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The best Sony cameras to spend your money on
There is no need to introduce you to Sony. The company’s products range from TVs to audio, video game consoles, and more. Sony’s camera department is equally important, and the Japanese brand has become well-known in the photography world.
Sony offers stunning design, build, and photo quality.Edgar Cervantes
Are you looking to join the gang and switch to one of the best Sony cameras? They have offers in all categories, so look no further than this post to determine which is the best Sony camera for you. If you are looking for something cheaper to get started with, we also have a list for that. Check it out below.
The best Sony cameras
Editor’s note: We’ll regularly update this list of the best Sony cameras as new ones launch.
Sony ZV-E10
The Sony ZV-1 was a great vlogging all-in-one camera, but its simplicity also implied the camera had its limitations. Sony takes things to the next level with the Sony ZV-E10. This looks very similar to its predecessor, but it comes with added functionality YouTubers, bloggers, and other enthusiasts will enjoy.
For starters, the Sony ZV-E10 comes with a larger APS-C sensor instead of a one-inch sensor. This is also a mirrorless shooter with an interchangeable lens system, and it uses the same E-mount all other Sony mirrorless cameras use.
Because the Sony ZV-E10 is pretty affordable, you can also use it as a starter camera while you start building your Sony lens collection. It can also serve as your vlogging cam. You also get all the goodies we know and love from Sony. This includes super-fast hybrid autofocus, Eye AF, image stabilization, live streaming, 11fps continuous shooting, 4K recording, and more.
Sony HX400V
Though pretty much any decent smartphone can take a great shot nowadays, some would still prefer getting a nice, dedicated camera with more features and better quality photos. The Sony DSC-HX400V is a reliable shooter with a friendly price point. You also get a DSLR-like body, which is great for ergonomics, and all the physical controls that come with a larger body. It’s not as portable, but the added functionality will be much appreciated.
Related: The best DSLR cameras
The 20.4MP sensor measures in at 1/2.3 inches. That’s not much to write home about, but some features position this camera well above its direct competitors. Its focus range is as low as 0.39 inches, which means it could be great for macro photos. In addition, it has 50x optical zoom, which is hard to accomplish in a camera like this one.
Sony RX0 II
GoPro rules this market, but Sony is no stranger to the action camera business. This little Sony camera is not cheap, but you will get plenty for the extra investment. It has a large 15.3MP, 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor, and a quality 24mm, F/4, wide-angle ZEISS Tessar lens. Of course, being an action camera, it is water and crush-proof, so you can take it on your adventures.
The RX0 II has a flippy screen!Edgar Cervantes
What will get you going is that this second iteration of the series now comes improved with… a flippy screen! Packed with 4K recording capabilities, wireless features, up to 1000fps shooting, and many accessories, this camera could be a beauty for the adventure buff.
Sony RX100 VII
The RX 100 series is a favorite among professionals who want both compactness and quality. This is the latest iteration of the series and is made for times when carrying a heavy system is not the best bet. The RX 100 VII is not affordable at $1,200, but users who take advantage of its full potential deem it worth every single penny.
Also read: The best point-and-shoot cameras
If you are looking to spend less, you can also look at previous iterations; the first RX100 currently goes for under $400. Some would actually prefer the older versions, as they had an f/1.8 aperture. The latest iteration has a max aperture of f/2.8, but they included a zoom lens that reaches 24-200mm.
Other features include a 20.1MP, 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor, 0.02-second AF response, 357 phase-detection AF points, an electronic viewfinder, touchscreen, 4K HDR video recording, and more. It is a total gem.
Sony A6100
Full-frame cameras are expensive, so we thought adding some good APS-C sensor cameras would be a good idea. The Sony A6100 is easily one of the best Sony cameras to get if you want something more advanced that won’t completely break the bank. Despite its lower price, it comes with some advanced features you find in cameras that cost twice as much.
The 24.2MP APS-C sensor is superb. It has 0.02-second autofocus, 425-phase/425-contrast detection AF points, eye autofocus, real-time autofocus tracking, 4K recording, a touchscreen, Wi-Fi, NFC, and more.
Sony A6600
The Sony A6600 is the more advanced version of its series, and its price tag reflects that. This extra cash will get you some great benefits, though.
Upgrades include a higher definition viewfinder (1,440,000 vs. 2,359,296 dots), 5-axis stabilization, a higher ISO, a bigger battery, and a few other minor updates. It is also larger and provides a better grip. If you want the best Sony camera with an APS-C sensor, this is likely it.
Sony A7C
The Sony A7 III came busting doors, and we can say it was the first to challenge the camera giants in the industry. Now there’s a smaller, more affordable version nearly identical to the A7 III. Enter the Sony A7C, one of the best deals in full-frame mirrorless cameras.
Features include the same 24.2MP full-frame camera, 4K video recording, and 15 stops of dynamic range. Autofocus, stabilization, and other features are just as good. The only main difference is in size and ergonomics. The A7C is more compact, but some people prefer the better handling in the A7 III. It just depends on your priorities.
Its superior image quality, speed, low-light performance, color theory, fast autofocus, and smooth image stabilization are some of the factors that will make it an industry hit. It’s definitely one of the best Sony cameras.
Sony A7 IV
Those who want the true successor to the Sony A7 III should turn their heads to the Sony A7 IV. It comes with the same fantastic design and build quality, but has received a slew of improvements that make it even more impressive than the almighty A7 III.
The Sony A7 IV has a 33MP full-frame sensor, 4K video recording at 60fps, 10fps continuous shooting, gyroscopic stabilization, 759 focus points, and a high-resolution 3690k-dot viewfinder. Of course, you’ll also enjoy super-fast autofocusing, Eye AF, wireless capabilities, breathing compensation, and more.
Sony A9 II
We can’t list the best Sony cameras without including the Sony A9 II. This is definitely among the best Sony cameras, and it’s pricey.
More to read: AA photography essentials you should consider buying
Professionals will appreciate its 24.2MP stacked sensor, 20fps shooting, 60 AF/AE calculations per second, real-time tracking and autofocus, fast speed Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, one Gbps ethernet, wireless PC tethering, 4K recording, and more.
Sony A1
The Sony A1 is the company’s top dog and has zero compromises. It’s a beast! Features include a whopping 50.1MP full-frame sensor, 30fps continuous shooting, 759 autofocus points, 120 AF/AE calculations per second, and 8K video recording.
It also comes with state-of-the-art data transfer technology, including 2.4/5.0GHz Wi-Fi, 10Gbps USB-C, and even ethernet support. It’s also one of the most expensive full-frame cameras in existence, but will meet and possibly exceed even the most demanding photographer’s expectations.
FAQs
What is the difference between a full-frame and an APS-C sensor?
A full-frame sensor is an image sensor that measures 36 x 24mm. It follows the 35mm film standard. APS-C sensors are smaller, usually 25.1 x 16.7mm. The word stands for “Advanced Photo System type-C.”
What is a mirrorless camera?
Most cameras in this article are mirrorless. A mirrorless camera is what its name entails; it’s a camera that uses no mirrors. Traditional DSLR cameras come with a pentaprism, which reflects light inside the camera, redirecting it to the viewfinder or the sensor. Mirrorless cameras capture light directly on the sensor, and the camera then processes the image and displays it on the screens.
Which camera style should I get?
Of course, the answer to this question depends on your needs. If you’re a professional or more serious photography enthusiast, you’ll probably want to stick with one of the full-frame cameras in this list of the best Sony cameras. More casual photographers should do fine with an APS-C shooter. Then we have specialized cameras. For example, The Sony ZV-E10 is best for bloggers, while the Sony RX0 II will be best for those with active lifestyles.
What is Eye AF?
Eye AF stands for “eye autofocus.” It’s a newer technology camera manufacturers have adopted, and it uses intelligent software to lock focus to human eyes, and often it works with animals or birds. This is very convenient when photographing people (or pets), as photographers always try to keep the eye in focus when shooting a portrait.
Does the MP count matter?
You’ll often hear that the MP count doesn’t matter, but the truth is the answer to this question isn’t as simple as that. If you’re going to be displaying images on a smartphone, tablet, or standard computer, you might not see a difference past 12MP. With that said, The megapixel count makes a difference to those trying to reproduce their images on very high-definition screens or enlarged prints.
Sony cameras are excellent, but they aren’t the end-all-be-all in the camera industry. Competitors have great options, and you can see some of the best ones in our list of favorite cameras for every type of user. If you’re sticking with Sony, then it’s time to start looking at the best Sony lenses too!