6 Best and Cheapest Full Frame Cameras in 2023 (Updated)

Are you looking for the cheapest full frame camera to join the ranks of those who swear by sensor acreage? Sensor size isn’t everything. But having that 35mm film size at your disposal is nice.

Plenty of photography agencies demand a full frame if you want to work for them, too. But these are expensive niches. So finding an affordable full frame camera can be a challenge.

But don’t fret. We’ve compiled a list of the best affordable full frame cameras. And you will get pro imaging at reasonable prices. Our top pick is a mirrorless camera—the Nikon Z5.

Everyone, from sports photographers to vloggers, loves it. It delivers high-quality photos and video. It has advanced features like image stabilization and 4K video. And its price is a pleasant surprise.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Cheapest Full Frame Camera

Nikon Z5

Canon EOS RP

Sony a7 II

What Is the Best and Cheapest Full Frame Camera?

Cameras with a full frame sensor are high-performance machines. They produce stunning images. And they often shoot impressive videos too.

This is why full frame cameras are often so expensive. But there are affordable full frame cameras out there. This list proves you buy a full frame camera without remortgaging your house!

Of course, cheap is a relative term. And these full frame cameras aren’t the cheapest cameras on the market.

You’ll find APS-C and Micro Four Thirds cameras at lower prices. But all the cameras here offer excellent value for money.

Mirrorless cameras dominate our list, though you will find a full frame DSLR here. And you’ll find cameras from all the top brands, including Nikon, Canon, and Sony.

Some of the cameras are older models. But we’ve got brand new cameras too. So here’s a quick overview of the best, cheapest full frame cameras.

You can read about each camera in more detail in the section after. And jump to our FAQ section at the end if you need more information before buying a camera.

Our Top Pick

Nikon Z5

Brilliant 273-point autofocus (AF) system
Fantastic expandable ISO range for low-light shooting
In-body 5-axis image stabilization
High-resolution electronic viewfinder

Most Affordable Canon Mirrorless

Canon EOS RP

Affordable full frame mirrorless
Lightweight and easy to handle
Macro stacking and time-lapse
Convenient Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Nice 4K video performance

Best Sony Mirrorless Camera

Sony a7 II

Excellent built-in image stabilization
Fast, responsive AF with subject tracking
Low-noise at high ISO settings
Weather sealed and dust-resistant
Handy Wi-Fi connectivity

Best for Sports Photography

Canon EOS R8

Canon's lightest full frame camera body
Pre-shooting buffer of 0.5 seconds
Fully articulated touchscreen
10-bit HDR video and 40 fps burst rate
Oversampled 4K/60p video

Best Full Frame DSLR

Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Fantastic image quality
Impressive 45-point AF system
Built well and nice to handle
Handy built-in Wi-Fi and GPS

Best For Video

Panasonic Lumix DC-S5

Lightweight and portable
Image stabilization for camera shake
Dual memory card slots
Great 4K video capabilities

6 Best and Cheapest Full Frame Cameras

Now we look at each full frame camera in more detail.

1. Nikon Z5

Brand	Brand Nikon
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Nikon Z
Megapixels	Megapixels 24 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 273
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 100
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 51,200
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 4.5 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3.2"

See All Specs

The Nikon Z5 is a compact, lightweight, mirrorless camera. It’s also one of the most affordable full frame cameras. And considering it has excellent photo and video features, you’re getting a top deal!

The 24 MP (megapixel) sensor gives you sharp, vibrant images. The larger pixel size means you get excellent dynamic range. And you get low-noise images in low light, even at higher ISO settings.

This full frame mirrorless has the Nikon camera vibration reduction (VR) system. This counteracts camera shake to give you sharper images.

The VR also helps you shoot in low-light situations, letting you use slower shutter speeds. And you can record walking and tracking movie shots without a camera gimbal.

When it comes to autofocus (AF), you get one of the best systems in this price range. Using 273 focus points, it’s fast and accurate and gives you near full coverage of the frame.

The Nikon Z5 also has eye-detection technology. And it has reliable tracking for moving subjects.

Videographers will love the 4K video features. The footage is smooth, sharp, and clear. Plus, the AF system works just as well with video as with stills.

It’s a great camera for vlogging. And it doubles as a 4K webcam for conferences and live streaming. It also has two SD card slots, so you never run out of memory.

Other creative features are multi-exposure and time-lapse modes. You can try focus-shift photography or apply a library of filters in-camera. So you don’t need any photo editing software.

The Z5 is the perfect full frame camera for creatives on a budget. The advanced features and functionality produce pro-level media. But the low price helps you upgrade without breaking the bank!

2. Canon EOS RP

Brand	Brand Canon
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon RF
Megapixels	Megapixels 26 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 4,779
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 100
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 40,000
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 5 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"

See All Specs

The Canon EOS RP is the best value full frame camera on the market. It’s one of Canon’s older full frame models. But it’s a fantastic mirrorless camera with a well-rounded selection of features.

You can master photography and videography. And even inexperienced photographers can pick it up and start shooting.

The full frame sensor has a 26.2 MP resolution. This might not seem like much compared to some newer full frame cameras. But you get rich, true-to-life colors and sharp details.

Plus, the larger pixels also give you a better dynamic range. And it features excellent autofocus for stills, a comfortable ergonomic design, and strong low-light performance.

The EOS RP‘s AF system is fast and reliable when shooting stills. It works well in low light. And it has face and eye detection for even more accurate focusing. So it is a good camera for portraits.

With 4K video recording, the EOS RP is a camera for shooting video. The frame rate and autofocus aren’t the best with fast-moving subjects. But it performs well with people in a close-to-medium range.

Canon’s vari-angle touchscreen also makes getting those tricky angle shots easy. And it also has webcam functionality. So it’s a great streaming camera too.

This Canon mirrorless is a good choice as someone’s first full frame camera. Plus, its affordability means you’re getting a great deal.

Despite its age, the EOS RP is a fantastic full frame camera. It’s easy to use but produces top results. You can read our full Canon EOS RP review.

3. Sony a7 II

Brand	Brand Sony
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Sony E
Megapixels	Megapixels 24.3 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 117
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 50
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 51,200
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 5 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"

See All Specs

The Sony a7 II isn’t the latest in the a7 line. But it’s still a brilliant full frame mirrorless camera when bought brand new.

It doesn’t have the raw imaging power of the a7R V. But it has competitive specs, impressive results, and an affordable price. So it is a top choice for budget-conscious photographers.

With a 24.3 MP sensor, this Sony camera delivers photo-wise. Images are intense, well-rendered, and clean. And low-light performance is excellent, with very little noise until you max out the ISO.

Image stabilization is always a bonus. And the five-axis stabilization system gives your sharp images without fail. It also gives you more freedom with exposure controls to shoot in lower light.

The video specs look a bit dated. There’s no 4K video recording. And the best definition is Full HD. Although, you have a 60 fps (frames per second) frame rate that gives you super-smooth footage.

But the burst rate is slow, with a sluggish max speed of 5 fps. So those looking for a sports photography camera should look elsewhere.

More positives are the 117-point AF system with face detection. There are built-in time-lapse camera modes. And the body is weather-sealed for use outdoors in bad weather.

The Sony a7 II remains a great full frame camera. It has its limitations and isn’t the best all-rounder. But it still delivers excellent results for photographers.

It’s a great option for beginners who want to get started with full frame cameras. And you can get it at a good price with a lens included. I recommend the 28-700mm lens kit for beginners.

4. Canon EOS R8

Brand	Brand Canon
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon RF
Megapixels	Megapixels 24 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 1,053
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 100
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 102,400
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 40 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"

See All Specs

The EOS R8 is one of Canon’s more recent full frame cameras. It’s another splendid addition to their mirrorless R range. But despite being brand new, it’s one of their more affordable full frame cameras.

It isn’t the most affordable on this list, so it sits at number four. But it’s a great price for a top-of-the-line full frame mirrorless camera.

Mirrorless cameras are known for being lightweight and compact. But the R8 takes that to a new level.

This camera fits in a messenger camera bag. And the body (without a lens) weighs only 1 lb (460 g). It also has a lovely ergonomic design that allows you to shoot for hours without discomfort or fatigue.

The 24.2 MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC X processor give you gorgeous images. They are sharp and vibrant with accurate colors.

The sophisticated AF system also helps you capture everything you need to. It’s a 1,053-point system with full frame coverage.

The autofocus is ultra-quick to respond. It can detect your subject’s face and eyes. And there’s a vehicle tracking mode for car and motorsports lovers.

You only have a 6-fps burst speed with the mechanical shutter. But it’s still a great camera for sports and action photography.

Switch to the electronic shutter, and you have a rapid 40 fps continuous shooting speed. You won’t miss a thing, no matter how fast the action.

It also has a wide ISO range. The top end allows you to shoot in low-light situations. And you get a bottom level of 50 ISO. This maximizes image quality resulting in stunning photos.

With sensational video features, the R8 is a true hybrid camera. You can record beautiful uncropped 4K videos. And you get a 60 fps frame rate at the highest resolution. That’s pro-level movie-making.

You also have a 180 fps option in Full HD, perfect for recording fast action like sports. With sensational video features, the R8 is a true hybrid camera.

You can record beautiful uncropped 4K videos. And you get a 60 fps frame rate at the highest resolution.

That’s pro-level movie-making. You also have a 180 fps option in Full HD, perfect for recording fast action like sports.

Looking at all the incredible specifications, it’s hard to believe the R8 is so affordable. It isn’t cheap. But it is excellent value for your money.

The Canon EOS R8 delivers for everyone, from sports photographers to videographers. And it’s one of Canon’s best full frame cameras.

5. Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Brand	Brand Canon
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon EF
Megapixels	Megapixels 26.2 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 45
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 100
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 40,000
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 6.5 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"

See All Specs

DSLR cameras might be on the way out. But the EOS 6D Mark II still has much to offer, delivering superb results where it counts. And photography purists will love using this traditional DSLR.

The full frame sensor gives you rich 26.2 MP images. And you get a wide expanded ISO range.

The top ISO maxes out at 102,400. And there’s a 50 ISO level for maximum image quality. This makes it a great camera for landscape photography or fine art.

The AF system is great for a DSLR. It uses 45 focus points that give you near full frame coverage. And it’s quick to respond and has reliable tracking with moving subjects.

You can also use the 6.5 fps burst mode with full AF coverage. It isn’t the quickest burst, but all your shots will be sharp.

Using the built-in time-lapse mode, you can create mesmerizing 4K time-lapse videos with the camera. But the standard video recording is limited to Full HD.

That’s not ideal when compared to newer cameras. But Full HD at 60 fps with digital video stabilization is enough for some video makers.

This Canon camera does have some downsides. First, full frame DSLRs are heavy, and this camera is no exception. It also lacks image stabilization for stills.

There’s also only one SD card slot, which is frustrating. And it isn’t weather-sealed. On the flip side, it does have Wi-Fi connectivity and webcam functionality.

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II produces outstanding images. It has all the features a creative photographer needs to excel. And it’s an affordable full frame camera.

Multimedia producers will have to look elsewhere. But it’s still a top choice for “old-school” photographers.

6. Panasonic Lumix S5

Brand	Brand Panasonic
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Leica L
Megapixels	Megapixels 24.2 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 225
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 100
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 51,200
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 7 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"

See All Specs

Panasonic is renowned for its hybrid cameras because it puts just as much effort into the video features. And the Panasonic Lumix S5 is a fantastic example of this as a full frame mirrorless camera.

You can use this camera for fabulous creative photography. But it’s also one of the best video cameras in this price range.

With a 24.2 MP resolution, the camera produces lovely still photos. It also has an impressive dynamic range. And if 24.2 MP isn’t enough, you can use the high-resolution mode for even more power.

The high-resolution mode captures and combines several exposures to make one high-res image. The results are stunning 96 MP images.

You need a tripod and can only use this mode shooting in JPEG. But the image quality is sensational!

Five-axis image stabilization helps you shoot in low light without a tripod. It also gives you sharper images. And an advanced AF system uses AI technology for better accuracy.

The video features are just as impressive. You can record 4K videos at 60 fps, which is pro-standard filmmaking. But there is a time limit at this frame rate.

However, 4K at 30 fps is unlimited. And you can also shoot at 180 fps in Full HD for ultra-smooth footage.

This Pansonic camera also has ports for external sound recording equipment and an HDMI output. It’s another reason movie-makers love this camera.

And there are two memory card slots, so you don’t run out of memory mid-shoot. Plus, the camera also has protective weather sealing for outdoor use.

The Lumix S5 might stretch your budget a bit. But if you want high-quality video production, it’s worth spending a little extra on the S5.

You can go for the Panasonic Lumix S5 II, which has even better specs. But the original S5 is still a terrific full frame camera for multimedia producers.

Cheapest Full Frame Camera FAQs

Finding a full frame camera at an affordable price isn’t easy. That’s why we’ve answered these common questions.

What’s the Difference Between APS-C and Full Frame Sensors?

Quite simply, full frame sensors are bigger than APS-C sensors. Full frame sensors are similar in size to 35mm cells on rolls of film. And APS-C sensors are about one-third smaller.

The downside is that full frame cameras are bigger and heavier. They need to house the larger sensor. And they need a more powerful processor to process the information.

But there are several benefits to using full frame cameras. The larger sensor surface area can house more megapixels (MP). And more megapixels means better image quality.

Man in wooly hat using a full frame Canon camera — © Thom Holmes

Image quality is improved in other ways too. Megapixels are often larger on full frame sensors. So each pixel absorbs more information, giving your camera a better dynamic range.

This can also reduce noise in low-light photography. And it gives you more scope when editing photos.

First, you can zoom and crop the images while maintaining image quality. And the post-processing effects have more impact on the final image.

Are There Cheap Full Frame Cameras for Video?

Yes, absolutely. The very best cameras for videography come at a price, often a very high price.

But aspiring video makers don’t need a loan to buy a good video camera. Many cameras on our list have excellent video specs.

The Nikon Z5 is the perfect example. It has 4K video recording with a selection of frame rates. You have ports for external screens and microphones.

It’s a fantastic vlogging camera. And you can use it as a webcam for live streaming. It’s also one of the most affordable cameras on this list.

If you don’t like Nikon, you also have the Canon EOS R8. It is a bit more expensive. But it’s another fantastic hybrid camera. It gives you excellent 4K video options and is ideal for multimedia makers.

If you can stretch your budget a bit more, the Panasonic Lumix S5 gives you professional video features. You can shoot 4K at 30 or 60 fps. And the resolution is crystal-clear and razor-sharp.

The Lumix S5 gives you all the ports for external video equipment. So it’s worth the extra investment if you’re serious about video.

Are Renewed Cameras a Good Option?

Yes, but be careful. Buying renewed cameras is a great way to save some money. You can get older camera models in great shape. And the savings can be substantial.

But always buy renewed cameras from a reliable source. Amazon’s official renewed store is the most reliable place to buy online.

But you can also go to photography stores in person. This allows you to see, touch, and test the camera before you buy it.

It can make a huge difference when buying second-hand cameras. And you need to take even more care than when buying new.

Conclusion: Best Cheapest Full Frame Cameras

Yes, full frame cameras usually are more expensive than APS-C cameras. (There are compact and mirrorless full frame options.)

But buying a full frame camera doesn’t have to mean financial ruin. We have proven that you can still find excellent full frame cameras at a reasonable price.

We’ve seen cameras old and new. And there are affordable cameras from all the major brands. But the Nikon Z5 is our favorite cheap full frame camera.

The Z5 is compact and lightweight. It has incredible specs for photos and videos. And the price tag is more than reasonable.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Cheapest Full Frame Camera

Nikon Z5

Canon EOS RP

Sony a7 II

What Is the Best and Cheapest Full Frame Camera?