Best Bargain Full Frame Cameras
- 24.3-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor
- Bionz X image processor
- Hybrid autofocus system with 25 contrast-detect and 117 phase-detect points
- Native ISO range to 25600
- XGA electronic viewfinder
- 3-inch tilting LCD with 1.23 million dots of resolution
- Full HD video at 1080/60p
- Wi-Fi & NFC
- 26-megapixel full frame sensor
- DIGIC 7 image processor
- 45-point autofocus system
- 3-inch articulating LCD with 1.040 million dots
- Full HD video at 30fps
- 1/4000 maximum shutter speed
- ISO range 100-40000 (extended to 102400)
- 6.5fps continuous shooting
- Wi-Fi & GPS
Photo by Suganth on Unsplash
Best Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
If you want to upgrade your camera from a crop sensor to a full frame, it might cost a lot less than you might think.
Sure, some full frame rigs like the Nikon D850 are spendy, but there are plenty of other options that are comparative steals.
I’ve done a lot of research on cheap full frame cameras, and I think the two suggestions I’ve come up with below are among the best.
For good measure, I’ve included an inexpensive full frame mirrorless camera as well as an inexpensive full frame DSLR.
Best Bargain Full Frame Cameras: Sony a7
For my money, it’s hard to beat the Sony a7 as the best cheap full frame mirrorless camera.
Sure, it’s old (it was introduced in 2014), but that doesn’t mean that it still isn’t a really good, really capable camera.
In fact, get a load of these specs:
One of the first things you should notice about that list of specs is the sensor.
At 24.3-megapixels, it likely represents a solid leap in resolution from your current crop sensor camera. And, of course, since it’s a full frame sensor, you reap all the benefits of such, including improved low-light performance and better image quality, particularly if you intend to make large prints of your photos.
Something else worth pointing out about the Sony a7 is that it has just about all the features you’d want on a camera in 2019.
That includes a large, bright LCD that tilts for easier low-angle and high-angle photos, Wi-Fi and NFC for staying connected, and a high-performance hybrid autofocus system that makes use of both phase-detect and contrast-detect autofocus points for improved accuracy. See these and other features in the video below by Eric & Myles.
Sure, the a7’s LCD isn’t touch-enabled. The camera doesn’t offer 4K video. There’s also no in-body image stabilization.
However, you can get a pre-owned Sony a7 in good condition for $550 (body only). That’s not bad for a full frame mirrorless camera with these features and specs!
Get more details about the Sony a7 and why it’s a prime choice as the best bargain full frame mirrorless camera on the market today.
Editor’s Tip: You can save even more money on an inexpensive full frame camera by TRADING IN YOUR CURRENT CAMERA. If you don’t need two camera bodies, use the value your current camera has to offset the cost of a full frame or to fund another purchase, like an upgraded lens.
Best Bargain Canon Full Frame Cameras: Canon 6D Mark II
I’ve written before about how I think the Canon 6D Mark II is the most underrated camera on the market.
There are a lot of reasons for this, as you can see by the specs below:
Though I don’t think the 6D Mark II’s sensor is as good as the Sony a7’s, it’s still a capable sensor that offers good resolution. And paired with the DIGIC 7 image processor, this camera offers fast performance as well.
With a native ISO range that extends to 40000, the 6D Mark II is a highly capable low-light camera, too.
Like the a7, the 6D Mark II doesn’t have a touch-enabled screen or 4K video.
But with a 45-point autofocus system, 6.5 fps continuous shooting, GPS, Wi-Fi, and an articulating LCD that flips out and can face forward, this camera isn’t exactly short on features, as Jared Polin explains in the video below.
It’s also an excellent camera for shooting video, if that’s something you’re interested in pursuing.
Of course, this camera is my favorite bargain full frame DSLR because of its price - $1,129.00 in excellent condition (body only). Considering this camera is less than two years old, that’s a fantastic price.
Final Thoughts - Best Bargain Full Frame Cameras
Photo by Diego PH on Unsplash
As I noted earlier, there are plenty of other excellent and cheap full frame cameras.
But for me, the Sony a7 and Canon 6D Mark II offer the most bang for the buck, especially if you buy used. If you don't know where to get the best used deals, read my MPB review.
In both cases, these cameras are loaded for bear with features that represent a significant upgrade from a crop sensor camera.
These cameras share the common feature of having a full frame sensor, but there are also many differences between the two. No matter which one you choose (or if you want something different altogether), be sure to do your due diligence so you get a camera that has the features you want at the price you need.