Top Sony Cameras: Rankings, Ratings and Reviews

Specifications:

• 24 fps shooting speed
• 20 Megapixel quality
• 25,600 Maximum ISO
• 1-inch CMOS sensor

Nowadays, virtually everyone has a smartphone equipped with a camera. Even the best smartphone cameras fall short when compared to compact digital cameras. That’s the case with our standout entry, the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 V. This point-and-shoot camera isn’t only the best Sony camera in our estimation, it is one of the best digital cameras of any brand.

The DSC-RX100 V features a 20.1 megapixel, 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor to help you achieve high-resolution shots without having to worry about manually focusing. Meanwhile, the BIONZ X image processor gives your photographs more vibrancy than some of the other cameras on our list. Meanwhile, with a 0.05-second hybrid autofocus, you snapshots quickly and effectively. If you plan to take in-motion photographs, you will appreciate this feature.

If you prefer to shoot a video, this camera can truly deliver. With a 4K format, slow-motion capabilities, balance control and color correction, your videos can turn out the way you want virtually every time. When you are finished taking photos or capturing a video, share content quickly with Wi-Fi and NFC connections. While this camera has some great features, it also has a few drawbacks. Users sometimes complained about the lack of a touchscreen on the DSC-RX100 V. Also, some reported poor battery life and short tele-zoom coverage. Nonetheless, for an effective all-around camera, the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 V tops our list.

Price: Starting around $850.

Specifications:

• 10 fps shooting speed
• 4 Megapixel quality
• 32,000 Maximum ISO
• Rear-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor

The Sony A7R III is an exciting, professional-grade, mirrorless camera. While its price tag may give you sticker shock, the 42.4-megapixel back-illuminated sensor and gapless on-chip lens design of this camera take excellent photos.

The advanced hybrid autofocus system combined with silent shooting and weather sealing make this camera the perfect option for taking photographs at weddings and other intimate affairs. Meanwhile, the long battery life on this piece of equipment guarantees you won’t run out of juice before you capture your perfect shot. Nonetheless, there are some disadvantages to owning the Sony A7R III. A few consumers found this camera to be unnecessarily heavy and difficult to transport. Others complained about the lack of an integrated flash and XQD card slot. Still, for a professional-grade camera that takes exquisite photos, the Sony A7R III is about as good as it gets.

Price: Starting around $2,850

Specifications:

• 20 fps shooting speed
• 2 Megapixel quality
• 51,200 Maximum ISO
• Full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor

While the Sony A9 is one of the most expensive on our list, it boasts some of the most robust features. The articulating touch screen makes using this camera simple and intuitive. Meanwhile, the in-body, five-axis stabilization feature helps you take professional-grade shots without worrying about vibrations or jitters. The camera’s long battery life, 4K video capabilities and enabled Wi-Fi are some more reasons consumers love the Sony A9.

As with every other camera on our list, the Sony A9 is not perfect. Some users found the single UHS-II slot to be limiting. Others complained about the uncompressed raw capture, which cuts speed to only 12 frames per second, despite an overall rating of 20 fps. The high price of this professional-grade camera also caused some would-be buyers to balk. Still, we love this camera for its photo quality and user-friendly interface.

Price: Starting at $4,100

Specifications:

• 24 fps shooting speed
• 1 Megapixel quality
• 12,800 Maximum ISO BSI-CMOS sensor

Taking a break from the expensive, professional-grade cameras, we rank the Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV next on our list. This point-and-shoot alternative is perfect for most users. The high-image quality on this camera is optimal for capturing most types of photos. The fast autofocus and powerful zoom lens make the user feel like a professional, even though the camera is not professional-grade.

Users typically fall in love with the super slow-motion feature and super-speed anti-distortion shutter. The long battery life, along with built-in Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth capabilities are some bonus selling points. Nonetheless, while this is not a professional-grade camera, it isn’t cheap. The autofocus system is also better suited for taking still photographs than video, causing some buyers to express disappointment.

Price: Starting at $624

Specifications:

• 12 fps shooting speed
• 24 Megapixel quality
• 25,600 Maximum ISO
• APS-C CMOS sensor

The fifth entry on our list bridges the space between amateur and professional-grade cameras. The Sony Alpha A77 II features exceptional build quality. It also takes high-quality photographs and decent videos. The major advantage of this piece of equipment is its dynamic range. A fast, single-shot autofocus allows users to capture clear photos of fast-moving objects. Additionally, the built-in image stabilization and built-in flash make the Alpha A77 II a versatile camera.

For a camera that doesn’t quite rise to the professional-grade level, the Alpha A77 II is relatively expensive. It also lacks a 4K mode, something that often comes standard on more budget-friendly cameras. Also, the single SD card slot may be inadequate for viracious photos. Some users found the menu system to be over-complicated and others complained about the camera’s limited battery life. Nonetheless, we like this camera for its high-quality photos and superior capabilities.

Price: Starting at $1,198

Specifications:

• 10 fps shooting speed
• 18 Megapixel quality
• 12,800 Maximum ISO
• 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor

The final camera on our list is the most budget-friendly. As such, it is perfect for amateur photographers who want to capture good-quality photos without breaking the bank. The Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 has an impressive five-axis Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, helping to reduce the occurrence of blurry photographs that are common with novice photographers. The many scene modes also help amateurs capture enviable photographs in a variety of situations.

Even though this camera is optimal for first-time or inexperienced photographers, it isn’t perfect. Many users report frustration with the comparatively slow shooting speed. Others found the 18-MP quality to be lacking. Many, though, said they could not tell the difference between photos snapped with the Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 and more expensive cameras. In our estimation, that makes this a fantastic starter camera for the photography hobbyist.

Price: Starting at $350