9 best Sony cameras

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Modern digital cameras are produced by many companies, but only a few brands are associated with really high-quality technology. The Japanese corporation Sony is undoubtedly one such manufacturer. There are a lot of model lines in the assortment of Sony photographic equipment, so the editors decided to help you with the choice and prepared a special rating of the best Sony cameras, based on the results of market research by our specialized specialists.

Rating of the best Sony cameras

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best Sony Compact Cameras	1	Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX60	RUB 21 350
	2	Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX350	RUB 15,500
	3	Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800	RUB 7 490
Best Sony DSLRs	1	Sony Alpha ILCA-77M2 Body	RUB 76,610
	2	Sony Alpha ILCA-68 Kit	RUB 40,950
	3	Sony Alpha SLT-A58 Kit	RUB 25 490
Best Sony mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras	1	Sony Alpha ILCE-7RM2 Body	RUB 106 955
	2	Sony Alpha ILCE-6500 Body	RUB 67,900
	3	Sony Alpha ILCE-6000 Kit	34 100 rub.

Best Sony Compact Cameras

The first selection includes the best Sony compact cameras – the so-called 'soap boxes'. Their distinctive features are minimal size, telescopic lens (in most models) and relatively affordable cost. We deliberately did not include top-end 'point-and-shoot' cameras in the review, since their prices are comparable to average DSLRs, and it is not entirely fair to compare them with the best mass models.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX60

Rating: 4.9

Topping the list of Sony's best compact cameras is a multifunctional camera with impressive optical zoom and equally impressive image quality.

The linear dimensions of the camera are 108x64x38mm, net weight without battery – 246 g, with battery – 272 g. Made in a classic design in a black body with a leather texture.

A telescopic lens with aspherical lenses and a variable focal length that varies from 24 to 720mm is capable of thirty times the physical magnification. Aperture settings – F3.5-F6.3.

A high-quality 1 / 2.3 “CMOS sensor with details up to 5184×3888 contains 20.4 million effective pixels. Crop factor is 5.62. Sensitivity range is from 80 to 3200 ISO.

This model supports illuminated contrast autofocus, manual aiming, and face tracking. For a clear image, the distance to the object should be no less than – 0.05 m. Auto exposure processing, support for manual setting of aperture and shutter speed values. The device can shoot in different aspect ratios – 1: 1, 3: 2, 4: 3 and 16: 9; supports macro photography; photography can be carried out at a speed of up to 10 pictures per second. Video can be recorded in quality up to FullHD 1920×1080 at 50/60 frames / sec with stereo sound.

The camera's functionality also contains a number of auxiliary, but extremely important functions and tools: neutralization of the well-known phenomenon of 'red eyes', fine adjustment of the white balance in different modes, including fully manual or automatic, as well as by selecting presets from the list; stabilization of the 'picture' captured by the lens by means of a special moving part in the lens itself.

For communication with wearable gadgets, networks and other devices, there is a set of appropriate interfaces – USB 2.0, HDMI and a Wi-Fi radio module. All the most popular form factors of external memory cards are supported.

Autonomous operation of the camera is provided by its own original battery with an estimated capacity of 380 shots.

The package includes a camera, a battery, a cable with a micro-USB plug, a plug, a strap, a power cord and a 220 V adapter, instructions.

Advantages

• thirty-fold physical zoom;
• high quality static images and videos;
• intelligent automation;
• powerful BIONZ X central chip.

disadvantages

• body vulnerable to shocks and falls.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX350

Rating: 4.8

The second model in the Sony compact camera rating group largely repeats the functionality of the first, but at the same time it is a quarter cheaper, smaller and thinner.

Camera dimensions – 96x55x26 mm, net weight without battery – 137 g, with battery – 164 g. Made in a slightly more 'modern' design in a body with rounded edges with less expressive texture. The only color option is black.

The lens is very similar to that of the previous model, the only significant difference is the degree of magnification – maximum 20x optical zoom; and a range of focal lengths from 25 to 500 mm. The parameters of relative aperture sizes to focal length are from F3.5 to F6.5.

The CMOS sensor of this camera is characterized by a detail of 4896×3672 with a total set of pixels of 21.1 million (18.2 million effective). Matrix dimensions – 1 / 2.3 “, crop factor – 5.62, sensitivity depending on settings can vary from 80 to 3200 ISO.

A number of functions, tools and in general the features of this model completely repeat the previous one: aspherical lenses in the lens; comprehensive opportunities for fine-tuning the white balance (manually, automatically or by presets); integrated flash; automatic elimination of the phenomenon of 'red eyes'; a moving part in the lens to stabilize the captured frame; operational photography up to 10 frames / sec; frame formats – 1: 1, 3: 2, 4: 3, 16: 9; contrast autofocus with backlighting, focus on the face; the distance to the subject being shot must be at least 0.05 m for focusing; interfaces – USB 2.0 for connecting to a PC, HDMI for video, Wi-Fi for connecting to networks and direct transmission to cloud services and other online resources; video recording with a resolution of 1920×1080 and a frequency of up to 60 frames per second; support for all popular formats of external memory.

Adjustment of aperture and shutter speed in manual mode is not provided by the developers of this series. The shutter speed is set in the range of 4 – 1/1600 s. There is no separate optical viewfinder either, its role is played by a 3-inch LCD display on the back of the device. Autonomy of work is provided by its own battery with an estimated capacity of 470 shots.

The scope of delivery of this camera includes the device itself, battery, Micro USB cable, AC adapter, strap, instructions.

Advantages

• miniature and thin;
• high-quality stabilization;
• capacious battery;
• combination of price and functionality.

disadvantages

• few manual settings.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800

Rating: 4.7

And the final model in the first selection of the rating, where the best Sony 'soapboxes' are presented, is a cute little device, completely suitable for everyday shooting or on vacation without any special claims to exceptional functionality, but at the same time it is half the price of the previous model.

Dimensions of the device – 97x56x21 mm, net weight – 109 g without battery and 125 g with battery. High-tech design, metal body in natural silver shade or with a black finish.

The optical zoom is already significantly inferior to the two previous models – magnification up to 5x. The focal length of the lens is 26-130 mm. The relative aperture size to focal length ranges from F3.2 to F6.4.

In this case, we already see a fundamentally different matrix – CCD ('good old' CCD), the resolution is 5152×3864. Number of pixels – 20.5 million, effective – 20.1 million. Matrix size – 1 / 2.3 “. Crop factor – 5.62. Sensitivity – 100 – 3200 ISO.

This camera only adjusts the white balance automatically or from a preset list. The 'range' of the flash is 3.5 meters, red-eye is automatically removed. The image-only image stabilizer is digital. The maximum shooting speed is 0.52 frames / sec. The aspect ratio options are 4: 3, 16: 9. The rear-mounted 2.70-inch LCD screen is used as a viewfinder. The shutter speed range is 2-1 / 1500 s, manual adjustment is not provided. Autofocus – contrast backlit, face detection.

The device contains only one USB 2.0 interface for communication with other devices. Contains 29 MB of internal memory, supports all popular formats of external cards.

This camera can also shoot video, only its maximum parameters are significantly lower than those of the two previous models: the maximum resolution is 1280×720 with a frequency of 30 frames per second.

Advantages

• miniature size, slim;
• high quality images;
• strong shock-resistant body;
• simple intuitive menu.

disadvantages

• mediocre video quality.

Best Sony DSLRs

The second selection in our rating is Sony SLR cameras, which are preferred by users with high demands. Modern digital cameras can display the image on a high-quality LCD screen on the back, and the screen then acts as a viewfinder. But cameras with a mirror principle do not lose their relevance and are in high demand. Our experts included in the rating three worthy models of different price categories, excluding top-end professional cameras, which are ten times more expensive, also not the cheapest, but mass models.

Sony Alpha ILCA-77M2 Body

Rating: 4.9

First, let's take a look at one of the top-performing models in the expansive Alpha series. The device supports changing lenses using a bayonet connection, and is sold without a lens.

The dimensions of the camera are 143x104x81 mm, the net weight with batteries is 647 g. It is made in a classic design and form factor in a metal and black plastic case.

The resolution of the CMOS matrix (CMOS) in this camera is 6000×4000, 24.7 million pixels (24.3 million effective), the linear dimensions of the matrix are 23.5×15.6 mm. Crop factor – 1.5. Sensitivity can range from ISO 50 to 3200. There is a standard matrix cleaning function.

The device is capable of super-fast photography up to 12 frames / second. Acceptable formats are 3: 2, 16: 9. Aperture and shutter speed settings can be set manually if desired. Exposure processing is carried out automatically with a custom choice of aperture or shutter as a priority. Autofocus – hybrid with backlight, manual focus and face focus are also supported. Video is recorded in 1920×1080 technical quality with a frame rate of up to 60 (the maximum visual smoothness of a moving image that the eyes can perceive) per second with stereo sound.

White balance in this model is adjusted automatically, manually or from a list of presets. Bracketing is supported. The effective lighting range of the built-in flash is up to 12 meters. There is a 'shoe' for an external flash with sync contact. Built-in red-eye reduction function. Two-factor stabilization of the captured 'picture' – with the help of optics and with the help of matrix shift.

The set of interfaces includes HDMI and USB 2.0 connectors. There is also a Wi-Fi radio. The capacity of the original battery corresponds to the conventional 410 shots.

The Sony product warranty for this camera is 730 days.

Advantages

• high-quality color rendering;
• shooting speed;
• remote control;
• tenacity and speed of autofocus;
• informative electronic viewfinder;
• correctly working automation.

disadvantages

• many users lack the capacity of the 'native' battery; can be easily replaced with a more capacious one.

Sony Alpha ILCA-68 Kit

Rating: 4.8

The second model in the list of the best cameras of the legendary Sony brand with a mirror principle – the optimal solution for the hobbyist with above average requirements. This camera is inferior to the previous one in a number of parameters, and in others it is completely equal. After the purchase, there is no need to select a lens as well, since the device is equipped with an entry-level lens, which will suit most for amateur shooting and mastering photography. With all its advantages, this model is half the price of the previous one.

The device is made in the same classic design as the previous model, the body is made of metal and black plastic. Dimensions – 146x104x81 mm excluding the lens, weight without a battery – 610 g, with a battery – 690 g, excluding the lens. Supports interchangeable lenses with Sony A mount type.

The matrix parameters in this camera are almost exactly the same as the previous solution: size – 23.5×15.6mm; resolution – 6000×4000; type – CMOS; 24.3 million pixels, 24 effective; crop factor – 1.5; sensitivity – 100-3200 ISO; matrix cleaning function. The image is displayed on a rear 2.7-inch tilting LCD screen in diagonal.

Regarding white balance adjustment, this model also repeats the previous one – automatic and manual adjustment, presets from the list. The built-in flash 'finishes' at 12 meters, you can attach an external flash to the 'shoe'. Red-eye is automatically removed. Photo shooting speed – up to 8 frames per second, format – 3: 2 or 16: 9.

Exposure parameters: shutter speed – 30-1 / 4000 s, support for manual aperture and shutter speed settings, automatic exposure processing with aperture or shutter priority, bracketing. Illuminated phase focusing, face and manual focusing. Video recording in 1920×1080 resolution with frame rate up to 60 per second.

Interfaces for communication with additional devices and a computer – USB 2.0, HDMI, socket for the remote control.

Advantages

• precise tracking autofocus;
• extended focus area;
• high-quality video shooting;
• informative viewfinder;
• value for money, features and quality.

disadvantages

• noise reduction works only when shooting in jpeg.

Sony Alpha SLT-A58 Kit

Rating: 4.7

The second 'mirror' selection of the rating of the best Sony cameras according to the version is completed by the most budgetary model in this group, which in terms of key parameters is not particularly dramatically inferior to the previous one, while being in fact its 'younger' copy, and at the same time almost half the price.

The physical dimensions of the device are 129x96x78mm, excluding the lens, which is included in the delivery set in the same way as in the previous model. Net weight with the original battery – 573 g. The design of the camera is almost identical to the previous one.

Here we see a matrix of the same type as in the model above – CMOS, but with a much lower resolution at the maximum – 5456×3632. The number of effective pixels is also lower – 20.1 million (total number – 20.4 million). The sensor sensitivity can vary from 100 to 3200 ISO. Shoots a camera with a color depth of 36 bits. Crop factor – 1.5. The physical dimensions of the matrix are 23.5×15.6mm.

White balance adjustment options in this model include all three options – from manual to automatic, as in the above model. The range of the integrated flash is 10 meters, you can connect an external flash through the 'shoe'. The image is stabilized by optics or by shifting the matrix.

The maximum speed of operational photography is 8 frames / sec. The captured image is displayed on the rear 2.7-inch tilting LCD screen. Phase focusing with illumination, support for manual focusing and focusing on the face. Videos can be shot with the same high resolution as the older model in the series – 1920×1080, but with a lower frame rate – 25-30 per second.

Connection interfaces – USB 2.0, HDMI, there is support for external memory of different standards – from classic SD to Memory Stick Pro Duo. Autonomous operation of the device is ensured by original batteries, the estimated capacity of which corresponds to the conventional 690 images.

Advantages

• shooting in 3D;
• high quality viewfinder with realistic display;
• shooting in HDR;
• capacious and detailed matrix;
• the most affordable price in the group.

disadvantages

• overestimate ISO in automatic mode.

Best Sony mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras

In our third selection of the best Sony cameras, we present three models that represent a compromise. These are mirrorless devices, but in terms of functionality, breadth of settings and capabilities in general, this type of device is still very far from simple 'soap boxes'. Their most important difference is the ability to change lenses. Here our specialists covered three main price categories – from the top segment to middle class models, closer to the budget.

Sony Alpha ILCE-7RM2 Body

Rating: 4.9

First, let's take a look at one of the top-end multifunctional technological solutions in the Sony mirrorless camera range. The capabilities of the device are truly impressive, and it fully justifies its very impressive cost.

Dimensions of the device – 127x96x60 mm, net weight without a battery – 582 g, with a battery – 625 g. Supplied without a lens. The design is mostly classic, but different colors are available – black, white, yellow, red.

The lens mount in this camera is Sony E mount. The size of the BSI CMOS sensor is a full frame 35.9×24 mm. The limiting resolution is 7952×5304. The number of effective pixels is 42.4 million, the total is 43.6 million. The sensitivity can vary from 50 to 3200 ISO with a color recognition depth of 42 bits.

Capabilities of the camera for operational shooting – up to 5 frames / sec. There is a built-in Time-lapse mode. Video shooting quality – 1920×1080 with a frequency of up to 60 frames / sec. The maximum video resolution regardless of fps is 3840×2160. Hybrid autofocus with illumination, support for face-to-face and manual aiming. There is also support for manual setting of aperture and shutter speed values. The captured image is displayed on a 3-inch diagonal rear rotating screen.

The set of interfaces in this camera includes USB 2.0 with charging function, HDMI video, Wi-Fi, a jack for a remote control. Its own battery has an estimated capacity of 340 shots. A wide variety of external flash memory formats are supported.

Advantages

• BSI sensor;
• 5-axis mechanical stabilization;
• sensitivity and dynamic range of the matrix;
• high-quality video shooting with support for many modes;
• charging from micro-USB.

disadvantages

• fast battery discharge in active mode.

Sony Alpha ILCE-6500 Body

Rating: 4.8

The second model in this selection of ratings is inferior in some characteristics to the previous one, in some it even surpasses, and at the same time it is cheaper by a whole third. It lacks some striking properties, such as a BSI sensor, but nevertheless it is able to fully satisfy the requirements of even a very sophisticated user.

Dimensions of the device – 120x70x53 mm, net weight – 453 g, taking into account the weight of the battery. Lens mount – Sony E mount. Made in a classic design in a black body. Supplied without a lens.

The matrix in this case is a 'regular' CMOS with a (maximum) resolution of 6000×4000. The number of effective pixels is 24.2 million, the total number is 25 million. The matrix dimensions are 23.5×15.6 mm. The color depth is 42 bits. Sensitivity ranges from ISO 100 to 3200.

Operational photography in this camera gives a serious head start to the previous solution – up to 11 frames / sec. Also, this unit is far ahead in terms of video shooting capabilities. So, at a resolution of 1280×720, the frame rate will be up to 30 frames / sec, at 1920×1080 (optimal level) – a record 120 frames / sec, and with improved quality 3840×2160 fps will again be at the level of 30 frames / sec.

Autofocus – hybrid, with the use of 169 focus points. Manual aiming and face focusing are also supported. Supports manual setting of aperture and shutter speed values.

The set of interfaces almost exactly repeats the previous model, but in this case it is even slightly expanded – a module for NFC communication has been added.

The delivery set of the device includes: battery; shoulder strap; covers for the body, viewfinder and multi-interface connector; micro USB cable.

Advantages

• fast autofocus;
• improved operational shooting mode;
• advanced features for video shooting;
• the quality of the captured photos;
• ergonomics.

disadvantages

• single complaints about the convenience and consistency of the menu.

Sony Alpha ILCE-6000 Kit

Rating: 4.7

Rounding out the list of the best digital cameras from Sony is the most affordable model in this group. This is not the cheapest camera in this segment of products – our experts have selected it for reasons of 'maximum possibilities at the lowest price'.

Even though the cost is half the price, this model is initially equipped with a standard lens, which suits the vast majority of buyers. Dimensions of the device are 120x67x45 mm excluding the lens, net weight – 285 g excluding the battery, 460 g including the battery. Externally, the model is not much different from the previous one.

The matrix in this model, as well as the lens mount type, are completely similar to the previous solution, so we will not repeat ourselves. The same goes for real-time shooting modes and viewfinder settings. It also has the same set of interfaces including NFC support.

The big difference lies in the video shooting capabilities. The maximum possible for this device is a resolution of 1920×1080 at fps no more than 60. The rest, which has allowed the manufacturer to significantly reduce the cost, is already more subtle, not obvious for non-professionals. The autofocus and exposure parameters here are also almost exactly the same as the model discussed above.

Its own battery at a full charge is designed for approximately 360 conventional shots.

Advantages

• fast focus;
• high-speed operational shooting;
• physical ergonomics and intuitive control;
• lens included;
• the most affordable price in the group.

disadvantages

• phase detection autofocus does not work with adapters for other optics.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.