Japan is rich in top-notch manufacturers that make the world around us more convenient. It is the motherland of such giants as Nikon and Canon. A multinational conglomerate corporation Sony was likewise born in this land of the rising sun.
Since 1996 cameras have also become a part of Sony production. Thus, on today’s market you can come across different Sony digital cameras such as point-and-shoot, DSLR as well as mirrorless versions.
Here you may get the list of the finest Sony cameras and read about their crucial choices and special features thanks to they stand out from others.
If you will need the best Sony camera to upgrade or are looking for the very first mirrorless camera to purchase, check out my review of 10 best Sony cameras for any funding. Take photograph of your moment with the best cameras from Sony camera brand. From compact to professional-style camera bodies, all of them show the highest quality photos in all styles.
Best Sony Camera
1. Sony RX100 VI
Best Compact Sony Camera
In case that you wish to find something quite special with unparalleled performance listen to Sony RX100 VI. This camera of the year comes with the planet’s fastest hybrid AF system that reaches 0.03 sec and covers both contrast and phase options. Its shooting rate can be remarkable — 24 fps.
Thus, each time that you wish to capture a fast-moving object like a cheetah throughout your safari tour in Africa the high-density tracking AF technology will look after accurate and sharp images.
Be aware that Sony RX100 VI has also got a unique Advanced Eye AF for portraits to make them look more alive. In any case, there’s an option of Touch Focus thanks to which you can readily control the position of the attention just by touching the monitor. This point and shoot camera is also designed with 24-200mm zoom range gained through F2.8-F4.5 ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens.
Sony RX100 VI is famous because of its fast and it is not only about focus. Changing modes and looking through the menu won’t make you wait too. As there is a Wi-Fi alternative you can also transfer pics to a smartphone without using any wires.
Sony RX100 VI Specs:
- Body type: Compact
- Max resolution: 5472 x 3648
- Effective pixels: 20 megapixels
- Sensor size: 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
- Sensor type: BSI-CMOS
- ISO: Auto, 125-12800
- Focal length: (equiv.) 24–200 mm
- Max aperture: F2.8–4.5
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 3″
- Screen dots: 1,228,800
- Max shutter speed: 1/2000 sec
- Format: MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S
- Storage types: SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- Weight: (inc. batteries) 301 g (0.66 lb / 10.62 oz)
- Dimensions: 102 x 58 x 43 mm (4.02 x 2.28 x 1.69″)
- GPS: None
2. Sony a7 III
Best Sony Camera for YouTube Videos
Do you prefer mirrorless cameras? Sony a7 III is a good one to consider. This camera includes innovative 24.2mp 35mm Exmor CMOS full-frame picture sensor provided with a back-illuminated design. Note that Sony a7 III has an interchangeable lens.
Its sensitivity range reaches up to ISO 51,200 and will get expanded around ISO 50-204,800 for stills. In addition to RX100 VI this version supports 4K video style. There’s also fast hybrid AF with 693 phase-detection and 425 contrast detection AF points.
Additionally, there’s face detection focusing. Still, its shooting speed is not very striking and reaches only up to 10 fps however there’s a great 5-axis image stabilization which prevents pictures from blurs caused by camera trembling and shaking.
Sony a7 III has an articulating touch display which is convenient in usage. This mirrorless camera is supplied with the environmental sealing, therefore it will not get trapped in the rain. Therefore, it is possible to instantly share taken photos with your loved ones or friends.
Sony a7 III Specs:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Effective pixels: 24 megapixels
- Sensor size: Full frame (35.8 x 23.8 mm)
- Sensor type: BSI-CMOS
- ISO: Auto, 100-51200
- Lens mount: Sony E
- Focal length: mult. 1×
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 3″
- Screen dots: 921,600
- Max shutter speed: 1/8000 sec
- Format: MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S, H.264
- Storage types: SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo
- USB: USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
- Weight: (inc. batteries) 650 g (1.43 lb / 22.93 oz)
- Dimensions: 127 x 96 x 74 mm (5 x 3.78 x 2.91″)
- GPS: None
3. Sony a9
Another Best Professional Mirrorless Camera from Sony
One more Sony product that belongs to the category of the best mirrorless cameras is Sony a9. Its shooting rate is twice as large as a7R III can provide and reaches around 20 fps. The only thing you need to bear in mind is that uncompressed RAW capture cuts speed up to 12fps.
There is great ISO range of 51,200 that may be expandable up to 204,800. Sony a9 has a hefty AF platform as its 693 phase detection AF points presuppose more than 93% frame coverage. There’s also a 5-axis stabilization along with also an option of 4K video recording.
Sony a9 has a robust magnesium alloy body which is dust and moisture resistant. Unlike its predecessor a7, this camera includes more screws to ensure the lens bracket when using heavy telephoto lenses. There is also a convenient grip area which includes an integrated calcium alloy grip and front cover.
Sony a9 Specs:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Effective pixels: 24 megapixels
- Sensor size: Full frame (35.6 x 23.8 mm)
- Sensor type: BSI-CMOS
- ISO: Auto, ISO 100-51200 (expands to 50-204800)
- Lens mount:P Sony E
- Focal length: mult. 1×
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 3″
- Screen dots: 1,440,000
- Max shutter speed: 1/8000 sec
- Format: MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264
- Storage types: Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (One of which UHS-II compatible)
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- Weight: (inc. batteries) 673 g (1.48 lb / 23.74 oz)
- Dimensions: 127 x 96 x 63 mm (5 x 3.78 x 2.48″)
- GPS: None
4. Sony Cyber Shot RX10 IV
Best All-in-one Point-and-shoot Camera
RX10 IV is one of the best Sony point-and-shoot cameras. It’s a fantastic alternative for video recording because this camera has a set of useful features including 4K6 mode and Fast Hybrid AF system. Such mix enables achieving accurate and fast focusing speed and AF tracking for movie.
By the way, 4K6 style has complete pixel readout without pixel binning. It means that this Sony point-and-shoot camera can capture roughly 1.7x more info than is required for 4K6 film output.
Except for high-quality videos, Sony Cyber‑Shot RX10 IV offers smooth pictures as it’s equipped with image stabilization. Additionally, its ultra-fast AF acquisition using a 315 stage phase-detection AF system provides accurate focusing.
This Sony item has also got strong 24-600mm ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens the minimal focusing distance of that is 2.36 feet (72cm). Such features guarantee great detailed tele-macro pictures.
Sony RX10 iv Specs:
- Body type: SLR-like (bridge)
- Max resolution: 5472 x 3648
- Effective pixels: 20 megapixels
- Sensor size: 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
- Sensor type: BSI-CMOS
- ISO: Auto, 100 – 12800 (expands to 64-25600)
- Focal length: (equiv.) 24–600 mm
- Max aperture: F2.4–4
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 3″
- Screen dots: 1,440,000
- Max shutter speed: 1/2000 sec
- Format: AVCHD, XAVC S
- Storage types: SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- Weight: (inc. batteries) 1095 g (2.41 lb / 38.62 oz)
- Dimensions: 133 x 94 x 145 mm (5.24 x 3.7 x 5.71″)
- GPS: None
5. Sony a99II
Best Full-frame Sony Camera for the Money
Such camera since Sony a99II will match everyone who tries for the finest of this lot. Though its cost is intimidating, its attributes, on the opposite, are totally seducing. Thus, what’s concealed behind its professional rocky body?
Furthermore, this Sony camera includes all the gapless on-chip lens design plus anti-reflective coating of this detector’s glass seal. Each of the pre-cited features guarantee top-notch light set even under less-than-ideal ailments.
Though its shooting rate of 12 fps might appear to be not severe for such pricey and skilled camera, there’s something distinct Sony a99II frees its customers with. The point is this DSLR camera includes a 79 hybrid AF cross-point range for unmatched tracking and 4D focus hybrids stage AF system.
Accurate and sharp pictures are not the sole benefit of Sony a99II. Video recording is just another choice that camera may boast of. In a word, you receive high quality videos with nominal moiré effect.
Sony a99II Specs:
- Body type: Mid-size SLR
- Max resolution: 7952 x 5304
- Effective pixels: 42 megapixels
- Sensor size: Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm)
- Sensor type: BSI-CMOS
- ISO: Auto, 100-25600 (expandable to 50-102400)
- Lens mount: Sony/Minolta Alpha
- Focal length: mult. 1×
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 3″
- Screen dots: 1,228,800
- Max shutter speed: 1/8000 sec
- Format: MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S
- Storage types: Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC[UHS I]/MS Duo slots
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- Weight: (inc. batteries) 849 g (1.87 lb / 29.95 oz)
- Dimensions: 143 x 104 x 76 mm (5.63 x 4.09 x 2.99″)
- GPS: None
6. Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX500
Best Budget Sony Camera
An additional compact camera with a reasonable cost is Sony Cyber-Shot DS-WX500. It’s a BIONZ X-series picture chip and a backside-illuminated Exmor R-branded CMOS image sensor with 18.2-megapixel resolution. Such combination guarantees creation of accurate and sharp pictures.
Furthermore, there’s five-axis Optical SteadyShot picture stabilization that’s responsible for the decrease in blurs brought on by camera shake or vibration in slower shutter speeds. Therefore, your shots will probably be constantly clear and authenticated.
This model has ISO range from 80 to 3200 equivalents. By the by, there is an option of Auto ISO style as well as custom white balance with 8 presets. As to the video style, its spectrum is not so wide and reaches only 1600 equivalents. Besides, keep in mind that movie mode supports only Auto ISO control. Nevertheless, you have a chance to alter the settings to ISO up to 3,200 equivalents by simply turning High Definition mode .
Therefore, you won’t be able to use manual focus. Overall, this Sony point and shoot camera has a choice of close focusing which can reach up to two inches (i.e. 5cm) distance between the camera and the subject.
It’s also full of scene modes including landscape, sunset, night Scene, night portrait, innovative sports shooting and many others. Picture effect functions can be found too and involve retro photograph, soft high-key, tight colour, pop colour, etc.. In any case, there’s Intelligent Sweep Panorama purpose for complete 360-degree panoramas.
Video recording presupposes Full HD and XAVC S-compressed 50Mbps records at around 60 fps. As to the general shooting rate it could reach 10 fps. There are also options of Wi-Fi and NFC.
Sony Cyber-Shot DS-WX500 includes a 3.0-inch LCD screen using a five-step manual brightness modification. Its articulation mechanism enables a track to be tilted up to complete 180-degrees to get self-portrait shooting.
Sony DSC-WX500 Specs:
- Body type: Compact
- Max resolution: 4896 x 3672
- Effective pixels: 18 megapixels
- Sensor size: 1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
- Sensor type: BSI-CMOS
- ISO: Auto, 80-12800
- Focal length: (equiv.) 24–720 mm
- Max aperture: F3.5–6.4
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 3″
- Screen dots: 921,000
- Max shutter speed: 1/2000 sec
- Format: AVCHD, XAVC S
- Storage types: SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- Weight: (inc. batteries) 236 g (0.52 lb / 8.32 oz)
- Dimensions: 102 x 58 x 36 mm (4.02 x 2.28 x 1.42″)
- GPS: None
7. Sony Alpha a6500
Great Sony Action Camera for Travel Photography
Another terrific mirrorless camera from Sony is Alpha a6500. Its 24.2mp Exmor CMOS detector comes with an advanced BIONZ X image processor and fresh front-end LSI. This type of mix leads to significant sound reduction and a wide sensitivity assortment of ISO 100-512,005. Besides, there is a quick AF speed that reaches up to 0.05 sec. The number of phase detection AF points is also decent — 425.
As a result of built-in 5-axis optical image stabilization and instantaneous touch screen AF functionality this camera is not just simple and convenient to use, but in addition, it delivers sharp and accurate graphics. As to its shooting rate, it is an average individual — 11 fps. Sony Alpha a6500 also supports detailed 4K video recording mode such as 2.4x oversampling with full pixel readout and no pixel binning.
Sony Alpha a6500 is outfitted with 2.36 million-dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder that offers live shooting at up to 8 fps with AF/AE tracking. It means that this camera can be used for shooting fast-moving subjects as well. In any case, it’s got a good magnesium alloy body, and this can be dust and moisture resistant.
Sony Alpha a6500 Specs:
- Body type: Rangefinder-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Effective pixels: 24 megapixels
- Sensor size: APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
- Sensor type: CMOS
- ISO: Auto, 100-25600 (expandable to 51200)
- Lens mount: Sony E
- Focal length: mult. 1.5×
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 3″
- Screen dots: 921,600
- Max shutter speed: 1/4000 sec
- Format: MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S
- Storage types: SD/SDHC/SDXC + Memory Stick Pro Duo
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- Weight: (inc. batteries) 453 g (1.00 lb / 15.98 oz)
- Dimensions: 120 x 67 x 53 mm (4.72 x 2.64 x 2.09″)
- GPS: None
8. Sony Alpha a68
Best Cheap Sony Camera
This inexpensive camera can support JPEG and RAW files fairly well. However, it is worth noting that RAW images turn out to be somewhat muted. Nonetheless, this isn’t a issue, because these defects can be easily corrected while picture editing in Lightroom. The achieved pictures without filters look pretty adequate, particularly with a wide aperture lens.
The device has great noise-reducing capabilities. Even at ISO 3200, you will get images with minimal digital noise. They’ll stay clear even after printing. Another advantage of this model is its ease of functionality and user-friendly interface. It’s characterized by an amazing working method for tracking subjects plus a good body for telephoto lenses. The camera may also film qualitative videos in complete HD.
Thanks to the innovative Smooth Autofocus Motor, getting amazing images won’t be problematic for beginners.
Sony Alpha a68 Specs:
- Body type: Mid-size SLR
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Effective pixels: 24 megapixels
- Sensor size: APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
- Sensor type: CMOS
- ISO: Auto, 100-25600
- Lens mount: Sony/Minolta Alpha
- Focal length: mult. 1.5×
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 2.7″
- Screen dots: 460,800
- Max shutter speed: 1/4000 sec
- Format: MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S
- Storage types: SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- Weight: (inc. batteries) 610 g (1.34 lb / 21.52 oz)
- Dimensions: 143 x 104 x 81 mm (5.63 x 4.09 x 3.19″)
- GPS: None
9. Sony A7R III
Best Professional Sony Camera
Likely this is the best Sony Alpha camera now. This camera has good ISO characteristics and excellent noise-reducing functions. The highest value is ISO 102, 400, but I do not recommend you to select it if working under ordinary conditions. In this case, you’re certain to get images of inferior quality. Choose such values only when the image quality is not your primary purpose, and your main task is to photograph the item.
In addition, Alpha A7R III boasts a wide dynamic selection. If you would like to retain highlights, then you may take low-sensitivity pictures and underexpose them. Then, all imperfections ought to be taken out in Lightroom. Perhapsthis is the finest Sony digital camera that is universal and good for many picture genres.
Silent operation and quick autofocus are its indisputable advantages. The lens comes with an extra wide 12–24 mm range which can help you achieve good real estate photographs with high resolution.
Sony A7R III Specs:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 7952 x 5304
- Effective pixels: 42 megapixels
- Sensor size: Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm)
- Sensor type: BSI-CMOS
- ISO: Auto, 100-32000 (expands to 50-102400)
- Lens mount: Sony E
- Focal length: mult. 1×
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 3″
- Screen dots: 1,440,000
- Max shutter speed: 1/8000 sec
- Format: MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S
- Storage types: Two SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II support on one)
- USB: USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
- Weight: (inc. batteries) 657 g (1.45 lb / 23.17 oz)
- Dimensions: 127 x 96 x 74 mm (5 x 3.78 x 2.91″)
- GPS: None
10. Sony Cyber-shot HX400V
Best Sony Camera For Beginners
In spite of its satisfactorily low price, this really is the best Sony camera in compact cameras’ line which may boast of reasonably good quality pictures. It deals with noise at slow ISO speed (400) fairly well, however when the speed is increased within 800-1600, the sound may occur. In some cases, chromatic aberrations were obvious, but they had been under control, except emerging impact of purple frames. They emerged at the cases of high contrast.
Macro shooting lets you focus on the space of 1 cm from the topic. One of the benefits of the camera is a great operation of built-in flash (no red-eye effect) even inside. I will rightfully name it among those new Sony cameras intended for newbies, who wish to get pictures of good quality.
Sony HX400v Specs:
- Body type: SLR-like (bridge)
- Max resolution: 5184 x 3888
- Effective pixels: 20 megapixels
- Sensor size: 1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
- Sensor type: BSI-CMOS
- Focal length: (equiv.) 24–1200 mm
- Max aperture: F2.8–6.3
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 3″
- Screen dots: 921,000
- Max shutter speed: 1/4000 sec
- Format: MPEG-4, AVCHD
- Storage types: SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick Pro
- Duo, Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- Weight: (inc. batteries) 660 g (1.46 lb / 23.28 oz)
- Dimensions: 130 x 93 x 103 mm (5.1 x 3.67 x 4.06″)
- GPS: Built-in
Check out our in-depth review of the best camera sliders on the market before you go!