Affordable Full Frame Cameras
Photography week|July 16, 2020
The best DSLR and mirrorless cameras for going full-frame while keeping your costs down
Affordable Full Frame Cameras

There are two big attractions in moving up from a crop-sensor camera to a full-frame system. First up, depth of field is more dependent on actual focal length, rather than the ‘effective’ focal length with a crop factor applied; the upshot is that you can get a tighter depth of field to blur backgrounds and make the main part of a scene stand out, ideal for portraiture and still lifes.

The other big bonus is that, if you stick to a modest megapixel count, the photosites (equating to pixels) on a full-frame image sensor are likely to be significantly larger than those on an APS-C or Micro Four Thirds sensor. This greater light-gathering potential generally equates to much cleaner image quality and far less image noise when you need to bump up your ISO. You also get greater retention of fine detail and texture, as there’s less need for the image processor to smooth out the appearance of image noise.

The downside is that full-frame cameras can be very expensive, even more so if you need to change all of your lenses as well. If you’re a Canon or Nikon user you might already have some compatible lenses, which can be used if you upgrade to a budget-friendly full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera of the same make.

If you upgrade from a DSLR to a mirrorless camera, you’ll need a mount adapter. The budget-friendly Canon EOS RP isn’t available in the UK as a ‘body only’ item, and comes complete with either an EF-EOS R mount adaptor or a kit zoom lens.

Here, we compare affordable full-frame cameras from Nikon and Canon in DSLR and mirrorless form. Let’s take a closer look at the contenders...

FRONT

The pentaprism viewfinder is bright and clear, but unlike those of all of the other cameras in the group, it only gives 98% coverage of the image frame

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKView all
CALIBRATE YOUR COLOURS
Photography week

CALIBRATE YOUR COLOURS

James Paterson reveals how he captures stunningly colourful sunsets by using this secret weapon

time-read
1 min  |
September 26, 2024
ABSTRACT PORTRAITS
Photography week

ABSTRACT PORTRAITS

Mike Harris shows you how to use slow shutter speeds and multiple exposures to capture a series of motion-blur portraits

time-read
3 mins  |
September 26, 2024
BREATHTAKNG IMAGES FROM ABOVE AND BELOW THE WAVES
Photography week

BREATHTAKNG IMAGES FROM ABOVE AND BELOW THE WAVES

A final hit of inspiraton: Ocean Photographer of the Year reveals stunning winning photos

time-read
1 min  |
September 26, 2024
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO AUTUMN
Photography week

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO AUTUMN

James Abbott reveals the secrets to capturing amazing images during the most eye-catching season of the year

time-read
2 mins  |
September 26, 2024
CANON UNVEILS NEW PORTABLE, FULLY-WIRELESS PHOTO PRINTER
Photography week

CANON UNVEILS NEW PORTABLE, FULLY-WIRELESS PHOTO PRINTER

The Selphy QX20 is ideal for quickly printing your smartphone snaps on the go

time-read
1 min  |
September 26, 2024
FUJINON GF120MM F4 MACRO R LM OIS WR
Photography week

FUJINON GF120MM F4 MACRO R LM OIS WR

This powerful medium-format lens is ideally suited to extreme close-ups

time-read
4 mins  |
September 12, 2024
HOW TO...CLEAN UP A SCENE WITH AI
Photography week

HOW TO...CLEAN UP A SCENE WITH AI

James Paterson shows you how the AI-powered Remove Tool can revolutionise your retouching

time-read
1 min  |
September 12, 2024
SHOOT AN '80S PORTRAIT
Photography week

SHOOT AN '80S PORTRAIT

Jason Parnell-Brookes recreates the neon look of the 1980s using torches and hollow acrylic rods

time-read
4 mins  |
September 12, 2024
THE BEST MONOCHROME IMAGE OF 2024 IS A REAL CRACKER
Photography week

THE BEST MONOCHROME IMAGE OF 2024 IS A REAL CRACKER

Black and White Photo Awards announces stunning selection of winning images

time-read
1 min  |
September 12, 2024
88 TIPS FOR GREAT BABY PHOTOS
Photography week

88 TIPS FOR GREAT BABY PHOTOS

From lighting to posing and pacifying, here's how you get the perfect shot

time-read
10+ mins  |
September 12, 2024