In this article, we’ll take a look at the entire Sony mirrorless camera lineup and compare each model to see which one is right for you.
Sony has a wide range of mirrorless cameras, from entry-level models to high-end professional offerings.
In recent years, Sony has been the clear leader in the mirrorless camera market, with its Alpha series of cameras consistently earning high marks from reviewers and professional photographers alike.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Sony A1 (the best of the best)
The Sony A1 is considered the flagship model in Sony’s mirrorless lineup.
It’s about the best camera you can get. While many photographers gradually upgrade over the years, there is no upgrading from the Sony A1.
It’s a full-frame camera with a 50.1-megapixel sensor and 8K video recording capabilities. It’s aimed at professional photographers and videographers who need the highest level of performance from their camera.
The A1 has an impressive autofocus system that can keep up with fast-moving subjects, as well as 5-axis image stabilization for shake-free photos and videos. It’s also one of the first cameras to offer built-in WiFi 6 connectivity for fast and reliable transfers to your computer or other devices.
If you’re looking for the best possible image quality and performance from a Sony mirrorless camera, the A1 is the way to go.
However, it comes at a premium price point of around $6,500.
It can go up from there depending on the memory card.
- With SEL 200600G: $8,500
- With SEL1635GM: $8,700
- With 2470GM2: $8,800
- With SEL100400GM: $9,000
- With 70200GM2: $9,300
- With SEL1224GM: $9,400
Sony A1
Sony A9 series (fast performance)
Sony A9
The Sony A9 series consists of two models: the A9 and the A9 II.
Both cameras are aimed at professional photographers who need fast performance and excellent image quality. The A9 is a full-frame camera with a 24.2-megapixel sensor, while the A9 II ups the ante with a 42.4-megapixel sensor.
Both cameras offer fast autofocus and burst shooting speeds, as well as 4K video recording. The A9 II also has in-body image stabilization, which is a big plus for videographers and anyone who wants to avoid camera shake in their photos and videos.
The A9 series cameras are some of the most expensive in Sony’s lineup, with the A9 II coming in at around $4500.
A9 II
The A9 II is the top-of-the-line model in Sony’s mirrorless lineup. It’s a full-frame camera with a 42.4-megapixel sensor and 4K video recording capabilities.
It offers fast autofocus and burst shooting speeds, as well as 5-axis image stabilization for shake-free photos and videos. It’s also one of the first cameras to offer built-in WiFi 6 connectivity for fast and reliable transfers to your computer or other devices.
The A9 II is one of the most expensive camera in Sony’s mirrorless lineup, with a price tag of around $5,900.
Sony A7 series (compact full-frame)
The Sony A7 series is made up of three models: the A7, the A7R, and the A7S.
All three cameras are full-frame mirrorless cameras, but they differ in terms of sensor size and resolution. The A7 has a 24.3-megapixel sensor, the A7R has a 36.4-megapixel sensor, and the A7S has a 12.2-megapixel sensor.
The A7 series cameras are all compact and lightweight, making them a good choice for travel photographers or anyone who wants to avoid carrying around a bulky camera.
They all offer excellent image quality, though the A7S is particularly well-suited for low-light photography thanks to its large pixel size. The A7 series cameras can also all record 4K video, with the A7S offering particularly good video quality thanks to its full-frame sensor.
Sony A7R series (R = resolution)
Sony A7R IV / A7R IVA
The Sony A7R IV is the latest iteration of Sony’s popular A7R series of mirrorless cameras.
It features a full-frame 42.4-megapixel sensor and can record 4K video at up to 30 frames per second. It’s a great choice for professional photographers who need high-resolution photos and videos for their work.
Like the A1, the A7R IV has an excellent autofocus system and 5-axis image stabilization. It also offers built-in WiFi 6 connectivity and a touchscreen LCD display.
The A7R IV is priced at around $3500, making it more affordable than the A1 while still offering excellent image quality and performance.
Sony A7R IV
Sony A7R III / A7R IIIA
The Sony A7 III is a more affordable option in Sony’s full-frame mirrorless camera lineup.
It has a 24.2-megapixel sensor and can record 4K video at up to 30 frames per second. It’s a great choice for photographers who want full-frame image quality without the premium price tag.
The A7 III offers many of the same features as the higher-end models, including an autofocus system that can keep up with fast-moving subjects, 5-axis image stabilization, and built-in WiFi 6 connectivity.
It’s priced at around $2000, making it one of the most affordable full-frame mirrorless cameras on the market.
Sony A7R III
Sony A7R II / A7R IIIA
The Sony A7R II is a full-frame mirrorless camera with a 42.4-megapixel sensor. It’s a great choice for photographers who need high-resolution photos and videos for their work.
The A7R II offers excellent image quality, thanks to its large pixel size and full-frame sensor. It can also record 4K video at up to 30 frames per second.
Like the A1, the A7R II has an excellent autofocus system and 5-axis image stabilization. It also offers built-in WiFi 6 connectivity and a touchscreen LCD display.
The A7R II is priced at around $1,100, making it more affordable than the A1 while still offering excellent image quality and performance.
Sony A7R
The A7R is the original model in Sony’s A7 series of mirrorless cameras.
It has a 36.4-megapixel sensor and can record 4K video at up to 30 frames per second. It’s a great choice for photographers who need high-resolution photos and videos for their work.
The A7R offers excellent image quality, thanks to its large pixel size and full-frame sensor. It can also record 4K video at up to 30 frames per second.
Like the A1, the A7R has an excellent autofocus system and 5-axis image stabilization. It also offers built-in WiFi 6 connectivity and a touchscreen LCD display.
The A7R is priced at under $1,000, making it more affordable than the A1 while still offering excellent image quality and performance.
However, it is such an old model at this point that it is difficult to find. And if you do, there’s a very high likelihood it’s been pre-owned.
Sony A7S series (S = sensitivity)
The Sony A7S series is made up of three models: the A7S, the A7S II, and the A7S III.
Both cameras are full-frame mirrorless cameras, but they differ in terms of sensor size and resolution. The A7S has a 12.2-megapixel sensor, while the A7S II has a 24.3-megapixel sensor.
The A7S series cameras are both compact and lightweight, making them a good choice for travel photographers or anyone who wants to avoid carrying around a bulky camera.
They both offer excellent image quality, though the A7S is particularly well-suited for low-light photography thanks to its large pixel size. The A7S series cameras can also both record 4K video, with the A7S II offering particularly good video quality thanks to its full-frame sensor.
Sony A7S III
The Sony A7S III is the latest model in Sony’s A7S series of mirrorless cameras.
It has a 12.1-megapixel sensor and can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. It’s a great choice for photographers who need high-resolution photos and videos for their work.
The A7S III offers excellent image quality, thanks to its large pixel size and full-frame sensor. It can also record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, making it the perfect choice for videographers who need high-quality footage.
Like the A1, the A7S III has an excellent autofocus system and 5-axis image stabilization. It also offers built-in WiFi 6 connectivity and a touchscreen LCD display.
The A7S III is priced at around $3,500, making it one of the most expensive mirrorless cameras on the market.
However, its excellent image quality and performance make it worth the price tag for serious photographers and videographers.
It can also go up based on lens and memory card:
- With SELP1635G: $4,700
- With 3SF14GM: $4,800
- With 24mm F1.4 G Master Lens: $4,800
- With 16-35mm G Master Lens: $5,700
- With 2470GM2: $5,800
Sony A7S II
The Sony A7S II is a high-end, full-frame camera designed for professional photographers and videographers.
It’s packed with features that enable it to capture stunning images and videos, including a 12.2-megapixel sensor, 4K video recording, and a 5-axis image stabilization system.
The A7S II is also capable of shooting at up to 10 frames per second, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects.
If you’re in the market for a top-of-the-line camera that can do it all, the Sony A7S II is definitely worth considering.
The A7S II is now a mature part of the lineup, so most will come used (renewed).
Sony A7S
The Sony A7S is a professional-grade camera that is perfect for capturing high-quality images and videos.
It features a full-frame sensor, 4K video recording, and a powerful autofocus system.
The A7S is also weather-sealed and dust-resistant, making it ideal for use in all kinds of environments.
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line camera that can handle anything you throw at it, the Sony A7S is the perfect choice.
The Sony A7S is an older model, so you may not be able to find one.
Sony A7 series
The A7 combines price and quality.
Sony A7 IV
The Sony A7 IV is the latest model in Sony’s A7 series of mirrorless cameras.
It has a 61-megapixel sensor and can record 4K video at up to 30 frames per second. It’s a great choice for photographers who need high-resolution photos and videos for their work.
The A7 IV offers excellent image quality, thanks to its large pixel size and full-frame sensor. It can also record 4K video at up to 30 frames per second, making it a good choice for videographers who need high-quality footage.
Like the A1, the A7 IV has an excellent autofocus system and 5-axis image stabilization. It also offers built-in WiFi 6 connectivity and a touchscreen LCD display.
The Sony A7 IV combines quality and price, retailing for around $2,500, making it the most expensive mirrorless cameras in the A7 series.
However, its excellent image quality and performance make it worth the price tag for serious photographers and videographers.
Sony A7 IV
Sony A7 III
The Sony A7 III is a high-end camera that offers excellent features and performance.
It has a 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, 4K video recording, and advanced autofocus system. The camera is also weather-sealed and has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity.
Overall, the Sony A7 III is an excellent choice for photographers who need a powerful and feature-rich camera.
The Sony A7 III has an MSRP of around $2,000.
Sony A7 III
Sony A7 II
The Sony A7 II is a full-frame mirrorless camera that was announced by Sony on November 16, 2014. It is the second camera of the Sony Alpha 7 series and the successor to the Sony A7.
The A7 II was the first full-frame camera to feature in-body image stabilization when it was announced in 2014.
The A7 II’s key features include a 5-axis image stabilization system, a 24.3 megapixel full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor, a BIONZ X image processor, an ISO sensitivity range of 100-25600 (expandable to 51200), a 4K video recording mode, and a 3″ tilting LCD display.
The camera also features built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, as well as a USB 3.0 port.
The Sony A7 II was succeeded by the Sony A7 III in February 2018.
It is a highly capable camera that offers excellent image quality, 4K video recording, and in-body image stabilization. If you’re looking for a full-frame mirrorless camera, the A7 II should definitely be on your radar.
The Sony A7 II often comes in at around $1,000 or less.
Sony A7 / A7K
The Sony A7 is a high-end, full-frame mirrorless camera that was released in late 2013. The A7K is a slightly updated version of the camera that was released in early 2014. Both cameras are aimed at professional and enthusiast photographers who want the quality of a full-frame DSLR, but in a smaller and lighter package.
The A7 has a 24.3 megapixel sensor, and the A7K has a 36.4 megapixel sensor. Both cameras are capable of shooting 4K video, and have built-in stabilization to help reduce shake when hand holding the camera. The A7 also has Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy sharing of photos and videos.
The Sony A7 series of cameras are some of the best on the market, and offer excellent image quality and performance. If you are looking for a high-end, full-frame mirrorless camera, then the A7 or A7K is a great option.
The A7 / A7K is now an older model and hard to find.
Sony A7C (Compact)
Sony A7C
The Sony A7C is a compact mirrorless camera that was announced in September 2020. It is the successor to the Sony A6100, and shares many of the same features and specifications.
The A7C has a 24.2 megapixel full-frame sensor, 4K video recording, and advanced autofocus system. The camera is also weather-sealed and has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity.
Overall, the Sony A7C is an excellent choice for photographers who need a powerful and feature-rich camera in a compact body.
The Sony A7C often retails for around $3,100.
Sony A6600 (Entry-Level)
Sony A6600
The Sony A6600 came out in 2019 as the successor to the A6500. It is a high-end mirrorless camera that offers excellent features and performance.
It has a 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, 4K video recording, and advanced autofocus system. The camera is also weather-sealed and has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity.
Overall, the Sony A6600 is an excellent choice for photographers who need a powerful and feature-rich camera.
The Sony A6600 starts at around $1,500.
Choosing the right one for you
It depends on your needs. If you need a fast performance, go for the Sony A9 series. If you need a high resolution, go for the Sony A7R series.
And if you need a high sensitivity, go for the Sony A7S series. But if you just need a good quality camera at a reasonable price, go for the Sony A7 series.
Best Sony Full Frame Camera for Photography
The Sony A9 is the best camera for photography if you need a fast performance.
The Sony A7R IV is the best camera for photography if you need a high resolution.
The Sony A7S III is the best camera for photography if you need a high sensitivity.
But if you just need a good quality camera at a reasonable price, go for the Sony A7 III.
Best Sony Full Frame Camera for Video
The Sony A9 is the best camera for video if you need a fast performance.
The Sony A7R IV is the best camera for video if you need a high resolution.
The Sony A7S III is the best camera for video if you need a high sensitivity.
But if you just need a good quality camera at a reasonable price, go for the Sony A7S II.
What’s the best all-around Sony full-frame camera?
The best all-around Sony full-frame camera is the Sony A7III. It’s a great camera for photography and video, and it’s reasonably priced.
If you need a fast performance, go for the Sony A9 series. If you need a high resolution, go for the Sony A7R series. And if you need a high sensitivity, go for the Sony A7S series. But if you just need a good quality camera at a reasonable price, go for the Sony A7 III.
FAQs – Sony Mirrorless Cameras Comparison
What is the best Sony full frame camera?
It depends on your needs. If you need a fast performance, go for the Sony A9 series. If you need a high resolution, go for the Sony A7R series. And if you need a high sensitivity, go for the Sony A7S series. But if you just need a good quality camera at a reasonable price, go for the Sony A7 III.
What’s the best all-around Sony full-frame camera?
The best all-around Sony full-frame camera, comparing performance and price, is possibly the Sony A7III. It’s a great camera for photography and video, and it’s reasonably priced.
If you need a fast performance, go for the Sony A9 series. If you need a high resolution, go for the Sony A7R series. And if you need a high sensitivity, go for the Sony A7S series. But if you just need a good quality camera at a reasonable price, go for the Sony A7 III.
What are the differences between the Sony A7III and A9?
The main difference between the Sony A7III and A9 is that the A9 has a higher frame rate (20 fps vs 8 fps), better autofocus system, and costs more.
So, if you need a fast performance and can afford it, go for the Sony A9. Otherwise, go for the Sony A7III.
What are the differences between the Sony A7III and A7RIII?
The main difference between the Sony A7III and A7RIII is that the A7RIII has a higher resolution (42.4 megapixels vs 24.2 megapixels), and costs more.
So, if you need a high resolution and can afford it, go for the Sony A7RIII. Otherwise, go for the Sony A7III.
What are the differences between the Sony A7III and A7SII?
The main difference between the Sony A7III and A7SII is that the A7SII has a higher sensitivity (12800 ISO vs 6400 ISO), and costs more.
So, if you need a high sensitivity and can afford it, go for the Sony A7SII. Otherwise, go for the Sony A7III.
Conclusion – Sony Mirrorless Cameras Comparison
The best camera depends on your needs. If you need a fast performance, go for the Sony A9 series. If you need a high resolution, go for the Sony A7R series.
And if you need a high sensitivity, go for the Sony A7S series.
But if you just need a good quality camera at a reasonable price, go for the Sony A7 III.
If you’re looking for an all-around great camera that isn’t too expensive, go for the Sony A7 III. It’s a great camera for photography and video, and it’s reasonably priced.
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