Cheapest Full Frame Cameras Worth Buying: $200 DSLRs to Mirrorless

Cheapest Full Frame Cameras Worth Buying: $200 DSLRs to Mirrorless

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The quick answer

The cheapest full-frame camera I'd actually buy for photos is a used Canon 6D, which was around $300 for the body when I reviewed it. If you want the absolute cheapest way into full frame, the Canon 5D Classic was just over $200 with a lens in my video, but it has no video at all. For a mirrorless camera, the Canon EOS RP is Canon's cheapest full-frame option, and the Panasonic Lumix S5 is the one I'd look at under $1,000 if you want strong video features too.

If you're buying new, the Canon R8 is the full-frame RF camera I'd build a kit around. And for video, the Sony A7S III is my favorite camera I've ever used, though it costs a lot more than everything else here.

Prices below are what I quoted when I filmed each video, not current offers. Used prices change constantly, so check the full kit cost, including a lens, before you buy.

Watch my best full-frame camera under $1,000 video

Watch the full video on YouTube

In this article

What full frame actually gets you

A full-frame sensor gives you more background separation, better low-light performance and a richer image, even from an older, lower-resolution camera. Coming from a crop-sensor camera, my 5D Classic felt like a noticeable step up in image quality and overall feel.

It isn't automatically the smarter buy, though. Full-frame bodies and lenses are usually bigger and heavier, and the cheap ones are old, with slower autofocus and limited video. If you mostly want reliable autofocus, easy video or a small kit, a newer crop-sensor camera like the Canon R50 can make more sense. My Canon R50 review covers that option.

Cheapest full-frame cameras at a glance

Camera Best for Main compromise Price basis
Canon 5D Classic The cheapest full-frame photos No video; slow autofocus; CF cards Just over $200 with a lens when I filmed
Canon 6D Full-frame stills on a budget Fixed screen; dated video autofocus Around $300 for the body when I filmed
Canon EOS RP Easy, compact full-frame mirrorless Weaker specs than rivals; short grip $999 new in 2020; I paid $800 used
Panasonic Lumix S5 Photos and serious video under $1,000 Contrast-based video autofocus About $700 to $900 used when I filmed
Canon R8 A new full-frame RF kit Needs spare batteries for long shoots Check current price
Sony A7S III Video and low light Price; only 12MP photos Check current price

Around $200: Canon 5D Classic

The 5D Classic is the cheapest full-frame camera I've bought. I picked one up for just over $200 including a lens, and I said used bodies were usually around $200 to $250 depending on condition and what's included.

It's a 12.8MP full-frame DSLR that's built like a tank, feels great in the hand and uses Canon's EF mount, so there are tons of affordable lenses. I love it as a slower, more deliberate photo camera. The catches: it records no video at all, the autofocus is slow by modern standards, and it uses CompactFlash cards, so try to find a bundle that includes a CF card and reader. Check used Canon 5D Classic options at MPB or read my Canon 5D Classic review.

Around $300: Canon 6D

This is where I'd start for inexpensive full-frame still photography, and I'd compare it before buying an old 5D. Its 20.2MP files looked excellent in my testing, the body feels solid, and the EF mount gives you plenty of lens options.

The compromises are weight, a fixed screen that isn't a touchscreen, a modest 4.5fps burst rate and dated video autofocus. It does record 1080p and has a mic input, but its Live View autofocus was noticeably slower than its viewfinder autofocus. I'd use it for portraits, travel and landscapes rather than fast action or filming yourself. Compare used Canon 6D bodies at MPB or read my Canon 6D review.

If you want full frame with some video in a Canon DSLR, the 5D Mark II adds a 21.1MP sensor and Full HD video. It was around $300 in my under-$500 roundup. Compare used Canon 5D Mark II options at MPB.

Cheapest Canon full-frame mirrorless: EOS RP

When I first got the EOS RP in 2020, it was $999 new, and I picked mine up used for $800 with the extension grip and four batteries. I think a lot of people judged it wrong. Its specs aren't great compared with other cameras at the same price, but it's just so simple and nice to use, with a fully articulating touchscreen that makes vertical photos really easy.

The cons I noticed were small: the top dial is awkward to reach, the grip is a little short without the extension grip, and the SD card sits in the bottom of the camera, so you have to take it off a tripod to swap cards. It's a beginner full-frame camera, so don't expect high-end features. Check the Canon EOS RP.

A cheap way to start is pairing it with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM on an EF to RF adapter. It's a bright, sharp prime I like for photos, though focusing is slower and there's no stabilization for video. Compare the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, then read my EOS RP and EF 50mm review and EOS RP photo settings.

Best under $1,000: Panasonic Lumix S5

The original Lumix S5 is the full-frame camera I'd compare when I want strong photos, stabilization and flexible video files on a used budget. In my review, I discussed used bodies around $700 to $900, compared with about $1,200 new.

It has a 24.2MP sensor, in-body stabilization, a big grip and dust and splash resistance. For video, it records internal 10-bit 4K at up to 30fps and has V-Log, and it can output 5.9K RAW to an external recorder. 4K at 50 or 60fps uses a tighter APS-C crop. The main tradeoff is its contrast-based video autofocus, which can pulse on moving subjects, so I'd test it before relying on it to film yourself. Compare the original Lumix S5 listings or read my Lumix S5 review.

Buying new: Canon R8

The R8 is where I'd compare a newer full-frame RF setup against the old EF DSLRs. My R8 coverage focused on the settings, accessories and lenses that make it worth buying: C-Log3 if you grade your footage, custom modes for your usual setups, and spare LP-E17 batteries for long shoots. Plan the power and editing setup with the body, not after. Check the Canon R8 or read my Canon R8 tips and tricks.

For lenses, I like the small RF 16mm f/2.8 for a wide view, the RF 50mm f/1.8 for portraits and details, and the RF 100-400mm for distant outdoor subjects. Buy the focal length you're missing first. My budget R8 lens guide compares all three.

For video: Sony A7S III

After almost three years as my main camera for professional shoots, YouTube and personal work, the A7S III is my favorite camera I've ever used, and it never had a single issue. The video quality is fantastic, especially in S-Log3, with 4K up to 120fps and 1080p up to 240fps. Dual native ISO in S-Log3 lets you go up to ISO 12,800 with a clean image, so it handles low light better than almost anything.

It's only 12MP, but I still think it's a fantastic photo camera, and it's close to the perfect hybrid if video comes first. It isn't cheap, so it only makes sense if you need its video features. Use a fast V90 SD or CFexpress Type A card for the high-end modes. Check the Sony A7S III or read whether a SanDisk Extreme Pro card works in the A7S III.

For a cheap experiment, I've also adapted tiny old lenses to it. My Pentax Auto 110 lenses on full frame test shows what worked.

Buying a used full-frame camera

With the older DSLRs, the body price is only part of the cost. Make sure you're buying a full-frame EF lens, not an EF-S lens made for crop cameras, and add the battery, charger and the right memory card. The 5D Classic needs CompactFlash, so a card and reader can change the value of a cheap listing.

I check KEH, MPB and eBay and buy whichever has the best deal or condition. Check used cameras at KEH, MPB or eBay, and see my KEH vs eBay vs MPB guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest full-frame camera worth buying?

The Canon 5D Classic was just over $200 with a lens in my video, but it has no video and slow autofocus. For most people, I'd spend a bit more on a used Canon 6D, which was around $300 for the body when I reviewed it.

Is full frame worth it for a beginner?

It can be, especially for photos, since you get better background blur and low-light performance. But cheap full-frame cameras are old, so if you want easy video, reliable autofocus or a small kit, a newer crop-sensor camera like the Canon R50 is often the better buy.

What is the cheapest Canon full-frame mirrorless camera?

The Canon EOS RP. It was $999 new when I got it in 2020, and I paid $800 used with extra batteries and a grip. It's simple and pleasant to use, even if its specs are weaker than rivals.

Is the Lumix S5 good for video?

Yes, with internal 10-bit 4K, V-Log and in-body stabilization. The catch is its contrast-based video autofocus, so it suits controlled shoots or manual focus better than filming yourself.

Is the Sony A7S III good for photos with only 12MP?

I think it's a fantastic photo camera, and I've used it for professional photo shoots. You won't get as much detail for heavy cropping as a high-resolution camera, but it's an excellent hybrid.

My verdict

For the cheapest full-frame photos, I'd buy a used Canon 6D, or a 5D Classic if you want the lowest price and don't need video. For mirrorless, the EOS RP is the cheapest Canon option, and the Lumix S5 is my pick under $1,000 if video matters. If you're buying new, build a Canon R8 kit around the lens you need most, and if video is your priority and the budget allows, the A7S III is still my favorite camera.

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Watch more of my camera reviews and buying guides on FoxTailWhipz.

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