The best full-frame compact cameras are for those time when an APS-C sensor just won't cut it. Marrying unbeatable image quality with the convenience of a compact, these cameras really do provide the best of both worlds – though it is not a combo that comes cheap.
If you're looking for an affordable compact camera, we're going to stop you right here and suggest you check out our list of the best APS-C compact cameras. The cameras in this guide are so specialized and premium that owning one will only be a dream for some. But, money no object? Invest in one of these, and you’ll have a camera that is simply a delight to use.
Most manufacturers don't even bother making full-frame compact cameras. There are only two companies on our list – Leica and Sony – and the latter hasn’t released a new model in this category in years. None of the models here is in contention to make our list of the cheapest full-frame cameras, that's for sure.
These exclusive cameras are not only pricey, but hefty too; they're very much compact in name only, meeting the definition because of their fixed, non-interchangeable lenses. But if only the best compact camera will do, one of these pocket powerhouses is for you.
Sebastian Oakley
For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.
He spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2 shooting street photography or general life as he sees it, usually in black and white.
It may be a bit long in the tooth now, but this compact still offers compelling technology, including a 42MP sensor and variable moiré control. Read more below…
The latest Leica has a longer less-wide 43mm lens than any other in the Q range, and has a 60MP sensor. Read more below…
Best full-frame compact cameras in 2024
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✅ Weather and Dust Protection: The Q2 comes with an IP52 rating, adding durability and making it more versatile in various environments.
✅ Fast Autofocus: Autofocus is claimed to be as fast as 0.15 seconds, and real-world use confirms it is rapid and responsive.
Don't buy it becasue
❌ Resolution Overkill: The 47.3MP resolution might be more than what some users need, potentially leading to larger file sizes and requiring more storage.
❌ Fixed Lens Limitation: While the 28mm lens is high-quality, the fixed focal length may be limiting for users who need more versatility.
The original Q's full-frame sensor was capable of gorgeous image quality, but its 24.2MP resolution was starting to look somewhat pedestrian. The Q2 rectifies this with aplomb, as its full-frame sensor boasts a huge 47.3MP resolution. This not only beats the Sony RX1R II, it's enough to outdo most DSLRs and mirrorless system cameras.
Another neat addition to the Q2 is it’s now dust and weather protected, with an IP52 rating. There’s a new minimum ISO 50 sensitivity, while max ISO remains a respectable 50,000. The top mechanical burst mode is still 10fps, but there’s now an electronic shutter option that delivers a blistering 20fps.
Autofocus is claimed to be as fast as 0.15 seconds and we found it to be rapid and responsive in real-world use. The manual focus ring on the optically stabilized 28mm f/1.7 lens is joined by a mechanical aperture ring as well as a macro ring, which when engaged allows you to focus from 0.17m to 0.3m. The lens is one of the fastest on any compact camera – which, combined with the large sensor, makes it easy to get shallow depth-of-field effects and attractive bokeh blur.
✅ Excellent for street photography: The camera is highly recommended for the pleasure of walking around and shooting
Don't buy it becasue
❌ Image size reduction with digital zoom: Using the crop feature, you lose image size, which impacts the quality of the image.
❌ Poor animal detection: The animal detection technology is lacking, often misidentifying inanimate objects as animals during testing.
The Leica Q3 is one hell of a camera. The images from the 60MP sensor are breathtaking, with Leica processing effectively making every shot a keeper. While the lens is fixed at 28mm, Leica’s digital crop feature enables you to zoom in digitally at fixed levels; you lose image size as you ‘zoom’, but it does make the camera feel most versatile in the field,
The autofocus system is rapid and responsive for zone focusing, with accomplished human and eye detection technology. However, we found during testing that the animal detection technology was poor, seemingly identifying more inanimate objects than animals. That aside, I reckon the Leica Q3 might be the best camera you can buy for the pleasure of walking around and shooting, irrespective of the premium price.
✅ Variable Optical Low-Pass Filter: world’s first variable optical low-pass filter allows users to switch its effects on or off, optimizing detail while minimizing the risk of moiré patterns.
Don't buy it becasue
❌ Non-touchscreen: The rear screen isn’t touch-sensitive, which is a drawback given modern camera expectations.
❌ Poor battery life: The camera’s impressive features come at the cost of battery life, making a spar battery essential.
The second-generation RX1R is getting on now (it was launched in 2015), but its 42.4MP resolution is still impressive today. The sensor boasts the world’s first variable optical low-pass filter, which can switch its effects on or off depending on the subject you’re shooting, maximizing detail without increasing the risk of moiré patterning.
The sensor is paired with a 35mm fixed focal length Zeiss Sonnar T* lens with an f/2 maximum aperture. It all comes together to produce stunning image quality with amazing detail, with nicely saturated colors.
All this does take its toll on battery life, though - a second battery is a must. Other annoyances are a lack of optical image stabilization, and the rear screen isn't touch-sensitive. You do however get an electronic viewfinder that retracts into the camera body, and there’s a fast hybrid autofocusing system.
✅ Dedicated monochrome sensor: The Monochrom is designed exclusively for black-and-white photography
Don't buy it becasue
❌High price: The Q2 Monochrom comes with a significant price tag, which may seem steep for a camera that only shoots in black and white
❌ No color capability: may be limiting for those who prefer the versatility of shooting in both color and black and white.
The Leica Q2 Monochrom is basically the exact same camera as the Leica Q2, with one crucial difference. Can you guess what it is? We bet you can.
That's right: the Leica Q2 Monochrom has no color filter array, and so is categorically incapable of capturing images in color. Black and white is all you get, and we'll be honest, shooting with this thing is a joy. It's a streamlined experience that gets you thinking about light and shade, while the combination of the Q2’s f/1.7 lens and impressive high-ISO performance means the camera performs like a dream in low light.
You could argue that a four-figure price tag is a bit much for a camera that shoots only in monochrome – but if you're going to argue that, you were never the target audience for this camera anyway. For those who have the resources and inclination to buy a Leica Q2 Monochrom, you absolutely will not be disappointed.
✅ Durable design: Designed for photojournalists, the Q2 Reporter is built to be robust with a Kevlar fabric grip
✅ Discreet appearance: The muted safari green body and the absence of Leica's iconic red-dot logo make the camera less conspicuous
Don't buy it becasue
❌ Niche appeal: The Q2 Reporter may appeal primarily to photojournalists and collectors, rather than the broader photography community.
The Q2 Reporter is a limited-edition variation of the Q2 we cover above, with the same technical specs. Celebrating Leica’s popularity with photojournalists, it’s designed to be hard-wearing and unobtrusive: Leica’s famous red-dot logo is missing, and the body is a muted safari green rather than black.
The Q2’s leather grip area is now Kevlar fabric, which gets grippier the more you use the camera. Like the original Q2, the Reporter is dust- and water-resistant.
With no real advantage over the normal Leica Q2, this model may well primarily appeal to collectors.
The Leica Q3 43 breaks the mold of the Q series by offering a longer 43mm lens - that gives more of a standard angle of view than the others in the range. For some, this will be a more attractive option for general photography, and for use on the street. The sensor offers the same super-high 60-megapixel resolution of the Q3.
We are still waiting to test this model, so as yet we can't comment on its performance or handling - but hope to bring a full evaluation to the site very soon.
What makes a full-frame compact camera different from other cameras??
Compact camera is the catch-all term for any camera with a small lens that is fixed to the body – in other words, you can’t swap the lens like you can with a DSLR or mirrorless system camera. The lens’s focal length is typically relatively short.
A select few compact cameras also have full-frame image sensors, which are larger than the APS-C or smaller sensors in most compacts.
This distinctive combination gives you the convenience of a fixed-lens camera, where you feel free to just pick up and shoot, with the image quality of a high-end interchangeable-lens camera.
Which types of photography are full-frame compacts suited to?
The relatively short focal length of their lenses makes full-frame compacts appropriate for a wide variety of photo genres, but particularly the spontaneous styles of street photography and and reportage. Their wide fields of view and wide apertures also suit the needs of many videographers.
How do I choose the best full-frame compact for me?
With only a few choices and a wide variation in price, your budget will play a big part in your decision. Consider too the key technical specs, and whether you really need the mighty image size offered by the Q3.
We test cameras both in real-world shooting scenarios and in carefully controlled lab conditions. Our lab tests measure resolution, dynamic range and signal to noise ratio. Resolution is measured using ISO resolution charts, dynamic range is measured using DxO Analyzer test equipment and DxO Analyzer is also used for noise analysis across the camera's ISO range. We use both real-world testing and lab results to inform our comments in buying guides.
For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.
He is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and is a Master of Arts in Publishing. He is a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since the film days using a Nikon F5 and saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still to this day the youngest member to be elected into BEWA, The British Equestrian Writers' Association.
He is familiar with and shows great interest in street, medium, and large format photography with products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. Sebastian has also used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2 shooting Street photography or general life as he sees it, usually in Black and White.
