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TechRadar started testing cameras 20 years ago, and Sony has been right at the top of the camera game throughout that time. In 2006, we lorded the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1’s 10MP resolution; today, the range-topping A7R V boasts a 61MP sensor. We’ve tested every model along the way, which means we know exactly what makes the best Sony cameras.
Take the Sony A7 V, our top pick here. It’s the fifth incarnation of the A7 full-frame line, and it's the epitome of a modern mirrorless hybrid, with superb autofocus, a sharp 33MP full-frame sensor, and strong 4K video performance. It's a true all-rounder, but Sony's impressive camera line-up boasts strong options for every use case: from compact vlogging tools to high-speed flagships, you'll find Sony's best options below for beginners and professionals alike.
Not sure which model is best for you? This guide is packed with buying advice, along with links to today's best deals. And if you still can't find the option you want, be sure to check out the Also Consider section for more superb models.
I'm TechRadar's Cameras Editor, and with more than 15 years in the photo and video industry as both a professional photographer and tech journalist, I've shot with a huge range of Sony cameras. This gives me a unique insight into what makes a great Sony camera. Sony’s stable isn’t short of variety, and I've made sure that’s reflected in this round-up: here you’ll find capable Sony cameras fit for a whole host of shooting pursuits, from travel to video to studio duties.
Why you can trust our choices
Each Sony camera in this guide has been included on the basis of in-depth testing and a completed review, which has been linked to. We've distilled the feedback of those reviews, carried out by TechRadar's expert team, into digestible summaries, making it easy for you to find the right option for your needs and budget.
☑️ 100s of cameras reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech
Every model is assessed on its individual merits and real-world results, as well as the value we think it offers for different users. The Sony cameras in this guide cover a range of models for various use cases and budgets – from CyberShot compacts to cutting-edge mirrorless cameras for pros.
⭣ Read more
There are simply too many excellent Sony cameras to include them all, so we've also added an Also Consider section featuring the best Sony cameras that didn't quite make this list. We've also included a section on upcoming Sony cameras, featuring rumored or confirmed models that are due to be released in the near future.
Buying a camera these days is a major investment, so every Sony camera in this guide has been tested extensively by our highly experienced team. These days, real-world tests are the most revealing way to understand a camera's performance and character, so we focus heavily on those, along with standardized tests for factors like ISO performance.
To start with, we look at the camera's design, handling, and controls to get a sense of what kind of photographer it's aimed at and who would most enjoy shooting with it. When we take it out on a shoot, we'll use it both handheld and on a tripod to get a sense of where its strengths lie, and test its startup speed.
When it comes to performance, we use a formatted UHS-II card (if supported) and shoot in both raw and JPEG (if available). For burst shooting tests, we dial in our regular test settings (1/250 sec, ISO 200, continuous AF) and shoot a series of frames in front of a stopwatch to see if it lives up to its claimed speeds. We'll also look at how quickly the buffers clear and repeat the test for both raw and JPEG files.
In various lighting conditions, we also test the camera's different autofocus modes (including Face and Eye AF) in single point, area, and continuous modes. We also shoot a range of photos of different styles (portrait, landscape, low light, macro/close-up) in raw and JPEG to get a sense of metering and the sensor's ability to handle noise and resolve fine detail.
If the camera's raw files are supported by Adobe Camera Raw, we'll also process some test images to see how we can push areas like shadow recovery. And we'll also test its ISO performance across the whole range to get a sense of the levels we'd be happy to push the camera to.
Battery life is tested in a real-world fashion, as we use the camera over the course of the day with the screen set to the default settings. Once the battery has reached zero, we'll then count the number of shots to see how it compares to the camera's CIPA rating. Finally, we test the camera's video skills by shooting some test footage at different frame rates and resolutions, along with its companion app.
We then take everything we've learned about the Sony camera and factor in its price to get a sense of the value-for-money it offers, before reaching our final verdict.
Meet the team
Our team of expert reviewers has amassed many years of camera experience and testing, covering all of the latest and greatest cameras of the last 20 years.
Peter is a photographer, writer, and journalist who served as Editor for Digital Photographer Magazine, working on the title for 8 years. He has also been a commissioning editor on numerous book projects, a regular contributor to many other international publications, and founded (and edited) Shutterlogic Magazine.
Mark is TechRadar's Senior news editor and has been a technology journalist since 2004. Formerly Trusted Reviews and TechRadar's cameras editor, Mark has tested cameras over many years from all of the leading brands.
James Abbott is a professional photographer and freelance photography journalist. He contributes articles about photography, cameras and drones to a wide range of magazines and websites where he applies a wealth of experience to testing the latest photographic tech.
Paul is a digital expert. In the 20 years since he graduated with a first-class honours degree in Computer Science, Paul has been actively involved in a variety of different tech and creative industries that make him the go-to guy for reviews, opinion pieces, and featured articles. You'll also find his writing in other places, including Creative Bloq, Digital Camera World, and 3D World Magazine.
The best Sony cameras
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best Sony cameras in our list. Each one has been tested extensively by a member of our team, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best Sony camera overall
Sony A7 V sample images
✅ You need an affordable full-frame camera: It might not be the cheapest camera with a full-frame sensor on the market, but you get a lot of camera for your buck. The A7 V has everything an enthusiast photographer could hope for or need.
✅ You shoot both stills and video: Like the A7 IV before it, the new camera delivers exceptional video features too, with 4K resolution, 60fps without a crop, and S-Log available for high-end grading.
❌ You're a beginner: There is a lot of camera here. Novices are unlikely to get the most from all of the features available, and the mammoth toolset might even be off-putting.
❌ You recently bought a Sony A7 IV: Let's be clear, the A7 V is a significant upgrade to its predecessor, but with a similar resolution, equal sensor size, and advanced features, the A7 IV is a great camera on its own merits. We wouldn't suggest there's enough difference between the two for an upgrade just yet.
While the Sony A7 V might look like an iterative update over the (already excellent) A7 IV on the surface, dig deeper and there's a lot to get excited about.
Our reviewer found the A7 V is supremely comfortable to hold, somehow feeling more balanced than the A7 IV. The versatile dual-hinged LCD is a highlight, offering both tilt and swivel functionality, and the dual-format card slots, which take both SD and CFexpress, are a touch that competing cameras simply don't match.
But performance is where the A7 V truly shines. Autofocus is smooth and super-fast, while the 750-shot battery life is class-leading. The 30fps electronic shutter with pre-capture is incredibly responsive, and it's bolstered by a superb IBIS system that enables hand-held shots at exposures of around one second.
Image quality is excellent overall. Low-light performance is commendable, auto white balance impresses even in challenging mixed lighting, and the Composite RAW mode is a welcome addition. Our one gripe here is the heavy-handed JPEG noise reduction, noticeable as low as ISO 800.
Minor limitations (no open-gate video, no dedicated AI processor) aside, the A7 V is among the best cameras Sony has ever made, and it's capable of going toe-to-toe with the very best mirrorless cameras on the market.
- Read our in-depth Sony A7 V review
The best Sony camera for professionals
Sony A1 II sample images
✅ You want Sony's best-ever hybrid camera: With power and quality, the A1 II is a true all-in-one professional camera.
✅ You need cutting-edge and simple autofocus: Sony's latest AI processing chip for superb subject recognition autofocus features, together with an auto mode to simplify matters.
❌ You're on a budget: There's no getting around the high price of the A1 II, especially when Nikon and Canon rivals are much cheaper.
❌ You specialize in one genre: Want the best detail? Go for the A7R V. Need the absolute quickest Sony? Check out the A9 III.
With a rare blend of speed, resolution, and video skills, the flagship Sony A1 II is arguably the ultimate mirrorless camera. The downside is that its performance comes with an equally breathtaking price tag, made all the harder to swallow now that there are cheaper Canon and Nikon rivals on the scene.
If you can afford it, though, we think the A1 II is probably the most versatile professional camera ever: lightning-fast autofocus with Sony's AI processing chip for improved subject detection, super speedy burst shooting up to 30fps, plus a supremely detailed 50.1MP full-frame sensor that proved in testing that it's as useful for shooting portraits as it is for sports.
Not only can it capture detail-rich images at impressive speeds, courtesy of the dual Bionz XR processors, but it's also capable of recording video at up to 8K at 30fps in 10-bit, or 4K at 120/60fps in 10-bit 4:2:2. And if you've used other cameras from Sony’s full-frame mirrorless range, you’ll find the A1 is very familiar in the hand – it inherits the A9 III's form which we think is Sony's best-ever design. If money is no object and you’re a pro who shoots a wide range of subjects, this camera can do it all.
- Read our in-depth Sony A1 II review
The best Sony camera for beginners
Sony A6100 sample images
✅ You want an excellent choice of lenses: The A6100 is compatible with an array of superb crop-sensor lenses, as well as working with full-frame lenses.
✅ You like a compact build: The A6100 packs its wide array of features, including an EVF and pop-up flash, into travel-friendly proportions.
❌ You need in-body image stabilization: One key feature missing from the A6100 is IBIS, which is particularly noticeable when shooting handheld video.
❌ You find a good deal on alternatives: The A6100 isn't the only cheap camera around, and if you're not set on Sony, then an alternative from Fujifilm like the X-T30 II, or others, could be a good bet.
When the A6100 arrived in August 2019 as successor to the hugely popular A6000, we hailed it as “Sony’s best entry-level APS-C mirrorless camera”. A small, beginner-friendly option for both stills and video, the A6100 still gets the basics right today. Adopting the same 24MP resolution and 11fps burst mode as the A6000, it benefits from solid battery life, strong image quality, and superb tracking autofocus, harnessing the same system as the Sony A6600.
You also get decent 4K video, as well as some useful features borrowed from elsewhere in Sony’s range, such as Eye-AF. A familiar body design contributes to a reasonably accessible control setup, even if Sony’s convoluted menu system doesn’t do the touchscreen interface any favors. If you’re a learner who doesn’t need the very latest in mirrorless advancements, the Sony A6100 is a great choice for newbies looking to shoot a wide range of subjects.
- Read our in-depth Sony A6100 review
The best high-res Sony camera
Sony A7R VI sample images
✅ You need ultimate versatility: whether you're capturing landscapes or wildlife, the 30fps burst shooting and awesome autofocus mean that the A7R VI can tackle it all.
✅ You print your work at large scale: The A7R VI's 66.8MP stacked sensor sets a new standard for detail, making it ideal for anyone focused on large prints or commercial work where every pixel counts.
❌ You're a genre specialist: if you mostly stick to sports, action, or another type of photography, you'd be better off with the A9 III or A1 II.
❌ You want to use your old batteries: unfortunately, the new battery isn't forward or backwards-compatible, so you can't rely on your existing stock.
To say we were blown away by the A7R VI is a major understatement. It achieved a perfect five-star score in our review, thanks to its stacked 66.8MP sensor and awesome autofocus performance. In fact, the A7R VI captures more detail than Sony's previous flagship camera, the A1 II. We put it to the test on landscape and wildlife shoots and couldn't find a flaw. There are a ton of pixels to play with, which, handily, means that cropping heavily into images is a breeze.
There's good news for folks who prioritize image fidelity, too, as we measured a 16-stop dynamic range, providing outstanding control over highlights and shadows even in challenging lighting.
In daily testing, we found the A7R VI just as capable in the field as it is on paper. Shooting action sequences, we clocked consistent 10fps burst rates without buffer issues, and the improved subject-tracking autofocus reliably locked onto birds in flight, even in cluttered backgrounds. The combination of high resolution and responsive AF makes it practical to capture crisp, detailed images in demanding scenarios where both speed and precision matter.
Despite a stellar performance, if burst speed is critical or you need maximum speed for sports, the Sony A1 II remains faster overall. For detail-focused photographers willing to invest in top-tier lenses and robust storage solutions, the A7R VI is the clear high-res leader, but it's not the most practical choice if cost or video is your main concern.
- Read our in-depth Sony A7R VI review
The best Sony camera for vlogging
Sony ZV-E1 sample images
✅ You’re a serious but solo vlogger: Small and light while packing AI tools that take care of focus and framing – this is vlogging on the fly made easy.
✅ You want tools for rapid output: The ZV-E1's AI tools serve to reduce the editing workload, while the Cine Vlog setting produces lovely footage straight out of the camera.
❌ You’re a true video pro: With just a single memory card slot and limited recording times, the Sony ZV-E1 isn’t a camera for power users.
❌ You don’t usually shoot slow-mo: You'll find better value from the Sony ZV-E10 if you don’t shoot video content at high frame rates.
Small, lightweight and equipped with the latest AI smarts, we think the Sony ZV-E1 is up there with the best vlogging cameras for solo content creators. It shoehorns the full-frame sensor from the A7S III into tiny but relatively robust packaging, and pairs it with the AI chipset from the Sony A7R V. Based on our in-depth tests, the result is a camera that makes high-quality vlogging as straightforward as possible.
Our review found that it captured clean 4K video in any light, while in-body image stabilization worked superbly to produce some of the smoothest handheld footage possible without a gimbal.
And thanks to framing tools that automatically track subjects across the full image, it puts an AI production crew in your pocket, leaving very little to fix in post. That said, with no cooling vents and just a single card slot, it’s not a camera for heavy users. Sony has released various firmware updates that have added to the ZV-E1's capabilities, such as improved slow-motion video recording. As the cheapest way to get the A7S III sensor, many filmmakers and vloggers will find that the ZV-E1 offers outstanding value. Dedicated filmmakers might do well to check out the pricier Sony FX3 instead – it's an industry favorite.
The best Sony APS-C camera
Sony Alpha A6700 sample images
A powerful hybrid for hobbyists, the Sony A6700 convincingly improves on the A6600, which previously held this spot. Pairing a 26MP APS-C sensor with a 759-point phase detection array and five-axis stabilization, it consistently delivered sharp, balanced images during our review. We were also pleased with Sony’s Real-time Recognition AF, which recognized and tracked a range of targets with class-leading accuracy. The quality of 4K 60p video impressed in testing, too: oversampled from 6K, the results were crisp in clear conditions.
We did encounter noise when shooting at higher ISOs, while the metering system struggled with underexposure on overcast days. It’s not a perfect video tool either: there’s a 1.6x crop on 4K 120p footage, and the IBIS wasn’t flawless when recording handheld. The complex menu system leaves something to be desired as well, although a deeper grip and direct-access controls make it a nice camera to handle. It’s not flawless, but if you want a tidy APS-C hybrid with the latest autofocus performance, we think the A6700 is still a great choice.
- Read our in-depth Sony Alpha A6700 review
The best Sony premium compact
Sony RX100 VII sample images
Sony’s RX100 series has been immensely popular over the years, and it’s not hard to see why. While these models are traditionally very expensive, they give you the best image quality that it’s possible to stuff in a pocket. We think the seventh iteration is no exception: still pricey a few years after launch, the RX100 VII uses a 1-inch sensor to produce quality stills and detailed 4K video, with impressive AF performance to match.
Retaining the 24-200mm optic from the RX100 VI, it offers a decent zoom range for such a pocketable camera, even if we encountered corner softness at both ends of the spectrum in testing. Burst speeds can hit a ridiculous 90fps, while we found its tilt-up touchscreen useful for framing – although its functionality is a little lacking. Battery life is only average, but the RX100 VII makes up for it by offering enthusiasts a high level of control. Paired with that versatile zoom, it’s a fantastic premium compact for travel.
- Read our in-depth Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII review
The best Sony compact for vlogging
Sony ZV-1 sample video
Still the best compact vlogging camera on the market, the Sony ZV-1 puts a powerful video option in your pocket. Borrowing the best bits from the RX100 series, it pairs a capable 1-inch sensor with a class-leading autofocus system. In testing, we found that Sony’s Real-time Tracking and Eye AF systems mean you can reliably shoot high-quality footage while locked on to your subject, while the bright 24-70mm lens is capable of creating lovely background blur. Image stabilization is less impressive, but it proved passable for walking and talking.
A hot-shoe, 3.5mm microphone input and flip-out LCD all enhance the ZV-1’s versatility for vloggers – and while we found that the touchscreen menu isn’t the easiest to use, that’s balanced by an arsenal of features. To complement its crisp, detailed 4K/30p footage, the ZV-1 offers a useful built-in ND filter, plus all of Sony’s picture profiles, including HLG.
Its compact size naturally results in some compromises: there’s no headphone port or viewfinder, and battery life isn’t the best. All the same, the Sony ZV-1 packs more power and video features than any other pocket camera. That remains the case even after the arrival of the ZV-1 II, which we think doesn't do enough to merit the extra expenditure.
- Read our in-depth Sony ZV-1 review
Also consider
We whittled down the best Sony cameras shortlist to just nine entries, covering a variety of user needs and budgets, but there are plenty of others that could have made the cut. The following are the best of the rest.
Best value video – Sony FX30: Occupying the bottom rung of Sony’s Cinema Line, the FX30 represents the best-value route into pro-grade videography. Its low price point is achieved in part by swapping the full-frame sensor of the industry-favorite Sony FX3 for an APS-C number, but our tests found that the FX30 is still capable of producing premium video.
Best for sports – Sony A9 III: The A9 III is the fastest camera on the market, with a game-changing, industry-first 24MP full-frame sensor and global shutter that unleash unmatched burst shooting speeds. With 120fps burst shooting, unlimited flash sync speeds, and superb design, the A9 III sets the standards for action photography.
Best for travel – Sony A7C R: The Sony A7C was already one of the best full-frame travel cameras. Its successor ups the ante with a 61MP resolution, fantastic autofocus and Sony’s latest AI-powered subject-tracking. We think the result is pretty much the ultimate travel camera.
Best for pro video – Sony A7S III: A favorite among videographers and well-heeled YouTubers, the Sony A7S III stalwart is the best video camera outside of Sony's cinema range. Its main aim is to be the best 4K camera you can buy, and it achieves this by keeping its resolution low and avoiding the temptation of moving up to 8K. You can get the same sensor and quality in the newer and cheaper ZV-E1, but not the same handling.
Best every day carry – Sony RX1R III: Sony surprised us all when it launched the pricey RX1R III full-frame compact camera, ten years after its predecessor, the CyberShot RX1R II. There's a lot to like about the RX1R III – it packs the same 61MP sensor, processor and autofocus system as the A7R V / A7CR into an impossibly compact body with 35mm f/2 lens. For pro quality every day shots and street photography, this is Sony's subtlest snapper yet.
Best cheap mirrorless – Sony ZV-E10: A capable little hybrid, the ZV-E10 has been updated with the ZV-E10 II and is now much, much cheaper. In fact, it's probably the cheapest Sony mirrorless camera you can buy new, and for the small outlay you get a 24MP APS-C sensor, 4K video recording (albeit cropped), plus Sony's capable autofocus system. A bargain for beginners who love to shoot photos and video.
Best bridge camera – Sony RX10 IV: With a large (but non-interchangeable) superzoom lens and DSLR-style handling, this camera sits on the "bridge" between a compact and a full-on mirrorless. Having been recently discontinued, I've removed it from the main list, but if you can find one in the wild, we'd heartily recommend it for its photo and video quality, simplicity, and zoom range.
How to choose the best Sony camera for you
How to choose the best Sony camera
With such a wealth of choices on offer, selecting your ideal Sony camera isn’t always straightforward. Sony has established a strong reputation with hybrids and video-focused cameras, as well as travel-friendly mirrorless and compact models. But as you’ll see from the list above, there’s something in Sony’s range today for pretty much every type of photographer and videographer.
Which one is right for you will, to some extent, be determined by your budget: while cameras such as the Sony A1 II are remarkable, they are overkill for all but the most committed professionals. At the other end of the spectrum, you have cameras like the entry-level Sony A6100, which we think is the best choice for beginners. Five years after launch, it continues to offer excellent value.
Between these two price points, Sony has a healthy middle tier of cameras, many of which are featured in our list above. To find the right one, the best first step is to think about what and how you like to shoot. That will have a significant influence on the importance of factors such as body style, sensor size, autofocus performance, and more.
Video
If you’re looking to shoot footage with a Sony, you’ll find that most of its models today have strong video specs, including flip-out screens, high-res recording at smooth frame rates, plus strong connectivity for accessories such as external microphones. The Sony ZV-E10 is a fantastic choice for vlogging on a budget, while the Sony ZV-E1 is pretty much the perfect blend of portability and vlogging performance. If you’re happy wielding something bigger, the Sony A7S III has long been a champion of outright video quality.
Stills
If you’d prefer a camera that leans more towards stills, Sony has those as well. If you want a tidy interchangeable-lens camera that can produce excellent images, Sony’s APS-C flagship, the A6700, certainly delivers. For pros who need a high-res stills workhorse, the Sony A7R V is equipped with a truly capable full-frame stacked sensor. Or if you shoot sports and wildlife and value performance above all else, the Sony A9 III is unbeatable.
Hybrids
Of course, many of the cameras mentioned above are marketed as hybrids and can deliver both excellent stills and compelling video. In today’s arena, that’s essentially the benchmark for any mirrorless camera. And if it’s an all-rounder you’re looking for, there simply isn’t anything better right now than the Sony A7 V that sits at the top of this page.
What is the best Sony camera for beginners?
As you’ll see from the comprehensive round-up above, Sony’s camera range spans everything from accessible entry-level models to the most expensive professional powerhouses. When it comes to choosing the top Sony camera for beginners, it’s not necessarily as simple as looking to the bottom of the range.
Vlogging
Many beginners are governed by budget first and foremost. If so, we think you’ll find that premium compact cameras such as the Sony ZV-1 hit a sweet spot between price and performance. Its small form factor should make it easy for novices to handle, while its touchscreen interface will streamline the switch from smartphone photography. Plus, it still has the hardware to produce excellent stills and video in particular.
Point-and-shoot
As a learner, it’s important to allow yourself room to grow when choosing a camera. More advanced premium compacts such as the RX100 VII will give you this, with impressive performance and a high level of optional control. Similarly, the versatile RX10 IV majors in flexibility for first-time photographers, giving you a generous zoom range without the need to carry extra lenses.
Mirrorless
That said, if you’re looking at interchangeable lens cameras, we think the Sony A6100 is a great place to start. It’s small but packed with useful features and gets all of the core elements right: image quality, autofocus and battery life. Its Sony E mount ensures you’ll find plenty of options when the time comes to expand your lens collection, while its relative age means you can find it online at prices that represent excellent value.
