(Credit: Jim Fisher)
When you buy an interchangeable-lens camera (ILC), it’s important to remember that the brand you choose dictates which lenses and accessories you can use. Sony might not be the first brand you look to—Canon and Nikon are more recognizable household names for photo gear, after all—but don’t omit Sony from your search.
The company’s E-mount mirrorless system offers the widest array of lenses, as well as next-gen autofocus with support for subject recognition and tracking. Sony has been making swappable lens cameras for close to two decades following its 2006 acquisition of Konica Minolta’s camera business, and it was the first to market with a full-frame mirrorless body in late 2013.
Sony splits its swappable lens cameras into a few different families. The a6000 series offers consumer-friendly prices and sticks with the APS-C sensor size. It tunes its ZV vlogging cameras so non-pros can get good results. Meanwhile, advanced amateurs and pros with better skill levels can look to the a1, a7, or a9 full-frame series. Finally, video creators should consider the FX cinema line.
All of the company’s current swappable lens models use the same E-mount, which means you can share lenses among different camera body styles. Flashes are also cross-compatible, including with some fixed-lens models. And Sony’s cameras all use the same Imaging Edge smartphone app (available for Android and iOS) for remote control and wireless transfers, so you won’t have to load different apps on your phone.
If you’re shopping for a new camera to go with the Sony creative gear you already use, or have decided to jump in with the brand due to its extensive lens selection and Real-time Tracking focus system, read on for our top recommendations.
More About Our Picks
Best for Advanced Amateurs and Influencers
Bottom Line:
The Sony a6400 is a camera that straddles the line between consumer and enthusiast, delivering automatic operation for family snapshots with the image quality and speed aficionados love.
Pros
- Compact build.
- 24MP APS-C image sensor.
- Quick, accurate autofocus.
- 11fps continuous drive.
- Large, sharp EVF.
- Selfie LCD.
- Built-in flash and hot shoe.
- 4K video without recording limit.
Cons
- Omits in-body image stabilization.
- Flip-up screen not ideal for vloggers.
- Some operational frustrations.
- External charger not included.
- Only full-frame lenses are weather sealed.
- UHS-I card slot.
Why We Picked It
The Sony a6400 is the best starter camera for aspiring photographers and advanced amateurs because it goes a bit beyond the basics—its body uses quality magnesium alloy components, while its Real-time Tracking autofocus reliably keeps up with people, pets, and other moving subjects at up to 11fps. For video, 4K30 recording should satisfy new creators, though the 8-bit output limits the extent of color and exposure edits.
Who It’s For
The a6400 is a solid all-around performer, which makes it easy to recommend to a broad audience. Young creators stepping up from a smartphone can enjoy the flexibility to change lenses and advanced users should appreciate the option to adjust settings manually. If there’s a weak point, it’s the camera’s video capabilities: The sensor isn’t stabilized and the in-camera mic is underwhelming. Think about the ZV-E10 for vlogs or step up to the a7 IV for more stable footage.
Best for Beginners, Vloggers, and YouTubers
Bottom Line:
Sony’s ZV-E10 camera appeals to vloggers with a quality mic and support for swappable lenses, but is held back by a weak battery and a so-so touch interface.
Pros
- Excellent 4K video at 24 or 30fps
- Best-in-class autofocus
- Bright, front-facing LCD
- Clear in-camera microphone
- Supports add-on mic and headphone monitoring
- Works as a USB webcam
Cons
- Battery drains quickly
- Digital stabilization adds crop to video
- Limited touch controls
- In-camera charging slow for on-the-go use
- Slow-motion limited to 1080p
- No 4K60 recording
Why We Picked It
The ZV-E10 repackages nearly all of the a6400’s features into a camera body that’s ideal for vlogging and videos. It skips the viewfinder in favor of a high-quality microphone and offers a swing-out screen that lets you monitor yourself as you record. This Sony model makes a lot of sense with sensible lenses like the E PZ 10-20mm F4 G or E 11mm F1.8, in particular.
Who It’s For
The ZV-E10 should appeal to video-first creators interested in making student films and vlogs for YouTube. It’s just as capable as the a6400 for stills, though photographers might lament the lack of a viewfinder. The in-camera microphone is a big upgrade versus photo-first cameras, but we still recommend adding a gimbal if you want tripod-quality stabilization and the creative versatility handheld work affords.
Best Full-Frame Model for Most People
Bottom Line:
With a stabilized 33MP sensor, 10-bit 4K, and fast autofocus, the Sony a7 IV is a compelling full-frame camera for creatives.
Pros
- Stabilized full-frame imaging and video
- 33MP resolution leaves room to crop
- 4K60 video with 10-bit color sampling
- Tracks subjects at up to 10fps
- Configurable controls
- Subject recognition for people, animals, and birds
- Large lens library
Cons
- 6fps burst shooting at highest quality settings
- Omits Pixel Shift multi-shot mode
- Rear display not as crisp as competitors
- Eye detection focus isn’t spot-on with current firmware
Why We Picked It
The Sony a7 IV is the full-frame camera to get if you’re interested in starting with the Sony system or eying an upgrade from an older a7 series cam. It offers plenty of pixels (33MP to be precise), supports 4K60 video with 10-bit colors, and has the latest version of Sony’s Real-time Tracking autofocus system with eye detection for people, pets, and wildlife. The latter should lead to more in-focus action shots than you can get with the a7 III.
Who It’s For
The a7 IV is the best full-frame camera (from any brand) for photographers who want better-than-entry-level specs. It suits both stills- and video-focused creators, with a feature set that tilts more toward the enthusiast segment. Some of the features may overwhelm beginners (especially the many types of flat video profiles), but you can always swap to Auto mode if you’re looking for a camera that gives you room to grow.
Best for Sports, Studio Work, and Everything Else
Bottom Line:
The Sony a1 is a true do-it-all camera, one that is equally adept at high-speed sports imaging, slow-working landscape photography, and professional video. It’s priced to match, but it delivers.
Pros
- Stacked full-frame 50MP sensor
- Up to 30fps Raw photography
- Superior autofocus and subject tracking
- Internal 10-bit 8K recording
- 4K120 for slow motion
- 5-axis stabilization
- High-magnification viewfinder
- Dust and splash protection
- Dual CFexpress/SDXC card slots
Cons
- Rear display should be better
- 8K video chews through battery
Why We Picked It
The Sony a1 may evoke the thought of steak sauce for some but, in practice, the model name is more in sync with Tolkien—one camera to rule them all. Its 50MP Stacked CMOS sensor manages both high-resolution output and high-speed capture: full Raw quality at up to 30fps with subject tracking. There’s no better Sony camera for demanding subjects like sports and wildlife. And for video, it supports 10-bit 8K30, 4K120 slow motion, and 16-bit 4:2:2 Raw output over HDMI.
Who It’s For
At $6,500 without a lens, the Sony a1 makes the most sense for professional creators and rich hobbyists. It’s the camera you’re most likely to see in the hands of photojournalists (Associated Press staffers use Sony gear exclusively) or on the sidelines of an NFL game. The autofocus system is fantastic, and you get an Ethernet connection for rapid photo transfers to an editor if you’re working on location. Hobbyists who specialize in birds, wildlife, or team sports should also find the focus speed and pixel count useful. The same is true for video; the 8K resolution lets you reframe in the editing room and still output a 4K image. Plus, you can drop down to 4K for faster frame rates and slimmer file sizes.
Best for Cinema and Drones
Why We Picked It
The Sony FX3 is the video-first version of the hybrid a7S III. Although we continue to recommend the latter to stills-videos hybrid creators, the FX3 is a better camera if you care only about video. The FX3 body is ideal for pro video capture, with mounting points for accessories such as a low-angle handle with an XLR audio input. As for specs, the camera records 10-bit 4:2:2 4K60, has a built-in fan for reliable operation under hot lights, and features dust and splash protection for use on location.
Who It’s For
The FX3 is a professional cinema camera, so beginners and dilettantes need not apply: You should know what you are doing before you pick it up. Its compact design is a good fit for documentary, location, and travelogue projects. And its light weight opens up the possibility for use with the Sony Airpeak S1 drone platform.
Best Entry-Level Full-Frame Body
Bottom Line:
The Sony a7C is a slimmed down, full-frame camera built for travel, but its small size limits its versatility, and some aspects feel a little dated.
Pros
- Full-frame sensor in APS-C sized body
- 5-axis IBIS
- Forward-facing touch LCD
- Superlative tracking autofocus
- 10fps continuous drive
- 4K video with flat and HDR looks available
- Best-in-class battery life
Cons
- EVF is on the small side
- Doesn’t have Sony’s new menu system
- Touch functions could be more robust
- Omits front command dial and focus joystick
- 4K tops out at 30fps
Why We Picked It
The Sony a7C packs all of the imaging prowess of the a7 III into a smaller, more affordable package. The 24MP full-frame camera isn’t much bigger than an a6400 and benefits from Real-Time Tracking focus, a feature Sony never managed to work into the a7 III. The rangefinder-style body’s corner viewfinder might not appeal to everyone, but a long-lasting battery makes this camera sensible for world travelers.
Who It’s For
Fans of rangefinder-style cameras should like the a7C because it’s one of the few full-frame options with this design. The camera’s compact size also makes it a good match for smaller primes and zooms in a svelte kit. Vloggers should consider the a7C for its stabilized sensor and front-facing display, too. But if you often use telephoto glass, we recommend stepping up to the a7 IV.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV
Best Bridge Camera
Bottom Line:
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV camera delivers an incredible zoom range and uses a stacked sensor design and phase detection focus for 24fps image capture.
Pros
- 25x zoom lens.
- Large 1-inch sensor.
- Phase detect autofocus.
- 24fps Raw capture with tracking.
- Dust- and splash-resistant design.
- Touch LCD and EVF.
- Top info LCD.
- Wi-Fi.
- 4K video and 1080p slow-motion.
Cons
- Very expensive.
- No in-lens neutral density filter.
- Hood blocks flash at wide angles.
- Can’t start a video when still buffer is in use.
Why We Picked It
The RX10 bridge camera looks a lot like an ILC, with a large grip, an electronic viewfinder, and a big lens. You can’t change out the 24-600mm F2.4-4.0 lens, but it’s quite capable for everything from snapping landscapes to zooming in on wildlife in your backyard. Rounding out its features are a speedy autofocus system with eye detection for people and pets, as well as an oversized Type 1 image sensor that enables blurred-out backgrounds for a more professional look.
Who It’s For
We are well aware that the camera’s $1,700 price is somewhat staggering, so if you’re after an affordable long zoom model like this, you should think about moving to another brand. Regardless, for the Sony faithful who love snapping photos of critters at the zoo or capturing close-up action at sporting events, the RX10 IV is among your best options. We also like it for travel, as its weather protection and relatively small size (compared with an ILC and lens that matches this zoom rage) are both advantages.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII
Best Pocket Camera
Bottom Line:
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII point-and-shoot is a modest update to the RX100 VI, offering better autofocus and video stabilization for a bit more money.
Pros
- Sharp 8x zoom lens.
- Electronic viewfinder.
- 1-inch sensor design.
- 20fps capture with subject tracking.
- Eye detection for people and pets.
- Tilting touch screen.
- 4K video with external microphone port.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Can’t start video while images are writing to card.
- Limited touch functions.
Why We Picked It
The RX100 VII is the camera to get if a pocket-friendly size is your top priority. It’s a premium option, for sure, but that’s in line with Sony’s recent push into the high-end segment of the imaging market. The compact model offers plenty of zoom power (24-200mm F2.8-4) and a Type 1 Stacked CMOS sensor for snappy focus and blurry backgrounds. A pop-up viewfinder adds appeal for shutterbugs, while 4K recording support should attract video creators. If you’re more about vlogs, however, the ZV-1 is similar in size and quite a bit cheaper.
Who It’s For
We see the RX100 VII as a good option for photographers who typically use a changeable lens model, but want a pocket-friendly option that offers more versatility than a smartphone. The RX100 VII’s zoom power, macro capabilities, and big image sensor work together to better the latest Apple and Samsung flagships. An EVF and thicker body style also make for a much better ergonomic experience.
Alternatives to Sony
If you’re not dead set on a Sony camera, check out our recommendations for the best DSLR and mirrorless cameras from any manufacturer.
We also have buying guides for Canon, Fuji, Micro Four Thirds, and Nikon lenses if you’re so inclined.
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