Sony has a huge lineup of cameras, and it can get really confusing working out which one is right for you. Each line exists for a different reason, so in this guide I go through every Sony camera, from the compact RX and ZV cameras to APS-C, the A7 series, and the flagship A1 and A9, with what each one is best for and whether I'd recommend it.
I've shot with every one of these, and you'll find sample photos from my reviews throughout this post. The video has many more samples for each camera, so it's worth watching alongside.
Sony's camera lineup at a glance
Here's the quick version of how Sony's cameras fit together:
| Type | Cameras | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Compact | RX1R, RX100, ZV-1 | Travel, street and everyday shooting |
| APS-C | A6700, ZV-E10 II | Smaller, more affordable hybrid kits and content creation |
| Compact full frame | A7C II, A7CR | Travel, vlogging and second bodies |
| Full frame all-rounder | A7 III, A7 IV, A7 V | Portraits, weddings, travel: the do-it-all line |
| High resolution | A7R V, A7R VI | Landscape, studio and commercial work |
| Low light and video | A7S III, ZV-E1 | Videographers and low light |
| Flagship | A1 II, A9 III | Sports, wildlife, weddings and pro video |
Sony compact cameras: RX1R III, RX100 and ZV-1
Sony RX1R III
The RX1R III is Sony's premium compact: a full-frame 61-megapixel sensor and a fixed 35mm lens in a body you can fit in your pocket. It's perfect for street and travel photography, and the image quality is incredible for its size. The downsides are no IBIS, weak video and a very premium price tag. Still, if you want a pocketable, stills-only, high-resolution camera, there really isn't anything else like it. See my full RX1R III review for more.
Shooting with the RX1R III.
Sony RX100 series
The RX100 is a 1-inch sensor point-and-shoot with a built-in flash and a high-quality zoom, now up to the Mark VII. I still use my RX100 IV to this day. I never upgraded because the newer models swapped the 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 lens for a slower 24-200mm and dropped the internal ND filter. Find out which version I think is the best one to buy, especially if you're after that digicam look.
Shooting with the RX100.
Sony ZV-1 II
The ZV-1 II is another 1-inch compact, designed for vlogging. The usability and image quality are good, but I find the stabilisation lacking, and honestly I don't recommend this line right now. It's getting old, and there are better vlogging cameras out there, like the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 with its built-in gimbal.
Sony APS-C cameras: A6700 and ZV-E10 II
Sony A6700
The A6000 series is Sony's crop sensor range, and the latest is the A6700. These are versatile mid-range cameras for all kinds of photo and video work. APS-C gives you a smaller, lighter and cheaper kit with more reach, but it doesn't perform as well in low light, and it's harder to get lots of background blur. Do I recommend it? Yes, if you want the perfect balance of size, price and performance and don't need full frame. Read my Sony A6700 review for lots more samples.
Sony A6700, edited with my Dulce preset.
Sony ZV-E10 II
The ZV-E10 II shares the A6700's sensor but is more content and video focused, with no mechanical shutter. It's best for beginners, social media creators and anyone on a budget. Like I said in my ZV-E10 II review, for a bit more money the A6700 gives you more features and more bang for your buck, depending on your local pricing. I also reviewed the original ZV-E10.
The original Sony ZV-E10, edited with my Amalfi preset.
Sony compact full frame: A7C II and A7CR
Sony A7C II
The A7C II is the most entry-level full-frame camera in Sony's lineup. It has the same sensor as the A7 IV in a light, compact body, so it's fantastic for travel, vlogging, everyday shooting or as a second body. The catches: a single card slot, a small EVF and no full mechanical shutter. There's also a reason I'd be cautious about buying it right now. It's one of the cameras in my best beginner camera for portraits comparison.
Sony A7C II, edited with my Mountains preset.
Sony A7CR
If you want high-resolution files but don't need a mechanical shutter or dual card slots, the A7CR puts the A7R V's 61-megapixel sensor in the A7C body. I used it while travelling and it's really fun to use with stunning results, though I don't personally need such big files. Here's my A7CR review.
Shooting with the A7CR.
Sony A7 series: A7 III, A7 IV and A7 V
This is probably Sony's most well-known line, and it's the one I use most. The A7 IV and A7 V are both great all-rounders with a 33-megapixel sensor, and the A7 V is now semi-stacked for fast-paced shooting. Honestly, it doesn't really matter which one you go for in 2026. They give you excellent image quality, great autofocus and a light full-frame body, which is why I use mine for travel, portraits and weddings. There's one thing to keep in mind compared with the flagships. See my Sony A7 IV review and my A7 V review.
Sony A7 IV, edited with my Earthy preset.
I can't talk about the A7 line without the famous A7 III. It has Sony's old menu system, but it still holds up today, and if you find one at a good price it's such a great way to get started with full frame. I've shot loads of portraits with it, like these with the Sigma 85mm f1.4 Art.
Sony high resolution: A7R V and A7R VI
The A7R line is Sony's highest-resolution full frame, perfect for landscape, commercial and studio work and for heavy cropping. The trade-off is bigger files, so you'll need more storage and a faster computer. When I made my video, the A7R V was the latest model. Sony has since released the A7R VI, with a 66.8-megapixel stacked sensor, and I've reviewed it here. Read my Sony A7R V review for samples from the A7R V.
Sony A7R V, edited with my Earthy preset.
Sony low light and video: A7S III and ZV-E1
Sony A7S III
The A7S III has the lowest-resolution full-frame sensor in Sony's lineup at 12 megapixels, and it's built for video and low light. It's about 6 years old now, but it has excellent noise control and good 4K, and I still use it. You can shoot stills on it too, like my night street photography with the A7S III.
Sony A7S III.
Sony ZV-E1
The ZV-E1 shares its sensor with the A7S III and FX3. If you don't need an EVF, dual card slots or a mechanical shutter, it's a cheaper way into videography and content creation. Sony hasn't updated it in a while, though, so keep that in mind before you buy.
Sony flagships: A1 II and A9 III
Sony A1 II
The A1 II is Sony's flagship all-rounder for stills and video, with a 50-megapixel stacked sensor, 8K video, fast shooting and silent shooting. It's top of the line for sports, wildlife, weddings and video. The downsides are the price and that it's probably overkill for a lot of situations. Here's my A1 II review.
Shooting with the A1 II.
Sony A9 III
The A9 III has the only global shutter sensor in the mirrorless market, so it's made for the very fastest situations. It was marketed for sports, but I think it's a very underrated video camera, and I've used it for my videos since it came out. It's also a great wedding camera for fast action and tricky light. The cons are the price and the 24-megapixel files, which don't leave much room for cropping. Here's my A9 III review.
Shooting fast action with the A9 III.
Sony camera prices
Prices checked in October 2026, body only unless noted. Older models like the A7 III, A7S III and RX100 are getting harder to find new, so check the second-hand market too.
| Camera | US price | Australian price |
|---|---|---|
| RX1R III | US$5,099 RRP | A$7,999 RRP |
| A6700 | US$1,498 | A$2,299 |
| ZV-E10 II (with 16-50mm) | US$1,298 | A$1,799.95 |
| A7C II | – | A$2,799 |
| A7CR | – | A$3,999 |
| A7 IV | US$1,998 | A$3,099 |
| A7 V | US$2,898 | A$3,999 |
| A7R VI | US$4,498 | A$6,999 RRP |
| A1 II | US$6,998 | A$8,999 |
Which Sony camera should you buy?
If you want one camera that does everything well, I'd get the A7 IV or A7 V. That's what I use for portraits, travel and weddings. If you want something smaller and cheaper, the A6700 is the sweet spot. For a compact full-frame travel camera, look at the A7C II, and for the most resolution, the A7R line. The A1 II and A9 III are amazing, but most people won't need them. I'd skip the ZV-1 II for vlogging. Tell me in the comments of the video which one you use!
Sony cameras FAQ
What is the best Sony camera for beginners?
For full frame, the A7C II is Sony's most entry-level option, and the A7 IV is a great do-it-all choice. For a smaller budget, the A6700 is the best balance of size, price and performance.
What's the difference between the Sony A7 IV and A7 V?
Both have a 33-megapixel full-frame sensor. The A7 V's sensor is semi-stacked, which helps with fast-moving subjects. Both are great choices in 2026.
Is the Sony A7 III still worth buying?
Yes. It has the older menu system, but if you can find one at a good price it's still a great way to start shooting full frame.
Which Sony camera is best for video?
The A7S III and ZV-E1 are built for video and low light. I also use the A9 III for my YouTube videos, and the A1 II shoots 8K.
What is the difference between the Sony A7C II and A7CR?
The A7C II has the A7 IV's 33-megapixel sensor, while the A7CR has the A7R V's 61-megapixel sensor. Both are in the same compact body, with a single card slot.
Is the Sony ZV-1 II good for vlogging?
It's easy to use and the image quality is good, but I find the stabilisation lacking. A DJI Osmo Pocket is a better vlogging camera right now.
The photos in this post were edited with my Dulce, Amalfi, Mountains and Earthy presets. Browse all my packs in the Lightroom Presets for Portraits collection, and if you're stuck between a few, you can buy any 3 presets and save 10%.
0 comments