Sony has a massive selection of incredible digital cameras. And we are well aware of how difficult it is to choose the one that is best for you. That is precisely why we created this all-encompassing guide after conducting in-depth research. Techpotamus review each of the top Sony cameras available right now. It has a big example that Techpotamus has done a Sony A6000 detailed review as this camera is also popular for its amazing features and videography.
This guide will serve as your one-stop shop for selecting the ideal camera. Everything is available, from entry-level cameras that are user-friendly for beginners to powerful professional full-frame cameras. So, regardless of your financial situation or level of expertise, there are several solutions available to you.
If you’re still having trouble deciding after reading about all the Sony cameras, see our comprehensive buying guide at the end of the article. Now that we know that, let’s explore which of the top Sony cameras will advance your video and photography profession.
What is The Best Sony Camera to Buy?
13 of the greatest Sony cameras available on the market are listed below. We outline the main characteristics, technical details, and most important advantages and disadvantages of each camera. Additionally, we explain which kind of photographer or filmmaker will profit from working with each one the most!
Learn the most crucial factors to take into account when purchasing a new Sony camera by reading the buying advice at the end. Find out more advice, as well as the responses to some frequently asked questions.
Best for Kids
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Megapixels: 24.3 MP
- Sensor Type: APS-C
- Sensor Size: 23.5 x 15.16 mm
- Frame Rate: 11 fps
- Autofocus (AF) Points: 179
- Video: 1080p / 60p
- Battery Life: 360 shots
- Size / Weight: 120 x 67 x 45 mm / 344 g
- Price: $
An entry-level camera, the Sony Alpha a6000, was introduced back in 2014. It is still a decent camera despite its advanced age, making it ideal for children and those on a tight budget. It is both the most popular and oldest mirrorless camera ever produced by Sony.
The inexpensive cost of this camera is its main selling feature. While lacking the cutting-edge technology of more recent Sony mirrorless cameras, it nevertheless provides a wide range of functionality. The hybrid autofocus mechanism and maximum continuous shooting speed of 11 frames per second (fps) are two of the most useful features.
Sony’s autofocus technology is quite good. It makes taking sharp pictures and films easier than ever before. You may capture moving subjects, such as people and animals, in your photographs by using autofocus (AF), real-time tracking, and quick burst shooting.
Last but not least, the compact camera body is simple to toss into a bag or backpack. Because of this, it makes a good daily camera for beginners and families.
Pros:
- Unbeatable value whether using or not using the kit lens
- Adaptive and trustworthy autofocus
- a top-notch 1080p Full HD video
- Lightweight and portable camera
- Wi-Fi built-in for quick and simple file transfers
Cons:
- Absence of 4K video support
- dated menu structure
- In-camera picture stabilization is absent.
- RAW files’ colours might use some improvement.
- Non-weather-sealed, all-plastic body
Best Action Camera
- Type of Camera: Action Megapixels: 15.3 for cameras
- Size: 13.2 x 8.8 mm, 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor type
- 16 frames per second
- Autofocus (AF) (AF) 25 points
- 4K/30p and 1080p/120p videos
- Life of battery: 240 shots
- Dimensions/Weight: 59 by 41 by 35 mm/132 g
- Price: $
The first traditional camera manufacturer to introduce an in-house action camera was Sony. Popular products like the GoPro Hero 10 Black and DJI Pocket 2 compete with it. The Sony Cyber-shot RX0 II, their newest model, is a premium, ultra-compact action camera made for pros.
The 1-inch CMOS sensor is housed in the tiniest camera ever made, which was unveiled in 2019. It is by far the greatest action camera for using in low light thanks to the big picture sensor. Additionally, its high-end 24 mm f/4 Sony Zeiss prime lens produces breathtaking image quality in both still shots and moving pictures.
While the images are good, this Sony digital camera really shines in the video department. It can record 1080p/120p Full HD slow-motion movies and supports 4K / 30p video. Additionally, it can capture videos in ultra-slow motion at frame rates as high as 1000 fps.
The tilting screen is another wonderful feature that ought to be mentioned. It is perfect for selfies and vlogging because it can turn 180 degrees.
Pros:
- Body is small, strong, and waterproof.
- High-quality Sony Zeiss lenses with 4K video, HD slow-motion, and super slow-motion capabilities
- Best-in-class action camera low-light performance
- flip-up LCD display
Cons:
Battery quickly depletes while recording videos
optical image stabilization is absent
Compared to competing action cameras, the lens is narrower.
There is no constant autofocus
tiny, clumsily positioned buttons
Best for Action Shots
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Megapixels: 24.2 MP
- Sensor Type: Full frame
- Sensor Size: 35.6 x 23.8 mm
- Frame Rate: 20 fps
- Autofocus (AF) Points: 693 phase-detection AF points
- Video: 4K / 30p and 1080p / 120p
- Battery Life: 690 shots
- Size / Weight: 129 x 96 x 76 mm / 678 g
- Price: $$$
A professional-grade mirrorless camera, the Sony Alpha a9 II first became available in 2017. It’s renowned for moving with astonishing speed. Its Bionz X image processor and 24.2 MP sensor enable it to take bursts at frantic speeds of up to 20 fps. This makes it an excellent choice for both wildlife and sports photography.
With most of the top Sony cameras, the continuous shooting rates decrease when using continuous AF, but not with this cutting-edge camera. The a9 II retains its top speed of 20 frames per second because to its electronic shutter. That holds true even while shooting in silent mode or with full autofocus. Additionally, the mechanical shutter is an option, however the burst rate is just 10 fps.
Built-in image stabilisation and twin memory card slots are two additional useful features. The stabilising technique improves performance in low light. Furthermore, even if you fire off a lot of images, you never have to worry about running out of space thanks to the two SD card slots.
Pros:
- extraordinarily rapid continuous shooting
- during bust shooting, a quick buffer
- leading-edge autofocus system
- several possibilities for connecting
- In-body image stabilization on five axes (IBIS)
- Weather-sealed
Cons:
- The video capabilities of professional Sony cameras are lacking.
- No S-Log video
- No C Express card slot and an old main menu
- When using one hand, it can be challenging to reach some buttons.
Best Zoom Lens
- Camera Type: Bridge Camera
- Megapixels: 20.4 MP
- Sensor Type: 1-inch stacked CMOS compact sensor
- Sensor Size: 13.2 x 8.8 mm
- Frame Rate: 24 fps
- Autofocus (AF) Points: 315
- Video: 4K / 30p and 1080p / 120p
- Battery Life: 400 shots
- Size / Weight: 133 x 94 x 145 mm / 1095 g
- Price: $$
The Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV is the best camera for folks who want to shoot at multiple focal lengths but don’t want the trouble of having to buy a bunch of different lenses. It is a multifunctional bridge camera that was introduced in 2015. It can capture stunning views as well as fine-grained macro images.
The Sony Zeiss superzoom lens on this camera is its most notable feature. It has a 25x optical zoom, or an equivalent focal range of 24-600 mm. Even better, it keeps a decent level of sharpness at all zoom levels.
The lens’s f/2.4–4 maximum aperture also produces stunning bokeh effects. This ranks it among the top Sony cameras for taking portraits.
The RX10 IV performs admirably as a video camera as well. It can record 4K video at frame rates of 24 and 30 fps and has 4K video capabilities. Please be aware, nevertheless, that the camera uses a moderate 1.09x crop factor for capturing 4K video.
When recording video at a resolution of 1080p, the camera makes use of the entire sensor. Additionally, digital stabilization lessens camera shake.
Pros:
- Incredible Sony zoom lens with Zeiss 4K video capability
- A superb autofocus system with built-in optical image stabilization
- weatherproof body
- maximum continuous shot rate quickly
- Cons:
- not a camera with interchangeable lenses
- slow-motion zooming
- There is no ND filter on the lens.
- The menus lack a touchscreen.
- There is no standalone charger included.
Best for Travel Photography
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Megapixels: 24.2 MP
- Sensor Type: Full frame
- Sensor Size: 35.6 x 23.8 mm
- Frame Rate: 10 fps
- Autofocus (AF) Points: 693
- Video: 4K / 30p and 1080p / 120p
- Battery Life: 740 shots
- Size / Weight: 124 x 71 x 60 mm / 509 g
- Price: $$
In 2020, the Sony Alpha a7C was made available. It is the smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless camera made by Sony. With it, you have the performance of a full frame camera with the portability of a Sony APS-C camera. This combination makes it the top-ranked Sony camera on our list for taking vacation photos.
My favourite feature of this camera, aside from its size, is its excellent handling and ergonomics. On its compact chassis, Sony managed to cram three exposure dials and numerous programmable controls.
Additionally, you may operate every control with with one hand. Overall, the camera is simple to use, and its layout greatly boosts output.
A rear LCD with complete articulation is another feature. The screen is great for travel vloggers because it makes it simpler to compose pictures when filming from awkward angles.
And finally, you never know where you’ll end up or what the weather will be like when you’re driving. Fortunately, the a7C is completely weather-sealed, which will help shield it from rain, dust, and anything else that may come your way.
Pros:
- The smallest full-frame camera from Sony
- incredible picture and video quality
- a substantial selection of video and photographic features
- an enduring battery
- Internal image stabilization
- weatherproof body
Cons:
- no internal flash
- miniaturized electronic viewfinder
- RAW files are big and take up a lot of space.
- complicated and perplexing menus
- Without a mechanical shutter
Best for Beginners
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Megapixels: 24.2 MP
- Sensor Type: APS-C
- Sensor Size: 23.5 x 15.6 mm
- Frame Rate: 11 fps
- Autofocus (AF) Points: 425
- Video: 4K / 30p and 1080p / 120p
- Battery Life: 420 shots
- Size / Weight: 120 x 67 x 59 mm / 396 g
- Price: $
In 2019, the Sony Alpha a6100 made its debut. It took the place of the company’s iconic entry-level mirrorless camera, the a6000. It’s one of the best APS-C Sony cameras for beginners currently available due to its appealing pricing, small size, and user-friendly UI.
From the appearance, it resembles its predecessor quite a bit, but on the inside, it is a whole different animal. It now offers 4K video, to start. When recording video at a frame rate of 24p, the footage has a stunning cinematic appearance. And the entire sensor width was used to record it. Instead, a slight crop factor is used if you want to capture 4K/30p video.
Both RAW files and JPEGs are incredibly sharp when taken with a still camera. But because JPEG shots have bolder and brighter colours immediately out of the camera, I advise taking JPEG pictures. This will make your photos more colourful for you. Additionally, you will spend less time editing after the fact.
Pros:
- decent picture quality
- very portable and lightweight
- capable of 4K video in solid quality
- modern autofocus apparatus
- inexpensive price
- Cons:
- in-body image stabilization is absent
- The touchscreen is inoperable for menu navigation.
- Unappealing hues captured by the camera
- The menu system requires an upgrade.
- non-weather-sealed plastic construction
Best Professional Sony Camera
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Megapixels: 50.1 MP
- Sensor Type: Full frame
- Sensor Size: 35.9 x 24 mm
- Frame Rate: 30 fps
- Autofocus (AF) Points: 759 phase-detection AF points
- Video: 8K / 30p, 4K / 120p and 1080p / 120p
- Battery Life: 530 shots
- Size / Weight: 129 x 97 x 81 mm / 737 g
- Price: $$$
The Sony Alpha 1 is without a doubt the best Sony camera for professional photography and cinematography. Sony’s flagship hybrid interchangeable lens camera debuted in 2021.
It is driven by a sophisticated Dual Bionz XR image processing engine and a high-resolution 50.1 MP full frame sensor. The two complement each other well to produce breathtaking films and pictures that are only rivalled by a select few other mirrorless cameras, such as the Canon EOS R5.
When capturing still images, it can shoot constantly at a breathtaking 30 frames per second. Additionally, the industry’s best autofocus technology employs real-time tracking to guarantee that photographs remain in focus even when moving subjects are present.
When discussing video, its 8K capabilities are the first thing that stand out. Using specialized software like Adobe Premiere Pro, it is simple to crop, reframe, or oversample the highly detailed 8K film.
Additionally, the IBIS performs admirably and can increase exposure by up to 9.5 stops when used in conjunction with a stabilized lens, such as the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM. This enhances handheld image quality and performance in low light.
The only factor keeping it from taking the #1 spot on this list is its expensive price. But if you can afford it, the a1 is the best camera all around.
Pros:
- superior photo and video capabilities
- outstanding AF performance
- new photo and video menus have been added to the Sony menu system.
- superior burst firing
- Cons:
- really pricey
- No display with full articulation
- The display resolution could be increased.
- During prolonged 8K recording, it may become too hot.
- Battery performance is average.
Best Compact Camera
- Camera Type: Compact
- Megapixels: 20.1 MP
- Sensor Type: 1-inch stacked CMOS compact sensor
- Sensor Size: 13.2 x 8.8 mm
- Frame Rate: 20 fps
- Autofocus (AF) Points: 357
- Video: 4K / 30p and 1080p / 120p
- Battery Life: 260 shots
- Size / Weight: 102 x 58 x 43 mm / 302 g
- Price: $$
The Cyber-shot RX100 VII is the company’s top point-and-shoot camera if you’re looking for the best Sony tiny camera. There is no doubt that it is expensive. But regardless of manufacturer, there is currently no tiny camera that can match its broad feature set.
In the beginning, it combines a substantial 1-inch picture sensor with a potent Bionz X image processor. Together, they enable autofocus and burst photography to happen incredibly quickly.
It can shoot continuously at up to 20 frames per second. Or, you may fire off shots at an absurd 90 frames per second with the new Single Burst shooting option.
A Vertical Video option is yet another excellent feature. Videos are recorded in portrait mode. It is ideal for uploading to TikTok or Instagram. It is our preferred camera for social media and digital content producers because of this.
Consider the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI if you enjoy this camera but feel like the price is out of your range.
Pros:
- incredibly portable style
- highest continuous shooting speed with speedy
- Excellent video features, such as slow motion and 4K
- High-quality Zoom lens by Sony Zeiss
- Face- and eye-detection technology for people and animals
- Cons:
- costlier than comparable tiny cameras
- no ND filters built-in
- Large hands on a small body can feel uncomfortable.
- The operating system and menu structure are intricate.
- Slow buffer clearing when shooting in bursts
Best for Video
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Megapixels: 12.1 MP
- Sensor Type: Full frame
- Sensor Size: 35.6 x 23.8 mm
- Frame Rate: 10 fps
- Autofocus (AF) Points: 759
- Video: 4K / 120p and 1080p / 120p
- Battery Life: 600 shots
- Size / Weight: 129 x 97 x 81 mm / 699 g
- Price: $$$
The Sony Alpha a7S III is the greatest Sony full-frame camera for video if you’re a professional cameraman or director. It debuted in 2020 and took over as the top camera in the company’s Alpha S series from the a7S II.
Sensitivity is denoted by the letter “S.” Additionally, the camera’s BSI image sensor is tailored for use by video and low-light photographers.
The size of each individual pixel is larger due to the sensor’s comparatively low pixel count (12.1 MP). As a result, they brighten your footage by allowing more light to reach the sensor.
Additionally, the expansive ISO range of 80-102,400 (expandable to 40-409,600) leads the market and vastly enhances movie video image quality at night.
Native DCI and Ultra HD 4K footage can be captured by the a7S III at frame rates of up to 120p. At 24p, 30p, and 60p, the camera makes use of the complete sensor width. As an alternative, the camera uses a very small 1.1x crop factor at 120p. No matter what quality or frame rate you are filming at, the camera has an unlimited amount of time for recording.
It can record in a variety of professional video profiles, which is a last feature you shouldn’t ignore. This includes films that are 16-bit RAW and 10-bit S-Log3. You should use these video profiles for footage that you want to modify later. The greatest Sony camera for videography is this one.
Pros:
- Unmatched video features and stunning video quality
- Industry-leading video camera low-light performance
- superior AF technology
- No time limit on recording
- weatherproof body
- excellent stabilization
- outstanding dynamic range
- Cons:
- maximum resolution for still images is less, 12.1 MP.
- A brighter rear display would be desirable.
- It is pricey and lacks a top LCD.
Best Overall Sony Camera
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Megapixels: 33.0 MP
- Sensor Type: Full frame
- Sensor Size: 35.6 x 23.8 mm
- Frame Rate: 10.0 fps
- Autofocus (AF) Points: 759
- Video: 4K / 60p and 1080p / 120p
- Battery Life: 580 shots
- Size / Weight: 131 x 96 x 80 mm / 659 g
- Price: $$$
We have the Sony Alpha a7 IV as our very last option. It was launched at the conclusion of 2021, and sales began at the start of 2022. The top-rated Sony Alpha a7 full frame mirrorless cameras are now in their fourth generation. In addition, it has benefited from a number of significant improvements over the a7 III, its predecessor.
The maximum resolution for still photographers has increased from 24 MP to 33 MP. That is definitely an improvement. Furthermore, the additional detail retention is plain to see, especially in RAW files.
Additionally, Sony upgraded this camera’s colour algorithm. It has substantially more vibrant colours straight out of the camera.
Additionally, the Sony a7 IV has a strong set of video functions. It can now record 4K video at 60 frames per second. Additionally, because the sensor takes 7K video at the beginning before oversampling it, the 4K footage is incredibly sharp. Additionally, you can live stream 4K video to websites like YouTube and Vimeo with the aid of a USB cable.
Additionally, additional advanced audio features, such as microphone and headphone ports, giving you more control over audio settings than ever before.
Finally, while the camera is not in use, a new sensor cover shields the sensor from sand and dust. It will prolong the life of your camera! For the typical individual, it’s the ideal combination camera for taking images and videos.
Pros:
- The ideal fusion of video and photographic features
- user-friendly, configurable controls
- superior AF system for photography and videography
- improved ergonomics and menus
- The incredible dynamic range of 10-bit video makes it the best choice for editing.
- completely weatherproof
- excellent stabilization
- Cons:
- Applying a crop factor to 4K/60p video
- Low-resolution LCD on the back
- When you shoot RAW files, your continuous shooting speed is reduced to 6 fps.
- Expensive
Conclusion
Sony used to be a camera industry afterthought. However, they are currently the second-largest maker in the globe. Additionally, they feature what is likely the most varied assortment of cameras of any brand. They also offer a wide range of solutions for both novices and experts.
Each of the top Sony cameras on this list produces excellent images and movies. Whichever one you choose in the end, I guarantee you’ll be happy with the outcome. Having said that, depending on the precise material you want to produce, some function better than others. Let’s quickly review what we discovered above.
The Sony a7 IV is the greatest Sony mirrorless camera for the typical individual. The Sony Alpha 1 will produce the greatest results if you are a professional photographer or videographer. As an alternative, you should choose the Sony Alpha a7S III if you just shoot video. Finally, the Sony Alpha a6100 or Sony Alpha a6000 are fantastic cameras if you are a beginner or have a limited budget.