Sony has pioneered the development of mirrorless cameras, often outperforming dominant brands like Canon and Nikon to produce world-leading models of this popular modern compact system camera.
When Sony isn’t making waves with its mirrorless line-up, it’s producing an impressive collection of compact digital cameras and superzoom or bridge cameras.
Every Sony camera model boasts an impressive array of features and first-class technology, so how do you choose the right Sony camera for you?
We’ve compiled a list of what we believe are the best Sony cameras for photography, outlining our favourite models in categories like bridge cameras, APS-C mirrorless cameras, and full-frame cameras.
The best Sony compact camera: Sony RX100 Mark VII:
This pocketable compact camera comes with a large 20.1MP sensor and an 8.3x optical zoom (24-200mm equivalent in 35mm terms). It offers some of the best image quality you’ll get in such a small camera.
Other professional features you wouldn’t expect to find in a camera of this size: a 24 fps continuous shooting speed, 4K video recording, and a retractable electronic viewfinder.
Couple the added mic input socket with great video stabilisation and a Movie Eye autofocus mode and you’ve also got a great Sony camera for vlogging.
Take a look at the Sony RX100 Mark VII compact camera today.
The best Sony superzoom camera: Sony RX10 IV
Sony has produced some beautiful zoom cameras in its time but the Sony RX10 Mark IV is arguably the best bridge camera - not just within Sony’s lineup but among all brands.
It boasts a nice, large 1-inch, 20.1MP sensor and an incredible 25x optical zoom (equivalent to 24-600mm).
We love the 315-point phase-detection autofocus system. This powerful AF, coupled with the impressive zoom and 5-axis image stabilisation system, delivers high-quality stills.
Video quality is equally impressive, thanks to the camera’s 4K video recording capabilities, which works beautifully with the camera’s AF system.
A truly amazing 24 fps maximum burst speed ensures you never miss a shot, making this a decent camera for wildlife photography and safaris.
Check out the Sony RX10 IV superzoom camera today.
The best Sony mirrorless cameras for enthusiasts…
… With an APS-C sensor: A6600
The Sony A6600 is a beautiful camera for enthusiasts, with a large enough 24.2MP APS-C sensor and a speedy hybrid autofocus system (with 425 phase-detection points and 169 contrast-detection points).
The autofocus system is helped by Real-Time Tracking, including capable Real-Time Eye AF and Animal Eye AF. Meanwhile, the 5-axis image stabilisation system will ensure you capture the shot with sharp clarity.
For vloggers, there’s a microphone port and headphone jack, as well as HDR video recording and Real-Time autofocus for videos, which rounds out the camera's capabilities nicely for those looking for versatility.
Those who are looking for a more affordable model should consider the next model down, the Sony a6400.
Take a look at the Sony Alpha A6600 mirrorless camera today.
… With a full-frame sensor: Sony A7 Mark III
The Sony A7 Mark III full-frame camera has been one of the brand’s most popular camera models to date.
It features a 24.2MP back-illuminated image sensor which, combined with the latest image processor, delivers beautiful performance in low light conditions and colour renditions.
The A7 Mark III’s amazing 693-point autofocus system effectively tracks virtually any subject while the maximum burst rate of 10 fps is decent for a camera of this kind.
Granted it’s heavier than the APS-C mirrorless or compact digital models (unavoidable with a full-frame camera) but it can still package up its incredible features in a slim body.
With dual memory card slots, a fantastic battery life (710 shots), and uncropped 4K video recording capabilities, this camera offers exceptional value for money.
Get your hands on the Sony A7 Mark III mirrorless camera today.
The best Sony mirrorless camera in for professionals…
The Sony A7R Mark IV
This camera is a true beauty. With a whopping 61MP full-frame sensor (the highest resolution of any full-frame camera), you can expect amazing detail rendition.
Along with the record-breaking sensor, the in-body image stabilisation system and Pixel Shift Multi Shooting mode enable you to create images with even higher resolution.
Cameras with image resolution this high usually compromise with lower frame rates, but the A7R Mark IV still manages to offer 10 frames per second. Sure, it’s not as fast as the A9 (see below) but it’s decent enough to satisfy most sports and wildlife photographers.
Couple these features with a great battery life, powerful processor, dual memory card support, and a bright viewfinder, and the A7R Mark IV is a winner by anyone’s standards.
Take a look at the Sony A7R Mark IV today.
The Sony A9
What’s not to love about the Sony A9? This full-frame camera has a beautiful 24.4MP sensor and an unparalleled 693-point autofocus which is super fast so you never miss a beat.
The 20 fps continuous shooting speed is silent and avoids blackouts, which makes this camera beloved among professional sports photographers and wildlife photographers.
The built-in 5-axis image stabilisation and super high-res electronic viewfinder, along with great battery life (480 shots), 4K video recording, beautiful handling, and space for two storage cards, make this is a superb professional camera few can resist.
Finally, the introduction of the Sony A9 Mark II means the original A9 is now cheaper than ever.
Check out the Sony Alpha A9 full-frame mirrorless camera today.
The best Sony mirrorless camera for videos: Sony A6100
Finally, with specs like 4K video recording, Real-Time Tracking autofocus, and a brilliant 180-degree touchscreen, you can’t go past the Sony A6100 for vlogging.
This feature-packed camera offers exceptional value at a low price point; in fact, it’s the most affordable Sony mirrorless camera currently on the market.
Alongside the camera’s superlative single-handed vlogging features, the A6100 also boasts a 24.2MP APS-C image sensor, a maximum continuous shooting speed of 11 fps, and a beautifully bright viewfinder.
Check out the Sony Alpha A6100 online today.
Shop Sony cameras online today
At Camera House, we have an extensive collection of Sony cameras, from entry-level mirrorless cameras to high-end full-frame cameras for professionals. Browse our range of Sony cameras and buy online for flat-rate shipping across Australia.
