12 best Sony cameras

Sony is one of the world's leading digital camera manufacturers. This Japanese company began with radio, then became famous on gaming consoles and only then, at the beginning of the XXI century, when even professional photographers began to abandon mechanical devices in favor of electronic ones, Sony entered the game with camera manufacturers.

Sony produces compact, stylish and well-filled cameras. In the budget segment, the brand bypasses the famous competitors Nikon and Canon with an attractive price and design, in the middle price category attracts with “ultrazoom” and natural color reproduction, and in the premium segment it pleases users with a whole range of modern functions, including 4K shooting and at least three-axis optical stabilization.

Consider the best cameras from Sony in various categories.

Sony's best compact cameras

A compact camera is a device with a built-in lens, which is popularly called the "soap box". Modern “soap trays” can shoot no worse than SLR cameras with advanced optics.

Usually in compact models, settings are set automatically (focus, ISO, aperture size, etc.), often the manufacturer allows the user to set some parameters on their own.

4 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10

This is an “adult” option among pocket offers. Thanks to the Carl Zeiss glass optics with a aperture of 2.8 over the entire focal length range of 24–200, an inch matrix, a brisk processor and an abundance of manual settings, the Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 is seen as a universal camera. Sony has provided the ability to control the video during shooting, equipped the Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 with tracking autofocus (important when creating video content).

The camera is suitable for both daily photo shooting and video shooting - a great option for bloggers, to replenish family archives and for advanced users. The display is folding, there is support for wireless communication with a smartphone / tablet. This is no longer a soap dish - even night photos will not be filled with noises. In portrait photography, it’s really possible to blur the background and bokeh. The main disadvantages of the model: cost, weak battery (felt when shooting video).

3 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II

A high-quality compact model with a length of just over 10 cm is ideal for travel, daily routine and special occasions. Yes, this is a universal model that fits a wide variety of tasks. With all the compactness, they fit 20.9 megapixels, a 3.6x optical zoom, Wi-Fi, a 3-inch swivel screen and the legendary Carl Zeiss optics.

This updated version of the legendary DSC-RX100 can shoot at a resolution of 5472 x 3648, in JPEG or RAW format. Manual mode is very convenient - the aperture size varies by the wheel around the lens, the shutter speed by the multifunction switch, and other parameters are available in the menu via the Fn button.The most used adjustment can be made on the programmable keys. The main disadvantage is the incorrect operation of the autofocus in poor lighting (frequent camera disease) and a weak flash (but it is possible to install an external one).

2 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX60

It's amazing how engineers managed to push optics with a function of 30x magnification into this compact device weighing 250 grams. I am glad that the camera can be controlled from a smartphone or tablet and immediately upload the footage to the social network (thanks to the integrated Wi-Fi). There is an optical stabilizer and a battery that can withstand 380 frames. The matrix is ​​20.4 megapixel, there is a macro mode and a three-inch screen. The viewfinder is not, have to be content with the functionality of the screen.

Some users complain about the "noise" in the photos. In the reviews, experienced owners shared useful advice: you need to set the correct settings: ISO to choose a value below 400, style - standard, contrast (-1), saturation (-2), sharpness (-3), disable D-R. With the specified settings, the photos are not “noisy” and enjoy the quality.

1 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100M4

A smart compact camera that can shoot in 4K and knows what Slow Motion is. Surprisingly, this kid creates content in ultra-high resolution and shoots video with a slow-motion effect. With the right, professional slow motion effect. All other advantages of the camera fade in front of these two, but still they are worthy of attention: a 21 megapixel matrix, an ISO in the range of 125–25600, an optical stabilizer and optical zoom that magnifies the image by 2.9 times, the ability to shoot in RAW format, turn off noise reduction powered by USB.

Cyber-shot DSC-RX100M4 has two noticeable disadvantages:

1. Price. This cost scares in the segment of compact cameras.
2. Battery weak. Like all the "compactors", this gadget is endowed with a small battery for the sake of pocket dimensions. If to create a photo of the battery is enough for 280 frames, then when shooting video capacity enough for 5 minutes in 4K format. Owners in the reviews share the advice - connect an external recorder.

This is the best offer for tourists, not constrained in the means.

The best SLR cameras from SONY

A SLR camera is a camera with a viewfinder, which is based on a mirror placed behind the lens at an angle of 45 degrees to the optical axis. Such a solution makes it possible to sight directly through a shooting lens.

4 Sony Alpha ILCA-77M2 Body

Advanced model with versatile features. The maximum resolution of received images is 6000x4000. A 24 megapixel matrix creates detailed, clear frames. Owners complain about the low battery survivability - the capacity is calculated on 410 photos. Of the amenities - the electronic viewfinder, showing the whole picture is completely what it will be in the photo. Screen swivel, that in this price range norm. Autofocus hybrid, works quickly and almost does not miss. There is a manual focus.

From the nuances - demanding on ISO. With inflated figures, the photo is “washed”. The problem is curable with the photographer's straightforwardness and the correct setting of the settings. After a deep acquaintance with this model, only pleasant impressions remain, all the more so that the buttons are located conveniently and programmed with obvious care about the photographer.

3 Sony Alpha SLT-A58 Kit

The ideal amateur "SLR" for beginners and not only. The camera has already been tested by time and still remains the current model in the line from Sony. Here is a simple "whale" lens, but even with it you can create great shots if you switch the device to manual mode and deal with the settings.20.4 megapixel matrix, swiveling 2.7-inch screen, light weight for a SLR camera - 573 grams, capacious battery for 690 photos (users in the reviews share that by turning off the display and using only the viewfinder, you can increase the autonomy to over a thousand frames), phase autofocus and electronic viewfinder.

In conditions of insufficient light, the camera gives up its position - it makes noise and loses focus. But in good light gives clear, detailed and rich in color frames. For fans of the Soviet optics "Sony" they have a bonus - the lens is connected with an adapter without a focusing chip.

2 Sony Alpha ILCA-99M2 Body

Professional SLR camera is not for mere mortals. Of the main features - the resolution of the matrix at 43 megapixels, creating photos in 4K format and support for wireless interfaces Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Focusing deserves special attention: there is a phase autofocus with the possibility of manual focusing, and the number of focus points exceeds 70. And it is especially pleasant that even autofocus can be adjusted. And he is very fast. Electronic shutter - acts quietly, quickly and gently. Geeks will be happy to customize the buttons for themselves.

Among the shortcomings is a weak battery, the small capacity of which is strongly felt when shooting video, as it withstands 390 frames when photographing - not bad. If you save power, turning off the display and using only the viewfinder, the duration of the autonomous mode will increase significantly.

1 Sony Alpha ILCA-68 Kit

Reflex camera for advanced users. There is a 24-megapixel matrix, a flash that hits 12 meters, a swiveling LCD screen and phase autofocus (faster and more accurate than contrast). Removes the camera in JPEG and RAW, you can connect a remote control to it (now a photographer can be present on collective photos without having to set a timer), noise reduction works and there is a possibility to set the ISO limits for automatic control. By the way, ISO values ​​are available in the range of 100–25600.

The main disadvantage is the budget complete lens, which does not reveal the full potential of the camera. If you have something to replace the base lens - feel free to buy this model, install your optics and enjoy quality shots. If not, count on additional costs - to buy a good lens, for example, Minolta AF, which is praised in the reviews.

The best mirrorless cameras with interchangeable optics

A mirrorless camera is characterized by the presence of a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, which provides end-to-end sighting. Mirrorless cameras are more compact than digital cameras, but smaller than mirror models. Superficially resemble compact cameras, but differ in the possibility of using interchangeable optics and are equipped with much larger matrices and powerful processors.

4 Sony Alpha ILCE-6000 Kit

Pocket version with the size of the matrix corresponding to the overall mirror competitors. High quality photos are achieved through a progressive matrix, post-processing from Sony, hybrid autofocus and a large number of points when focusing. Frames are bright, juicy, detailed.

The most important advantage of the device is its compactness and low weight. This is an ideal option for travel, hiking, daily routine. It costs nothing to put in a bag "just in case." Here is a swivel screen, but not full-fledged - it only moves up and down. Focusing speed is sufficient, but not instantaneous. The problem is partially solved using a non-Kittov lens. An interesting bonus - a regular flash can turn. The macro mode works when approaching - otherwise it is problematic to catch the focus. Like other models from Sony, there is Wi-Fi for instant transfer of footage to a smartphone.

3 Sony Alpha ILCE-5100 Kit

Mirrorless camera with mirror capabilities. There is a 24.7 megapixel matrix, a touch-sensitive swivel screen of three inches and a low weight of 283 grams with a battery, but excluding the lens. The kit includes a "whale" lens, but to fully expand the capabilities of the camera it is better to connect something more serious. The Alpha ILCE-5100 Kit is pleased with a wide dynamic range, light sensitivity, the correct noise reduction system, and a good built-in microphone. Users admire the ease of choosing the focus point - just click on the touch screen in the required area. Most of the shortcomings are eliminated with a detailed study of the settings and adjustments, including the dull colors in the photo, incorrect white balance and sharpness.

Some owners complain about the lack of brightness of the screen, but this is corrected by setting the checkbox "sunny weather" in the settings. Also, users note the inconvenient location of the video button.

2 Sony Alpha ILCE-6500 Body

Professional compact version with 25MP matrix and the ability to change the optics. Here is a swivel screen, fast autofocus, excellent ergonomics and a lot of programmable keys. Among the shortcomings - a small selection of branded lenses, especially high-aperture. You can also use "non-native" models, but using the adapter can cause problems with autofocus.

The camera is not afraid of high ISO values ​​- it shoots without “noise” up to 3200. The stabilization is gorgeous, you can connect your smartphone as a remote control. Video Alpha ILCE-6500 Body shoots in 4K with tracking autofocus. A weighty minus is a low-capacity battery; it is treated using an external battery. Of the unobvious advantages - pocket size (without taking into account the optics), touch screen, hybrid autofocus and light weight (up to 500 grams). A great option for professional photo and video.

1 Sony Alpha ILCE-7RM2 Body

Ideal for professional photographers and those on the way to this title. The camera combines compact dimensions, professional features and support for various lenses. A large stock of megapixels allows you to sprinkle photos without fear of losing quality. The ISO range of noise-free shakes. Pleases the ability to recharge from an external battery. Five-axis stabilization works quickly and correctly - it is not possible to lubricate the frame. The video also shoots perfectly: there are several recording modes. The colors are natural, the sharpness is impressive, the sensitivity is high, there is a convenient swivel display.

There are few disadvantages: a low-capacity battery, autofocus not for dynamic scenes, a simple belt included. Minuses are insignificant and do not overlap even a tenth of the advantages of this monster: starting from 4K photos with instant transfer over Wi-Fi to a smartphone and ending with elegant stabilization.

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