Best Professional Cameras

The Best Professional Cameras will depend on what you want it for! Sony makes cameras for professionals, beginners, and everyone in between.

Sony’s best camera is almost certainly the Alpha A1, but since very few people need or can afford that kind of power, most will want to set their sights a little lower! Therefore, our guide includes Sony cameras in a variety of prices, user levels and types.

Whether you’re an aspiring pro, vlogger, or happy snapper, there’s almost certainly a Sony for you!

The entire industry was shaken by the launch of the Sony A1 , which, technically speaking, is probably Sony’s best camera in every way. A powerful pro body that packs a 50MP sensor, 30fps bursts, 8K video, and a 6K price tag, it’s a monster performer but also overkill for most shooters.

At a Glance

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The latest professional camera

Sony has launched the much more affordable Sony A7 IV. Although still not cheap, the A7 IV is much more likely to be seen as the best camera by all enthusiasts, experts and many professionals.

But there are plenty of other Sony cameras to choose from. Here we’ve highlighted our top recommendations from across Sony’s range, including some of the best point-and-shoot cameras from its Cyber-shot offerings, the best vlogging cameras from its APS-C range, and the best professional cameras. from their full-frame catalog.

Sony’s Alpha mirrorless cameras take interchangeable lenses and are aimed at enthusiast photographers, from the entry – level Sony A6100 to the Sony A9 II professional sports camera .

And Sony also makes Cyber-Shot compact fixed-lens cameras for everyone from family photographers to travel photographers to vloggers who want high-quality results in a camera small enough to fit in a pocket, or with a range. of zoom that you just can’t get from a mirrorless camera lens.

Our Recommendation For Best Professional Cameras

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Best Professional Cameras in 2023

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FULL FRAME SONY ALPHA

Sony Alpha cameras are available with APS-C or full-frame sensors. APS-C models are smaller and more affordable and designed more like traditional rectangular ‘rangefinder’ cameras, but still pack plenty of power.

Sony’s full-frame Alpha cameras are more like mini DSLRs, with an electronic viewfinder placed conventionally on top.

These are larger, more expensive, and geared more towards expert and professional users, although there are still bargains to be had for enthusiasts because Sony has a policy of keeping older models for sale alongside newer replacements, and at extremely tempting prices!

This means that while the new Sony A1 outperforms almost every other Alpha when it comes to specs, Sony’s older cameras are still very effective in their own fields and massively cheaper.

1. Sony A7 III

Best Overall Sony Camera

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full frame
• Megapixels: 24.2 MP
• Lens mount: Sony E
• Screen: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 922,000 dots
• Viewfinder: EVF, 2359k dots
• Continuous shooting speed: fps
• Maximum video resolution: 4K
• Level user: enthusiast

It’s still the most affordable all-rounder until the new Sony A7 IV (below) becomes available!

It may not have the blazing speed of Sony’s top-tier A9 II or the ultra-high resolution of the A7R IV, but the Sony A7 III takes many of the best parts of these more expensive models and delivers them in a more affordable package.

Key features include a highly effective 696-point AF system and a 5-axis image stabilization system that promises 5 EV of compensation. There’s a 24.2MP back-illuminated image sensor, along with the latest generation of image processors, and both deliver amazing tonal range and make very high ISO settings possible.

Handling is good, although some may find the body a bit small when paired with pro lenses, that goes for the entire Alpha range.

For the superior performance at a reasonable price, it’s the best Sony camera out there, but it holds its price very firmly, and for stills photographers, the older Sony A7 and Sony A7 II are very tempting (and cheaper) alternatives. ).

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2. Sony A7 IV

Best full-frame Sony camera

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full frame
• Megapixels: 33MP
• Lens mount: Sony E
• Screen: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1.04m dots
• Viewfinder: EVF, 3.69M dots
• Continuous shooting speed: 10 fps
• Max Video Resolution: 4K
• User Level: Enthusiast / Expert

Sony’s new do-it-all camera is an amazing combination of speed, resolution and 4K video capabilities

The Sony A7 IV marks a further step forward in the ambition of Sony’s ‘vanilla’ A7 model. Traditionally the Sony A7 has been the entry level camera in the range, with the ‘R’ models adding resolution and the ‘S’ models adding speed/sensitivity.

But there’s nothing ordinary about the Sony A7 IV, and while it technically replaced the A7 III, it’s a much more advanced camera that we think is aimed at a high-end audience.

Compared to the A7 III, the A7 IV is a big step forward, but both in terms of price and features. The A7 III will still work for now, making it a tough purchase decision.

Sony says the A7 IV will be available from December 2021, but we’ll be leaving these pre-order links for now, in case of any delays.

3. Sony A7R Mark IV

Best full-frame mirrorless Sony Camera

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full-frame CMOS
• Megapixels: 61MP
• Lens mount: Sony FE
• Screen: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,440,000 dots
• Viewfinder: Electronic, 5.76 million dots
• Continuous shooting speed: 10 fps
• Maximum Video Resolution: 4K
• User Level: Professional

Still the king of resolution among full-frame cameras, the A7R IV is also fast
The ‘R’ models of Sony’s A7-series cameras are designed for resolution first and foremost, and the Sony A7R Mark IV certainly delivers.

The previous A7R Mark III set the standard for a while, but the A7R Mark IV brings a new record of 61 megapixels which has the highest resolution of any Sony, or even any full frame camera.

Detail reproduction is spectacular, although the gain is perhaps not as obvious as the bare numbers might suggest, so while the A7R Mark IV beats the older A7R Mark III model on paper, in reality the differences in the reproduction of the details are smaller than you. could guess. AND

This means that although the A7R Mark III is technically superseded, it is still a high-resolution camera by any standard, and is likely to be available now at much lower prices as well.

The best medium format cameras, but we think the sensors larger in medium format models is still a big difference, it’s not just about megapixels. Even the new Sony A1 cannot match this camera for resolving power.

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4. Sony A1

Best APS-C Sony Camera

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full Frame
• Megapixels: 50.1NP Lens
• Mount: Sony FE
• Screen: 3-inch tilt, 1.44m dots
• Viewfinder: Electronic, 9.44m dots
• Max Burst Speed: 30fps
• Resolution maximum video: 8K
• User level: Professional

Unfortunately, this amazingly powerful camera has a price to match!
The Sony A1 is everything Sony says it is. It’s a technological triumph, a camera that can really do it all.

Previously, cameras could offer speed, resolution, or video capability, but the A1 offers all three and even beats dedicated sports and video cameras at their own game.

So is this the perfect camera? Not quite. Price is, and will continue to be, a major hurdle, and its appeal is limited to photographers who need everything it does, not just one or two of those things.

This, coupled with its huge price, prevents it from being higher on our list. We couldn’t have an article on the best Sony cameras without mentioning the A1, but would we really recommend it as the best one to buy? Realistically, for 99 photographers out of a hundred, probably not. Advertisement

5. Sony A7C

Best for vloggers with its 4K video and 180-degree screen

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full frame
• Megapixels: 24.2 MP
• Lens: Sony E-mount
• LCD: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 921,000 dots
• Viewfinder: EVF, 2,359k dots
• Max continuous shooting speed: 10fps, 115 raw, 223 JPEG
• Maximum Video Resolution: 4K 30p
• User Level: Enthusiast

The Sony A7C is so ‘safe’ it’s hard to worry about, but it does a good job for vloggers
Although the Sony A7C and Sony A7 III are now very similarly priced, the articulating screen on the Sony A7C makes it much better for vlogging. It’s not Sony’s most exciting camera release, but its hands-on performance and excellent AF system make it a good camera.

The Sony A7C lacks the same quality feel as other A7 cameras, but it is slightly lighter and therefore might appeal more to someone who vlogs on the go.

Its full-frame sensor also means it’s very good in low light and it has 5 stops of in-body stabilization, so even if you’re shooting handheld you’ll be able to achieve relatively smooth video.

It’s by no means the cheapest camera on the list and if you’re planning on buying an external monitor, I’d probably go for the Sony A7 III. However, if you’re looking at a camera that doesn’t need extras to record you,

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6. Sony A9 Mark II

Best Premium Sony Camera

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full-frame
• Megapixels: 24.2MP Lens: Sony E-mount
• LCD: 3-inch, 1.44 million-dot tilting touchscreen
• Viewfinder: EVF
• Maximum continuous shooting speed: 20fps electronic shutter, mechanical 10fps
• Maximum Video Resolution: 4K
• User Level: Professional

Sony’s ultra-fast sports camera is really impressive, but the new A1 leaves it in the shade

To quote our own review, the Sony A9 II is the fastest and fiercest full-frame sports camera we’ve ever used, but this was before we tested the EOS-1D X Mark III.

However, the Sony A9 Mark II’s blazing speed and autofocus performance are impressive, matched only by its phenomenal connectivity, which promises to be a game-changer for professional shooters.

We’d love to have seen Sony implement something like Olympus’ Pro Capture feature, so you never miss the critical moment.

However, if our most damning criticism is that the A9 II is too fast for us to keep up with, surely that is nothing but mission accomplished for Sony!

However, for professionals who need more than just speed, there’s the new Sony A1 , which jumps ahead of the A9 II for sports photography and also includes 8K video and 50MP stills.

7. Sony A6100

Best Powerful Camera as an Alpha but fits in your pocket

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: APS-C
• Megapixels: 24.2 MP
• Lens mount: Sony E
• Screen: 3-inch 180-degree touchscreen, 1,440,000 dots
• Viewfinder: EVF, 1,440,000 dots
• Continuous shooting speed: 11 fps
• Maximum Video Resolution: 4K
• User Level: Beginner / Enthusiast

The successor to the original A6000 is a more advanced and modern camera.
This is the entry-level successor to the Sony A6000, and while the previous model remains on sale, we’ve heard rumors that it may not be for much longer.

Six years later, the A6100 has brought a host of improvements, sharing many of the same upgrades featured on the latest mid-range A6400 and high-end A6600 bodies, including a 180-degree touchscreen for selfies and vlogs, 4K video and a faster format. and a more advanced autofocus system.

We weren’t surprised by the A6100 when it first came out because it cost a lot more than the A6000, but a couple of years later the A6100 has almost dropped to A6000 prices (which have gone up) and it is, without a doubt, a camera. better.

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8. Sony ZV-E10

Best Sony Compact Camera with a Big Zoom

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: APS-C
• Megapixels: 24.2 MP
• Lens: Sony E-mount
• LCD: Vari-angle
• Viewfinder: None
• Max Continuous Shooting Speed: 11fps for 116 JPEGs
• Max Video Resolution: 4K 30p
• User Level: Enthusiast

Sony’s best APS-C camera for novice vloggers is also the cheapest
The Sony ZV-E10 definitely isn’t going to win any awards on the photography front, but it’s a great option for content creators striving for vlogging and videography.

While Sony hasn’t moved its APS-C 4K video tech much in recent years, the ZV-E10 is the first APS-C body from the manufacturer to feature an articulating touchscreen (which is obviously vital for vlogging).

It also includes a large, well-performing internal microphone (with clip-on mute), Sony’s excellent autofocus, and an attractive price.

It’s a shame that there’s no in-body image stabilization and that the menus can’t be controlled by touch (a pretty obvious omission for a vlogging camera), but for a very specific YouTube-era audience, this hits the mark. The nail.

9. Sony A6400

Best Sony Camera for Beginners

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: APS-C
• Megapixels: 24.3 MP
• Lens mount: Sony E
• Screen: 3-inch tilting screen, 921,000 dots
• Viewfinder: EVF, 1,440,000 dots
• Continuous shooting speed: 11 fps
• Maximum video resolution: Full HD
• User Level: Beginner / Enthusiast

The Sony A6400 is effectively the ‘middle’ camera in Sony’s A6000 series, slotting in above the A6100 model and below the higher-end A6600.

But it still packs a high-tech, super-fast autofocus system, and excellent 4K video capabilities. Its still image quality is very good, but really this camera’s strength is as a blogging/vlogging tool for one-handed content creation.

SONY CYBER-SHOT CAMERAS

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Its 180-degree screen is the key here, turning up and towards you to help you with your framing, facial expressions, and delivery as you present video pieces to the camera.

The higher-end A6600’s specs are better, but you have to be careful with any camera (and Sony models in particular) not to pay for high-tech features you don’t need, like crop-edge AF or burst modes unnecessarily. rapid.

Sony’s range of compact Cyber-shot cameras is wide and varied. The ‘RX’ models are more likely to appeal to connoisseurs, the ‘HX’ series gives you a long zoom range for a modest outlay, while the WX series offers cheap and effective point-and-shoot photography.

SONY CYBER-SHOT CAMERAS

Sony’s range of compact Cyber-shot cameras is wide and varied. The ‘RX’ models are more likely to appeal to connoisseurs, the ‘HX’ series gives you a long zoom range for modest outlay, while the WX series offers cheap and effective point-and-shoot photography.

10. Sony ZV-1

Best Sony ultimate bridge camera

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SPECS

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1-inch
• Megapixels: 20.1MP
• Lens: 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8
• Screen: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 921,000 dots
• Maximum video resolution: 4K
• Microphone port: yes
• User level: enthusiastic

Sony has adapted its RX100 design to make a brilliant vlogging camera
While the new Sony ZV-E10 spiritually replaces it, the ZV-1 is still a great option that doesn’t require you to worry about changing lenses

. Some may dismiss the ZV-1 as just another variant of the Sony RX100, but it’s much more than that.

The sensor and lens may look familiar, but the body, controls, audio, and rear display are all new and different, and brilliantly optimized for vlogging. There are a couple of drawbacks.

The big change in minimum focus distance when zooming is annoying and the SteadyShot Active stabilization didn’t work very well for us, but the autofocus is exceptional and the ZV-1 is a joy to use, especially since here at last it’s a vlogging camera that really is designed specifically for vlogging, right down to that vari-angle rear screen and the supplied mic windshield, it really works brilliantly. It’s’Sony RX100 VII camera, despite offering a better proposition for bloggers.

11. Sony HX99

Best Affordable Camera

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SPECS

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1/2.3in type
• Megapixels: 18.2 MP
• Lens: 24-720mm (equiv.) F/3.5-6.4
• Screen: 3-inch tilting screen, 922k dots
• Viewfinder: EVF, 638k points
• Continuous shooting speed: 10 fps
• Maximum video resolution: 4K
• User level: Beginner

A compact camera with a big zoom: Sony’s best travel camera
Despite being small enough to fit in a spare pocket, the slim HX99 compact camera boasts an 18.2MP image sensor, a pop-up viewfinder, a tilting 3-inch screen, and a powerful optical zoom range. which is equivalent to 24-720mm on a full screen. frame camera.

There’s also a 5-axis Image Stabilizer on hand, which helps keep things steady, especially towards the long end of the powerful zoom range.

Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity is also built into the camera. As an added bonus, the screen has a selfie-friendly 180-degree tilt mechanism, ultimately making it ideal for the traveling photographer who occasionally wants to get into the frame.

12. Sony RX10 IV

Best All Round Camera

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SPECS

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1-inch type
• Megapixels: 20.1MP
• Lens: 24-600mm (equiv) f/2.4-4
• Screen: 3-inch tilting screen, 1,440,000 dots
• Viewfinder: EVF, 2360k dots
• Continuous shooting speed: 24 fps
• Max Video Resolution: 4K
• User Level: Expert

It is Sony’s ultimate bridge camera for both sports/action and 4K video
The RX10 IV is the latest incarnation of Sony’s high-end RX10 series of video/bridge cameras.

The highlight is the inclusion of a 315-point phase-detection AF system and the introduction of a touch screen. The 24fps burst shooting capability is pretty amazing, and it’s this, combined with the larger sensor, better autofocus, and better lens that makes the RX10 Mark IV outperform other bridge cameras.

It’s also great for 4K video, not least because of its long-range zoom lens and autofocus system. However, the price means that this camera will only appeal to really serious enthusiasts or experts.