Professional photographers prefer 35mm or “full-frame” cameras over their crop sensor counterparts—and with good reason. A full-frame sensor offers higher image quality and better low-light capability, which are, of course, extremely important factors for those who use their cameras for professional applications and require superior-quality output. In this article, we will showcase the best full-frame mirrorless cameras for your needs in 2024.
Not that long ago, there were few choices for full-frame users who wanted to switch from their bulky DSLRs to more lightweight mirrorless cameras. But these days, there are quite a few options, including flagship models from top manufacturers.
We’ve put together a list of the best mirrorless cameras with full-frame sensors that you can find on the market right now.
Best Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras
- Nikon Z 9 Mirrorless Camera
- Nikon Z6III Mirrorless Camera
- Sony Alpha a7 IV Mirrorless Camera
- Sony Alpha a7R V Mirrorless Camera
- Canon EOS R1 Mirrorless Camera
- Canon EOS R5 Mark II Mirrorless Camera
- Leica M11-P Rangefinder Camera Black
Nikon Z 9 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
Key Features
- Advanced 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor for high-speed, high-resolution imaging
- World-class 8K UHD video recording with no overheating for cinematic quality
- Blackout-free electronic viewfinder with Quad-VGA panel for uninterrupted shooting
- Innovative AF system with deep learning for superior subject detection and tracking
- Robust build with weather sealing, ideal for challenging shooting environments
- Dual CFexpress Type B card slots for rapid data processing and maximum capacity
You’ll be able to read about our experience with the Nikon Z9 Full-Frame Mirrorless camera here: New Nikon Z9 Mirrorless Camera Delivers with Remarkable Auto Focusing Abilities. Long story short, this camera truly earns the title of flagship. With lightning-fast auto-focus, a chassis built for professional work, and all the features a professional could ever need.
Nikon Z6III Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
Key Features
- High-performance Z6III Mirrorless Camera with incredible autofocus and blistering speed
- World’s first camera with partially-stacked CMOS sensor for faster readout speed
- Pro-level video capabilities with 6K/60p internal RAW and 240p HD video recording
- Advanced low-light features with EXPEED 7 processor and Starlight Mode
- Versatile shooting features with advanced autofocus system and multi-subject recognition
- Durable design with magnesium alloy and Sereebo body, dust-and drip-resistance
Nikon Z6III Versatile Tool for Photo and Video—This is our full review of the Z6III. I’ve been using the Z6 (and Z6 II) since their launch, and this line of small, agile mirrorless cameras keeps getting better. If you lean heavily into video, this is most certainly the camera for you. Pick up an OWC / Other World Computing Atlas Ultra CFexpress 4.0 Type B Memory Card 1TB and shoot RAW internally all day long.
Sony Alpha a7 IV Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
Key Features
- 33 MP full-frameExmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor
- 8x more powerful, next generation BIONZ XR image processing engine
- Up to 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 w/ full pixel readout in all rec. Formats
- 7K oversampling full-frame 4K 30p 10-bit 4:2:2 w/ no pixel binning
- Real-time Eye-AF for humans, animals, birds for photo and movie
- S-Cinetone, S-Log3, HLG and 10 Creative Look presets in-camera
- UVC/UAC livestreaming up to 4K 15p/1080 60pw/ internal recording
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization and Active Mode for handheld movie
- Incredible autofocus w/ 759 phase detection AF points, 94% coverage
- 33MP RAW+JPEG up to 10fps continuous shooting with AF/AE
- Hybrid Still/Movie/S&Q dial, mode-specific menus, customizable controls
Renan Ozturk gives a great overview of this full-frame mirrorless camera for 42 West. This camera packs a ton of features at a reasonable price point and truly punches above its weight.
Sony Alpha a7R V Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
Key Features
- Next-generation AF with Real-time Recognition autofocus deep learning AI
- 61.0 MP full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor
- Advanced BIONZ XR engine boosts overall processing speed by up to 8x
- Outstanding filmmaking with 8K 24p/25p4 and 4K 60p/50p
- Unique 4-axis LCD monitor combining tilting convenience and side-opening flexibility
- Active Mode image stabilization for stable handheld movie shooting
- Improved Pixel Shift Multi Shooting responds to changing conditions
- Faster, more precise wide-area AF even in low light
For demanding work that requires the ultimate in, reach for the Sony a7R V. With 61MP and next-generation AF, this full-frame mirrorless will not disappoint. Check out our overview with Sal D’Alia.
Canon EOS R1 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
Key Features
- Powerful Auto-focus upgrades such the world’s first “Cross-type AF” at the imaging sensor
- New Canon-designed 24.2MP full-frame back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor (with Dual Pixel AF)
- Built-in neural upscaling feature can double horizontal and vertical image size to create a 96MP JPEG in about 10 seconds
- Pre-continuous shooting to capture the previous 1/2-second of images prior to a full shutter release
- New DIGIC Accelerator works in tandem with the DIGIC X Image Processor to handle tasks like eye control, metering, and much more for better and faster overall performance
- Fast sensor read-out speeds virtually eliminate rolling shutter concerns and allow for up to 40 fps electronic shutter performance
- Record RAW videos at 6K and MP4 videos in 4K-D, 4K-U, 2K-D, and Full HD formats
- Featuring the best Canon OLED EVF we have ever released with 9.44 million dots, and 0.9x magnification
- Capture video and stills simultaneously with no interruption
- Action Priority mode uses data to interpret the scene and predict the main subject to lock focus on it in action scenarios
- People Priority Shooting for registering up to 10 people the camera can recognize.
The EOS R1 was one of the anticipated full-frame mirrorless camera releases of 2024. Canon’s first true flagship mirrorless camera, the EOS R1, is made for professional work. And for how professionals work. Check out the full specifications and our thoughts here: Canon EOS R1: A New Generation of Professional.
Canon EOS R5 Mark II Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
Key Features
- Completely NEW Canon designed full-frame back-illuminated stacked CMOS 45MP sensor.
- Fast sensor read-out speeds allow for up to 30 fps electronic shutter performance.
- New focus system upgrades include eye control focus, and the ability to maintain focus on a subject even when obscured briefly.
- Capture video and stills simultaneously with no interruption.
- Action Priority uses data to interpret the scene and predict the main subject to lock focus on it
in action scenarios. - People Priority Shooting for registering up to 10 people the camera can recognize and
prioritze focus of. - Capture 8K RAW at 59.94/50.00 fps, and can Canon LOG 2.
- Features the same 0.5-inch 5.76 million dot OLED EVF found in the EOS R3.
- Video Menus now use Cinema EOS terminology.
- Three optional battery grips are available to expand your capabilities.
Canon EOS R5 Mark II: A Perfect Union of Photo and Video. The EOS R5 Mark II hits that ” workhorse ” sweet spot. It has plenty of mega-pixels for any task, with enough speed and additional features to get the job done when you don’t need the tank-like build of a flagship like the EOS R1. Studio and location photographers alike will enjoy the fast and accurate Auto-Focus.
Leica M11-P Rangefinder Camera Black
Key Features
- Content Credentials through the Content Authenticity Initiative
- Robust magnesium alloy body
- 60 MP BSI CMOS sensor with Triple-Resolution technology
- 256 GB internal memory
- Sapphire monitor cover glass with anti-reflective coating
A Leica M is not technically what we mean when we say mirrorless, but the M-11P (like all M cameras) does not have a mirror. Rangefinder cameras have long been a favorite of photojournalists; with Leica’s content authenticity technology, this camera will surely be no different. You can read all about this amazing feature (and more) in our article; Leica M11-P: World’s First Camera to Offer Content Credentials.
Final Thoughts
In the last ten years, Mirrorless cameras have become the standard for professionals and enthusiasts alike. There are dozens of capable full-frame and crop-sensor mirrorless cameras to choose from. The list above marks our current top picks, but if you want to dive deeper into the rabbit hole, Adorama has a huge selection of cameras for any photographer.
