As a professional photographer, I am always on the lookout for the best tools to enhance my craft. One of the most important pieces of equipment for me is a reliable and compact full frame mirrorless camera. I value portability and image quality above all else, so finding the perfect balance between size and performance is crucial.
After extensive research and testing, I have narrowed down my choices to a few top contenders in the market. In this article, I will share my insights and experiences with these cameras, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help fellow photographers make an informed decision.
Join me on this journey as I delve into the world of small full frame mirrorless cameras, exploring their features, image quality, and overall user experience. Let’s uncover the best camera that ticks all the boxes for professionals and enthusiasts alike!
My Pick for the Best Small Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
After researching and testing several small full frame mirrorless cameras, I have found the perfect companion for my photography needs. The camera that stood out to me for its compact size and exceptional image quality is the Sony Alpha a7C.
With its sleek design and lightweight body, the Sony Alpha a7C is a versatile camera that delivers stunning results. The full frame sensor ensures incredible detail and clarity in every shot, while the advanced autofocus system allows me to capture sharp images with ease.
- The Sony Alpha a7C features a tilting touchscreen display, making it convenient to compose shots from various angles.
- Its impressive low-light performance and fast burst shooting capabilities make it ideal for capturing action shots and low-light scenes.
- The compact size of the camera makes it easy to carry around for travel and everyday photography.
Sony Alpha a7C: Compact Powerhouse
As a photography enthusiast looking for a small full frame mirrorless camera, I was thrilled to discover the Sony Alpha a7C. This camera packs a punch in a compact and lightweight body, making it perfect for on-the-go shooting without compromising on image quality.
One of the standout features of the Sony Alpha a7C is its impressive 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, which delivers stunning image quality with rich detail and accurate colours. Coupled with advanced autofocus capabilities and fast continuous shooting speeds, this camera ensures you never miss a moment.
- Compact Design: The Sony Alpha a7C is the smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless camera in the market, making it ideal for travel and everyday photography.
- High-Quality Images: With a 24.2-megapixel sensor and advanced image processing, the Sony Alpha a7C delivers outstanding image quality with excellent dynamic range and low-light performance.
- Fast Autofocus: The camera features advanced autofocus technology with real-time tracking and eye autofocus, ensuring sharp and accurate focus in various shooting conditions.
- Versatile Shooting: Whether you’re into landscape, portrait, or street photography, the Sony Alpha a7C offers a range of shooting modes and creative options to suit your style.
Canon EOS RP: Lightweight and Versatile
When it comes to a compact and versatile full-frame mirrorless camera, the Canon EOS RP is a standout choice. As a photographer who values portability and performance, I appreciate the lightweight design of the Canon EOS RP, making it ideal for travel and everyday shooting.
With its 26.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, the Canon EOS RP delivers high-quality images with excellent detail and dynamic range. The camera’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system ensures quick and accurate autofocus, perfect for capturing fast-moving subjects or shooting in low-light conditions.
- The Canon EOS RP features a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, allowing for flexible composition and easy navigation of settings.
- With a wide range of compatible RF and EF lenses, the EOS RP offers versatility for various shooting scenarios, from landscapes to portraits.
- Additionally, the camera supports 4K video recording and has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless sharing and remote control.
Nikon Z5: Budget-Friendly Option
When it comes to finding a small full frame mirrorless camera that won’t break the bank, the Nikon Z5 is a solid choice. As someone who values both quality and affordability, I was pleasantly surprised by the features and performance of this camera.
The Nikon Z5 offers a 24.3 megapixel full frame sensor, allowing for excellent image quality and low-light performance. Its compact and lightweight design makes it a great option for travel and everyday use. The camera also features 5-axis image stabilization, ensuring sharp photos and smooth video footage.
- 24.3 megapixel full frame sensor
- Compact and lightweight design
- 5-axis image stabilization
Panasonic Lumix S5: Feature-Packed Compact Camera
As a photography enthusiast looking for a compact yet powerful camera, I recently came across the Panasonic Lumix S5, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. This full-frame mirrorless camera packs a punch with its impressive features and capabilities.
One standout feature of the Panasonic Lumix S5 is its 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, which delivers stunning image quality with rich detail and vibrant colours. The camera also boasts 5-axis in-body image stabilization, ensuring sharp and blur-free images even in low light conditions.
- The Panasonic Lumix S5 offers 4K video recording at up to 60fps, making it ideal for videographers looking to capture high-quality footage. The camera also supports V-Log and V-Gamut for professional-level colour grading.
- With a compact and lightweight design, the Panasonic Lumix S5 is perfect for travel and on-the-go shooting. The camera features a vari-angle LCD screen and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder for easy composition and framing.
- Overall, the Panasonic Lumix S5 is a feature-packed compact camera that delivers exceptional performance in a small package. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a hobbyist, this camera is sure to impress with its versatility and image quality.
Leica SL2-S: A Compact Luxury Mirrorless Camera
When it comes to combining luxury and performance in a compact package, the Leica SL2-S stands out as a top contender. As a photographer who values both quality and portability, this camera has exceeded my expectations in every way.
With its full frame sensor and impressive low-light capabilities, the Leica SL2-S delivers stunning image quality in a compact form factor. Whether shooting landscapes, portraits, or street photography, this camera consistently produces sharp, detailed images with rich colours and excellent dynamic range.
- Compact Design: Despite its high-end features, the Leica SL2-S is surprisingly lightweight and compact, making it the perfect companion for on-the-go shooting.
- Intuitive Controls: The camera’s intuitive interface and customizable controls make it easy to adjust settings on the fly, allowing me to focus on capturing the perfect shot without any distractions.
- High-Quality Build: Crafted from premium materials, the Leica SL2-S exudes luxury and durability. From the robust weather sealing to the comfortable grip, every aspect of this camera reflects Leica’s commitment to quality.
Comparison of Size and Weight Among Small Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras
When it comes to choosing a small full frame mirrorless camera, size and weight are important factors to consider. Let’s compare the dimensions and weight of some of the best options available in the market:
- Sony Alpha a7C: Dimensions: 124 x 71.1 x 59.7 mm, Weight: 509g
- Canon EOS RP: Dimensions: 132.5 x 85.0 x 70.0 mm, Weight: 485g
- Nikon Z5: Dimensions: 134 x 100.5 x 69.5 mm, Weight: 675g
- Panasonic Lumix S5: Dimensions: 132.6 x 97.1 x 81.9 mm, Weight: 714g
From the comparison above, it’s clear that the Sony Alpha a7C is the most compact and lightweight option among the small full frame mirrorless cameras listed. If portability is a priority for you, the Sony Alpha a7C could be the ideal choice. However, each camera offers unique features and capabilities, so it’s essential to consider your specific needs and shooting preferences when making a decision.
Best small full frame mirrorless camera
Sony a7 III (ILCEM3K/B) Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera with 28-70mm Lens with 3-Inch LCD, Black
21 used from $1,183.42
Features
- Advanced 24.2MP BSI Full-frame Image Sensor w/ 1.8X readout speed Advanced 24.2MP Back-Illuminated 35mm Full-frame Image Sensor
- 15-stop dynamic range, 14-bit uncompressed RAW, ISO 50 to 204,800
- Up to 10fps Silent or Mechanical Shutter with AE/AF tracking
- 693 phase-detection / 425 contrast AF points w/ 93% image coverage
- In the box: SEL2870 lens, Lens hood, Lens cap, Lens rear cap, Rechargeable Battery (NP-FZ100), AC Adapter (AC-UUD12), Shoulder strap, Body cap, Accessory shoe cap, Eyepiece cup, Micro USB cable
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Canon EOS RP Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera + RF24-105mm Lens F4-7.1 IS STM Lens Kit- Compact and Lightweight for Traveling and Vlogging, Black (3380C132)
Features
- Compact, Lightweight and High-Quality RF Lens with a Versatile Zoom Range of 24-105 millimeter
- Optical Image Stabilization at up to 5 stops of shake correction
- Maximum Magnification of 0.4x and Minimum Focusing Distance of 0.66 feet in Auto Focus.
- Maximum Magnification of 0.5x and Minimum Focusing Distance of 0.43 ft. when using Center Focus Macro.
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam, or do the same using a clean HDMI output.
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Canon EOS R8 Mirrorless Camera RF24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit, Full-Frame Hybrid Camera, 24.2 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor, 4K Video, Content Creator Vlogging Camera, Black
$1,499.00
1 used from $1,389.95
Features
- Step up to full-frame with Canon’s lightest full-frame RF Mount mirrorless camera featuring a 24.2 million pixel CMOS image sensor and DIGIC X Image Processor.
- An affordable and compact camera with built-in 0.39” 2.36 million dots OLED EVF up to 120 fps refresh rate and 3.0” 1.62 million dots vari-angle LCD touchscreen.
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF II covering up to 100% x 100% area with 1,053 AF zones with automatic subject detection of people, animals, and vehicles using deep learning technology, now including aircraft (jet planes and helicopters), trains, and horses.
- Uncropped 4K movie at up to 60 fps that is oversampled from 6K, Full HD High-frame rate movie recording at up to 180 fps2, and Canon Log 3 or HDR PQ. Max movie record time of 2 hours3 and UVC / UAC for webcam and streaming4
- Achieves high image quality such as improved resolution at low ISO speeds and low noise at high ISO speeds, wide dynamic range of still pictures, and significant improvement in rolling shutter compared to previous Canon cameras when shooting fast-moving subjects and quick panning.
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Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera with 28-70mm Zoom Lens Kit
$2,298.00
14 used from $2,033.46
Features
- 33MP full-frame Exmor 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 recording formats
- 7K oversampling full-frame 4K 30p 10-bit 4:2:2 w/ no pixel binning
- Beautiful color expression made simple with S-Cinetone color profile
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Panasonic LUMIX S5 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera, 4K 60P Video Recording with Flip Screen & Wifi, LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 Lens, L-Mount, 5-Axis Dual I.S., DC-S5KK (Black)
$1,497.99
6 used from $1,249.99
Features
- A LIGHTWEIGHT, POWERFUL HYBRID CAMERA FOR VIBRANT STILL PHOTOGRAPHY AND CINEMATIC VIDEO: Realize your creative vision with extraordinary 4K 60p, 10-bit video, FHD 180fps Slow Motion option as well as 4:3 Anamorphic support.
- DETAILED PHOTO AND VIDEO THAT WILL DELIGHT ENTHUSIASTS AND EXPERTS ALIKE: Capture content in impressive high quality with 96MP High Resolution mode, Dual Native ISO to minimize noise in high sensitivity and V-Log/V-Gamut with 14-plus stop dynamic range.
- IMPROVED, HIGH-PRECISION AUTOFOCUS AND POWERFUL IMAGE STABILIZATION: Improved autofocus includes detection of the head as well as eyes, face and body, to capture subjects with ease and precision. 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 enables 6.5-stop slower shutter speed.
- EXPANDED FEATURES OFFER NEW LEVELS OF CREATIVITY: Use Live View Composite mode to instantly create a stunning image out of several live shots to capture fireworks or a starry sky
| Price history for Panasonic LUMIX S5 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera, 4K 60P Video Recording with Flip Screen & Wifi, LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 Lens, L-Mount, 5-Axis Dual I.S., DC-S5KK (Black) | |
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Nikon Z 5 | Our most compact full-frame mirrorless stills/video camera | Nikon USA Model
12 used from $840.00
Features
- 24.3MP Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera | Nikon’s most compact, lightweight full-frame interchangeable lens Z series camera
- Outstanding Image Quality | Sharp, lifelike details, vibrant colors and great low-light performance
- 4K/30p and 1080/60p Video Recording | Crisp, smooth videos with shallow depth of field; USB power delivery; HDMI output
- Eye-Detection Autofocus | Automatically locks onto the eyes of people, dogs and cats and tracks them as they move around the frame
- 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization | Capture steady handheld videos and sharp photos; shoot at slower shutter speeds in low light without causing camera blur
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Nikon Z 6II | Versatile full-frame mirrorless stills/video hybrid camera | Nikon USA Model
$1,596.95
18 used from $1,269.99
Features
- Mirrorless versatility on a whole new level. 24.5MP BSI resolution that excels in low light. 14 FPS suitable for fast action. 4K UHD Video performance at its best.
- Full frame. Full pixel readout. Full featured 4K UHD Video. Top of the line video performance with 4K UHD 60p using full pixel readout and a host of outstanding features for serious videographers. Subject acquisition with speed and precision. 3.5x more buffer capacity than the original Z 6. Faster continuous shooting. Improved AF performance and functionality.
- Dual card slots (CFexpress/XQD plus UHS-II SD). Flexibility and peace of mind when shooting important moments or on assignment, such as wedding and event photography. Comfortable. Durable. Intuitive. Z 6II’s exterior and interior have been thoughtfully designed to be handled and used with max comfort and ease of operation.
- Vertical Grip Ready. Now compatible with the new vertical battery grip for those in need of more power and easier shutter operation when shooting vertically. USB-C constant power and charging. Never run low on power during livestreams, video shoots and timelapses.
- One mount accepts them all. Compatible with a growing line of NIKKOR Z lenses as well as approx. 360 F-mount NIKKOR lenses with FTZ mount adapter (sold separately).
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Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera, RF Mount, 24.1 MP, DIGIC 8 Image Processor, Continuous Shooting, Eye Detection AF, Full HD Video, 4K, Small, Lightweight, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Content Creation
$299.00
1 used from $399.00
Features
- Compact, lightweight EOS R series camera with an affordable price
- Smallest and lightest camera body in the EOS R series1 built for excellent mobility
- High image quality with a 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and DIGIC 8 processor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF covering a wide area2 up to 143 zones with auto subject detection and Eye Detection AF available with Servo AF.
- Continuous capture of up to 6.5 shots per second when set to One-Shot AF
| Price history for Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera, RF Mount, 24.1 MP, DIGIC 8 Image Processor, Continuous Shooting, Eye Detection AF, Full HD Video, 4K, Small, Lightweight, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Content Creation | |
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Sony Alpha 7 II E-mount interchangeable lens mirrorless camera with full frame sensor
$565.99
Features
- World’s first 5-axis in-body image stabilization in a full-frame camera.
- Use your favorite lenses without blur from camera shake.
- Capture stunning images with full-frame, 24.3MP resolution.
- Fast hybrid AF with phase-detection - 30% faster than a7.
- Viewfinder Type:0.5-type electronic viewfinder (colour)
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Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera (Body Only), Full-Frame Hybrid Camera, 8K Video, 45 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, DIGIC X Image Processor, Up to 12 FPS, RF Mount, Black
Features
- High Image Quality featuring a New 45 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor..Working Temperature Range : 32–104°F / 0–+40°C, Working Humidity Range 85% or less
- DIGIC X Image Processor with an ISO range of 100-51200; Expandable to 102400x1.
- High-speed continuous shooting of up to 12 fps with Mechanical Shutter and up to 20 fps electronic (silent) shutter.
- Dual pixel CMOS AF covering approx. 100% area with 1,053 AF areas.
- Subject tracking of people and animals using deep learning technology.
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Q&A:
What is the best small full frame mirrorless camera?
The Sony Alpha a7 III is often considered the best small full frame mirrorless camera due to its excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and compact size.
Which small full frame mirrorless camera has the best image quality?
The Nikon Z6 is known for its outstanding image quality, with a high-resolution sensor and impressive dynamic range, making it a top choice for photographers.
What is the lightest small full frame mirrorless camera?
The Panasonic Lumix S5 is one of the lightest full frame mirrorless cameras available, making it a great option for travel and everyday use.
Which small full frame mirrorless camera offers the best value for its price?
The Canon EOS RP is often praised for its affordability while still delivering excellent image quality and performance, making it a great value option in the full frame mirrorless market.
