Are there any compact full-frame mirrorless cameras for street photography and travel?
Asked 10/26/2018
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I’m a DSLR user looking to try mirrorless for street photography, travel, and some time-lapse work. I’m interested in full frame, and cameras like the Sony A7 series appeal to me, but I keep hearing that once you add lenses the size advantage over a DSLR becomes much smaller. I’ve also looked at APS-C options like the Fujifilm X-T3/X-T series, which seem compact with lenses, and the Fujifilm X100, although the fixed lens feels limiting. Is there a genuinely compact full-frame mirrorless option, or does APS-C make more sense if size and weight are priorities?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
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I don't think you'll find what you're looking for, because: bigger things are bigger than small things. Full-frame cameras are bigger than APS-C cameras Medium format cameras are bigger than full-frame cameras. APS-C cameras are bigger than 1/2.3" format cameras. Just like full-sized pickup trucks are bigger than commuter cars.
I think it likely that you've been somewhat seduced by the forum-discussion-driven mystique around full frame. There's not actually anything inherently superior about that particular sensor size. Yes, it's true that twice the light gathering surface area is nothing to sneeze at. But, exposure in photography works in exponents: doubling is just one stop. (Compare going from f/2.8 to f/2 or from f/2 to f/1.4.)
If size (and price!) are major concerns, APS-C is a pretty awesome sweet spot right now, and will be for the forseeable future.
You say:
Many recommended me also the Fujifilm X100, but the fixed length makes it a little bit too much constrained in my opinion
Which is valid; having an interchangeable lens system lets you pick the lenses that best fit your usage. I'd suggest looking instead at the X-T20, which is quite compact especially when paired with the 35mm f/2 lens or another lens from that series. There are equivalent options from Sony — and even though the Micro Four Thirds sensor is a bit smaller still, Olympus and Panasonic.
You could also look at the X-T3 (which, by the way, is great for time lapses; I don't know where you got the idea that it wouldn't be). However, it is significantly bigger and heavier; you will definitely notice the difference in carrying it all day. It's a commitment while traveling; while it's smaller than some alternatives, I wouldn't really class it as an agile travel camera. For that, go with the smaller (and cheaper!) line.
All of these can produce top-quality astonishing first-class images. You do not need full frame for that. Full frame is not a magic bullet that makes cameras better. It makes them different, and it inherently makes them different in a way which conflicts with your needs.
Originally by user1943. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1943
7y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes, compact full-frame mirrorless bodies exist, but the overall size advantage is often smaller than it first appears. The body may be thinner, but lenses still need similar focal lengths and image circles, so full-frame lenses can remain fairly large. In practice, body-and-lens size can end up closer to a DSLR than many expect.
That means your best choice depends on priorities. If compact size and lighter travel/street use matter most, APS-C is often the more practical option. The sensor is smaller, but the tradeoff is usually modest in real-world terms, and APS-C systems can be smaller and lighter overall. Full frame is not automatically “better” for every use.
Also consider ergonomics: very small bodies with larger lenses can feel front-heavy or less comfortable to handle.
So the short answer is: yes, there are compact full-frame mirrorless bodies, but if your real goal is a smaller, more agile kit, APS-C may be the better fit. Rank your priorities—sensor size, total kit size/weight, lens options, and handling—before choosing.
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