Whether you’re an enthusiast or professional photographer, there’s a full-frame DSLR camera out there to suit you.
Most entry-level and mid-price DSLRs sport an APS-C sized sensor, with the physical dimensions of the chip measuring 23.6 x 15.7mm (22.2 x 14.8mm on Canon DSLRs).
A full-frame sensor on the other hand has larger dimensions of 36 x 24mm – the same size as a frame of 35mm film, hence the name ‘full-frame’, and offering a surface area 2.5x larger than an APS-C sized sensor.
This allows for larger photosites (pixels to you and I) on the sensor, delivering better light gathering capabilities, which in turn means better image quality – especially at higher sensitivities.
Full-frame DSLRs used to be the preserve of professional photographers, but as the costs have dropped and lower-cost models have started to appear, many serious amateurs and enthusiasts can now enjoy the benefits of full-frame photography.
We should also mention full-frame mirrorless cameras. These aren’t DSLRs strictly, but the Sony A7 series cameras like the brilliant Alpha A7R III and Leica SL are muscling in on the full-frame DSLR market, and are particularly interesting for those who also need to shoot video.
To find out more, read this: Mirrorless vs DSLR cameras: 10 key differences. Or to get an idea of what kind of DSLR you can get at different price points, try this: Best DSLR. Otherwise, here’s our pick of the best full-frame DSLRs you can buy right now:
Sensor: Full-frame CMOS| Megapixels: 45.4MP| Autofocus: 153-point AF, 99 cross-type| Screen type: 3.2-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 2,359,000 dots| Maximum continuous shooting speed: 7fps| Movies: 4K| User level: Expert
It may be pricey, but the Nikon D850 is the ultimate full-frame DSLR you can buy right now. The 45.4MP full-frame sensor delivers detail-rich images with brilliant dynamic range and excellent high ISO noise performance, while the advanced 153-point AF system is hard to beat. Add in 7fps burst shooting, a rock-solid build and refined handling and the D850 is pretty much at the top of its game for any subject you want to shoot. A brilliant piece of kit that won’t disappoint.
Read our in-depthNikon D850 review or view our hands-on video below
Sensor: Full-frame CMOS| Megapixels: 30.4MP| Autofocus: 61-point AF, 41 cross-type| Screen type: 3.2-inch touchscreen, 1,620,000 dots| Maximum continuous shooting speed: 7fps| Movies: 4K| User level: Expert
The 5D Mark IV pretty much tweaks and improves on everything the Mark III offered. This includes a brilliant new 30.4MP sensor that delivers pin-sharp results, an advanced 61-point AF system that’s incredibly sophisticated, a pro-spec performance, 4K video and some very polished handling. Put this all together, along with a host of other features and it all combines to make the EOS 5D Mark IV one of the best DSLRs we’ve seen. Now overshadowed by the mighty D850 (above) as our full-frame DSLR of choice.
Read our in-depthCanon EOS 5D Mark IV review
Sensor: Full-frame CMOS| Megapixels: 36.3MP| Autofocus: 51-point AF, 15 cross-type| Screen type: 3.2-inch, 1,228,800 dots| Maximum continuous shooting speed: 5fps| Movies: 1080p| User level: Expert
The D850 might have replaced it, but the D810 is still a brilliant full-frame DSLR. Images from Nikon’s 36.3MP monster are bursting with detail, while its 1200-shot battery life puts the 50.6MP EOS 5DS in the shade. The 51-point AF system copes well with tricky focussing situations, mainly because both the AF and metering systems are taken from the now ex-range-topping Nikon D4S.
