Modern digital technology is at the peak of its development, and cameras are no exception. Full-frame SLR cameras are gaining in popularity. They have high resolution pictures, color saturation and other characteristics, thanks to which they are bought more and more often.
Unfortunately, not all users are able to choose the most suitable device in this regard. To fill this gap, we decided to make a rating of the best full-frame cameras of 2019. Before we look at the useful qualities of specific models, let's figure out what to look for when buying them.
Summary of the rating:
How to choose a full-frame camera?
One of the key parameters is the resolution of the matrix - it is it that directly affects the final quality of the images. Full-frame devices have decent viewfinder sizes. This part of the device allows you to observe the photographed object and automatically calculate the boundaries of the future picture. Another important point is the characteristic denoting the photosensitivity of a digital device. It is very important when there is not enough light. Modern cameras are equipped with volumetric photocells, which can perceive a large number of light rays, so the quality of shooting remains at a height regardless of the degree of illumination.
Be sure to pay attention to the lens of the device. It is with its help that light is collected and the image is formed on the sensor. Without it, an image of acceptable quality cannot be obtained even on the device with the strongest matrix. Structurally, it includes a lens system, a set of auxiliary mechanisms and rings, which are compactly placed in the housing.
Absolutely all full-frame cameras are equipped with a liquid crystal display. With its help, it will be possible to quickly adjust the operating mode of the product to the existing lighting conditions, you can view the resulting photos. Professional photographers prefer products with a high-definition display. It is desirable that its color rendition be close to natural. In this case, the photos will look approximately the same as after printing. On sale you can find products equipped with a touch screen. It is very convenient and practical to use.
Full-frame cameras are quite large in overall dimensions and weight. The body in most cases is made of metal, it is well resistant to various kinds of physical influences. The camera needs special care during operation - it will have to be cleaned regularly, and this should be done on a flat and stable surface using microfiber material. In order to remove dust or sand accumulated in hard-to-reach places, you will need to use special brushes. Equipment must be stored with the battery removed, and the camera should also be kept away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Be sure to consider the battery capacity - the higher it is, the longer the device will be able to work offline.If you plan to use the device for a rather long time, then it is advisable to purchase a spare battery.
When choosing models to include in our review of the best full-frame devices, we took into account all the factors discussed above, and also took into account user reviews and value for money. After carefully studying the rating, you will probably be able to choose the best model for yourself.
Top 10 models of full-frame cameras
10. Pentax K-1 Mark II Kit
A relatively compact camera opens our rating, but its mass is pretty decent. The device is able to work in a fairly wide temperature range - from -10 to +45 degrees. The model is carefully protected from dust, moisture and water vapor: for this, about 90 special rubber plugs are provided. If desired, such an apparatus can be removed even in heavy rain - the main thing in this case is to protect the external lens of the lens from being flooded with water. The case is made of high-quality lightweight magnesium alloy, which covers a stainless steel frame. There are two speakers on the sides that allow you to record video with stereo sound, an integrated GPS receiver is provided. On the surface of the case there is everything necessary to adjust the quality of the picture.
The viewfinder is made on the basis of a pentaprism, the magnification factor is very decent 0.70x. The display is fixed to the housing using four movable supports, due to which it rotates in absolutely any direction. The display resolution is 1037 thousand pixels, its diagonal is 3.2 inches. The camera has a backlight lens, a slot for installing a memory card. The matrix has 5-axis stabilization, which directly affects the quality of images and clips. Focusing can be either manual or automatic.
Benefits:
- Reliable protection of the case against moisture and dust;
- Keys and some other elements have LED backlight;
- 5-axis matrix stabilization;
- The horizon line is adjusted automatically;
- There is a Wi-Fi module;
- Built-in GPS receiver;
- Relatively low cost.
Disadvantages:
- Battery capacity is not very high;
- Low buffer memory capacity;
- Turns on long enough.
9. Sony Alpha ILCA-99M2
The model is equipped with a 42-megapixel matrix format CMOS, which also has a five-axis stabilization system. Like the previous model, this design is housed in a lightweight magnesium alloy housing, reliably protected from dust and moisture. The mass of the device is pretty decent for the camera - as much as 849 grams. The device is equipped with an electronic viewfinder, its weight is significantly less compared to the classic optical part. This is a professional tool that has an ergonomic body. Holds securely in hands, does not slip out of them. Almost all high-end optics are combined with the lens. The shutter is reliable - the manufacturer claims that its service life will last no less than 300 thousand cycles. All main connectors are located on the left side of the device and are closed with special shutters that do not allow water to penetrate.
On the opposite side are two slots for SD memory cards that support all modern standards, but you should choose drives depending on the speed of work. The fact is that when shooting a video, a data transfer rate of 50 MB per second will not be enough. The door of this compartment closes tightly, will not open on its own. There are two screens here: on the upper side there is a fairly informative liquid crystal screen, where all the key parameters for photo and video shooting will be displayed. The main display has rotary mechanisms with which you can choose the most suitable angle. Its diagonal is 3 inches. There is no touch control, however, all the necessary keys are located nearby.
Benefits:
- High speed auto focus;
- Reliable matrix stabilization;
- Makes a large number of frames per unit of time;
- A decent amount of buffer memory;
- A huge number of subtle settings;
- Shooting video in 4K resolution.
Disadvantages:
- It is quite expensive;
- There is no USB0 connector - you have to remove the memory cards each time in order to transfer information to the computer.
8. Canon EOS 6D Body
This model has a rather original appearance, which only remotely resembles the design of devices from this manufacturer. The body is metal, has increased strength. On the front panel, you can meet three physical control buttons - shutter release, a key that allows you to unlock the lens and aperture repeater. Built-in flash is not provided here. There is only one slot for a memory card, so it is advisable to purchase a drive of decent capacity. Almost all the settings control buttons are placed under the right hand. All the icons are understandable - it’s quite easy to understand the functionality. The connectors are on the left side, closed with a soft rubber plug. The auto focus system is based on 11 points closer to the center of the lens. The camera has a Wi-Fi module that allows you to immediately transfer data to a personal computer, laptop or mobile device.
The device is quite suitable for an experienced photographer. The macro function is thought out carefully. The color rendering of the matrix is natural, no distortion of the image during testing and use was found. There was practically no noise even when working in this mode.
Benefits:
- Quite a capacious battery - on a single charge, you can make up to 840 frames in format. raw
- High detail frame;
- Not too heavy products;
- The colors of the photograph are juicy;
- Carefully designed ergonomics.
Disadvantages:
- In automatic mode, white balance does not work too well.
7. Sony Alpha ILCE-7M2 Kit
At first glance, it may seem that these products are an exact copy of the previous model. The thickness is quite significant, but this did not affect the grip comfort. The build quality of the products is quite high: even with significant pressure on the case, it is not possible to detect any backlash, creaks and other manufacturing defects. There is an infrared receiver socket on the front panel, so the camera can be controlled remotely - using a special remote control that comes with the product. The main element here is the digital matrix, which has a resolution of 2359 thousand pixels. Viewfinder color reproduction is simply excellent. From the display to the viewfinder, switching occurs almost instantly. When illuminated with fluorescent lights, no flicker is visible.
The camera is equipped with a 3-inch LCD with a resolution of 1228 thousand pixels. Viewing angles are very wide both in horizontal and in vertical plane. Unfortunately, the display does not have an oleophobic coating, so fingerprints will remain on it. The camera interface is very understandable, even a novice photographer can understand it, especially if he carefully reads the instructions. The menu is very extensive, but intuitive. It is fully translated into Russian. The full-frame sensor is equipped with a 5-axis image stabilization system, there is a face detection function. If the camera detects a smile, the self-timer system is activated. The product is equipped with multi-frame noise reduction, so the photos are pretty clear.
Benefits:
- Universal products;
- Intuitive interface;
- Clear and juicy picture;
- Easy and very convenient to use;
- Wide viewing angles.
Disadvantages:
- Auto focus is slower than you would like;
- The screen can be rotated exclusively vertically.
6. Nikon D610 Body
Outwardly, these products correspond to the style in which this company produces its cameras - there are two control disks. On the front side a little to the left of the lens is the auto focus backlight, one programmable button and aperture repeater. This device has two displays - one digital, informative, which displays information regarding the selected shooting mode and other parameters. The controls on the camera are not too many, besides they do not seem too large. The menu is very clear, Russified. The image quality is high, the noise is almost not noticeable. The matrix has a resolution of 24 megapixels, the shutter works quite quietly. With a lack of natural light, the image quality does not decrease at all.
The stabilizer is characterized by high efficiency. Auto focus works pretty quickly, the pictures even in this mode are saturated and contrast. Like all models that we included in this rating, this camera has a burst mode. When using it, up to 6 frames per second will be done, and all of them will be of very high quality. When shooting video, autofocus proved to be just fine.
Benefits:
- Superior build quality;
- Autofocus works great;
- It works almost silently;
- Good supply of battery capacity;
- It fits securely in your hand.
Disadvantages:
- Autofocus points are located only in the center of the frame - you have to try to make the object appear there.
5. Canon EOS R Body
The key element of this camera is a full-frame CMOS sensor, the resolution of which is 30 megapixels with overall dimensions of 36x24 mm. The sensitivity range is from 100 to 40,000. Photos are saved in a format. raw High speed burst shooting - up to 8 frames per second. According to the developers, this model uses hybrid auto focus technology developed on the basis of Dual Pixel. It works in record time - 0.05 s. There are quite a lot of focus points - 5655 pieces. It was possible to include face recognition and autofocus on the eyes in the device. On the rear panel, it was decided not to install the classic joystick - they could replace it with a touch screen and a touch panel located at the back. All discs located under the thumb and forefinger can be customized if necessary for your own needs.
The camera has excellent capabilities for working with video - shooting is carried out with a resolution of 4K and a frequency of 30 frames per second. Dynamic range extended. The model is able to work with SD UHS-II memory cards, which differ in decent capacity. Built-in microphones have decent quality, but if necessary, you can install an external microphone and connect headphones.
Benefits:
- Superior workmanship;
- Insignificant mass for a full-frame camera;
- It is very easy to use even for beginners;
- Universal mount for mounting the lens;
- A large number of the latest technologies are involved.
Disadvantages:
- You will have to adjust the viewfinder for some time.
4. Nikon Z7
The camera is equipped with a full-frame CMOS sensor, whose resolution is 45.7 megapixels, and the light-receiving cells are equipped with backlighting, which positively affects image sharpness. Stabilization when shooting a photo or video is carried out on five axes, which is ideal when using slow shutter speeds. Hybrid autofocus system implemented by 493 phase sensors. The light sensitivity is excellent from 64 to 25,600. The maximum burst speed is 9 frames per second. If necessary, you can save photos in .jpg or. raw On the rear panel there is a touch display that can move in a vertical plane. The electronic viewfinder has a resolution of 3.69 megapixels.
The case is reliably protected from dust and moisture.There are jacks for connecting a microphone and headphones. Video can be shot at a maximum resolution of 4K, and the flow rate will be 100 Mbps. The menu of the camera is organized as logically and perfectly structured as possible. It is fully translated into Russian, so using it is very convenient. The device has a medium-capacity battery - its full charge is enough for about 400 format photos. raw, it will be enough to record 85 minutes of video. The quality of the picture is in any case very high. And this applies to all parameters - midtones, natural colors, contrast. All factors are optimally combined with each other.
Benefits:
- Very high resolution matrix;
- Effective operation of the built-in image stabilizer;
- High speed burst shooting;
- Carefully designed ergonomics;
- Russified and intellectually clear interface;
- Absolutely silent work;
- Electronic viewfinder;
- The presence of a touch screen with decent resolution.
Disadvantages:
- There is no automatic focus on the eyes;
- Pretty high price.
3. Leica Q (Typ 116)
So we finally got to the top three. In third place is a model from a very famous and world-famous camera manufacturer. These products have compact overall dimensions and are made in a classic style. The upper part of the body is made of metal, there are not too many physical controls. On the top panel there is a shutter button and a power lever, a button that starts video recording and two selectors. One of them is designed to set the shutter speed, and the second will change its functionality depending on the context. Built-in flash is not provided here - the manufacturers wanted the photos to always preserve the natural color reproduction. The focal length of the lens is 28 mm, but with the help of a special button it can be increased up to 50 mm. The resolution of the matrix is very high, so even at 50 mm shutter speed, pictures are obtained that can be printed in large formats.
The navigation key has five positions; several physical control buttons are provided on the left back side. The lens is made of metal, the front lens is slightly concave, which gives the device additional originality. Focusing is both manual and automatic. The central part of the body is made of high-quality rough plastic with a matte soft-touch coating. This allows you not to leave fingerprints on the camera, to keep its attractive appearance throughout the entire service life.
Benefits:
- Ergonomic body
- Intellectually clear, fully Russified menu;
- Full frame with excellent lens;
- Excellent workmanship;
- Quick response auto focus system;
- Compact and lightweight.
Disadvantages:
- Weak battery;
- High price.
2. Nikon D5
It has a traditional square shape for its class. Manufacturers were able to place a battery of decent capacity here, equip the camera with a number of additional buttons and selectors. The mass of the device is pretty decent - almost one and a half kilograms. Naturally, workmanship is at its best. The model is assembled in Japan, the case is made of lightweight magnesium alloy, which allows you to use the camera even in the most severe conditions. Underwater, you can’t take it off, but it can withstand water splashes with ease. On the front panel, in addition to the lens, there is a pair of microphones, as well as a 10-pin connector for working with the control panel, here are three programmable keys.
From the back you can find the rubber eye cup of the original form, if necessary it is very easy to remove. On the bottom panel there is only a socket for attaching to a tripod. The viewfinder allows you to cover 100% of the frame, there is an increased magnification factor of 0.72x.There is a viewfinder curtain with which you can accurately set the exposure, avoiding the occurrence of illuminated areas. There are two displays - one on the top panel, one full color, designed to view photos, videos and work with the menu.
Benefits:
- Real Japanese assembly;
- Removable eyecup;
- Increased magnification factor;
- Two informative displays.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
1. Canon EOS 1D X Mark II
We are close to ending our review of the best full-frame cameras. It remains to analyze only the performance of the leader of the rating. The device has a square body, a special handle for vertical grip is provided. The case is made of magnesium alloy. The assembly is Japanese, therefore, the users did not have the slightest complaints about the build quality. Four physical buttons are located on the front panel in the immediate vicinity of the lens - two of them are used to control the depth of field, there are also two programmable keys. In the lower left corner, the shutter buttons are duplicated, there is also a control dial. The microphone here is monophonic, but the sound quality practically does not suffer from this.
Most of the keys on the camera have LED backlighting, which facilitates the use of the device in low light conditions. Like some models included in the review, the camera is equipped with two displays, there is a GPS module. There are a lot of controls, and they are all located as conveniently as possible so that it is easy to reach with your fingers. All connectors for connecting external equipment are located under special rubber plugs. The camera can support memory cards with a speed of up to 530 Mbit / s, which allows you to instantly save there even videos recorded in 4K resolution with a frequency of up to 160 frames per second.
Benefits:
- There is a built-in GPS module;
- If necessary, you can connect an Ethernet cable;
- Video is shot using auto focus;
- Great quality photos;
- High level of sensitivity.
Disadvantages:
- Except for the high cost was not found.
In conclusion, a useful video
Now, after all the qualities of the models are analyzed, you can choose for yourself the best full-frame camera both in terms of characteristics and cost. If you have any questions or suggestions - write them in the comments to this article. We will try to quickly respond to them and provide additional information on the model you are interested in.