The best Sony cameras for photographers and filmmakers in 2023

Sony A9 III

The Sony A9 III is the newest addition to Sony’s line, and it’s a sports photographer’s dream camera. If you can justify (and afford) the high price tag, this is the best money to buy right now. The Sony A9 III is an exceptional camera for both photographers and videographers, offering groundbreaking features and technological advancements.

This camera is notable for being the world’s first full-frame mirrorless camera with a 24-megapixel sensor featuring a global shutter. This global shutter eliminates rolling shutter distortion, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects or shooting in challenging conditions. The A9 III can perform 120 autofocus calculations per second and shoot bursts of up to 120 fps. All that, with full autofocus and no viewfinder blackout. This is a significant advantage, especially for action and sports photography.

The camera also boasts impressive video capabilities: specs-wise, it shoots 6K oversampled 4K video up to 60p, uncropped 4K/120p. Combine this with the advanced autofocus system, and you get a video shooting machine.

There is a lot to unpack with this camera. Still, I’ll count a few other features: High-speed electronic shutter and powerful flash capabilities; Ergonomic design with a redesigned grip and slanted shutter button; and many, many more. These features collectively position the Sony A9 III as a versatile and advanced camera for both photographers and videographers.

Main Features

• Global Shutter: The global shutter captures the entire sensor simultaneously, eliminating rolling shutter distortions. This is crucial for accurately capturing fast-moving subjects or shooting under artificial lighting without banding.
• High-Speed Shooting and Autofocus: The A9 III offers burst shooting up to 120 fps with full autofocus. It’s ideal for capturing action. The autofocus system performs 120 calculations per second, ensuring sharp, focused images even in dynamic scenarios.
• Impressive Video Capabilities: With 6K oversampling for 4K video at up to 60p and uncropped 4K at 120p, the A9 III delivers exceptionally detailed and sharp video footage. It makes this beast suitable for professional filmmaking and high-resolution content creation.
• Advanced Autofocus System: The camera employs Sony’s latest AI-based autofocus technology, providing fast, accurate, and reliable focusing. This system excels in tracking moving subjects, enhancing the camera’s sports and wildlife photography performance.
• Ergonomic Design Improvements: The A9 III features a redesigned grip and a more slanted shutter button. Those provide better handling and comfort. The new C5 custom button allows quick access to frequently used settings, improving operational efficiency.
• Four-Axis Articulating LCD Panel: The A9 III has a versatile four-axis articulating LCD panel. This is particularly useful when you want to shoot from various, unusual, angles. You can also tilt the screen to see yourself, which is convenient for vlogging. I would say though: it may be a price stretch if all you want to do with this camera is vlog.
• Flash Photography Advancements: The camera’s fast electronic shutter speeds allow for unique flash synchronization capabilities. This feature will probably make HSS a redundant feature. Technically, you would be able to sync at any flash speed, even in very bright locations.

Sony A1

The Sony A1 Sony’s latest flagship camera and is one of the most advanced cameras on the market. It features a 50.1-megapixel full-frame sensor and 8K video recording capabilities. It’s perfect for professionals who need the best of the best and are willing to pay for it. The A1 autofocus system is one of the best in the market today. Its 759 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points make it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects.

Main Features

• 50.1-Megapixel Full-Frame Sensor: The camera features a high-resolution 50.1-megapixel Exmor RS CMOS sensor, offering incredible detail and resolution.
• Fast Continuous Shooting: The A1 can shoot at an impressive 30 frames per second using the electronic shutter while maintaining full autofocus and auto-exposure tracking.
• Advanced Autofocus System: the A1 boasts a state-of-the-art autofocus system with 759 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points, covering approximately 92% of the image area. It also boasts Real-time Eye AF for humans, animals, and birds, along with Real-time Tracking.
• 8K Video Recording: The A1 offers 8K 30p video recording capability, allowing for ultra-high-resolution video footage.
• 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization: The built-in image stabilization compensates for camera shake up to 5.5 stops, enhancing handheld shooting capabilities in low light or with longer focal lengths.
• High ISO Performance and Dynamic Range: The camera performs exceptionally well in low-light conditions, offering a broad dynamic range and maintaining image quality at high ISO settings, which is crucial for challenging lighting situations.

Sony A7 IV

The Sony A7 IV is an all-around great camera that’s perfect for both stills and video. It is not an “S” model for low light performance and not an “R” model for resolution (or “megapixels”). But even as a “standard camera”, the A7 IV adopted technology from those lines’ previous models. The A7 IV has a 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor. It can shoot up to 10 frames per second in burst shooting mode. It has an impressive buffer, capable of shooting 115 RAW images or 200 JPEG images in a burst. The A7 IV is a great choice for professionals who want a well-rounded camera but don’t need a top-of-the-line model. As a small testimony to the power of this line, my go-to stills camera is the A7 III. It is the previous model in this line, and I am still amazed by how good it is.

Main Features

• 33-Megapixel Full-Frame Sensor: The a7 IV is equipped with a new 33-megapixel full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor, offering a significant improvement in resolution over its predecessor.
• Advanced Autofocus System: It features Sony’s latest autofocus technology, with 759 phase-detection AF points covering approximately 94% of the image area. The camera’s Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals, along with Real-time Tracking, are highly effective for both stills and video.
• 4K Video Capabilities: The a7 IV can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, providing high-quality video output. It also supports 10-bit 4:2:2 recording and S-Cinetone color profile
• In-Body Image Stabilization: The camera includes a 5-axis in-body stabilization system, which compensates for camera shake up to 5.5 stops.
• Improved High ISO Performance: The a7 IV offers excellent performance in low-light conditions, maintaining good image quality at higher ISO settings.

Sony FX3

The Sony FX3 is a cinema camera that is designed specifically for professional filmmakers. Believe it or not, it was good enough to be the main camera for an IMAX blockbuster. The Creator was fully shot on the Sony FX3. The feature set is incredibly similar to the Sony A7S3, but the body is oriented more towards cine use.

It features a 10.2-megapixel sensor and can shoot 4K video at up to 120 frames per second. The camera also supports 16-bit RAW output, which provides greater flexibility in post-production.

Main Features

• Full-Frame Sensor: The FX3 boasts a full-frame sensor, providing excellent image quality, depth of field, and performance in low light, essential for cinematic video production.
• 4K Video Recording at High Frame Rates: It supports 4K video recording at up to 120 frames per second, allowing for high-resolution, smooth slow-motion footage.
• S-Cinetone Color Science: The FX3 offers S-Cinetone color science, delivering beautiful, film-like colors, which is highly desirable for achieving a cinematic look straight out of the camera.
• Compact and Lightweight Design: Its design is compact and lightweight, making it highly portable and versatile for a variety of shooting conditions, including handheld and gimbal work.
• Advanced Autofocus System: The camera features an advanced autofocus system with Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking, crucial for maintaining focus in dynamic shooting scenarios.
• Professional Audio Capabilities: The FX3 includes professional audio inputs and an integrated digital audio interface in its handle, allowing for high-quality sound recording.
• Enhanced Cooling System: It has an enhanced cooling system, enabling extended recording times without overheating, which is crucial for long shooting sessions or in challenging environments.

Sony A7S III

The Sony A7S III is a full-frame mirrorless camera that is designed specifically for videographers. It features a 12.1-megapixel sensor that is optimized for low-light performance, making it ideal for shooting in dimly lit environments. The camera can shoot 4K video at up to 120 frames per second and 1080p video at up to 240 frames per second. Just like the FX3, it is perfect for slow-motion footage. The A7S III also features 10-bit 4:2:2 color depth and S-log3, which provides greater color accuracy and flexibility in post-production.

Main Features

• Exceptional Low-Light Performance: The A7S III features a 12.1-megapixel full-frame Exmor R sensor, which is optimized for video and known for its extraordinary low-light capabilities. This sensor’s larger pixels allow for excellent light-gathering ability, making it ideal for shooting in very low light conditions with minimal noise.
• High-Quality 4K Video Recording: As a top video camera, the A7S III can record 4K video at up to 120 frames per second and 10-bit 4:2:2 color depth internally. This capability allows for high-resolution, smooth slow-motion footage and greater flexibility in color grading.
• Advanced Autofocus System: The camera boasts a fast and accurate autofocus system with 759 phase-detection points, covering 92% of the image area. The Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking are particularly effective for keeping moving subjects in sharp focus during video recording.
• 15+ Stops of Dynamic Range: The A7S III offers more than 15 stops of dynamic range, which is crucial for capturing a wide range of tones in high-contrast scenes, from deep shadows to bright highlights, without losing detail.
• In-Body Image Stabilization: The camera includes a powerful 5-axis in-body stabilization system, which is essential for reducing camera shake and producing smoother footage, especially when shooting handheld or in motion.
• Professional Video Features: The A7S III comes packed with features desired by professional videographers, including S-Log3 and S-Gamut3.Cine profiles for advanced color grading, All-Intra recording for higher-quality files, and a full-size HDMI port for better external monitor and recorder support.
• Improved Heat Dissipation: One of the significant improvements in the A7S III over its predecessors is its advanced heat dissipation design, allowing for longer recording times without overheating, which is crucial for extended shooting sessions or high-resolution video recording.

Sony A7C II

The Sony A7C II is a compact full-frame mirrorless camera that is perfect for filmmakers who need a camera that is easy to carry around. The camera features a 24.2-megapixel sensor and can shoot 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. It also features advanced autofocus capabilities, which makes it easier to track moving subjects. The A7C II also has a flip-out screen, which is useful for vlogging and other types of video content.

Main Features

• 33MP Exmor R CMOS Sensor: The A7C II’s 33MP full-frame sensor delivers high resolution, enhancing image quality and detail, which is crucial for video production​​.
• Versatile ISO Range: With a standard ISO range of 100-51,200 and an extended range up to 204,800, the A7C II is equipped for various lighting conditions, ensuring good performance in low-light scenarios​​.
• Autofocus System with Subject Detection: The camera employs 759 phase-detection points covering almost the entire frame and can recognize a variety of subjects, including humans, animals, and vehicles. This advanced autofocus system is essential for maintaining focus on moving subjects in videos​​.
• 4K Video Capabilities: The A7C II is capable of recording 4K video at 30fps using the full width of the sensor and also supports 4K at 60fps with a ‘Super 35’ crop, offering flexibility in video resolutions and frame rates​​.
• Robust Connectivity Options: With a built-in microphone and headphone sockets, micro-HDMI for external recording, and USB-C for power, the camera is well-equipped for professional video recording setups​​.
• Compact and Ergonomic Design: The A7C II’s body is compact and lightweight, making it easier to handle, especially for handheld and on-the-go shooting, without compromising on control, as it features four customizable dials​​.
• Touch Interface: The camera includes a touch interface with Sony’s latest onscreen touch buttons, allowing intuitive control over the camera’s functions, which is particularly useful for video shooting scenarios​​.

Sony FX30

The Sony FX30 is the smaller sibling of the Sony FX3 above, and it shares almost its entire feature range but with an APS-C sensor. Just like the Sony FX3, It is a highly capable video camera but in a more affordable package. It features a Super 35mm sensor, inherited from Sony’s cinema line. This sensor delivers stunning 4K video with impressive clarity and color accuracy, making it ideal for filmmakers. The camera can record up to 10-bit 4:2:2 and supports S-Cinetone and S-Log3 profiles, so it’s easy on post-processing and color grading. If you don’t need the full-frame sensor of the Sony FX3, the FX30 is a great choice. As a bonus, (crop-factor) your lenses would be cheaper, too.

Main Features

• Super 35mm Sensor: The FX30 is equipped with a Super 35mm sensor, known for its cinematic image quality. This sensor size is ideal for achieving a cinematic look, offering a great balance between depth of field and low-light performance.
• High-Quality 4K Video Recording: It supports 4K video recording with high detail and clarity. This capability ensures that the footage is suitable for professional-quality productions and post-production workflows.
• S-Cinetone Color Science: The FX30 inherits Sony’s S-Cinetone color science, which is acclaimed for delivering beautiful, film-like colors straight out of the camera. This feature is particularly valuable for achieving a cinematic look without extensive color grading.
• Advanced Autofocus System: Sony’s renowned autofocus system in the FX30 includes features like Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking, ensuring sharp and reliable focus, which is crucial for maintaining professional-quality video, especially when recording moving subjects.
• 10-bit 4:2:2 Internal Recording: The camera offers 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, providing more color information and greater flexibility in post-production for color grading, which is essential for achieving a professional look in your videos.
• Compact and Lightweight Design: The FX30’s compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable and versatile for various shooting conditions, including handheld, gimbal-mounted, or vlogging setups.
• Professional Audio Capabilities: The camera features professional audio inputs, allowing for high-quality sound recording, which is as important as the visual quality in professional video production.

Sony A7R V

The Sony A7R V is a high-resolution camera that is perfect for landscape and wildlife photography. It has a 61-megapixel full-frame sensor that delivers stunning image quality. The camera also has a fast autofocus system that can track moving subjects accurately. With a maximum ISO of 102,400, the camera can capture images in low-light conditions.

Main Features

• 61MP Full-Frame BSI-CMOS Sensor: Providing high resolution for detailed and crisp images, ideal for various photography styles​​.
• Improved Autofocus and Tracking: With 693 phase-detect autofocus points and enhanced AI learning for superior subject tracking, including a wide range of detectable subjects​​.
• Advanced Image Stabilization: The camera boasts improved IBIS performance, offering up to 8 stops of stabilization, which is significant for high-resolution imaging​​.
• High-Quality Viewfinder: The upgraded viewfinder with 9.4M dot resolution and 0.90x magnification enhances the user experience, especially for manual focus accuracy​​.
• Flexible LCD Screen: The 4 axis LCD screen offers both tilting and articulation, providing versatility for different shooting angles and positions​​.
• Improved Connectivity Options: The camera includes separate ports for microphone and headphone, improving the audio recording capabilities and usability​​.
• Enhanced Memory Card Support: Dual CFExpress Type A/UHS-II SD slots allow for fast data transfer and much deeper buffer capacities, enhancing the camera’s performance for action photography​​.

Sony a7 III

The Sony a7 III is a versatile camera that is perfect for all types of photography. True, it’s not the newest camera in the line (that would be the cameras above). But it is still a very well-rounded camera. In fact, this is my still goto camera today. Being able to buy the A7III when there is already a Sony A7IV means you would get a great camera at a great price. (A word of warning, though, this logic does not apply to the A7 II, which is not up to today’s standards). The Sony A7 III has a 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor that delivers excellent image quality. With a 693-point autofocus system, the camera can track subjects accurately and quickly. The camera also has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder that provides a clear view of the scene.

Main Features

• 24MP Full-Frame Sensor: The camera is equipped with a 24MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor, providing excellent image quality and resolution​​.
• High-Speed Autofocus System: It features a 693-Point Hybrid AF System, offering fast and accurate focusing, essential for capturing sharp images​​.
• Continuous Shooting Capability: The a7 III can shoot at 10 frames per second, making it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects​​​​.
• Improved Battery Life: The shift to the NP-FZ100 battery pack significantly improves battery life, a major upgrade from its predecessor, the a72​​.
• Ergonomic Design Improvements: The camera inherits key ergonomic improvements from the a7R III, such as the tactile quality of switches, dials, and buttons, and the addition of a thumbstick for easy navigation​​.
• Weather Sealing: The a7 III possesses a degree of weather sealing, enabling it to perform well in various environmental conditions, though caution is advised in extreme situations​​.
• Touchscreen Limitations: While the camera includes a touchscreen, its integration is somewhat limited compared to competitors. The touchscreen allows for focus point selection but does not support menu navigation or image playback controls​​.

Sony a6700

The Sony a6700 is the newest and most advanced camera in Sony’s APS-C lineup. This camera features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, 4K video recording, and a more advanced autofocus system with real-time eye autofocus. The a6700 also has in-body image stabilization, a tilting touchscreen, and built-in Wi-Fi for easy sharing of photos and videos. However, it is also the most expensive camera on this list, so it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget.

Main Features

• Advanced Imaging and Processor: It features a 26 MP Back Side Illuminated CMOS APS-C sensor and a Bionz XR processor with an AI engine, enhancing its image processing capabilities​​.
• Versatile LCD Screen: The fully articulating 3-inch LCD screen is a significant advantage for vlogging and various shooting angles​​.
• Effective AI Autofocus and Tracking: Its AI engine provides reliable subject recognition and tracking, especially useful in dynamic shooting situations​​.
• Strong Video Performance: The a6700 excels in video recording, offering 4K 60p recording capabilities, making it suitable for both amateur and professional videographers​​.
• New and Ergonomic Design: The a6700 has a completely new design, making it more ergonomic and comfortable to use compared to previous models​​.
• Compact and Lightweight: The camera’s small size, due to the APS-C sensor, makes it easy to handle and convenient for travel​​.
• Long Battery Life: It uses a large NP-FZ100 battery, offering up to 570 shots per charge, reducing the need for frequent battery swaps​​.

Sony a6000

The Sony a6000 is a great entry-level camera for beginners who want to step up from their smartphone camera. This camera features a 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, fast autofocus, and a tilting LCD screen. The a6000 is also a great option for those on a budget, as it is one of the most affordable Sony cameras on the market.

Main Features

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Sony RX100 VII

The Sony RX100 VII is a fantastic choice for beginners. It is budget-friendly, there is no need for external lenses, and it is incredibly compact. It has a great 24-200mm zoom range that covers 99% of what a hobbyist photographer would need. On the other hand, it features “heavy weight qualities like real-time tracking autofocus. The camera’s compact size and all-in-one capabilities offer an ideal blend of convenience, quality, and versatility for those new to photography.

Main Features

• 20.1 Megapixel Stacked CMOS Sensor: The camera’s sensor offers high image quality, suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios​​.
• 24-200mm Ultra Zoom Lens: This versatile lens range is ideal for beginners, offering flexibility in framing and composition without the need to change lenses​​.
• Real-Time Tracking Autofocus: The RX100 VII features advanced autofocus capabilities, making it easier for beginners to capture sharp images of moving subjects​​.
• User-Friendly Touchscreen LCD: The inclusion of a touchscreen LCD simplifies the operation and improves the user experience, particularly beneficial for those new to photography​​.
• Effective Low Light Performance: Although not the best for low light, the camera still performs adequately in such conditions, which is useful for beginners shooting in a variety of lighting scenarios​​.
• Video Capabilities: The RX100 VII is equipped with features like eye AF, real-time AF tracking, and a microphone jack, making it a capable tool for beginner videographers​​.
• Compact and Discreet for Travel and Street Photography: Its small size makes it easy to carry and less intimidating to use, perfect for beginners who are often on the move or shooting in public spaces​​.

Sony ZV-1

The Sony ZV-1 is a compact camera designed specifically for vloggers. Sony did make the ZV-1 mkII, but interestingly, the first generation kept its popularity. The ZV-1 features a vari-angle touchscreen that makes it easy to frame your shots, and it has excellent video capabilities. The camera also has a built-in 2-stop ND filter, which is essential for shooting in bright sunlight. Lastly, the ZV-1 is also equipped with both a microphone and a microphone jack.

Main Features

• Compact and Portable Design: The ZV-1’s small, lightweight design makes it highly portable, a crucial aspect for vloggers who often need to carry their camera throughout the day for spontaneous or on-the-go shooting.
• Vari-angle LCD Screen: The side-flipping vari-angle LCD screen is perfect for vloggers, allowing them to see themselves while recording. This feature is essential for framing shots correctly, especially when filming solo.
• Advanced Autofocus System: Sony’s renowned autofocus technology, including real-time eye autofocus and real-time tracking, ensures sharp focus on the subject. This is particularly useful for vloggers who move around a lot while recording.
• Built-in High-quality Microphone: The ZV-1 comes with a built-in three-capsule microphone and includes a windscreen accessory. This setup offers better audio recording quality out of the box, which is important as good audio is a key component of successful vlogging.
• Background Defocus and Product Showcase Features: It has a background defocus function that can quickly switch between a blurred background and a sharp focus on the subject. The Product Showcase setting allows for quick focus shifts between the vlogger’s face and an object held up to the camera, ideal for product reviews and demonstrations.
• Optimized Video Features: The camera supports 4K video recording and offers features like S-Log profiles, allowing for more flexibility in post-production. The ZV-1’s image stabilization also helps in reducing camera shake, which is beneficial for handheld vlogging.

Sony ZV-E10

The Sony ZV-E10 is another great camera for vloggers. It has a vari-angle touchscreen that makes it easy to frame your shots. It has excellent video features, including 4K video recording and slow-motion capture. On the audio side, it features a built-in microphone and an audio jack.

Main Features

• Interchangeable Lens System: Unlike the ZV-1, the ZV-E10 allows for lens changes, offering versatility and the ability to upgrade or modify the lens to suit different shooting styles and needs.
• Larger APS-C Sensor: The ZV-E10 features a larger APS-C sensor compared to the ZV-1’s 1-inch sensor. This larger sensor size results in better overall image quality, especially in low light conditions, and provides a shallower depth of field.
• Vari-angle Touchscreen: Similar to the ZV-1, the ZV-E10 also has a vari-angle touchscreen LCD. This is essential for vloggers to frame themselves properly while filming.
• High-Quality Audio Options: The camera includes a built-in three-capsule microphone and a windscreen, like the ZV-1. Additionally, it offers a 3.5mm microphone jack and a hot shoe, allowing for more professional audio setups.
• Advanced Autofocus System: Sony’s fast and reliable autofocus system, including real-time eye autofocus for video, ensures the subject stays in focus during vlogging, a feature it shares with the ZV-1.
• Designed for Video: Just like the ZV-1, the ZV-E10 is tailored for video creators. You’d find the familiar dedicated video recording button, a Background Defocus button, and a Product Showcase Setting.

Sony A7C

The Sony A7C is the older model in the A7C line. We actually recommended the Sony A7CII in a previous section. The fact that this camera now has a newer model, makes it a great lower-budget option. The feature set is still amazing – if you are just testing the water with vlogging, it would be a good place to start. The A7C is an older Sony full-frame mirrorless camera that is perfect for vloggers. It has a vari-angle touchscreen that makes it easy to frame your shots, and it has excellent video capabilities, including 4K video recording. The camera also has a fast autofocus system, a microphone jack (on top of a built-in mic), and other video-friendly features.

Main Features

• Full-Frame Sensor: The A7C features a full-frame sensor. If you are looking at similar cameras with a smaller sensor, the A7C offers superior image quality, better low-light performance, and a shallower depth of field.
• Compact Size for Full-Frame: Despite having a full-frame sensor, the A7C is notably compact and lightweight, making it one of the smallest and most portable full-frame cameras available. This portability is a significant advantage for vloggers who need to carry their camera for extended periods.
• Vari-angle Touchscreen LCD: The vari-angle touchscreen LCD is crucial for vloggers, as it allows them to easily frame themselves while recording. This feature is particularly useful for solo content creators who operate the camera themselves.
• Advanced Autofocus System: Sony’s autofocus system is highly regarded, and the A7C includes features like real-time eye autofocus and tracking. This ensures that the subject remains in sharp focus, which is essential for dynamic vlogging scenarios.
• 5-Axis In-body Image Stabilization: The in-body stabilization helps to minimize camera shake, especially when shooting handheld or on the move. This results in smoother, more professional-looking footage.
• High-Quality Video Capabilities: The A7C supports 4K video recording and offers various profiles like S-Log for enhanced color grading options in post-production. This versatility in video settings allows vloggers to produce high-quality content.