Best Sony camera 2021: Top Sony picks for photos and videos

(Image credit: Future)

Looking for the best Sony camera money can buy? Whether you're a seasoned snapper or just starting out, the tech giant offers a wide range of cameras for all skill levels. From APS-C to full-frame models, the list below will help you find the best Sony camera for your needs and budget.

It's no surprise that Sony cameras are among the most technologically advanced. the market. Accustomed to innovation, Sony was the first manufacturer to launch a full-frame mirrorless camera with autofocus in 2013. As well as giving Sony a significant head start over rivals Nikon and Canon, it also means that the system today benefits from a healthy catalog of lens options.

Several generations after the game-changing A7, Sony's full-frame mirrorless models continue to be acclaimed by enthusiasts and professionals alike. Take the Sony A1: it's arguably the ultimate mirrorless camera money can buy, offering an astonishing combination of speed, resolution and video specs - with a price to match.

But you don't necessarily need the deepest pockets to find your perfect Sony camera - and the full-frame mirrorless format isn't the only format to consider. The Sony RX100 VII (and the more affordable Sony RX100 V), for example, combine the high-end performance of a larger CMOS sensor with the pocket size of a high-end compact.

Sony also offers several models specifically designed for vloggers and videographers - such as the powerful and versatile Sony ZV-1 - as well as a wide range of mirrorless cameras for amateurs and enthusiasts.

Whatever your style, experience or price range, we've rounded up and reviewed the best Sony cameras in each category in the buying guide below. Read to the end and you're sure to find an option that's right for you.

Those are the

best sony lenses

that you can buy right now

Best Sony cameras 2021 at a glance:

Sony A7R IV

Sony A7III

Sony ZV-1 p>

Sony A7S III

Sony A6600

Sony A1

Sony RX100 Mark II

Sony A6100

Sony RX10 IV

Sony RX100 Mark V / VA

Sony A6400

Sony Cyber ​​Shot WX220

Sony A9II

Sony RX0 II

The best Sony cameras in 2021:

Image credit: TechRadar

(Image credit: Future)

1. Sony Alpha A7R IV

Super high resolution brings Sony into medium format waters

Specifications

Kind:

without mirror

Sensor:

Full frame stacked CMOS

Megapixels:

63MP

Lens mount:

Sony FE

Auto-focus:

567 phase detection points, 425 contrast detection points

Screen type:

3.0 inch LCD tilting touch screen, 1440k dots resolution

Maximum burst speed:

10fps

Video:

4K

User level:

Professional

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Reasons to buy

p>

+

Fast and sophisticated AF

+

Superb results from the provided sensor

Reasons to avoid

-

Limited touchscreen capability

-

Battery life could be better

Sony is certainly not one to do things by halves when it comes to new camera technology. Jumping to a whopping 63MP, there are few full-frame cameras (mirrorless or otherwise) that offer this kind of resolution. Images came out at a still insane 61MP, while Sony claims the camera can deliver up to 15 EV of dynamic range from the sensor.

You also get useful features like in-body image stabilization, which gives you 5.5 EV compensation as well as Pixel Shift Multi Shooting to create even higher resolution images. Rounding out the spec sheet we have 4K video recording, a superb electronic viewfinder and a useful tilting touchscreen. Ultimately, if you want the best of the best, this is the one for you. If the budget is tighter but you still want high resolution, keep an eye on the prices of the

Sony A7R III

, which still gives you 42.2 MP.

< p>Read our detailed review

Sony A7R IV

Image credit: TechRadar

2. Sony Alpha A7 III

Still a fantastic all-rounder, but will we see an A7 IV anytime soon?

Specifications

Kind:

without mirror

Sensor:

Full-frame back-illuminated CMOS

Megapixels:

24.2MP

Lens mount:

Sony FE

Auto-focus:

693-point AF

Screen type:

Tilt 3 -inch LCD touch screen, 921,000 dot resolution

Maximum burst speed:

10fps

Video:

4K

User level:

Enthusiastic

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1 Amazon customer reviews

☆

☆

☆

☆

☆

The reasons to buy

+

Compact body but huge sensor

+

Huge 693-point AF system

Reasons to avoid

-

Touchscreen control is limited

-

Weather sealing could be better

The Sony A7 III now fully deserves classic status in the mirrorless camera world, having landed in January 2018 and completely changing what you'd expect from a full-frame camera at this price point. The only reason he's not top of our list is because of his slightly gray hair and rumors that we might see a

Sony A7 IV

later this year. That's just speculation at this point, and until then the A7 III still offers a real compromise in terms of value, performance and lens choice.

Its specs include a 24.2-megapixel back-illuminated sensor, along with five-axis image stabilization and uncropped 4K video capture. The tilting rear LCD screen is convenient for shooting at difficult angles and works with the range of buttons for excellent maneuverability. While the 2.36 million-dot viewfinder has a slightly dated 60fps refresh rate, it's still perfectly usable in practice, while two SD card slots round out the spec nicely (especially as the one of them supports the faster UHS-II variety). This camera still ticks an incredible number of boxes, especially for the price.

Read our detailed review

Sony Alpha A7 III

(Image credit: future)

3.Sony ZV-1

The best compact vlogging camera around

Specifications

Kind:

Compact

Sensor size:

1inch

Resolution:

20.1MP

Effective Focal Length:

24-70mm

Viewfinder:

No

Monitor:

3.0-inch, 0.921million-dot vari-angle touchscreen

Connectivity:

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Maximum video resolution:

4K 30p

Size weight:

105.5 x 60.0 x 43.5mm, 294g

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Reasons to buy

+

Class-leading autofocus

+

Hot shoe and mic input

Reasons to use id

-

Average video stabilization

-

Limited touch screen

Simply the best compact vlogging camera on the market, the Sony ZV-1 puts a powerful video option in your pocket. Borrowing the best elements from the RX100 series, it combines a capable 1-inch sensor with a state-of-the-art autofocus system. Sony's real-time tracking and autofocus systems let you reliably shoot high-quality footage while locked on your subject, while the bright 24-70mm lens is capable of create a nice background blur. Image stabilization is less impressive, but it's passable for walking and talking.

An accessory shoe, 3.5mm microphone input and flip-out LCD enhance the ZV-1's versatility for vloggers - and while the touchscreen menu isn't the easiest to use, it is balanced by an arsenal of features. To complement its crisp and detailed 4K/30p footage, the ZV-1 offers a useful built-in ND filter, as well as all of Sony's picture profiles, including HLG. Its compact size naturally comes with some compromises: there's no headphone port or viewfinder, and battery life isn't the best. Nevertheless, the Sony ZV-1 offers more power and video functionality than any other pocket camera.

Read our detailed test

Sony ZV-1

< p>(Image credit: Future)

4.Sony A7S III

Sony's best camera for video shooters

Specifications

Kind:

without mirror

Sensor size:

full size

Resolution:

12.1MP

Goal:

Sony E

Viewfinder:

9.44MP EVF

Monitor:

1.44m dot articulated screen

Maximum continuous shooting speed:< /p>

10fps

Movies:

4K at 120fps

User level:

Intermediate/expert

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Reasons to buy

+

Impressive low light skills

+

Fully articulating touch screen

Reasons for a void

-

Expensive

-

Less well suited for photos

A favorite among well-heeled videographers and YouTubers, the Sony A7S III is the best video camera outside of its cinema lineup. Its main aim is to be the best 4K camera money can buy, and it achieves that by keeping its resolution low and avoiding the temptation to jump to 8K. As well as superb video quality, you also get the 4K/120fps option for slow-motion footage, as well as the ability to shoot 16-bit raw via its full-size HDMI port.

It's a fun camera to use, too, thanks to its incredibly high-resolution 9.44 million-dot OLED viewfinder, as well as a fully articulating screen with a much-improved touchscreen menu system. As you'd expect for a pro-level camera, the A7S III's audio options are strong too, with headphone and microphone ports, plus compatibility with Sony's XLR-K3M hot shoe accessory. for up to four audio inputs. It's certainly pricey, but the Sony A7S III is still the best at what it does.

Read our in-depth review

Sony A7S III

Image credit: TechRadar

(Image credit: Future)

5.Sony Alpha A6600

An APS-C flagship to rival the best

Specifications

Kind:

without mirror

< p>Sensor:

APS-C CMOS

Megapixels:

24.2MP

Lens mount:

Sony E

Auto-focus:

425 phase detection AF points, 169 contrast detection AF points

Screen type:

3-inch tilt LCD touch screen, 921,000 dot resolution

User level:

Enthusiastic

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Reasons to buy

+

Very fast AF

+

Respectable buffer capacity p>

Reasons to avoid

-

Battery life is average,

-

No headphone port

< p>Autofocus:

399 phase detection points, 425 contrast detection points

Screen type:

3-inch tilting LCD, 921,000 dot resolution

Max burst speed:

24fps

Video:

4K

User level:

Keen

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119 Amazon customer reviews

☆

☆

☆

☆

☆

Reasons to buy

+

Built-in electronic viewfinder

+

24fps burst capture option

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive

-

Limited use of the touch screen

Amazingly, we're now on the seventh iteration of the Sony RX100 series, but considering how popular the range has been over the years, it's not hard to see why. These models are traditionally very expensive, but give you the best image quality you can put in a pocket. The last two versions of the RX100 have seen a longer lens than ever before - and the same is true for the RX100 VII, with 24-200mm optics reappearing from the RX100 VI.

We also have a tilting touchscreen, plus an electronic viewfinder that can be pushed into the camera body for added finesse when you don't need it. Sony likes to show off exactly what it can do with its latest tech, and to that end we've got a frankly ridiculous 90fps burst speed (a much more reasonable 20fps gives you full AF/AE tracking). Other improvements come in the form of video performance tweaks, including the addition of a mic input jack. If you don't need the latest tech, it's worth browsing through previous models to find an RX100 that fits your budget, like the RX100 Mark V (below).

Read our in detail

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII review

(Image credit: Future)

8. Sony A6100

A beautiful mirrorless camera for beginners and amateurs

Specifications

Kind:

without mirror

Sensor size:

APS-C

Resolution:

24.2MP

Goal:

Sony E-mount

Viewfinder:

EVF

Screen type:

2.95-inch, 921600-dot tilting touchscreen

Maximum continuous shooting speed:

11fps (mechanical)

Movies:

4K

User level:

Beginner

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Reasons to buy

+

Excellent AF tracking

+

Compact but feature rich

Reasons to avoid

-

Takes time to understand capabilities

-

Relatively low resolution LCD and EVF

Sony's A6000 was an extremely popular model for entry-level photographers. We had to wait a while, but finally got an upgrade in August 2019 in the form of the A6100. It's a big evolution of the concept, with a 24.2-megapixel sensor, Bionz X processor and incredibly fast 11fps burst shooting. There's also a three-inch tilting LCD screen and a very usable electronic viewfinder. The A6100's calling card, however, compared to other APS-C cameras at this price point, is autofocus. It uses the same system as the Sony A6600 (see above), which means excellent continuous tracking skills.

You also get 4K video, plus some impressive features from elsewhere in Sony's lineup, such as Eye-AF. Battery life is also solid and the tilting screen is touch sensitive, but unfortunately with Sony's older and slightly convoluted menu system. If you don't need the latest technology, it's still worth considering the A6000, but as an all-rounder for a wide range of different subjects, the A6100 is a great choice for beginners.

Read our in-depth review

Sony A6100

Image Credit: TechRadar

(Image credit: Future)

9. Sony Cybershot RX10 IV

This class-leading bridge camera doesn't come cheap

Specifications

Kind:

Bridge camera / superzoom

Sensor:

1 inch Exmor R CMOS

Megapixels:

20.1MP

Goal:

24-600mm equivalent, f/2.4-4 zoom

Auto-focus:

315-point phase detection AF

Screen type:

3-inch tilting LCD, 1.44 million dot resolution

Maximum burst speed:

24fps

Video:

4K

User level:

Enthusiastic

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227 Amazon customer reviews

☆

☆

☆

☆

☆

Reasons to buy

+

Stunning photos and video quality

+p>

High quality EVF and tilting LCD screen

Reasons to avoid

-

Bulky and heavy

-

Slow AF at long focal lengths

If your budget can stretch there, the RX10 IV is arguably the best bridge camera on the market right now - and not just within the Sony brand. You get a 24-600mm equivalent zoom, which is mated to a very capable one-inch sensor. The setup is quite bulky, but compared to carrying around a camera and a slew of lenses, it's a decent option for traveling photographers who need something for all sorts of situations.

In addition to fantastic image quality, you also get superb video recording. On top of that, you get a touchscreen, an excellent EVF, and very good handling in general. Five-axis image stabilization comes in handy when using this long lens, although there's a slight hint of vignetting at the far edges of the frame. You can shoot both raw files and JPEGs, while a full range of shooting options are available for avid photographers. It's bulky and expensive, but for its versatility it's hard to beat the RX10 Mark IV.

Read our detailed review

Sony Cyber ​​Shot RX10 IV

(Image credit: Future)

10. Sony Cyber-shot RX100 Mark V/VA

A compact powerhouse with plenty of rhythm

Specifications

Kind:

Compact p>

Sensor:

1 inch CMOS

Megapixels:

20.1MP

Goal:

< p>24-70mm (2.9x optical zoom), f1.8-2.8

Auto-focus:

315 point phase detection, 25 point contrast detection

< p>Screen type:

3 inch resolution, 1228800 dots

Maximum burst speed:

24fps

Video: p>

4K/30p HD

User level:

Enthusiastic

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Reasons to buy

+

24fps burst shooting

+

Excellent image quality

Reasons to avoid

-

No touch screen

-

Quirk management

When it was launched in 2017, the Sony RX100 Mark V was one of the most advanced premium compacts on the market. With a 1-inch CMOS sensor, 4K/30p video capture and 24fps burst shooting, it redefines pocket-sized performance. Then, in 2018, Sony increased its buffer memory, improved its Eye AF and subject tracking performance, upgraded its processor and introduced a range of firmware changes to create the Mark VA.

What hasn't changed is the limited 2.9x optical zoom range, the missing touchscreen or the lack of a decent grip - but the RX100 Mark VA still represents a very capable compact and versatile, and better value than ever. Image quality is excellent, with detail really not exceeding ISO 800, and dynamic range is impressive. The tilting screen is clear and useful even without a touch interface, while the low-profile metal shell is still smooth. If you can look past its flaws, the RX100 Mark V continues to deliver outstanding performance in a very practical package.

Read our in-depth review

Sony RX100 Mark V

(Image credit: Future)

11.Sony Alpha A6400

A familiar mirrorless model with high-end autofocus

Specifications

Kind:

without mirror

Sensor:

APS-C

Megapixels:

24.2MP

Goal:

Interchangeable p>

Auto-focus:

425 point phase detection, 425 point contrast detection

Screen type:

3.0 inch tilt angle touch screen, 921,000 dot resolution

Maximum burst speed:

11fps

Video:

4K/30p

User level:

Keen

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☆

☆

☆

☆

☆

Reasons to buy

+

Advanced autofocus

+

Solid video specs

Reasons to avoid

-

No IBIS

-

No headphone port

Virtually identical to the A6300 before it, the Sony A6400 in many ways represents a minor upgrade. Sure, it benefits from a flip-out touchscreen and a faster BIONZ X processor, but it also retains some of its predecessor's shortcomings, including the lack of in-body image stabilization. But it's the addition of an advanced autofocus system that really sets the A6400 apart from the mid-range mirrorless pack: touted as the world's fastest autofocus in 2019, speeds from 0, 02s remains impressive in 2021, as does the A6400's real-time tracking intelligence. .

Deploying a sophisticated subject recognition algorithm, the A6400 locks on and tracks subjects with precise and fast ease, supported by automatic face and eye detection. Video specs are solid too, with 4K video capture (using 6K upsampling) at 100Mbps, as well as log2 support. There's no headphone port, but you do get a mic input, while the E-mount opens up plenty of lens possibilities. Provided the price is right and you can do without IBIS, the A6400 remains a tempting proposition, especially as it becomes more affordable.

Read our detailed test

Sony Alpha A6400< /p>

Image credit: Sony

12. Sony Cyber ​​Shot WX220

A neat and versatile compact for small budgets

Specifications

Kind:

Compact< /p>

Sensor:

1/2.3" Exmor R CMOS

Megapixels:

18.2MP

Goal:

25-250mm (10x optical zoom), f3.3-5.9

Auto-focus:

Contrast-detect AF

Screen type:

2.7 inch, 460800 dots resolution

Maximum burst speed:

10fps

Video:

Full HD

User level:

Beginner

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397 Amazon customer reviews< /p>

☆

☆

☆

☆

☆

Reasons to buy

+

Compact yet features 10x zoom

+

Built-in Wi-Fi

Reasons to avoid

-

Lack of grip or thumb rest

-

Some image blurring

As compact cameras face increasingly fierce competition from high-end smartphones, one area where compact cameras such as the WX220 still have the edge is zoom range. This camera combines a useful resolution of 18.2 MP with a 1/2.3 inch sensor and 10x optical zoom.

The screen is small and not sensitive to touch, but for an affordable, user-friendly camera, it's good to toss in a bag for vacations and family trips. The video here is Full HD, rather than 4K, which is another trade-off these days, but if cost and portability are your main concern, it's still a good choice.

Read our in detail

< p>Sony Cyber-shot WX220 Review

(Image credit: Techradar)

13.Sony A9 II

A fast full-frame option for photographers in the field

Specifications

Kind:

without mirror

Sensor:

Full frame CMOS

Megapixels:

24.2MP

Goal:

Interchangeable

Auto-focus:

693 point phase detection, 425 point contrast detection

Screen type:

3 inch tilt - angled touchscreen, 1440k dot resolution

Maximum burst speed:

20fps

Video:

4K/30p

User level:

Enthusiast/Expert

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☆

☆

☆

☆

☆

Reasons to buy

+

Superb AF performance

+

Next-gen connectivity

Reasons to avoid

-

Complicated menu system

-

Limited touch screen

It may look like an incremental upgrade from its predecessor, but the littl 43 changes to the Sony A9 II add up to a significant improvement. In the hand, the only major change is a wider, deeper grip that makes it more comfortable to hold for hours on end. Under the hood, the A9 II can shoot twice as fast with its mechanical shutter, while the improved Ethernet port is ten times faster for transferring files. In fact, connectivity has been beefed up across the board, with USB-C and improved Wi-Fi for users for whom speed is essential - think sports photographers and photojournalists.

This second-gen mirrorless model also gets a slightly more powerful battery, as well as image stabilization that's half a stop better. Dynamic range can't match Sony's high-end models, and its thunder was somewhat stolen by the Sony A1, but with fast and reliable eye-detection autofocus, plus excellent ISO performance and sharp results and detailed features of the full-frame sensor, the Sony A9 II still presents itself as an efficient and effective tool for photographers in the field.

Read our in-depth review

Sony Alpha A9 II

Image credit: Sony

(Image credit: Sony)

14. Sony Cyber-shot RX0 II

Now in its second generation, this action cam deserves investigation

Specifications

Kind:

Compact / action camera

Sensor:

1 inch Exmor R CMOS

Megapixels:

15.3MP

Lens:

24mm equivalent, f/4.0

Auto-focus:

Contrast detection AF

Screentype:

Tilting LCD, 230,400 dots resolution

Max burst speed:

16fps

Video:

4K

User level:

enthusiastic

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☆

☆

☆

☆

☆ p>

Reasons to buy

+

Compact and tough construction

+

Large 1-inch sensor

Reasons to avoid

-

Boringly box design

-

Expensive

With the claim of being the world's smallest and lightest premium camera, this diminutive second-gene ration one-inch sensor based model now boasts the ability to shoot 4K video. As well as being super small, it's also waterproof and crushproof – putting it squarely in action camera territory.

Alongside the 15.3MP Exmor RS CMOS sensor, you get a Zeiss Tessar T* 24mm f/4 fixed wide-angle lens, plus a 1/32000 second shutter speed and 16fps shooting. Other useful features include Eye AF, a tiltable LCD screen and a Soft Skin Effect Mode. Finally, the fact that the kit version comes complete with a nifty VCT-SGR1 shooting grip for extra stabilization is something we really like. It's not as convenient or affordable as a GoPro Hero 9 Black, but it's quality is right up there with the best action cams.

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