The Best Sony Camera for 2023

When you buy an interchangeable-lens camera (ILC), it's important to remember that the brand you choose dictates which lenses and accessories you can use. Sony might not be the first brand you look to—Canon and Nikon are more recognizable household names for photo gear, after all—but don't omit it from your search.

The company's E-mount mirrorless system offers the widest array of lenses, as well as next-gen autofocus with support for subject recognition and tracking. Sony has been making swappable lens cameras for close to two decades following its 2006 acquisition of Konica Minolta's camera business, and it was the first to market with a full-frame mirrorless body in late 2013.

Sony splits its swappable lens cameras into a few different families. The a6000 series offers consumer-friendly prices and sticks with the APS-C sensor size. Sony tunes its ZV vlogging cameras so non-pros can get good video results. Meanwhile, advanced amateurs and pros with better skill levels can look to the a1, a7, or a9 full-frame series. Finally, serious video creators should consider the FX cinema line.

All of the company's current swappable lens models use the same E-mount, which means you can swap lenses among different camera body styles. Flashes are also cross-compatible, including with some fixed-lens models.

Sony is currently going through a transition period for smartphone connectivity. Older models connect using the long-running Imaging Edge smartphone app (for Android and iOS). But newer models offer support for the Sony Creator's App (also available for Android and iOS). If you have a stable of Sony bodies, you might need to install a couple of different apps on your phone for on-the-go transfers and wireless remote control.

If you're shopping for a new camera to go with the Sony creative gear you already use or have decided to jump in with the brand due to its extensive lens selection and Real-time Tracking focus system, read on for our top recommendations.

The Sony a1 may evoke the thought of steak sauce for some but, in practice, the model name is more in sync with Tolkien—one camera to rule them all. Its 50MP Stacked CMOS sensor manages both high-resolution output and high-speed capture: full Raw quality at up to 30fps with subject tracking. There's no better Sony camera for demanding subjects like sports and wildlife. And for video, it supports 10-bit 8K30, 4K120 slow motion, and 16-bit 4:2:2 Raw output over HDMI.

At $6,500 without a lens, the Sony a1 makes the most sense for professional creators and rich hobbyists. It's the camera you're most likely to see in the hands of photojournalists (Associated Press staffers use Sony gear exclusively) or on the sidelines of an NFL game. The autofocus system is fantastic, and you get an Ethernet connection for rapid photo transfers to an editor if you're working on location. Hobbyists who specialize in birds, wildlife, or team sports should also find the focus speed and pixel count useful. The same is true for video; the 8K resolution lets you reframe in the editing room and still output a 4K image. Plus, you can drop down to 4K for faster frame rates and slimmer file sizes.

The Sony a6400 is the best starter camera for aspiring photographers and advanced amateurs because it goes a bit beyond the basics—its body uses quality magnesium alloy components, while its Real-time Tracking autofocus reliably keeps up with people, pets, and other moving subjects at up to 11fps. For video, 4K30 recording should satisfy new creators, though the 8-bit output limits the extent of color and exposure edits.

The a6400 is a solid all-around performer, which makes it easy to recommend to a broad audience. Young creators stepping up from a smartphone can enjoy the flexibility to change lenses and advanced users should appreciate the option to adjust settings manually. If there's a weak point, it's the camera's video capabilities: The sensor isn't stabilized and the in-camera mic is underwhelming. Think about the ZV-E10 for vlogs, or look at the premium a6600 for a similar camera with a stabilized sensor.

The a7R V uses Sony's highest-resolution full-frame sensor to output 60MP photos and 8K video. It also includes the best implementation of Real Time Tracking focus yet, with AI-assisted subject recognition for people, wildlife, and vehicles at up to 10fps. An ultra-sharp EVF, a dual-hinge LCD, and a tough weather-protected body round out the package.

The a7R V's huge pixel count should appeal to landscape and fine art photographers who make a living selling big prints, as well as wildlife watchers who often need to crop in tight to get a clear view of a critter. It's a much faster version of the a7R IV, which is still available for less if you want the pixels but don't need the next-gen focus system.

The Sony a7 IV is the full-frame camera to get if you're interested in starting with the Sony system or eying an upgrade from an older a7 series cam. It offers plenty of pixels (33MP to be precise), supports 4K60 video with 10-bit colors, and has the latest version of Sony's Real-time Tracking autofocus system with eye detection for people, pets, and wildlife. The latter should lead to more in-focus action shots than you can get with the a7 III.

The a7 IV is the best full-frame camera (from any brand) for photographers who want better-than-entry-level specs. It suits both stills- and video-focused creators, with a feature set that tilts more toward the enthusiast segment. Some of the features may overwhelm beginners (especially the many types of flat video profiles), but you can always swap to Auto mode if you're looking for a camera that gives you room to grow.

The ZV-E1 has loads of features for video creators who often work solo, including AI-assisted framing tools that help you stay in the center of a shot even when you change the camera angle. Stabilized 4K video with 10-bit color and the S-Cinetone profile, along with a cinematic vlogging mode, are additional highlights.

We like the ZV-E1 for pro vloggers who usually work without the benefit of a film crew. Its AI-powered assists, stabilized sensor, and quality in-camera audio are also good for creators who don't want to deal with a load of accessories. Its price is in line with other full-frame models though, so you might want to look at the crop-sensor ZV-E10 or FX30 if you are just starting out.

The RX100 VII is the camera to get if a pocket-friendly size is your top priority. It's a premium option, for sure, but that's in line with Sony's recent push into the high-end segment of the imaging market. The compact model offers plenty of zoom power (24-200mm F2.8-4) and a Type 1 Stacked CMOS sensor for snappy focus and blurry backgrounds. A pop-up viewfinder adds appeal for shutterbugs, while 4K recording support should attract video creators. If you're more about vlogs, however, the ZV-1 is similar in size and quite a bit cheaper.

We see the RX100 VII as a good option for photographers who typically use a changeable lens model, but want a pocket-friendly option that offers more versatility than a smartphone. The RX100 VII's zoom power, macro capabilities, and big image sensor work together to better the latest Apple and Samsung flagships. An EVF and thicker body style also make for a much better ergonomic experience.

The a6100 is a capable camera for family photographers and shutterbugs who are just getting started with a swappable lens model. It focuses just as quickly as the pricier a6400, but has a less premium build and cuts back on some video features. Despite those compromises, you still get tracking focus at 11fps, Raw imaging, and 4K30 recording.

The a6100 is an excellent value choice. It's missing some features from the a6400 but doesn't sacrifice image quality or autofocus speed.

The RX10 bridge camera looks a lot like an ILC, with a large grip, an electronic viewfinder, and a big lens. You can't change out the 24-600mm F2.4-4.0 lens, but it's quite capable for everything from snapping landscapes to zooming in on wildlife in your backyard. Rounding out its features are a speedy autofocus system with eye detection for people and pets, as well as an oversized Type 1 image sensor that enables blurred-out backgrounds for a more professional look.

We are well aware that the camera's $1,700 price is somewhat staggering, so if you're after an affordable long zoom model like this, you should think about moving to another brand. Regardless, for the Sony faithful who love snapping photos of critters at the zoo or capturing close-up action at sporting events, the RX10 IV is among your best options. We also like it for travel, as its weather protection and relatively small size (compared with an ILC and lens that matches this zoom rage) are both advantages.

The Sony a7C packs all of the imaging prowess of the a7 III into a smaller, more affordable package. The 24MP full-frame camera isn't much bigger than an a6400 and benefits from Real-Time Tracking focus, a feature Sony never managed to work into the a7 III. The rangefinder-style body's corner viewfinder might not appeal to everyone, but a long-lasting battery makes this camera sensible for world travelers.

Fans of rangefinder-style cameras should like the a7C because it's one of the few full-frame options with this design. The camera's compact size also makes it a good match for smaller primes and zooms in a svelte kit. Vloggers should consider the a7C for its stabilized sensor and front-facing display, too. But if you often use telephoto glass, we recommend stepping up to the a7 IV.

The ZV-E10 repackages nearly all of the a6400's features into a camera body that's ideal for vlogging and videos. It skips the viewfinder in favor of a high-quality microphone and offers a swing-out screen that lets you monitor yourself as you record. This Sony model makes a lot of sense with sensible lenses like the E PZ 10-20mm F4 G or E 11mm F1.8, in particular.

The ZV-E10 should appeal to video-first creators interested in making student films and vlogs for YouTube. It's just as capable as the a6400 for stills, though photographers might lament the lack of a viewfinder. The in-camera microphone is a big upgrade versus photo-first cameras, but we still recommend adding a gimbal if you want tripod-quality stabilization and the creative versatility handheld work affords. As for alternatives, the ZV-E1 is an upmarket, full-frame alternative with sensor stabilization that goes for $2,200, while the $1,800 FX30 is a midrange step-up option.

The Sony FX3 is the video-first version of the hybrid a7S III. Although we continue to recommend the latter to stills-videos hybrid creators, the FX3 is a better camera if you care only about video. The FX3 body is ideal for pro video capture, with mounting points for accessories such as a low-angle handle with an XLR audio input. As for specs, the camera records 10-bit 4:2:2 4K60, has a built-in fan for reliable operation under hot lights, and features dust and splash protection for use on location.

The FX3 is a professional cinema camera, so beginners and dilettantes need not apply: You should know what you are doing before you pick it up. Its compact design is a good fit for documentary, location, and travelogue projects. And its light weight opens up the possibility for use with the Sony Airpeak S1 drone platform.

If you’re not dead set on a Sony camera, check out our recommendations for the best DSLR and mirrorless cameras from any manufacturer.

We also have buying guides for Canon, Fuji, Micro Four Thirds, and Nikon lenses if you’re so inclined.