. There are loads of lenses available, both first- and third-party, and Sony continues to sell older models with reduced pricing, broadening the appeal for entry-level buyers.
If you're still not sure what system is right for you, we cover all the options, including those with smaller than full-frame sensors, here.
Buying a full-frame camera is easy - all you need is a credit card. It's difficult to find the right one. After you have decided on the right system, make sure that the model you choose meets your needs. Action-minded photographers should look for one with great autofocus and a fast burst rate, while art and landscape professionals will want high resolution and extreme dynamic range.
You can take a look at our latest reviews to see what's just hit the market. We've also got some tips for enthusiasts looking to get more out of their camera, as well as how-to guides for great shots of fireworks and lightning.
