Sony has been a pioneer in the world of mirrorless cameras for more than a decade, and it’s still one online camera stores of the world’s largest and most popular camera manufacturers. Whether improving on sensor and autofocus technology or making one of the most compact full-frame cameras on the market, Sony remains an innovative brand that continues to drive the mirrorless market forward.
We’ve bought and tested over 100 cameras, and below, you’ll find our rundown of the best Sony cameras for photography, video, and everything in between. Thankfully, Sony produces a range of different models to suit various budgets and experience levels, so you’re sure to find a camera that fits your needs.
The Sony α7 IV isn’t just the best Sony Alpha camera we’ve tested—it’s one of the best cameras we’ve tested, period. This enthusiast-oriented hybrid camera sports a 33-megapixel sensor with plenty of dynamic range and boasts one of the best autofocus systems of its class. That makes it a great fit for faster subjects, with respectably quick burst shooting, although it slows down considerably if you shoot uncompressed RAW files. That aside, the α7 IV is also a video powerhouse, with 4k recording at 60 fps (albeit with a crop), no recording time limits, and internal 10-bit 4:2:2 color depth to capture everything from cinematic footage to slow-motion action.
Aside from being well-suited to a wide range of photo and video styles, the camera is also built to last, with a sturdy weather-sealed body, a vari-angle touchscreen, and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) that gives you a crisp view of your subject—not to mention dual memory card slots, one of which supports faster CFexpress cards, and all the ports you need for video peripherals. All that hardware and processing power comes at the expense of portability, but if you’re looking for a fantastic all-arounder, this is the Sony camera to get.
If the Sony α7 IV sounds like everything you’ve ever dreamed of in a camera—except you prefer a more compact camera body, then the Sony α7C II is just for you. Sony’s compact full-frame model is like a condensed version of the regular Alpha 7. The α7C II uses the exact same 33-megapixel sensor as the α7 IV but with a body that’s closer in size to APS-C models like the Sony α6700 below. That’s no small feat, especially since it still comes with in-body image stabilization (IBIS), an EVF, and a fully articulated screen.
Of course, that compact size comes with some trade-offs. The aforementioned EVF is uncomfortably small compared to the one on the α7 IV, and the α7C II has just a single SD card slot, which may be a dealbreaker for some. But on the upside, it features a new AI-powered processing unit that further improves the camera’s autofocus and subject detection capabilities.
If the Sony α7 IV is out of your price range, stepping down to the Sony α6700 is a great way to save a bit of money. This APS-C hybrid camera is one of the most capable mid-range models and one of the most well-rounded crop sensor models on the market. It significantly improves upon the older Alpha 6X00 series models (more on those below), with a new higher-resolution sensor, more processing power, and impressive video features, like 4k video at up to 120 fps and internal 10-bit Log recording.
In addition, the camera features an effective IBIS system and Sony’s most sophisticated autofocus yet, with AI-driven subject detection and tracking. It’s the same system found on the Sony α7C II, mentioned above, and the Sony ZV-E1, mentioned below, and one of the best AF systems on the market, ensuring you’ll rarely miss focus even with faster subjects. All in all, this is one of the best Sony mirrorless cameras in its class.
If you want to save even more money, the older APS-C Alpha lineup is a great middle-ground option for those who still want a versatile camera but don’t have the budget for a Sony α6700. The Sony α6400 is the true mid-range option, sitting between the pricier Sony α6600 and the more beginner-oriented Sony α6100. The α6400 doesn’t have built-in image stabilization like the α6600, but it has a higher-resolution viewfinder and sturdier body than the α6100, offering a good balance of features and price.
These cameras have begun to show their age, with more dated video features than the α6700 above. However, you can still get amazing photos out of them, especially when paired with high-quality lenses. They’re also still perfectly suitable for more casual video work and vlogging, on top of being quite portable. So, despite an outdated menu system and lackluster ergonomics, the α6400 still holds its own in an evolving camera market.
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