From budget compacts to high-end professional models
Sony not only makes most of the imaging detectors found in fellow manufacturer’s digital cameras, its innovation in yesteryear has extended to it being the first to market using mirrorless cameras: witness its ever-popular and ever evolving A7 series.
In the wake of the range’s victory, its opponents have gradually yet increasingly attempted to follow suit, with Canon and Nikon respectively only recently introducing their own EOS R and Z households of full-frame mirrorless products.
Yet Sony’s A7 series offers many generations down the line since the A7 of 2013, continue to win acclaim among professional photographers and enthusiasts. They are not only the finest Sony cameras you can purchase at this time, but, arguably, among the best digital cameras you can purchase full stop.
Enticing nonetheless, how this mirrorless range has been around a lot longer than many of its rivals means there are a number of accessories and lenses offered. That is another sensible motive.
Success has come through the manufacturer’s methodology of adding larger sensors in conveniently portable designs, thereby delivering excellent imagery and advantage in spades; something that can be witnessed through the maturation of its RX household of compacts. These cameras one-inch sensors with Zeiss optics — something which has extended to Sony RX0 model. In addition in its next generation, this camera features a processor, enabling its manufacturer to maintain it the world’s smallest and lightest premium camera that is compact .
Throw compacts and bridge cameras/superzooms zoom in the Sony product mix, and it becomes evident that the brand has a camera to match experience levels, most photographic disciplines and budgets. On your purchase choice, we are providing a helping hand with a range online offer by recommending and selecting the 10 best Sony cameras you can buy right now.
Sony Cyber-shot WX220
Good all around performer for those using a 10x optical zoom, on a budget
Sort: Bridge camera/ superb zoom | Sensor: 1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS | Megapixels: 18.2MP | Lens: 25-250mm (10x optical zoom), f3.3-5.9 | Autofocus: Contrast detection AF | Display type: 2.7-inch, 460,800 dot resolution | Max burst speed: 10fps | Video: Full HD | User level: Beginner
This reasonably priced pocket rocket of a compact marries a helpful 18.2 camera resolution from a rear illuminated 1.2/3-inch sensor to an equally competent and handy 10x optical zoom, starting out in a wide angle 25mm. Pictures are composed via a 2.7-inch LCD, which, unsurprisingly for a budget model, isn’t touch sensitive. Although the camera does search, AF answers are satisfactory under ordinary light conditions, however. Similarly, video resolution is Complete HD rather than 4K, but we do get built in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity . In short, the WX220 will tick a great deal of boxes for photographers desiring something easy to use, portable, cheap a camera that is still capable of taking some pictures and videos .
Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI
This is one of the best cameras on the market, with small to touch it, although you might be paying a premium to get it
Sort: Bridge camera/ super zoom | Sensor: 1-inch Exmor R CMOS | Megapixels: 20.1MP | Lens: 24-200mm equivalent, f/2.8-4.5 zoom | Autofocus: 399 stage detection factors, 425 contrast detection factors | Screen type: Tilting 3-inch LCD, 921,000 dots resolution | Max burst speed: 24fps | Video: 4K | User level: Enthusiast
This is a veritable powerhouse of a top compact camera, swelling Sony’s long running RX100 range of these with, this moment, sizeable upgrades, including a broader zoom range compared to its predecessors at 24-200mm equal with an f/2.8-4.5 optical array. Also a first with this line up is touch screen controller, courtesy of the 3-inch tilting LCD at the trunk, even if said display’s resolution has inexplicably dropped marginally, while the camera farther squeezes in an eye-level viewfinder of 2.36 million dots to help its own enthusiast credentials. A potential problem with a zoom lens on a camera that is compact is the effects of camera shake when shooting handheld the mark VI combats that with image stabilisation promising a advantage. We also receive a impressive 24fps burst shooting pace for up to 233 JPEGs. There’s a plethora of opportunity offered here, while accessing some features can be fiddly.
Sony Cyber-shot HX400V
Long in the tooth we explained this budget bridge camera on its 2014 launch as almost perfect, although it may be
Type: Bridge camera / super zoom | Sensor: 1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS | Megapixels: 20.4MP | Lens: 24-1200mm (50x zoom), f/2.8-f/6.3 | Autofocus: Contrast detection AF | Display type: 3-inch tilting LCD, 921,600 dot resolution | Max burst speed: 10fps | Video: Full HD | User level: Beginner\
Want a whopping 50x zoom reach, without breaking the bank? That is exactly what this dirt-cheap Sony bridge camera with image stabilisation offers. OK, so the detector on offer here is of bog standard 1/2.3-inch size, even if it is back-lit, and boasts a respectable 20.4 megapixels, but image noise is thankfully kept to a minimum at higher ISOs. As well as a 3-inch back plate LCD that usefully tilts for composing and reviewing stills and movies, we also get a 0.2-inch eye level viewfinder, which is impressive at this price point. Battery life is so-so at 300 shots per charge, but include in built-in GPS, Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity and it appears as if we are getting lots of bang for our dollar with all the Sony HX400V.
Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV
If pricey bridge camera with course feature set including 4K video and zoom range, capable
Type: Bridge camera / super zoom | Sensor: 1-inch Exmor R CMOS | Megapixels: 20.1MP | Lens: 24-600mm equal, f/2.4-4 zoom | Autofocus: 315 point phase detection AF | Display type: Tilting 3-inch LCD, 1.44 million dots resolution | Max burst rate: 24fps | Video: 4K | User level: Enthusiast
Looking for zoom or a bridge camera in Sony’s range? Then, if your budget can stretch, the RX10 IV is a winner, coupling a equal zoom using a one–inch detector. This form of spec implies the camera is bulky, as well as expensive, even though a’one size fits all’ solution, it does deliver movie and class stills. Coupled to this, the operational rear of this camera — namely the EVF and tilting LCD screen — delivers high quality, with the latter now implementing a touchscreen. The camera feels robust in the hands, as you’d expect and the clasp is generous enough to have the ability to procure a firm hold, backed up by 5-axis picture stabilisation. At focal point vision is delivered by the camera, though there’s the slightest sign of vignetting in the far edges of this framework. Details from JPEGs right from the camera are pleasing and punchy though Raw files may be shot by most users. A competent all-in-one, if you do not mind the price and (relative) bulk.
Sony Cyber-shot R0X II
Now this action cam is worth investigation
Type: Compact / activity camera | Sensor: 1-inch Exmor R CMOS | Megapixels: 15.3MP | Lens: 24mm equal, f/4.0 | Autofocus: Contrast detection AF | Display type: Tilting LCD, 230,400 dots resolution | Max burst speed: 16fps | Video: 4K | User level: Enthusiast
Arriving with the claim of being the world’s smallest and lightest premium camera, that this small second-generation 1-inch sensor can shoot 4K video. Furthermore, it ultra compact, but crushproof and watertight by it. Together with a neat 1-inch sized 15.3 camera Exmor RS CMOS sensor at its heart, the RX0 II also sports a top course Zeiss Tessar T* 24mm f/4 fixed wide-angle lens, while we also get 1/32000 sec shutter speed and 16fps continuous shooting. This second-generation model has a Soft Skin Impact mode and innovative Eye AF, but both usefully, such as most compacts nowadays, is that the RX0 II manages to squeeze into a tilt-able LCD display (capable of tilting up to 180° and down by 90°). We like how the kit version includes a Shooting Grip for extra stabilisation when shooting stills or hand held.
Sony Alpha A6400
The brand mirrorless replaces the A6300 and provides a AF functionality
Sort: Mirrorless | Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Lens bracket: Sony E | Autofocus: 425-point AF | Display type: Tilting 3-inch touchscreen LCD, 921,000 dots resolution | Max burst speed: 11fps | Video: 4K | User level: Enthusiast
This mid range, magnesium alloy bodied mirrorless camera features an APS-C sized sensor rather than the full-frame chips sported higher up the scope, yet sees a 1.8x faster processing speed than its A6300 predecessor. That is, in part, as a result of a Bionz X chip which has given an ISO range extension to ISO102,400. However, the A6400 really struts its stuff when it comes to Auto focus performance, in providing a blisteringly fast 0.02 second AF. While that is great, this model doesn’t offer you anti shake seem to the spec A6500 for that. We do get a usefully tilting screen on the trunk however, even if it does adhere into a 16:9 aspect ratio, which means the display’shrinks’ to get stills. Unlike semi models there 1 SD card slot here, but we do get the, Bluetooth and NFC connectivity. This is a sophisticated APS-C detector mirrorless option you’re buying from Sony.
Sony Alpha A6500
Longer-in-the-tooth’dad’ into the A6400/A6300 nonetheless packs in a Great Deal of tech including picture stabilisation
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Lens mount: Sony E | Autofocus: 425 phase detection AF points, 169 contrast detection AF factors | Screen type: Tilting 3-inch touchscreen LCD, 921,000 dots resolution | User level: Enthusiast
AF systems are a key focal point for manufacturers at present, and in fact, Sony has pulled a quick one — a lightning swift one, its own range-topping APS-C sensor compact in the time of writing, around the A6500. Impressively responsive auto focus is backed up by the first inclusion of a 5-axis image stabilisation system on a Sony APS-C model, and a tweak to the camera buffer which sees it capable to provide a sequence of 307 full size JPEGs or 107 Raw documents, in a decent 11fps burst speed. Also new here’s touch screen operation, while, in supplying 4K movie capture, the A6500 boasts just about everything videographers could want, save for lacking a port. With JPEGS straight out of this camera looking quite good indeed, this can be a fully featured mirrorless compact that, if full frame capture isn’t a required option, could be well all the Sony camera you would ever want.
Sony Alpha A7 III
With attributes trickled from top-of-the-range versions, the A7 III is anything but essential for those lusting after frame mirrorless
Sort: Mirrorless | Sensor: Full-frame back illuminated CMOS | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Lens bracket: Sony FE | Autofocus: 693-point AF | Display type: Tilting 3-inch touchscreen LCD, 921,000 dots resolution | Max burst speed: 10fps | Video: 4K | User level: Enthusiast
The Sony Alpha A7 III may stand on the starting lineup of Sony’s full-frame mirrorless range, but it still retains massive appeal for fans and pros who may otherwise be eyeing something higher up, due to features borrowed from the A9 and A7R III. These include that larger back illuminated sensor not over-burdened by a respectable 24.2MP resolution, plus built-in 5-axis picture stabilisation and 4K video catch that utilises the detector’s full width. Usefully, the tilting back plate LCD is touch sensitive to offer a best of both world’s approach to handling the camera, although it does not allow for fast navigation of the menu. We do get a high resolution, life-like eye level viewfinder, however, while the camera reveals its semi-pro mettle by providing two SD card slots, one of these encouraging quick UHS-II cards. What we were most stunned by though is its own AF system. Put simply, this one ticks a helluva lot of boxes for anybody getting into full frame photography.
Sony Alpha A7R III
One of the most’complete’ frame mirrorless cameras today you can buy
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Full-frame stacked CMOS | Megapixels: 42.2MP | Lens bracket: Sony FE | Autofocus: 399 stage detection points, 425 comparison detection factors | Screen type: Tilting 3-inch touchscreen LCD, 1,440,000 dots resolution | Max burst rate: 10fps | Video: 4K | User level: Professional
In the heart of this full-frame mirrorless alternative is a whopping 42.2 megapixel resolution sensor. Like Sony A9, this really is wed to its manufacturer’s FE full-frame lens bracket, while alerting us is a higher resolution viewfinder. The alternative for composing and reviewing stills and 4K-video is a leaning 1.44 million-dot resolution LCD on the back plate, which once again gets the bonus of touch sensitivity. Showing its mettle that is high-end, the camera features a magnesium alloy structure that is moisture and dust sealed. It’s portable too, at a manageable body just burden of 657g, although the AF performance — in being both swift and accurate — is once again the jewel in this camera’s crown. In conclusion, this third generation of Sony’s high resolution offering is both an all rounder and a one.
Sony Alpha A9
Range topping full-frame version mounts challenge to Canon and Nikon’s traditional market dominance
Sort: Mirrorless | Sensor: Full-frame CMOS | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Lens mount: Sony FE | Autofocus: 693-point AF | Screen type: Tilting 3-inch touchscreen LCD, 1,440,000 dots resolution | Max burst speed: 20fps | Video: 4K | User level: Professional
You’ll have a lot of expectations coming topping Alpha A9 it does not disappoint. Once again the AF system with this complete framework sensor-incorporating camera is remarkably fast and reactive; we now get a built-in 5-axis anti shake system; plus 20fps burst shooting for 362 JPEGs or 241 raw documents is not to be sniffed if you are a sports or action snapper. While a’modest’ 480 shot battery life can’t match that of DSLRs, this Sony is a significant rival in most respects, such as an ISO range expandable to ISO50-204,800, while offering 4K video. In addition, we like the bright and large digital viewfinder with this camera which incidentally at 3,686,000 is your resolution EVF its manufacturer has ever utilised for this series. In short, this really is a option for purchasing into Sonycomplete frame mirrorless.