Looking for best full-frame mirrorless system cameras you can get right now? Let me guide you!
Finished a recent photography course? Looking to upgrade your equipment? You’ve come to the right place!
Let’s begin by describing what a full-frame camera is and why it might be so beneficial to your work. The term “full-frame” refers to a digital camera sensor that is the same size as standard 35mm film camera sensors.
Full frame cameras provide better low light performance and a wider dynamic range than crop sensor cameras.
Lenses also keep their ‘true’ focal length, which means that a 50mm prime lens on a full-frame camera produces a 50mm field of vision, whereas a crop sensor camera produces one corresponding to around 85mm.
This may be advantageous, for example, for individuals who require wide-angle lenses to be as wide as they were designed to be.
Best full frame mirrorless cameras:
- Canon EOS R6 – Best for Canon enthusiasts
- Nikon Z7 II – Best for Nikon fans
- Sony A1 – Best for megapixel lovers
- Canon EOS R5 – Best for stills only photographers
- Sony A7 III – Best entry level mirrorless camera
Why full frame mirrorless system cameras?
- Focus points can reach the frame’s edge. Therefore, mirrorless cameras have far more focus points than DSLRs.
- A mirrorless camera is capable of shooting absolutely silently.
- Continuous (burst) shooting rates are quicker than you’ll find with a DSLR.
- View the Image Changing in Real-Time. EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) can show you a preview of what a picture will look like, making it easier for photographers to adjust exposure where and when they have to.
Let’s look at what full-frame mirrorless system cameras are on the market right now!
1. Canon EOS R6 – Best for Canon enthusiasts
The R6 features a sensible 20.1MP resolution with plenty of information from the full-frame sensor but significantly fewer file sizes and storage requirements.
If you are a wedding photographer, the EOS R5’s 45MP photos and recording constraints will most likely be a barrier rather than an assist, and the new EOS R6 may be a better alternative.
It has a top shooting speed of 20fps and autofocus that leverages the deep-learning technology from the EOS-1D X Mark III, which means it improves with use.
The Canon R6 resolution is only 20.1MP, which may be too low for some, but it does imply that the pixels can be larger, which has significant ramifications for low-light performance. Indeed, the R6 outperforms the R5 in this category, with a typical ISO range of 100-102,400 that can be expanded to 50-204,800.
When combined with Canon’s 5-axis in-body image stabilizer (IBIS) technology, which gives up to eight stops of effective compensation, this is a truly capable low-light camera.
Pros:
- Excellent low light performance
- Super fast auto focus
Cons:
- Only 20.1MP, which may be too low for some
2. Nikon Z7 II – Best for Nikon fans
It may appear to be a little improvement over the original Z7, but this second-generation of Nikon’s mirrorless model includes just enough changes to make it a tempting option.
Physically, it’s extremely similar to the Z7, with the same superb form factor and handling. The 45.7MP full-frame sensor, remains unchanged, delivering crisp detail from edge to edge as well as class-leading dynamic range.
One of the most significant changes on the Nikon Z7 II is in processing power: twin Expeed 6 CPUs provide faster overall performance, with enhanced autofocus, including rapid and reliable eye-detection AF.
Deeper buffers allow 10fps burst rates to be sustained for longer periods of time, while a pair of SD/CFexpress card slots add adaptability. Video features have also been enhanced, with internal 4K 60fps and Full HD 120fps now available.
Sure, it doesn’t break any new ground, but the Z7 II’s competitive pricing, as well as a growing catalog of Z system lenses and accessories, add to its allure. It’s well worth considering if you’re seeking to upgrade from a Nikon DSLR.
Pros:
- Superb form factor and handling
- Crisp detail from edge to edge
- Excellent processing power
Cons:
- Doesn’t break any new ground
3. Sony A1 – Best for megapixel lovers
The Sony A1 is remarkable in every way, and it’s all the camera you could possibly desire – if you have a lot of dough to spend. Its 50.1MP sensor produces exceptional image quality, which is complemented by unreal burst speeds and ultra-fast autofocus.
In addition to shooting thorough high-resolution still pictures, it can also capture 8K raw video at 30fps, and pro connectivity options enable fast workflows.
The Sony A1 is a familiar, well-balanced blend of the best pieces from Sony’s A7 and A9 series cameras, complemented with a 9.44-million-dot OLED EVF.
If you can master the relatively complicated menu structure, the A1’s exceptional abilities set a new standard for mirrorless performance – whether you’re shooting studio portraiture, sports action, or wildlife footage.
There are specialized cameras that are more affordable. However, for the ultimate in full-frame versatility, the Sony A1 is at the top of the list of best mirrorless system cameras.
Pros:
- Also one of the best Sony mirrorless cameras!
- Exceptional image quality
- Unreal burst speeds and ultra-fast autofocus
Cons:
- The ultimate in full frame mirrorless technology comes with the expected price tag!
4. Canon EOS R5 – Best for stills only photographers
As some photographers prove, the new Canon EOS R5 is a tremendously capable instrument. The 45MP full-frame sensor is superb, generating excellent shots in low light and incredible noise handling even beyond ISO 4000.
Next-generation Dual Pixel autofocus is equally impressive, with exceptional tracking and animal identification abilities to wow safari photographers. The electronic shutter also provides speedy continuous shooting at 20fps. This rounds out a kit that is equally at home on the street as it is in the studio.
It’s difficult to resist 8K footage at up to 30fps – and 4K footage at up to 120fps.
However, the Canon R5‘s adaptability for videographers is limited by thermal constraints on recording lengths, with significant ‘cool down’ periods.
Buying the EOS R5 is deemed significant, especially if you want to unlock all its capabilities completely (by including the high-speed CFexpress cards). If money isn’t an issue, it’s arguably the best full-frame option for stills shooters.
Pros:
- Superb 45MP full-frame sensor
- Incredible noise handling even beyond ISO 4000
- Equally at home on the street as it is in the studio
Cons:
Adaptability for videographers is limited by thermal constraints
5. Sony A7 III – Best entry level mirrorless camera
So, what makes the Sony a7 III one of the best mirrorless cameras? Let’s start with the sensor, which is at the heart of every full-frame camera.
The Sony A7 III has a 24.2 MP back-illuminated sensor that aids in low-light performance. 24.2 MP appears to be the ideal compromise for many photographers, giving detailed images that can be cropped or zoomed but not being so large as to stifle post-production processing.
The Sony A7 III’s class-leading autofocus performance is a standout feature too. Along with this, its 693 phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast-detection AF points provide high-density wide-area coverage, resulting in fewer lost shots and more extreme composition options.
When you combine this with the 10 fps and full AF/AE tracking, you have a camera that can, without hassle, handle static subjects and fast-moving objects. With an ISO range of up to 51,200, you can snap a crisp photo with a quick shutter speed even when it gets dark.
There are no touch capabilities in review mode, so no pinching to zoom or swiping to the next shot.
With larger grips, dedicated buttons and dials, and a general feel that falls in between a mirrorless system camera and a DSLR, the Sony a7 III’s functional design is good enough to use for professional work.
The Sony A7 III also appears to have an endless number of customizing choices. Yes, Sony menus are still a pain. However, if you’ve spent a few hours allocating your most often used features to custom buttons, you’ll never have to wade through the maze again.
Pros:
- Class-leading autofocus performance
- Mix of all the best features at an appealing price
- Endless number of customizing choices
Cons:
- Does not offer anything more than the other newest Sony products
Conclusion
For the vast majority of photographers, a full-frame camera provides significant, measurable advantages over smaller sensor sizes; lowering constraints while enhancing creative opportunities.
With most of the big names now focusing most of their resources into mirrorless cameras, now is a great time to jump on the bandwagon!
This article has taken a critical look at the best five full-frame mirrorless system cameras available.
In conclusion, if you can afford it, you should invest in a full-frame mirrorless camera; you won’t be sorry!
Made up your mind on which mirrorless camera you’re buying? Check out the best photo editing software for photographers!
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