We've put together a handy buying guide for full frame mirrorless cameras! Read on to find out the answers to the most commonly asked questions when it comes to buying a full frame mirrorless camera.

What does full frame mean?

Full-frame is a term which goes back to film cameras. It simply means that the image sensor is the same size as a traditional 35mm film. Until relatively recently, full-frame sensors were reserved for costly professional cameras, but now there's lots to choose from at a range of price points!

Which brands make full frame mirrorless cameras?

Why switch to full frame?

There are several advantages to a full frame camera. A bigger sensor will typically give you:

  • Better image quality
  • Better low light performance with reduced noise
  • Wider dynamic range
  • Ability to achieve a shallower depth of field (better for bokeh)

Why switch to full frame mirrorless?

  • Smaller and lighter camera bodies than a DSLR (though it is worth noting that lenses can be a similar size!)
  • Most feature In Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS)
  • Faster shooting at a lower price point than a DSLR
  • Usually better video specifications
  • WYSIWYG - What you see is what you get - you'll see the image you'll achieve with your settings both in the viewfinder and on the monitor.

Can I use my existing lenses?

Possibly, but only if they're already full frame lenses, otherwise you won't be getting the advantage of having a full frame camera. It's also worth considering that whilst adapters are available, you may find that focussing is slower than with a "native" lens for that camera. They're good as a short term solution to help you transition without a huge outlay in one go, but long term you'd be best to trade them in and upgrade to the latest mirrorless lenses.

  • In Canon, you can use EF*lenses, or EF-M. You'll need an EF-EOS R Adapter. Some Canon EOS R mirrorless cameras include this or you can buy it separately.
  • In Nikon, you can use FX lenses, but not DX. You'll need an FTZ adaptor - most Nikon Z mirrorless cameras have this included as a bundle.
  • In Sony, you can use FE lenses, but not E**. If you have A mount lenses, then you can use an LA-EA5 adaptor to use these on your Sony A7, A9 or A1 series camera.

* Canon EF-S lenses can be used with this adapter, but the camera would only work in crop-sensor mode, so you'd not get the advantage of buying a full frame camera!
**Sony E mount lenses can be used on their FE (full frame) mount cameras, but the camera would only work in crop-sensor mode, so you'd not get the advantage of buying a full frame camera!

I'm switching from one brand to another, can I use my lenses?

*You can use this mount to use Canon lenses and whilst most will work, the compatibility isn’t guaranteed so you may find autofocus is slow or missing entirely.

There are other 3rd party adapters available for other combinations, but we stock the ones we know work well and will give you the best results.

Can I use 3rd party lenses?

Yes! There's lots of great lenses available for full frame mirrorless cameras. Some are more affordable, some are even better lenses or lenses that simply don't exist in that camera brand's lens line-up. Choose from Samyang, Sigma, Tamron and ZEISS.

What lens mount do I need?
Nikon Z: Z mount
Canon EOS R: RF Mount
Panasonic S: L mount
Sony: FE mount

Looking to switch to full frame?

Get a quote for your existing equipment and save money by part-exchanging!

Need more help?

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