Sony Alpha continuously adds very impressive cameras to its lineup. As a photographer, it might be hard for you to decide which Sony camera is the best for you. And the answer isn’t as simple as finding the best Sony camera for photographers. Different types of photographers have different needs. Therefore, the camera that works the best for you might not be the same one that works the best for another photographer. Fear not, as we’ve compiled a guide covering the best Sony camera for every kind of photographer.
Best Sony Cameras
Best Camera for Hybrid (Photo and Video Shooters) – Sony a7R V Mirrorless Digital Camera Body
Learn more about this camera at Sony Alpha 7R V Camera: Hands-On Review.
- 61 megapixel sensor
- 4-axis LCD monitor that allows both conventional tilting and side-opening
- 8K 24p/25p4 and 4K 60p/50p filming
- Brand new AI processing unit and autofocusing capabilities
- Advanced BIONZ XR engine to increase processing speeds up to 8x
The Sony a7R V is Sony’s newest full frame camera on the market. This camera is the ultimate choice for hybrid shooters. When shooting photos, you’ll love the ability to capture an astonishing 61 megapixels, which is one of the highest resolutions of any DSLR or mirrorless camera. When you switch over to video, you’ll be able to capture 8K footage, and then downsample in order to have the absolute highest quality footage. Lastly, the tilt screen makes it easy to see from any angle on the camera. Whether you’re shooting at an odd angle, or want to flip the screen around for content creation, this camera is the perfect choice for hybrid shooters.
Best Camera for Professional Photographers – Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Learn more about this camera at Sony A1 Camera: Hands-On Review.
- 50.1 megapixel sensor
- 30 fps continuous shooting
- 120 AF/AE calculations per second
- 8K 30p 10-bit 4:2:0 video
- 5.5 stops of in-body image stabilization
If you’re a professional photographer, look no further than the Alpha 1. This camera truly makes no compromises. No matter what you photograph, having the ability to capture up to 30 frames per second with 120 AF points means you will never miss the shot, nor the focus point. The autofocus points cover 92 percent of the image sensor, so as long as you’re aiming at your subject, the camera will do the rest of the work. If you’re a professional looking for a camera with some incredible specs, this is the right choice for you.
Best Camera for Beginner Photographers – Sony Alpha a6100 Mirrorless Digital Camera
- 24.2 megapixel sensor
- 4K 30fps video shooting
- 180 degree tiltable LCD touchscreen
- 0.02 second autofocus with 425 phase/contrast detection points
- Real-time eye AF for animals
If you’re new to photography, the Sony a6100 is the perfect entry level camera. It’s small and compact, so it will be easy to carry with you everywhere you go. The specs are some of the best around for entry level cameras. High quality 4K video recording will allow you to capture video, and the 180 degree tiltable LCD touchscreen is perfect for situations where your camera is set up below eye level. And if you have any pets, you’ll be able to capture amazing pet photos with the real-time autofocus that will focus perfectly on an animal’s eyes.
Best Camera for Social Media Content Creators – Sony ZV-1F Vlogging Camera
- Ultra-wide-angle 20mm lens
- Eye AF technology to make sure you stay in sharp focus at all times
- Bokeh available at the push of a button
- Slow motion or speed setting available
- Active Mode image stabilization gives steady footage, even when walking
Content creators will love the small and compact Sony ZV-1F Vlogging Camera. It’s equipped with a wide angle lens to be sure you can capture everything in the scene, as well the ability to add bokeh instantly with one button. This will make your life easy as a content creator. A flip out screen makes sure you can see yourself at all times, and this camera also accurately captures skin tones, making sure you look amazing in every clip.
Best Camera for Vloggers – Sony ZV-E1 Mirrorless Camera Body
Learn more about this camera at Sony ZV-E1 Camera: Hands-On Review with Sal D’Alia
- 12 MP Full frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor
- ISO up to 409,600
- Full frame 4k with full pixel readout and no pixel binning
- Cinematic vlog settings
- 5-axis in-body stabilization
The Sony ZV-E1 Camera is the world’s smallest and lightest full frame, interchangeable lens camera built specifically for content creators. It’s capable of shooting up to ISO 409,600 with minimal grain and class-leading dynamic range. With its Cinematic Vlog settings and AF features such as its Product Showcase button, it’s clear this camera was developed with vloggers in mind.
Best Camera for YouTubers – Sony Alpha a7S III Mirrorless Digital Camera Body
Learn more about this camera at First Look: Sony Alpha a7S III with Sony Artisan Taylor Rees.
- 12.1 megapixel sensor
- Excellent low noise performance, ISO up to 409,600
- Up to 4K 120p 10-bit 4:2:2
- Internal heat dissipation allows 1-hour recording at 4K 60p
- Advanced autofocus with Real-time Eye AF
YouTube creators, check out this Sony Alpha a7S III. The third iteration of this camera is a video creation machine in a digital camera body. If you like to create videos or photos in low light situations, this is one of the best camera bodies on the market. New heat-dissipating structure allows you to film 4K 60p footage for up to an hour without overheating the sensor, and doesn’t require any fan or cabinet vents.
Best Camera for Documentarians – Sony FX30 Super 35 Cinema Line Camera
Learn more about this camera at Sony FX30 Compact Cinema Camera: Hands-On Review.
- 26.1 megapixel sensor
- Compact and accessible
- S-Cineton for a cinematic look without color grading
- Ability to apply user LUTs to the LCD display and embedded in clips
- Dual base ISO and 14+ stop dynamic range
Spend less time worrying about your camera and editing, and more time focusing on capturing amazing documentary footage with the FX30 Super 35 Cinema Line Camera. This camera is designed to give your photos a cinematic look without having to color grade. You can even add your very own LUTs to be embedded into your clips. The Dual Base ISO means that you don’t have to worry about sacrificing video quality under low light conditions. Meanwhile, the very dependable and highly accurate autofocus ensures optimal focus in every circumstance.
Best Camera for Filmmakers – Sony FX3 Full-Frame Cinema Line Camera
Learn more about this camera at Sony FX3 Camera: Hands-On Review.
- Full-frame performance with a wide dynamic range
- 4K recording at 120fps
- Enhanced mobility allows solo operation
- Built-in microphone, interchangeable lens, and XLR mic input included
- ISO expandable all the way to 409600
Filmmakers will love shooting with the FX3 for its ergonomic body that is very easy to use by yourself. You won’t have to worry about low light conditions with the expandable ISO that goes up to 409, 600. The FX3 also offers amazing bokeh with a shallow depth of field, and 4K filming even at 120fps. 10-bit depth recording and 4:2:2 color sampling ensure rich and realistic color detail.
Picking out the right camera has never been easier than with this guide to finding the best Sony camera for you.. Sony’s newest cameras all have very impressive specs depending on what you hope to do with them. And, best of all, many of these cameras accept the same lenses, so it’s very easy to switch from one camera to another when you decide it is time for an upgrade or for a second camera body. Whether you love having tons of megapixels, want the ability to capture great slow-motion footage, or are a new photographer who just wants a compact camera body to capture snapshots, Sony makes a camera for you.
