The best Sony camera in 2024 for vlogging, filmmaking and photography

Sony A7C II camera with Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens
(Image credit: Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)

The range of best Sony cameras just keeps getting bigger and better as Sony expands its camera offerings to more types of shooters in areas like sports, wildlife, travel, and fashion to video production, content creation, and vlogging, whether you are a professional, enthusiast or just a beginner there is a Sony camera for everyone.

Right at the top end, you've got the mighty but pricey sports-orientated Sony A9 Mark III with its mind-blowing global shutter, or the high-res megapixel monster in the Sony A7R IV. In the middle, Sony's APS-C mirrorless cameras are a favorite of mine for travel, video, and content creation, and my current highlight is Sony's compact but powerful Sony a6700.

Gareth Bevan headshot
Gareth Bevan

Gareth is the Reviews Editor at Digital Camera World, and the person in charge of testing and reviewing all the latest photography gear. Using his hands-on time with all the Sony cameras on this list, as well as several years of experience as a photographer and videographer, he has picked the best Sony cameras for different types of photographers.

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Recent updates

06/13/2024: Added a comparison section with Digital Camera World lab testing data and a camera specifications comparison table. Updated product reviews for clarity and corrections.

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FeaturesPushing 'entry level' full frame to the limit Sony has thrown a lot into this camera including a higher resolution and big video specs★★★★★
DesignWeather-sealed and well laid out camera body is easy to use, the menus can be a little complicated though★★★★★
PerformanceExcellent all rounder, with fantastic photo and video quality, although noise and IBIS lags behind other brands★★★★☆
ValueLoses the enthusiast pricing of the previous version, but still manages to undercut many of its closest rivals★★★★☆
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FeaturesIt might be the 'resolution specialist' but this camera has everything with 8K video, 10fps, and AI-powered autofocus★★★★★
DesignUsual great Sony body design, the vari-angle pivot screen and extra custom function buttons are great additions ★★★★★
PerformanceStills, video, sports, it does it all The downsides are 61MP files are very big to work with, and its headline 8K video is cropped.★★★★★
ValueAll this power does not come cheap, and the A7RV is priced right up in the dedicated pro bracket★★★★☆
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FeaturesGlobal shutter with 120fps stills and 1/80,000 sec shutter speeds, although some will complain about the relatively small 24.1MP sensor★★★★★
DesignA deep grip and custom function buttons will satisfy pros, although many will wish the vertical grip was built in ★★★★☆
PerformanceMind blowing speed makes this the best sports camera ever for the very top pros, although is overkill for anyone else★★★★★
ValueBe prepared to pay for that global shutter, as this very pricey camera is considerably more than Canon or Nikon's best★★★★☆
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FeaturesThe latest Sony AI-AF, IBIS, and oversampled video are squeezed into Sony's best compact and travelable APS-C camera★★★★★
DesignWhile it plays well with small APS-C lenses, the small body is hard to use with bigger Sony optics★★★★☆
PerformanceImage and video quality is excellent, with autofocus and IS taking a big jump from prior models. and the smaller sensor crop benefits distance shooting ★★★★★
ValueA lot of camera tech for fantastic value, although other brands have equally compelling options★★★★★
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FeaturesIt might be an older model, but still has the mod-cons like eye detection, IBIS, and 4K video★★★★★
DesignFantastic hybrid handling, small enough to travel yet big enough for pro work. Menus are a bit of a nightmare★★★★★
PerformanceNewer Sony cameras do things much better, but the A7 III has great 4K vids, and 24MP is still respectable★★★★★
ValueA perfect way to get into full frame photography with a lot of killer features for incredible value★★★★★
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Features4K video, AI AF-tracking and built-in stereo audio make this a video powerhouse, but its 12MP stills take a hit★★★★☆
DesignThe small body works great with gimbals and rigs, but it's not the easiest to use handheld with big lenses★★★★☆
PerformanceExcellent video chops, the audio and AI-AF are both stand outs. Image quality is good, but very limited by the megapixel count★★★★☆
ValueMore affordable than Sony's Alpha or FX range, but more rounded hybrid cameras can be had more the same price★★★★☆
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FeaturesSony's simplest camera with a focus on 4k video and built-in stereo audio★★★★☆
DesignA compact camera designed to slip into a pocket, the build is nice, if a little cheap feeling★★★★☆
PerformanceVideo and audio quality are good, and most importantly, just slightly better than an iPhone★★★★☆
ValueA fair price to pay for a dedicated content creation camera★★★★☆
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FeaturesAn APS-C sensor pairs with Sony's huge range of lens choices, backed up with an in-built stereo mic and 4K video★★★★★
DesignSmall and compact design is great for vlogging, so long as your don't pair it with too big lenses★★★★☆
PerformanceVideo performance is great, but lack of IBIS and older autofocus lets it down★★★★★
ValueVery reasonably priced, although good value, does reveal the cameras limitations★★★★★
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FeaturesA bigger 33MP sensor, oversampled 4K video, IBIS and the latest AI autofocus makes this a compact powerhouse★★★★★
DesignVery compact, but the full-frame sensor is begging to be used with big lenses which is an ergonomically poor experience★★★☆☆
PerformanceExcellent performance in photo and video, Sony's autofocus is the star of the show★★★★★
ValuePriced below the rest of the A7 range, this is Sony's latest tech at the best value★★★★★
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Spec comparison
Header Cell - Column 0 Sony A7 IVSony A7R VSony A9 IIISony a6700Sony A7 IIISony ZV-E1Sony ZV-1FSony ZV-E10 IISony A7C II
Launch Price$2,499 (body)$3,899 (body)$5,999 (body)$1,399 (body)$1,799 (body)$2,199 (body)$499$999 (body)$2,199 (body)
SensorFull-frameFull-frameFull-frameAPS-CFull-frameFull-frame1-inchAPS-CFull-frame
Megapixels33MP61MP24.6MP26.1MP24.2MP12.1MP20.1MP26MP33MP
Lens MountSony E-mountSony E-mountSony E-mountSony E-mountSony E-mountSony E-mountFixed 20mm f/2Sony E-mountSony E-mount
IBISYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoYes
Screen3in vari-angle, 1.04m dots3.1-in vari-angle, 2.1m dots3.2-in vari-angle, 2.1m dots3-in vari-angle, 1.03m dots3-in vari-angle, 921k dots3-in vari-angle, 1.03m dots3-in vari-angle, 921k dots3-in vari-angle, 1.03m dots3-in vari-angle, 1.03m dots
ViewfinderEVF, 3.69m dotsEVF, 9.44m dotsEVF, 9.44m dotsEVF, 2.36m dotsEVF, 2.36m dotsNoneNoneNoneOLED EVF, 2.36m dots, 0.7x
Max Burst Speed33fps10fps120fps11fps10fps10fps24fps11fps10fps
Max Video Resolution4K30p, 4K60p (crop)8K24p4K120p4K120p4K30p4K60p4k30p4k60p4k60p
Gareth Bevan
Reviews Editor

Gareth is a photographer based in London, working as a freelance photographer and videographer for the past several years, having the privilege to shoot for some household names. With work focusing on fashion, portrait and lifestyle content creation, he has developed a range of skills covering everything from editorial shoots to social media videos. Outside of work, he has a personal passion for travel and nature photography, with a devotion to sustainability and environmental causes.

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