The range of the best Sony cameras just keeps getting bigger and better. Sony continues to expand its camera offerings, making them more appealing to anyone and everyone who likes shooting sports, wildlife, travel, and fashion, and those of us into video production, content creation, and vlogging. Sony caters to all levels as well, from absolute beginners through to enthusiasts and seasoned professionals.
Right at the top end, you've got the mighty but pricey sports-oriented Sony A9 Mark III with its mind-blowing global shutter, or the high-res megapixel monster in the Sony A7R IV. In the middle, the versatile Sony A7 V, or smaller APS-C mirrorless cameras for travel, video, and content creation – my current highlight is Sony's compact but powerful Sony a6700.
There's also Sony's latest ZV roster of cameras, aimed at vloggers and social media creators. I love the super compact and simplified designs of these cameras, enabling me to go anywhere and shoot great footage that's instantly usable, with minimal effort. I've also been especially impressed by the tiny but mighty Sony RX1R III. Let's take a closer look.
Gareth is the Reviews Editor at Digital Camera World. He has had hands-on time with all the cameras on this list, as well as years of experience as a photographer and videographer – perfect for picking the best Sony cameras.
The best Sony cameras
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Best Sony camera overall
The Sony A7 V builds on the success of the A7 series with a meaningful generational leap in performance and versatility. At its core is a new partially stacked 33 MP full-frame sensor paired with Sony’s powerful BIONZ XR2 processor and integrated AI unit, which together deliver excellent image quality, faster read-out speeds, and a significant improvement in autofocus intelligence and subject recognition.
Autofocus is notably responsive and dependable across a wide range of subjects, thanks to expanded subject recognition and enhanced tracking algorithms, making this a strong choice for everyday shooters, wildlife, and action photographers alike. Performance is also boosted by blackout-free continuous shooting up to 30 fps with AF/AE and markedly reduced rolling shutter.
Video capabilities have also been upgraded, with oversampled 7K-to-4K video at 60p, plus high-frame-rate 4K 120p in a Super 35 crop, giving hybrid shooters considerable flexibility. In-body image stabilization is class-leading, rated up to 7.5 stops, and the redesigned articulating display improves usability for stills and video workflows alike.
That said, there are some compromises compared with Sony’s very top tier and the fiercest rivals: there’s no open-gate video mode, some advanced codecs like internal RAW are absent, and low-light autofocus sensitivity hasn’t changed dramatically relative to the A7 IV.
Overall, the A7 V represents Sony’s most capable “vanilla” full-frame camera to date – a true hybrid that marries fast performance, excellent stills, and strong video in one package – making it a compelling contender for the best all-purpose Sony camera in the current lineup.
Design ★★★★★ | Secure, comfortable handling comes from the improved grip and plentiful physical controls, while the new 4-axis screen offers greater shooting flexibility and helps prevent cables clashing with the camera’s ports. |
Photo Performance ★★★★★ | Image quality is excellent, and Sony’s autofocus remains among the best available, now enhanced with expanded subject recognition and tracking capabilities. |
Video Performance ★★★★☆ | Autofocus performance is extremely fast and reliable, supported by highly effective active stabilization, while the partially stacked sensor significantly reduces rolling shutter. However, the lack of open-gate recording, a crop at 4K 60p, and the absence of RAW video codecs leave the A7 V trailing some of its increasingly capable competitors. |
Value ★★★★☆ | As the most expensive model in the A7 series so far, it introduces several meaningful upgrades that help explain the higher price, but there are more affordable bodies that match — and in some areas exceed — the A7 V’s performance. |
Overall | ★★★★½ |
Read more: Sony A7 V review
Best Sony camera for resolution
The Sony A7R V was meant to just be Sony's 'resolution specialist' but instead the engineers just decided to go ahead and put pretty much everything part they had around the studio into the camera. The A7R V is a technically overwhelming camera, with specs that will make you drool, although I am not sure everyone needs it.
The headliner is the 61MP sensor, which resolves beautiful detail when paired with professional lenses from Sony, Sigma, and others, which is perfect for portrait, landscape, or product photographers who might want to make big prints of their work. It also comes in handy with wildlife and sports shooting, as you can crop tighter into the action if your lens isn't quite long enough. With a 10fps burst rate, it's not the fastest camera, but it ain't bad for pushing all those megapixels.
The A7R V might be technically overwhelming, but it is a little physically underwhelming. The camera body feels too small – or not tall enough in the body – and is a bit of a mismatch with the big pro lenses you’ll certainly be using with it. The controls follow a generic layout rather than being adapted to this camera’s strengths. You can customize the buttons endlessly to suit the way you work, but that takes time and also a good memory for which button you’ve customized to do what.
Paired with new AI subject recognition AF is remarkable, both for its rapid identification and acquisition and its very sticky ‘tracking’. There is also a much better in-body image stabilization system, which is pretty essential when even the slightest jitter looks much worse in 61MP.
The image quality is every bit as good as that of the A7R IV before it, and while Sony says it’s better, I am not sure how much of a worthwhile upgrade the A7R V is for anyone who already uses the prior model. For newcomers though who are after the most resolution possible in a full-frame camera for professional work then this is a must-have, although for the lofty price Sony charges, this camera really is only for dedicated professionals.
Features ★★★★★ | It might be the 'resolution specialist' but this camera has everything with 8K video, 10fps, and AI-powered autofocus |
Design ★★★★★ | Usual great Sony body design, the vari-angle pivot screen and extra custom function buttons are great additions |
Performance ★★★★★ | Stills, video, sports, it does it all The downsides are 61MP files are very big to work with, and its headline 8K video is cropped. |
Value ★★★★☆ | All this power does not come cheap, and the A7RV is priced right up in the dedicated pro bracket |
Overall | ★★★★½ |
Read more: Sony A7R V review
Best Sony camera for sports
To quote from our review, "I am nothing short of gobsmacked, blown away, bowled over, and wowed by the Sony A9 III". With the first-ever global shutter put in a consumer camera, it enables a top shutter speed of a mind-blowing 1/80,000 and up to 120 frames per second for RAW+JPEGS. Oh and the full 1/80,000-second global can also be used with flash!
The A9 III's blistering speed is matched by Sony's impressive AI autofocus performance, which can track more subjects than ever before as well as perform feats like human pose estimation, which knows what your subject is going to do before they do.
However, this camera is definitely only for those who need the very best in speeds, we are talking about the professional sports photographers of the world where every millisecond can mean missing the action or getting that back page shot.
If that is you, then what are you waiting for? But for everyone else, this camera is overkill to a huge degree, as most photographers will never need to tap into the speed this camera can accomplish. With one of the major pitfalls of all that speed is backup, storage, and culling unwanted photos, I would rather not try to manage that!
However, if my most damning criticism is that the A9 III is too fast to keep up with, surely that's nothing but a mission accomplished for Sony! For professionals who need more than speed, however, the Sony A1 edges ahead of the A9 III as an all-around hybrid model, as it throws in 8K video and 50MP stills, although features some slightly less sophisticated autofocus tracking.
Features ★★★★★ | Global shutter with 120fps stills and 1/80,000 sec shutter speeds, although some will complain about the relatively small 24.1MP sensor |
Design ★★★★☆ | A deep grip and custom function buttons will satisfy pros, although many will wish the vertical grip was built in |
Performance ★★★★★ | Mind blowing speed makes this the best sports camera ever for the very top pros, although is overkill for anyone else |
Value ★★★★☆ | Be prepared to pay for that global shutter, as this very pricey camera is considerably more than Canon or Nikon's best |
Overall | ★★★★½ |
Read more: Sony A9 III review
Best Sony camera for travel
Sony's a6xxx range has long been one of the most popular lineups of cameras for hybrid shooters who love to travel, or keen social media and YouTube content creators. The concept for the camera is a simple and pocketable camera APS-C camera, that also hides some impressive specs. The Sony a6700 represents a logical progression from its predecessor the a6600, upgrading components like autofocus and IBIS to Sony's very latest.
The a6700 maintains the compact rangefinder-style APS-C camera design from prior models but incorporates some notable and welcome improvements in button layout, however, I still found the camera was still a little cramped and hard to hold with larger full-frame lenses. If you are happy to settle for Sony's smaller enthusiast lenses, then they are a much better balance for the a6700, although it can be a little confusing to tell the two format's lenses apart.
But for hybrid stills and video shooters seeking a compact camera, importantly – with a viewfinder, the a6700 stands out as my preferred choice among Sony's APS-C lineup, and a much better choice over Sony's confusingly similar ZV range of cameras.
The a6700 delivers an exceptional stills experience with an improved resolution, better tracking, and faster speeds. While its advancements in 4K video recording and integration of AI autofocus technology from Sony's more powerful and pricey cameras means the a6700 is a little more powerful than its compact size might allude to.
The a6700 does have a higher starting price compared to the previous generation, and it is relatively more expensive than some competitors, which have done a lot to close the gap in recent releases. However, the a6700 offers a lot for the money and emerges as one of the top choices for travel photographers and content creators who prioritize professional features within a compact form factor.
Features ★★★★★ | The latest Sony AI-AF, IBIS, and oversampled video are squeezed into Sony's best compact and travelable APS-C camera |
Design ★★★★☆ | While it plays well with small APS-C lenses, the small body is hard to use with bigger Sony optics |
Performance ★★★★★ | Image and video quality is excellent, with autofocus and IS taking a big jump from prior models. and the smaller sensor crop benefits distance shooting |
Value ★★★★★ | A lot of camera tech for fantastic value, although other brands have equally compelling options |
Overall | ★★★★½ |
Read more: Sony a6700 review
Best Sony camera on a budget
You might have spotted the next generation of the A7 III (A7 IV) at the top of this list, and while that camera is just about every aspect of the A7 III refined and tuned up with Sony's latest tech, Sony made the A7 III so good that it is refusing to go away. And planned or not, this has certainly worked in Sony's favor as it has perhaps unintentionally got the best value full-frame camera on its hands.
Headline features include a highly effective 696-point AF system, eye autofocus, and 4K video with a 5-axis image stabilization system that promises 5EV of compensation. There’s a 24.2MP back-illuminated image sensor, coupled with the latest generation of the image processor, and the two deliver excellent tonal range and make super-high ISO settings possible. All this might seem pedestrian today, but it was sit-up-and-take-notice stuff in 2019 when the camera was released.
Handling is good, though some may find the body a little small when paired with pro lenses, although this does apply across the Alpha range. There are so many lenses to choose from though, with Sony's own range being extensive, but its willingness to open its mount means there are incredible third-party options too.
It might not have the blinding speed of Sony’s top-flight A9 cameras or the ultra-high-resolution of the A7R V, but the Sony A7 III still manages to offer a compelling alternative to these pricier models delivering instead sheer value for money. For the top performance at a sensible price, I think it’s not only the best-priced Sony camera out there – but the best value full-frame camera full stop!
Read more: Sony A7 III review
Features ★★★★★ | It might be an older model, but still has the mod-cons like eye detection, IBIS, and 4K video |
Design ★★★★★ | Fantastic hybrid handling, small enough to travel yet big enough for pro work. Menus are a bit of a nightmare |
Performance ★★★★★ | Newer Sony cameras do things much better, but the A7 III has great 4K vids, and 24MP is still respectable |
Value ★★★★★ | A perfect way to get into full frame photography with a lot of killer features for incredible value |
Overall | ★★★★★ |
The best Sony camera for video
The ZV-E1 is an excellent vlogging camera, it is small, compact, and lightweight while packing in some incredible features like an image-stabilized full-frame sensor, and subject recognition and auto tracking straight out of the Sony A7R V. The camera is also simple and intuitive to use, so is perfect for anyone wanting professional looking footage without knowing a huge amount about cameras.
The video footage is excellent, sharp, clear, and with good color direct from the camera, so can be thrown up on social media right away. The latest autofocus tracking is just beyond good as well, especially for human subjects, it is incredibly fast and accurate, with its AI powers meaning you don’t have to worry about focus and can think about other aspects of filming. The real benefit of the ZV range is their built-in stereo microphones which offer audio that is far beyond the microphones in other hybrid cameras and rivals some of the best on-camera external microphones.
The ZV's downfall is its stills, although that isn't really the intended purpose of the ZV-E1 anyway. While still are the usual great quality expected from Sony, they are limited by the 12MP sensor. This is fine for uploading to social media for small screens, but the ability to crop into images or blow up to large sizes becomes limited.
The ZV-E1 is also tricky to use with larger Sony pro lenses, which with its full-frame sensor and skew towards serious content creators I would say these big G-Master lenses are the preferred lenses to use. The body is very compact, but this quickly becomes very front-heavy with any attached lens and is not easy to handhold, however the compact form pairs nicely with gimbals and rigs.
Features ★★★★☆ | 4K video, AI AF-tracking and built-in stereo audio make this a video powerhouse, but its 12MP stills take a hit |
Design ★★★★☆ | The small body works great with gimbals and rigs, but it's not the easiest to use handheld with big lenses |
Performance ★★★★☆ | Excellent video chops, the audio and AI-AF are both stand outs. Image quality is good, but very limited by the megapixel count |
Value ★★★★☆ | More affordable than Sony's Alpha or FX range, but more rounded hybrid cameras can be had more the same price |
Overall | ★★★★☆ |
Read more: Sony ZV-E1 review
Best Sony camera for vlogging
The Sony ZV-E10 II is first-and-foremost a vlogging and content creation camera aimed at video. A big upgrade from the first version, it improves on every criticism of Sony's menus and video from the first model, now with next to no crop on footage and easy-to-use touch menus.
It packs a large and well-performing internal microphone (with clip-on muffler) and offers some very good 4K video. For serious video makers, you won't find any complex oversampling or multiple codec recording options here. This camera is for anyone who is taking their video a little more seriously than recording on a phone but isn't quite ready or willing to jump into a more professional level of videography.
The ZV-E10 II is not going to be a first-choice photography camera, as it lacks the EVF that photographers would expect, however, with the same sensor and processor as the Sony a6700, its specs are decent enough. If you are looking for something more hybrid, then cheaper cameras in the Sony A6xxx series (a6000 or a6400) are a better, although aging, option.
The ZV-E10 fits in an APS-C sensor, which means it is able to make use of Sony's extensive range of E-mount lenses. However, due to its very compact body, the camera does not balance well with larger Sony lenses, but Sony has a good range of quality smaller optics, as well as a huge number of third-party lens options. The body also features an articulating touchscreen which is vital for vlogging from low or awkward angles.
The ZV-E10 II has a very appealing price tag, it's a shame that there is no in-body image stabilization, but for a very specific audience looking for the perfect balance between affordability and features, this camera hits the nail on the head.
Features ★★★★★ | An APS-C sensor pairs with Sony's huge range of lens choices, backed up with an in-built stereo mic and 4K video |
Design ★★★★☆ | Small and compact design is great for vlogging, so long as your don't pair it with too big lenses |
Performance ★★★★★ | Video performance is great, but lack of IBIS and older autofocus lets it down |
Value ★★★★★ | Very reasonably priced, although good value, does reveal the cameras limitations |
Overall | ★★★★½ |
Read more: Sony ZV-E10 II review
Best full frame Sony camera for size
The Sony A7C II is an incremental upgrade over the original version, although it packs in some very welcome big improvements to autofocus and a bump in resolution to 33MP that keep it fresh. I am not sure if it is a worthwhile upgrade for anyone who owns the Mark I version of the A7C, but for newcomers, the camera still is one of the best options for photographers and video makers looking for the smallest and most compact camera, while still getting pro-level features.
Separating itself from its very similar ZV companions, the A7C II still keeps the rangefinder-style EVF, even if it isn't the strongest EVF I have used. For photos the camera is outstanding, it shares the same sensor and tech as the other most recent cameras in the Sony Alpha series, so has the latest in AI autofocus recognition and tracking for people, animals, and other subjects. The A7C II also benefits from much improved in-body image stabilization.
Sony continues to offer up all its cameras now as hybrid models, and the A7C II has some serious video specs. I seriously considered naming this as the best Sony video camera over the ZV-E1, but that camera's built-in mic and more video-centric body won. But that should show how serious a camera this is for hybrid creators who care just as much about video.
The only real disappointment with the camera is its fairly terrible ergonomics. Despite Sony at least attempting to make some improvements in this area, it is still a difficult camera to handhold with larger Sony lenses, which the inclusion of a full-frame sensor suggests it is designed for. I tested the camera with big Sony G-Master glass and it was very uncomfortable. You can of course use smaller lenses, but I feel that kind of defeats the purpose of this camera using a full-frame sensor, and you should look more closely at the Sony a6700.
Features ★★★★★ | A bigger 33MP sensor, oversampled 4K video, IBIS and the latest AI autofocus makes this a compact powerhouse |
Design ★★★☆☆ | Very compact, but the full-frame sensor is begging to be used with big lenses which is an ergonomically poor experience |
Performance ★★★★★ | Excellent performance in photo and video, Sony's autofocus is the star of the show |
Value ★★★★★ | Priced below the rest of the A7 range, this is Sony's latest tech at the best value |
Overall | ★★★★☆ |
Read more: Sony A7C II review
Best Sony compact camera
Everything about this camera screams 'Quality', with a capital Q! Not altogether unsurprisingly, that's reflected in the asking price, which is of a similar order to the Leica Q3. So what do you get for your money?
For starters, the Sony RX1R III is absolutely tiny. You certainly get your money's worth in that it's compact and lightweight enough to slip into a bag or pocket and use it every day, taking it anywhere and everywhere. But what's more exciting is just how much Sony has packed into this little gem of a camera.
Instead of the typically small or super-small image sensor you'd often associate with compact cameras, this one has a full-frame sensor. And it's not just any full-frame sensor, but one with a massive 61 megapixels onboard. Coupled with its Zeiss T* Sonnar 35mm f/2 T*, you can be assured that stills will have incredible resolution, and the same goes for 4K 30p video capture.
My only real bugbear with this camera is that it has a fixed touchscreen, so you can't view it from the front for taking selfies or for vlogging. Back on the plus side, it's a particularly good touchscreen with a 2.36 megapixel resolution. All things considered, if you want a compact camera that can deliver the ultimate in image quality, this is it.
Features ★★★★☆ | Excellent core imaging features including a 61 MP full-frame sensor, 4K 30p video and digital crop modes that effectively extend focal lengths, though it lacks IBIS and a tilting screen. |
Design ★★★★☆ | Incredibly compact and lightweight with premium build quality — one of the smallest full-frame cameras available — but the fixed rear screen and absence of weather sealing are notable omissions. |
Performance ★★★★☆ | Superb autofocus and stunning image quality make it compelling as a day-to-day shooter; the lack of IBIS isn’t a deal-breaker in use, though some physical controls and visual aids are pared back. |
Value ★★★★☆ | A standout premium compact that justifies its place among luxury competitors; price is high, but its combination of size, resolution and AF performance feels worthwhile for serious photographers. |
Overall | ★★★★☆ |
Read more: Sony RX1R III review
Honorary Mentions
Comparisons and Lab Data
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Sony A7 V | Sony A7R V | Sony A9 III | Sony a6700 | Sony A7 III | Sony ZV-E1 | Sony RX1R III | Sony ZV-E10 II | Sony A7C II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Launch Price | $2,499 (body) | $3,899 (body) | $5,999 (body) | $1,399 (body) | $1,799 (body) | $2,199 (body) | $5,098 | $999 (body) | $2,199 (body) |
Sensor | Full-frame | Full-frame | Full-frame | APS-C | Full-frame | Full-frame | Full-frame | APS-C | Full-frame |
Megapixels | 33MP | 61MP | 24.6MP | 26.1MP | 24.2MP | 12.1MP | 61MP | 26MP | 33MP |
Lens Mount | Sony E-mount | Sony E-mount | Sony E-mount | Sony E-mount | Sony E-mount | Sony E-mount | Fixed 35mm f/2 | Sony E-mount | Sony E-mount |
IBIS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Screen | 3in vari-angle, 1.04m dots | 3.1-in vari-angle, 2.1m dots | 3.2-in vari-angle, 2.1m dots | 3-in vari-angle, 1.03m dots | 3-in vari-angle, 921k dots | 3-in vari-angle, 1.03m dots | 3-in fixed, 2.36m dots | 3-in vari-angle, 1.03m dots | 3-in vari-angle, 1.03m dots |
Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69m dots | EVF, 9.44m dots | EVF, 9.44m dots | EVF, 2.36m dots | EVF, 2.36m dots | EVF, 2.36m dots | None | None | OLED EVF, 2.36m dots, 0.7x |
Max Burst Speed | 33fps | 10fps | 120fps | 11fps | 10fps | 5fps | 24fps | 11fps | 10fps |
Max Video Resolution | 4K30p, 4K60p (crop) | 8K24p | 4K120p | 4K120p | 4K30p | 4K30p | 4k30p | 4k60p | 4k60p |
How to choose the best Sony camera
First, you need to ask yourself what you are going to use your camera for.
If you are mostly interested in photography, then Sony's Alpha series is the way to go, these cameras are more specialized for higher quality images in different situations. The Sony A7R V is a megapixel monster for massive images, the Sony A9 II is for serious sports shooters, and the Sony a6700 packs the best of Sony's tech into a travelable body. Sony's Alpha series is also compatible with the best Sony lenses to up your photography game even further.
If you want to shoot video to use on social media or to live stream on the internet, then Sony makes an excellent range of compact content creation cameras, my favorites here being the small and simple Sony ZV-1F or the Sony ZV-E10 with the freedom of interchangeable lenses. If your video projects are more advanced, then you might need more options in terms of sensor size or video codecs, in that case, the ZV-E1 offers excellent video specs with built-in pro audio, or the A7R V can record 8K video footage for ultimate resolution.
If you want to produce very high-end video then we have a separate guide for that, check out our choices of the best camera for filmmaking for some top-end Sony video options.
What is the best Sony vlogging camera?
This depends on your budget. The cheapest entry-level vlogging camera from Sony is the ZV-1F, which is small and compact and shoots good 4K. If you want something a little more advanced, then the Sony ZV-1 II or Sony ZV-E10 II is the best in Sony's range. With its interchangeable lenses, it gives you more freedom to create.
Are Sony cameras better than Nikon and Canon?
Not necessarily – how good a camera is depends on how you use it. Sony cameras excel in various aspects including excellent subject recognition and tracking, solid image stabilization, as well as Sony's long pedigree in producing professional-level video. Switching to a Sony camera from another brand will not improve your photography without you also working on your technique. Whatever camera system you use, you can be sure with practice you can create equally exceptional images.
How we test Sony cameras
We test Sony cameras both in real-world shooting scenarios and in carefully controlled lab conditions. We test Sony cameras with their intended purpose in mind – for example, we test powerful sports cameras like the Sony A9 III with high-speed subjects, while we test Sony's ZV vlogging range with a focus on video quality over any stills prowess.
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✖️ Reviews and guides are unbiased – and never influenced by brands
Our real-world testing assesses how Sony cameras perform in everyday shooting situations. This is based on our reviewer's own experiences using the camera, how the camera feels and works, any issues they encountered, and their subjective opinion on the camera performance separate from the lab results.
Our lab tests measure resolution, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio. Resolution is measured using ISO resolution charts, dynamic range is measured using DxO Analyzer test equipment and DxO Analyzer is also used for noise analysis across the camera's ISO range.
The real-world experience and lab results are combined to inform exactly what we select for inclusion in our buying guides.
Find out more about how we test and review at Digital Camera World
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