This article contains affiliate links, if you purchase using these links we may get commission.
When it comes to creating high-quality videos, having the right camera is crucial. Sony is a brand that has been known to produce some of the best cameras for video, making it a popular choice among professionals and amateurs alike. In this article, we will be discussing the best Sony cameras for video.
When choosing a Sony camera for video, there are a few critical things to consider. One of the most important factors is the camera’s ability to shoot in 4K resolution, which is becoming the industry standard for video. Other factors to consider include image stabilization, autofocus, low-light performance, and battery life.
After researching and testing several Sony cameras, we have identified the top models that excel in these areas.
Whether you are a professional videographer or a beginner looking to improve your video quality, we have you covered.
In this article, we will be sharing our top picks for the best Sony cameras for video, so you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next camera.
Best Sony Cameras for Video
We’ve scoured the market to bring you the best Sony cameras for video. Whether you’re a professional videographer or a beginner looking to up your game, these cameras offer top-notch video quality, advanced features, and user-friendly interfaces.
From mirrorless to DSLR, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list below to find the perfect Sony camera for your video needs.
Sony ZV-1 Camera for Content Creators and Vloggers
If you are a content creator or vlogger looking for a compact and easy-to-use camera, then the Sony ZV-1 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 20.1MP stacked back illuminated 1” Exmor RS CMOS sensor w/ DRAM and large aperture 24-70mm1 F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens delivers stunning image and video quality.
- The Fast Hybrid Autofocus and Real Time Eye Autofocus and Real-time Autofocus tracking makes it easy to keep your subject in focus.
- The Side flip-out 3.0” LCD screen that also tilts up and down for easier to compose selfie shots is a nice touch.
Cons
- The battery life is not great, so you may need to carry extra batteries or a power bank with you.
- The camera is a bit on the pricey side, so it may not be the best option if you are on a tight budget.
- The camera can get a bit hot when recording for extended periods of time.
We have been using the Sony ZV-1 for a while now, and we are impressed with its overall performance. The camera is easy to use and delivers stunning image and video quality.
The Fast Hybrid Autofocus and Real Time Eye Autofocus and Real-time Autofocus tracking make it easy to keep your subject in focus, even when they are moving around.
We also love the Side flip-out 3.0” LCD screen that also tilts up and down for easier to compose selfie shots. This is a great feature for vloggers who need to see themselves while recording.
One downside of the Sony ZV-1 is the battery life. It’s not great, so you may need to carry extra batteries or a power bank with you if you plan on recording for an extended period of time.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Sony ZV-1 to any content creator or vlogger looking for a compact and easy-to-use camera that delivers great image and video quality.
Sony Alpha 7R IV Full Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera
If you’re looking for a high-resolution camera that can deliver stunning images and videos, the Sony Alpha 7R IV is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The world’s first 61MP full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R sensor delivers incredibly sharp and detailed images.
- The 15-stop dynamic range and 14-bit uncompressed RAW allow for a wide range of color and tonal gradations.
- The Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF for human, animal, and movie subjects make it easy to keep your subject in focus.
Cons
- The camera can be quite noisy, which can be an issue when shooting in low-light situations.
- The micro HDMI port is fragile and can easily break if not handled carefully.
- The battery life is not great, and you may need to carry extra batteries if you plan to shoot for an extended period.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the Sony Alpha 7R IV, and we were impressed by its capabilities. The camera features a 61MP sensor, which delivers incredibly sharp and detailed images.
The 15-stop dynamic range and 14-bit uncompressed RAW allow for a wide range of color and tonal gradations, making it easy to capture stunning images in any lighting conditions.
One of the standout features of the Sony Alpha 7R IV is the Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF. These features make it easy to keep your subject in focus, even when they’re moving around.
We were impressed by how well the camera was able to track our subject, even when they were moving quickly.
However, there are a few downsides to the Sony Alpha 7R IV. The camera can be quite noisy, which can be an issue when shooting in low-light situations.
We also found that the micro HDMI port is fragile and can easily break if not handled carefully. Finally, the battery life is not great, and you may need to carry extra batteries if you plan to shoot for an extended period.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Sony Alpha 7R IV to anyone looking for a high-resolution camera that can deliver stunning images and videos. While it does have a few downsides, the camera’s impressive capabilities make it well worth considering.
Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Digital SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens Kit + Prime TTL Accessory Bundle with 128GB Memory & Photo/Video Editing Software
If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile camera that can capture stunning photos and videos, the Sony Alpha a7 III is definitely worth considering.
With its full-frame sensor, 4K UHD video capabilities, and fast continuous shooting, this camera is perfect for capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments just as you like.
Pros
- With a 24.2MP full-frame sensor and ISO up to 204800, the Sony Alpha a7 III offers outstanding imaging capability and high-speed performance contained in a compact body.
- The camera can shoot in a continuous burst at up to 10fps with AF/AE tracking and up to 8fps burst shooting when shooting with live-view mode.
- The Sony Alpha a7 III comes with a complete Automatic TTL High Speed Flash with multi-mode options and a 5 Piece Video/Software Editing Software Package.
Cons
- The Sony Alpha a7 III can be quite expensive, which may be a deal-breaker for some buyers.
- The camera’s battery life could be better, especially when shooting in continuous burst mode.
- Some users have reported issues with the included commander remote not functioning despite replacing the battery and contacting Sony customer service.
We recently had the opportunity to try out the Sony Alpha a7 III, and we were thoroughly impressed by its performance.
The camera is incredibly easy to use, and we were able to capture stunning photos and videos with minimal effort. The 28-70mm lens that comes with the camera is also very versatile, making it perfect for a wide range of shooting situations.
One of the things we loved most about the Sony Alpha a7 III is its fast continuous shooting capabilities. Whether we were capturing action shots or simply trying to get the perfect shot of a moving subject, the camera performed flawlessly.
We also appreciated the camera’s compact size, which made it easy to take with us wherever we went.
Overall, we would highly recommend the Sony Alpha a7 III to anyone looking for a powerful and versatile camera that can capture stunning photos and videos.
While it may be a bit pricey, we believe that the camera’s performance and features are well worth the investment.
Sony a7 II Full-Frame Alpha Mirrorless Digital Camera
If you’re looking for a high-quality camera that is perfect for video, the Sony a7 II Full-Frame Alpha Mirrorless Digital Camera is a great option. With its 24.3MP resolution and 5-axis image stabilization, this camera is designed to capture stunning images and smooth video footage.
Pros
- The camera comes with a full Sony USA warranty and is authorized by Sony.
- The 5-axis in-body image stabilization ensures that your videos are smooth and free from camera shake.
- The camera is compatible with Sony’s E-mount lenses and others with adaptors.
Cons
- The stock lens it comes with could be better.
- Some of the free video and photo editing products that come with the camera are not very good.
- The camera is a bit expensive.
We’ve had the chance to use the Sony a7 II Full-Frame Alpha Mirrorless Digital Camera, and we’re impressed with its performance.
The camera is easy to use and produces high-quality images and video. We love the 5-axis image stabilization, which ensures that our videos are smooth and free from camera shake.
The camera is also compatible with a wide range of lenses, making it a versatile choice for any videographer.
The camera’s LCD screen tilts up and down, making it easy to frame shots from high or low angles. We also appreciate the camera’s simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi/NFC, which allows us to easily transfer photos and videos to our mobile devices.
Overall, we highly recommend the Sony a7 II Full-Frame Alpha Mirrorless Digital Camera for anyone looking for a high-quality camera that is perfect for video.
While it is a bit expensive, we think it is worth the investment for anyone who is serious about videography.
Sony Handycam FDR-AX53 Wi-Fi 4K Ultra HD Video Camera Camcorder with LED Light + Microphone + Case + Tripod + Kit
If you’re looking for a powerful and compact camcorder for your video projects, the Sony Handycam FDR-AX53 is a great option.
Pros
- The 4K Ultra HD video quality is stunning and provides excellent clarity.
- The Balanced Optical Steady Shot ensures that your videos are stable and clear, even when you’re on the move.
- The multi-purpose manual ring allows for easy adjustments to zoom, focus, exposure, and more.
Cons
- The battery life could be longer, especially when recording in 4K.
- The built-in microphone could be better, so you may want to use an external one for better sound quality.
- The camera is a bit heavy, so it may not be the best option for extended handheld use.
We used the Sony Handycam FDR-AX53 for a variety of video projects and were impressed with its performance.
The 20x zoom wide-angle lens allowed us to capture a wide range of shots, and the Fast Intelligent Autofocus ensured that our videos were always in focus.
We also appreciated the 5-direction microphone, which provided clear and crisp sound.
The PD LED Video Light was a great addition to our kit, especially when we were shooting in low-light conditions. The 35 bright LED bulbs provided plenty of light, and the bracket made it easy to attach to the camera.
The Vidpro Mini Condenser Microphone was also a great addition to our kit, as it allowed us to capture clear and accurate sound.
The Deluxe Digital Camera / Camcorder Padded Carrying Case was also very useful, as it provided plenty of space for all of our gear.
Overall, we would recommend the Sony Handycam FDR-AX53 for anyone looking for a powerful and compact camcorder for their video projects.
With its 4K Ultra HD video quality, Balanced Optical Steady Shot, and multi-purpose manual ring, it’s a great option for both amateur and professional videographers.
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera
We highly recommend the Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera for anyone looking for a compact and versatile camera that delivers high-quality video.
Pros
- The camera’s real-time eye autofocus and object tracking make it easy to capture sharp and detailed footage.
- With up to 11 frames per second continuous shooting, you can capture fast-moving action with ease.
- The tiltable LCD screen is perfect for vlogging, still photography, or recording a professional film.
Cons
- The stock lens may not be sufficient for outdoor photography.
- The camera is not weather-sealed, so it may not be suitable for use in extreme weather conditions.
- The camera does not have an image stabilization feature, so you may need a tripod or other stabilizing equipment for certain shots.
The Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile camera that can handle a variety of shooting situations. Whether you’re shooting video or stills, this camera delivers excellent image quality and performance.
The camera’s real-time eye autofocus and object tracking make it easy to capture sharp and detailed footage, even in challenging lighting conditions. With up to 11 frames per second continuous shooting, you can capture fast-moving action with ease.
The tiltable LCD screen is perfect for vlogging, still photography, or recording a professional film. You can customize the screen to suit your needs, and it’s easy to use even in bright sunlight.
While the stock lens may not be sufficient for outdoor photography, the camera is compatible with a wide range of Sony E-mount lenses, so you can easily upgrade your setup as needed. The camera is not weather-sealed, so it may not be suitable for use in extreme weather conditions.
Overall, the Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera is a great choice for anyone looking for a compact and versatile camera that delivers high-quality video.
With its fast autofocus, high-speed shooting, and tiltable LCD screen, this camera is sure to meet your needs.
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 VII 4K Wi-Fi Digital Camera Kit
If you are looking for a high-quality camera that can take stunning videos, the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 VII 4K Wi-Fi Digital Camera Kit is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The camera comes with a wide range of accessories, including a case, tripod, flash, and microphone, making it easy to get started right away.
- The camera features a fast autofocus system and enhanced image stabilization, ensuring that your videos are always sharp and steady.
- The camera is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go.
Cons
- The camera is quite expensive, so it may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget.
- The battery life could be better, so you may need to purchase additional batteries if you plan on using the camera for extended periods of time.
- The camera does not come with an external charger, so you will need to charge the battery in the camera itself.
In our experience, the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 VII 4K Wi-Fi Digital Camera Kit is an excellent choice for anyone looking to take high-quality videos.
The camera comes with a wide range of accessories, making it easy to get started right away. Additionally, the camera features a fast autofocus system and enhanced image stabilization, ensuring that your videos are always sharp and steady.
One of the best things about the camera is its small and lightweight design. This makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go, so you never have to miss a shot.
Additionally, the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi makes it easy to transfer your videos to your computer or smartphone.
While the camera is quite expensive, we believe it is worth the investment if you are serious about videography.
However, the battery life could be better, so you may need to purchase additional batteries if you plan on using the camera for extended periods of time.
Additionally, the camera does not come with an external charger, so you will need to charge the battery in the camera itself.
Overall, we highly recommend the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 VII 4K Wi-Fi Digital Camera Kit to anyone looking for a high-quality camera for video.
Sony Alpha 7S III Full-frame Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Camera (Renewed) Camera Only
We highly recommend the Sony Alpha 7S III Full-frame Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Camera (Renewed) Camera Only to anyone looking for a high-quality camera for video production.
Pros
- The 12.1MP Exmor R sensor is optimized for 4K, sensitivity, and speed, allowing for excellent video quality.
- The new BIONZ XR processing engine delivers 8x more processing power, resulting in quick and efficient video processing.
- With ISO up to 409,600 and 15+stop dynamic range, the camera produces low noise images that are perfect for video production.
Cons
- The camera is quite heavy, making it difficult to carry around for extended periods.
- The battery life is not as long as we would like, requiring frequent charging.
- The camera is quite expensive, making it an investment for serious videographers.
The Sony Alpha 7S III Full-frame Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Camera (Renewed) Camera Only is a fantastic camera for video production.
The camera’s 12.1MP Exmor R sensor is optimized for 4K, sensitivity, and speed, resulting in excellent video quality.
Additionally, the new BIONZ XR processing engine delivers 8x more processing power, resulting in quick and efficient video processing.
The camera produces low noise images with ISO up to 409,600 and 15+stop dynamic range, making it perfect for video production.
However, the camera is quite heavy, making it difficult to carry around for extended periods. Additionally, the battery life is not as long as we would like, requiring frequent charging.
Finally, the camera is quite expensive, making it an investment for serious videographers.
Overall, the Sony Alpha 7S III Full-frame Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Camera (Renewed) Camera Only is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality camera for video production.
Sony RX10 IV Cyber-Shot High Zoom 20.1MP Camera with 24-600mm F.2.4-F4 Lens Bundle
If you’re looking for an all-in-one camera solution, the Sony RX10 IV is a great choice. It’s fast, versatile, and has a great lens that covers a wide range of focal lengths.
Pros
- The autofocus system is blazing fast, making it easy to capture action shots and keep moving subjects in focus.
- The lens is incredibly versatile, with a 24-600mm range that can handle everything from wide angle shots to extreme telephoto.
- The camera shoots 4K video with direct pixel readout and no pixel binning, resulting in sharp, detailed footage.
Cons
- The camera is expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of the bundle.
- The camera is quite heavy and bulky, making it less portable than some other options.
- The controls can be a bit overwhelming at first, especially if you’re used to simpler point-and-shoot cameras.
We recently had the chance to test out the Sony RX10 IV and were impressed by its performance. The autofocus system is incredibly fast, locking onto subjects in as little as 0.03 seconds.
This makes it easy to capture action shots and keep moving subjects in focus, even when shooting at high frame rates.
The lens is also a standout feature, with a 24-600mm range that can handle everything from wide angle shots to extreme telephoto.
We were able to capture great shots of everything from landscapes to wildlife, all without having to switch lenses.
The camera shoots 4K video with direct pixel readout and no pixel binning, resulting in sharp, detailed footage. We were impressed by the quality of the video, which looked great even when viewed on a large screen.
That being said, the camera is quite expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of the bundle. It’s also quite heavy and bulky, making it less portable than some other options.
Finally, the controls can be a bit overwhelming at first, especially if you’re used to simpler point-and-shoot cameras.
Overall, we think the Sony RX10 IV is a great choice for anyone looking for an all-in-one camera solution. It’s fast, versatile, and has a great lens that covers a wide range of focal lengths. If you’re willing to spend the money and don’t mind the weight, it’s definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking to buy a Sony camera for video, there are several features that should be considered to ensure that you choose the best product for your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Sensor Size
The size of the camera’s sensor can have a significant impact on the quality of the video. Larger sensors tend to produce better image quality and low-light performance. However, they also tend to be more expensive. Consider the type of videos you will be shooting and your budget when deciding on the sensor size.
Resolution
The resolution of the camera is also important to consider. Higher resolutions offer more detail and clarity, but they also require more storage space and processing power.
Consider the type of videos you will be shooting and the level of detail you need when deciding on the resolution.
Autofocus
Autofocus is an essential feature for video cameras. It ensures that the camera stays focused on the subject, even if they move around. Look for a camera with fast and accurate autofocus to ensure that your videos are always in focus.
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization is another important feature to consider. It helps to reduce camera shake, resulting in smoother and more stable videos. Look for a camera with good image stabilization, especially if you plan on shooting handheld.
Audio
Good audio is crucial for video production. Look for a camera with a built-in microphone or a microphone input to ensure that you can capture high-quality audio. You may also want to consider an external microphone for even better sound quality.
In summary, when choosing a Sony camera for video, consider the sensor size, resolution, autofocus, image stabilization, and audio capabilities. Keep in mind the type of videos you will be shooting and your budget when making your decision.