As a photography enthusiast, I have always been on the lookout for the perfect camera that combines portability and high-quality performance. The search for the best smallest full frame mirrorless camera has been a journey filled with excitement and anticipation.
After exploring various options and testing out different models, I can confidently say that I have found the ultimate choice that ticks all the boxes. This camera not only delivers exceptional image quality but also offers compactness and versatility that make it stand out from the rest.
My Pick for the Best Smallest Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
When it comes to choosing the best compact full frame mirrorless camera, my top choice would be the Sony Alpha a7C. This camera combines a full frame sensor with a compact and lightweight body, making it a versatile and portable option for photographers on the go.
With its 24.2 megapixel sensor, the Sony Alpha a7C delivers stunning image quality in a small package. The camera also features fast and accurate autofocus, allowing you to capture sharp and detailed photos with ease. Its tilting LCD screen and electronic viewfinder make it easy to compose your shots in any situation.
- The a7C is equipped with in-body image stabilization, ensuring that your photos are free from camera shake.
- Its 4K video capabilities make it a great choice for videographers looking for a compact yet powerful camera.
- The a7C’s compact size and impressive performance make it the perfect choice for photographers who want a full frame camera without the bulk.
Understanding Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras
Full frame mirrorless cameras are advanced imaging devices that feature large image sensors without the traditional mirror mechanism found in DSLR cameras. These cameras offer superior image quality, enhanced low-light performance, and increased depth of field control compared to cameras with smaller sensors.
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Full frame mirrorless cameras use a digital viewfinder or an LCD screen to display the image preview, eliminating the need for a bulky optical viewfinder. This design allows for a more compact and lightweight camera body, making it ideal for travel photography, street photography, and other on-the-go shooting scenarios.
- Large image sensor
- Compact and lightweight design
- Enhanced image quality
- Superior low-light performance
- Increased depth of field control
Benefits of Using a Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
When it comes to photography, the advantages of a full frame mirrorless camera are undeniable. As a photographer, I have experienced firsthand the benefits of using such a powerful tool in capturing stunning images.
One of the key advantages of a full frame mirrorless camera is the superior image quality it offers. With a larger sensor size compared to crop sensor cameras, full frame cameras produce sharper, more detailed images with better dynamic range and low-light performance.
- Improved Low Light Performance: With larger pixels on a full frame sensor, the camera can capture more light, resulting in cleaner and less noisy images in low-light conditions.
- Enhanced Depth of Field: The larger sensor size allows for a shallower depth of field, creating beautiful bokeh effects that make your subject stand out against a blurred background.
- Professional-Level Features: Full frame mirrorless cameras often come equipped with advanced features such as 4K video recording, high-speed continuous shooting, and a wide range of compatible lenses for creative versatility.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
When selecting a full frame mirrorless camera, there are several important factors to take into account to ensure you get the best camera for your needs. One key consideration is the size and weight of the camera. A compact and lightweight camera is ideal for travel and street photography, while a larger camera may provide better handling and more physical controls.
Another crucial factor is the sensor size and resolution. A full frame sensor offers superior image quality and low light performance compared to smaller sensors. Higher resolution sensors allow for more detailed images, but they may also require more storage space and processing power.
- Autofocus System: Consider the autofocus system of the camera, as a fast and accurate autofocus is essential for capturing sharp images, especially in challenging conditions.
- Image Stabilization: Look for cameras with in-body image stabilization to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images, particularly when shooting handheld or in low light.
- Video Capabilities: If you plan to shoot videos, check the camera’s video recording features, such as resolution, frame rates, and video formats, to ensure it meets your requirements.
Key Features of the Best Compact Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras
When it comes to the best small full frame mirrorless cameras, compact size and lightweight design are essential features. These cameras are designed to be portable and easy to carry around, making them ideal for travel and on-the-go photography.
In addition to their small size, these cameras offer high image quality and excellent low-light performance. Their full frame sensors capture more light, resulting in sharp and detailed images with minimal noise, even in challenging lighting conditions.
- Fast Autofocus: The best compact full frame mirrorless cameras feature advanced autofocus systems that ensure quick and accurate focusing, allowing you to capture fast-moving subjects with ease.
- 4K Video Recording: These cameras often come equipped with 4K video recording capabilities, enabling you to shoot high-quality videos with stunning clarity and detail.
- In-body Image Stabilization: Many compact full frame mirrorless cameras have in-body image stabilization systems that help reduce camera shake and produce sharp images, even when shooting handheld or in low light.
- Customizable Controls: These cameras offer customizable buttons and dials, allowing you to tailor the camera settings to your preferences and shooting style for a more intuitive and efficient shooting experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, all of the small full frame mirrorless cameras discussed in this article offer exceptional image quality, compact size, and advanced features. Each camera has its own strengths and weaknesses, so the best choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
The Sony Alpha a7C stands out for its compact and lightweight design, making it ideal for travel and everyday use. The Canon EOS RP offers a good balance of performance and affordability, making it a great option for beginners or those on a budget. The Nikon Z5 boasts impressive image quality and a comfortable grip, making it a solid choice for enthusiasts.
- The Sony Alpha a7C: Best for portability and everyday use
- The Canon EOS RP: Best for beginners and budget-conscious photographers
- The Nikon Z5: Best for enthusiasts seeking excellent image quality
Ultimately, the best small full frame mirrorless camera for you will depend on your shooting style, budget, and brand preferences. Be sure to consider factors such as lens selection, ergonomics, and video capabilities when making your decision.
Canon EOS R8 Mirrorless Camera RF24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit, Full-Frame Hybrid Camera, 24.2...
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Best smallest full frame mirrorless camera
Sony a7 III (ILCEM3K/B) Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera with 28-70mm Lens with 3-Inch LCD, Black
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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)
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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.
| Price history for 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) | |
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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
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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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Lowest price Product: 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
Nikon Z 5 | Our most compact full-frame mirrorless stills/video camera | Nikon USA Model
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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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Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera with 28-70mm Zoom Lens Kit
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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)
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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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Lowest price Product: 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) - $1,547.99
Nikon Z f with Special Edition Prime Lens | Full-Frame Mirrorless Stills/Video Camera with Fast 40mm f/2 Lens | Nikon USA Model
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Features
- Full frame resolution: 24.5MP BSI full frame sensor with EXPEED 7 processing power.
- Subject recognition with 3D Tracking: The Z f’s AF system recognizes nine different subjects for focus and tracking.
- Video recording: 4K/30p oversampled from 6K, up to 4K UHD/60p¹ video recording and 1080/120p slow motion. Range of options include internal 10-bit H.265 in SDR/N-Log/HLG.
- Pixel Shift shooting technology: Create 96MP stills for the highest resolution and low noise.
- 3.2-in. Vari-angle Touchscreen: Now featuring the new Touch Fn which allows you to simultaneously use the Z f’s touchscreen to move focus points, select a subject to track, toggle between display modes and more, while using the viewfinder.
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Canon EOS R8 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera (Body Only), RF Mount, 24.2 MP, 4K Video, DIGIC X Image Processor, Subject Detection & Tracking, Compact, Lightweight (Renewed)
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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.
| Price history for Canon EOS R8 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera (Body Only), RF Mount, 24.2 MP, 4K Video, DIGIC X Image Processor, Subject Detection & Tracking, Compact, Lightweight (Renewed) | |
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Sony a7 III Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera with 28-70mm Lens Optical with 3-Inch LCD, Black (ILCE7M3K/B) (Renewed)
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Features
- Advanced 24.2MP BSI Full-frame Image Sensor w/ 1.8X readout speed*Advanced 24.2MP Back-Illuminated 35mm Full-frame Image Sensor* Sony test conditions. Compare to the ?7 II
- 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
| Price history for Sony a7 III Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera with 28-70mm Lens Optical with 3-Inch LCD, Black (ILCE7M3K/B) (Renewed) | |
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Lowest price Product: Sony a7 III Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera with 28-70mm Lens Optical with 3-Inch LCD, Black (ILCE7M3K/B) (Renewed) - $1,524.95
Panasonic LUMIX S5II Mirrorless Camera, 24.2MP Full Frame with Phase Hybrid AF, New Active I.S. Technology, Unlimited 4:2:2 10-bit Recording with 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 L Mount Lens - DC-S5M2KK Black
$2,097.99
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Features
- Key Upgrades to a Compact Hybrid Powerhouse: Phase Hybrid Autofocus, Improved I.S., and Unlimited Video, with 24.2-MP 35mm full-frame CMOS Sensor for high resolution, natural description, and approximately 2x higher-speed signal processing
- Fast, Accurate Phase Hybrid Autofocus: Advanced subject detection and metering technologies capture the target subject in focus even in adverse lighting conditions; once locked on the subject, it keeps tracking even with multiple moving objects
- Powerful Image Stabilization: With the S5II and S5IIX LUMIX developed Active I.S., which supports walking shots, to further enhance image stabilization in video recording
- Expressive Video Functionality: 14+ stop V-Log/V-Gamut capture delivers a high dynamic range and broad colors, plus a REAL TIME LUT function is provided to enable in-camera photo and video color grading, with LUT6K 30p Open Gate unlimited recording
- Unlimited Video Recording: Heat dispersion mechanism combines a small fan and high-efficiency heat sink to achieve unlimited video recording while keeping the camera size compact
| Price history for Panasonic LUMIX S5II Mirrorless Camera, 24.2MP Full Frame with Phase Hybrid AF, New Active I.S. Technology, Unlimited 4:2:2 10-bit Recording with 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 L Mount Lens - DC-S5M2KK Black | |
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Lowest price Product: Panasonic LUMIX S5II Mirrorless Camera, 24.2MP Full Frame with Phase Hybrid AF, New Active I.S. Technology, Unlimited 4:2:2 10-bit Recording with 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 L Mount Lens - DC-S5M2KK Black - $2,097.99
$2,498.00
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Q&A:
What is the best smallest full frame mirrorless camera?
The Sony Alpha a7C is often considered as one of the best smallest full frame mirrorless cameras available. It combines a compact size with a full frame sensor, making it a popular choice for photographers looking for a portable yet powerful camera.
Is the Canon EOS RP a good option for a small full frame mirrorless camera?
Yes, the Canon EOS RP is another excellent option for a small full frame mirrorless camera. It offers a good balance of size, performance, and price, making it a compelling choice for photographers who want a full frame camera in a compact package.
