Mirrorless full-frame cameras are growing in popularity with many (hobby) photographers. They offer a good alternative between large SLR cameras and small compact cameras. The selection has also evolved significantly in recent years. In this article you can find out which mirrorless full-frame camera wins in our comparison.
What is a full frame mirrorless camera?
In contrast to SLR cameras, there is no foldable mirror between the lens and the sensor in a mirrorless system camera. The light is transmitted from the lens directly to the sensor. The full-format system camera delivers the highest possible image resolution . The integrated image sensor corresponds to the 35 mm format 24 x 36 mm . Furthermore, a mirrorless full format system camera has an electronic viewfinder .
Advantages and disadvantages of full-frame mirrorless cameras
Advantages:
- High picture quality
- High continuous shooting speed
- Suitable for fast lenses
- More compact and lighter
- Less maintenance than SLR cameras
Disadvantages:
- Expensive
- High battery consumption
- Limited choice of lenses
1. Sony Alpha 7 III
If 24 megapixels are enough for a camera, this model is just right for you. The Alpha 7 III is a top camera , the price of which is really impressive with this equipment. That is why it is our number 1 and impresses with its price-performance ratio . The image quality is excellent for the resolution and 10 frames per second can be shot. The camera can actually do everything that its big sister with 42 megapixels, the Alpha 7R III , can do, but is a lot cheaper .
equipment and functions
- 24 Mp full frame sensor
- Full pixel readout without pixel binning
- 4K HDR movie recording
- 5-axis image stabilization
- Actiforce battery technology
- Compatible with Sony Alpha 9, Alpha 7RM4, Alpha 7RM3, Alpha 7M3 and Alpha 6600
Advantages:
- Top image quality
- 10 frames per second
- Can be connected to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth or WiFi
Disadvantages:
- “only” 24 megapixels
2. Sony Alpha 7 IV
Our second Sony model can do at least as much as our first place. However, it is more than 700 euros more expensive . Nevertheless, you get a lot in return. The resolution of the photos is really good and the autofocus with eye detection makes it particularly easy to capture people and animals in motion. The performance of the Alpha 7 IV is remarkable .
equipment and functions
- 33 Mp
- Real Time Tracking Technology
- Autofocus with eye detection
- electronic viewfinder with 3.69 million pixels
- tiltable 3 inch touch screen
- 5-axis image stabilization
- 4K quality
Advantages:
- top resolution
- very good auto focus
- Images can be streamed live
Disadvantages:
- more expensive compared to 1st place
3.Canon EOS R5
The Canon EOS R5 also has a lot to offer, but you can expect that for almost 4600 euros . But with this price it is more for professionals . Nevertheless, it has 45 megapixels and features scene recognition . Thanks to the good resolution, the image results are convincing even in poor light . Using Canon software , you can easily turn the EOS R5 into a webcam and use it for high-quality video conferencing.
equipment and functions
- 45 MP
- 8-level image stabilization
- 8K RAW videos
- Subject recognition for body, face, eye and animal
- connectable via WLAN, USB, HDMI, Bluetooth
- 6 f-stops
Advantages:
- excellent image quality
- great photos in bad light
- protected from dust and splashing water
Disadvantages:
- very expensive
- Video recording overheating
4. Nikon Z 6 II
The Nikon Z 6 II is a solid camera that performs very well. It manages 14 frames per second and has an acceptable 24.5 megapixels . It can also convince thanks to the extra-large 55 mm bayonet , which enables absolute sharpness and particularly detailed images . The price-performance ratio is definitely right here.
equipment and functions
- 24.5Mp
- 14 frames per second
- 4K UHD video
- 55mm bayonet
- Hybrid autofocus
- 5-axis image stabilizer
- Viewfinder with 3.69 million pixels
Advantages:
- Compatible with smartphone via SnapBridge app
- 2 card slots
Disadvantages:
- Display cannot be swiveled forward
5. Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R
The Lumix S1R is also aimed more at professionals . It is the second most expensive model in our ranking. The camera is equipped with an excellent electronic viewfinder and offers 4K video recording . The particularly robust housing is protected from dust and splash water and the camera still performs well at -10° cold - for fantastic recordings even in winter.
equipment and functions
- 47.3 megapixels
- 5-axis image stabilization
- 5,760K-dot OLED touchscreen display
- Depth from Defocus
- 4K video recording
- Connection via USB, WiFi and Bluetooth
Advantages:
- double memory card slots
- Dust, splash water and cold protection down to -10°
- very good electronic viewfinder
Disadvantages:
- quite weak battery
Conclusion: Large price and quality differences
The currently available mirrorless full format system cameras sometimes differ greatly in terms of price and scope of services. Your own camera requirements play an important role in your choice. Due to the best balance between price and range of functions, the Sony Alpha 7 III is our test winner.