Switching to a full-frame camera without breaking the bank is possible because the cheapest full-frame cameras still offer quality.
Budget-friendly and quality
Full-frame cameras provide better dynamic range and low light performance.
However, many cost more than $2,000, and if you’re on a budget, that isn’t feasible.
Related: Best lens for shooting low light photos
When it comes to photography, there aren’t many cheap options, and in the photography world, cheap is relative. The cheapest full-frame cameras will be around $1,000, give or take.
However, when you compare that to cameras such as the Canon 5D Mark IV, which is $2,500, the Nikon D850, which is $3,000, or the Sony a7r IV, which is $3,500, it’s cheaper.
Related: Best Nikon lens for portraits
That said, finding a cheaper full-frame camera is possible. It’s worth switching to a full-frame from a crop-sensor because it’s nearly 2.5 times bigger, and you’ll get better image quality.
Cheapest full-frame cameras that take great photos
If you’re ready to switch over to a full-frame camera and want an affordable one, the following are the best budget-friendly options:
Canon EOS RP
The Canon EOS RP is a small and lightweight mirrorless full-frame camera. It has a 26.2 CMOS sensor, and the autofocus is fast and accurate.
At $999, it’s one of the cheapest full-frame cameras that you’ll find. The EOS RP also has a DIGIC 8 processor, which will help you shoot well in any lighting situation. A bonus with the RP is that it shoots great 4K videos.
Related: Best camera brands in 2021
Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Released in 2017, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is an affordable full-frame DSLR camera. It’s $1,399, has a 26.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 7 Image Processor.
The dual-pixel autofocus is fast, accurate, and is exceptional at face recognition and tracking.
Sony Alpha a7 II
At $1,398, the Sony a7 II is a full-frame mirrorless camera with a 24.3-megapixel resolution. The 5-axis image stabilization is outstanding, and it helps you take sharp images.
Unlike the EOS RP, the a7 II shoots videos at 1080. If video quality is a requirement for you, the RP is better.
Nikon D750
Nikon’s D750 is $1,696.95 and can often be found at the discounted price of $1,496.95.
It’s a full-frame DSLR camera with a 24.3 megapixel CMOS image sensor and an EXPEED 4 image processor. On Adorama, it has more than 550 reviews, and 490 are 5-star reviews.
Nikon Z6
For a mirrorless Nikon full-frame camera, the Z6 is a fantastic option. It has a great range when it comes to ISO and 4K videos.
The Z6 works well in low light situations and takes extremely sharp images. Overall, it’s a high-quality camera that costs less than $2,000 and has fast autofocus.
Pentax K-1 Mark II
The Pentax K-1 Mark II is a high-resolution full-frame DSLR camera. It has 36 megapixels and works well in many different lighting situations.
For being $1,796.95, the K-1 Mark II provides so much value. The only downside is that it doesn’t have the fastest autofocus, but all of the positives make up for it.
Sony a7R II
The Sony a7R II is another lightweight full-frame mirrorless camera that’s exceptional. It has a 42.4-megapixel CMOS Sensor and 5-axis image stabilization.
The a7R II also has fast autofocus with 399 phase-detection points. If you’re switching to Sony for the first time, this is a great camera to start with. It costs $1,798 and also shoots in 4K.
Conclusion
In our list of the best and cheapest full-frame cameras, we compared cameras that cost less than $2,000. Cheap is relative, especially when it comes to photography.
However, you don’t need to spend more than $2,000 for a high-quality camera. Many options cost less. Remember, focus on developing your skills as a photographer, and your photos will continue to look better.
Featured image courtesy of B&H Photo Video.
About David Em
David Em is the founder of Portraits Refined. He’s a published portrait photographer dedicated to helping photographers develop skills, capture incredible photos, and build successful businesses.