Which Sony Camera Should You Get? My Real-World Recommendations

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I get asked all the time—"Hey, which Sony camera should I get?"—and the truth is, it really depends on what you’re trying to do and how much you’re looking to spend. So, I figured I’d put together this guide to the Sony cameras I actually recommend to people, based on years of using them myself. These aren’t just spec-sheet favorites; I’ve made content with every single one of these, so I know their little quirks and their big strengths firsthand. Whether you’re just dipping your toes in, ready to upgrade your setup, or need a solid backup, hopefully, this will help you nail down the right Sony for you.

Also here you can find the FREE PROJECT FILES for both cameras so you can dive in and explore for yourself. If you're still on the fence after you read this blog, you can take my free "Which Camera Should I Buy?" quiz 

The Sony ZV-1F kind of snuck onto the scene, but honestly, it's a fantastic option if you're all about vlogging or just starting out and want great image quality without overcomplicating things. It’s got a fixed 20mm equivalent lens, which means no zooming or lens swaps, but that wide angle is surprisingly perfect for those arms-length shots. While it doesn’t shoot RAW, which might limit you if you're planning on doing some serious photo editing, the 4K footage it captures is really clean, using the full sensor width, which is a nice touch. For the price, especially if you're focused on being in front of the camera, this little vlogging powerhouse gets a lot right.

The ZV-E10 really surprised me with how much it delivers for the price, especially when it comes to video. One of its biggest advantages is the interchangeable lens mount, opening up a whole new world of creative possibilities with different E-mount lenses. It packs a 24MP APS-C sensor and Sony’s incredible eye-tracking autofocus, which is honestly one of its standout features, making face tracking super reliable. With its flip-out screen and a built-in mic that’s actually pretty decent, it’s great for solo shooting, though I still prefer an external mic for critical audio. While the 4K at 24p is clean with no crop, the 30p does have a noticeable crop, and the stabilization isn’t the best, but overall, it’s a flexible and user-friendly camera that’s hard to beat for under $700 if you're diving into content creation that involves both photos and videos.

I’ve used the Sony ZV-1 for everything from casual vlogs to quick product shots and even some more intentionally lit scenes, and it really nails the basics. It's genuinely tiny, fitting right in your pocket, yet it feels surprisingly sturdy with that nice side grip. The flip screen is a lifesaver when you’re filming yourself, and the built-in mic is shockingly good, especially with the included wind muff. While you can't change the lens on this one, sometimes that simplicity is a good thing, meaning one less thing to worry about carrying around. The autofocus is super quick with Real-Time Eye AF, and the high frame rate mode for super slow-motion at 720p is a fun feature, just make sure you have good lighting. With a sharp 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 lens and decent stabilization, the ZV-1 is a solid grab-and-go option, leaning more towards video creators.

The Sony ZV-1 II is the second iteration, and that wider 18-50mm lens is a welcome change from the original, finally giving you more room for group shots or showing off your surroundings. The autofocus feels almost magical, locking onto faces quickly and staying put, which is great whether you’re moving around or showcasing a product. I appreciate that you can just plug it into your computer and it works instantly as a webcam, no fuss at all. Even though it’s still a 1-inch sensor, meaning low light isn't its strongest suit and the lens isn't interchangeable, it’s a pretty reliable all-in-one for shooting good-quality video without getting bogged down in settings, making it a strong contender for vloggers and content creators.

The Sony a6400 is like that dependable friend who always delivers, whether I’m doing casual shooting or more polished video work. Its autofocus, while not the absolute latest, still works incredibly well with Real-Time Eye AF that you can actually rely on. One of the best things is that it gives you super sharp 4K without any pixel binning, which is impressive for a camera in this price range, even if it is an 8-bit camera. The flip-up screen is handy for solo shooting, even if it does block the hot shoe, and while it lacks in-body stabilization, pairing it with the right lens makes it a fantastic all-around option. Plus, it’s the first on this list with an electronic viewfinder, which is a game-changer for shooting in bright light or when you really need to nail your focus, making it lean a bit more towards photography.

The ZV-E10 II feels like Sony really listened to feedback from the original, and that’s why I even created a whole course on this camera – I really believe in it. The autofocus is noticeably upgraded; it’s incredibly fast and just locks onto your subject like it knows what you want to focus on before you do. Paired with the 26MP sensor, you get sharp and detailed video, especially in 4K, and it can even shoot up to 60 frames per second in 4K. It keeps that vlogger-friendly design with a flip screen and background blur button, but now it uses the longer-lasting NP-FZ100 batteries, which is a huge plus for longer shoots. While it still doesn't have an EVF, the addition of S-Cinetone for great out-of-camera color makes it a fantastic option for videographers and solo content creators. 

The a6600 is an APS-C camera that finally includes an electronic viewfinder, which is a big plus for many shooters. The first thing I really noticed was the fantastic battery life thanks to using the Z battery, letting me shoot for most of the day without needing to swap. Image quality is sharp with neutral colors, and the autofocus is excellent, reliably tracking eyes and moving subjects in both photos and videos. While the in-body stabilization helps, a gimbal is still recommended for really smooth footage, and while it doesn’t do 10-bit 4K at 60fps, the 4K at 30fps is crisp, and the 1080 at 120fps is great for slow motion, making it a dependable workhorse for photographers.

The Sony a6700 is a real beast and one of my personal favorites, especially if you’re looking for a hybrid that excels at both photo and video. It shares that fantastic 26MP sensor with the FX30 and ZV-E10 II, and the image quality, especially in low light, is seriously impressive. The 6K oversampling for 4K video really cleans up the image, and the S-Cinetone profile gives you beautiful colors straight out of the camera. With incredibly fast autofocus and AI tracking, plus the ability to shoot 4K up to 120fps, it’s a powerhouse, and while it can overheat in its highest quality settings during longer shoots, switching to 10-bit 4:2:0 usually resolves that, making it an excellent choice for hybrid shooters like wedding photographers.

The Sony a7C is a fantastic blend of full-frame quality in a remarkably compact body, being the first full-frame camera on this list. I was genuinely impressed by how much power it packs into such a small size, making it incredibly portable without sacrificing image quality. The 24.2MP Exmor R sensor delivers beautiful images, and it handles low light exceptionally well, letting you push the ISO pretty high while keeping things clean. It’s also quite fast for photography, shooting up to 10 fps with full autofocus. While it’s an 8-bit camera for video, the 4K recording from that full-frame sensor is stunningly detailed, and the Real-time Eye AF for portraits is incredibly accurate, though it only has a single card slot and a smaller EVF, leaning it a bit more towards a video-first approach for those who prioritize portability with full-frame performance. 

The Sony a7 III used to be my go-to full-frame camera for years of client work, and it still holds up incredibly well. Just like the a7C, it’s a low-light champion with amazing dynamic range, giving you tons of flexibility in post for both photos and videos, even though the body is a bit larger. I get a little nostalgic talking about this one because it was my first full-frame camera, and you can often find them at great prices on the used market now. A big advantage it has is the dual card slot, offering options for simultaneous recording as backups or relay recording for longer shoots. Overall, the a7 III offers professional-level features in a versatile package, making it a solid choice for anyone needing top-tier performance for both video and photography without breaking the bank.

The Sony FX30 is a game-changer for aspiring filmmakers looking to step up their game without a huge investment. With its 26MP APS-C sensor and powerful processor, it brings true cinema-quality to your fingertips. The ability to shoot 4K up to 120fps is a massive plus, and the dynamic range is outstanding, giving you so much room to play in post. What I really love is how it combines pro features with user-friendly operation, including an internal fan for longer recording times and a dual card slot for peace of mind. The autofocus is fantastic for both video and stills, and the in-body stabilization, especially with Active Mode, helps get smooth handheld shots, while the S-Cinetone color science delivers beautiful, natural tones straight out of the camera, making it a clear video-first choice with plenty of mounting points for accessories.

The Sony a7C II is a significant upgrade, especially in how it handles both stills and video. The 33MP full-frame sensor delivers top-notch image quality with incredible low-light performance. I was really impressed with how sharp and detailed the 10-bit 4K video looks, especially with frame rates up to 60p in full-frame and 120p in Full HD. The autofocus is another major highlight, thanks to AI processing, making it faster and more accurate for tracking subjects. Plus, the seven stops of in-body stabilization mean handheld shots are remarkably smooth, and the inclusion of S-Cinetone gives you those lovely, natural skin tones. While it only has one card slot, the a7C II delivers big on both performance and portability, making it a fantastic option for content creators and enthusiasts alike.

The Sony ZV-E1 is easily one of the most exciting cameras I’ve used for vlogging and content creation, and it's my latest addition because of its incredible active dynamic stabilization. It’s ultra-compact, yet it packs a serious punch with a full-frame 12MP sensor that boasts impressive low-light capabilities. One of my favorite features is the 4K 120p recording for super smooth slow-motion. The internal 10-bit color depth adds a lot of flexibility in post, and with S-Cinetone, you get those rich, cinematic colors. Paired with the 5-axis stabilization, handheld shots are remarkably steady, making it a fantastic option for anyone serious about upping their video quality in a small package, definitely leaning towards a video-first workflow.

The Sony a7 IV has quickly become a favorite as an all-around camera, really nailing that sweet spot between stills and video with its 33MP full-frame sensor that excels in low light. Whether you're shooting photos or video, the colors are vibrant and the detail is sharp, with amazing dynamic range. For video, it shines with 4K 60p recording in 10-bit, giving you plenty of flexibility for post, and the lack of a recording time limit is a huge bonus. The autofocus system is a standout, making focusing quick and precise, and the dual card slots offer added security. While shooting in 4K 60p does introduce a 1.5x crop, this can also be an advantage for using more affordable APS-C lenses, making the a7 IV a solid choice for versatile creators, and I often think of it as the perfect YouTube thumbnail camera.

The Sony a7CR is a compact powerhouse, and honestly, one of the most impressive and perhaps underrated all-around cameras I’ve ever used. Its 61MP full-frame sensor delivers incredible image quality – sharp, clear, and with fantastic dynamic range. What really stands out is the AI-powered autofocus, which is incredibly quick and accurate across various subjects, even in video. It does have an EVF, and while it only has one card slot, the 5-axis image stabilization is good for handheld shooting, though a gimbal is still recommended for smooth video. Its ability to shoot fantastic-looking 4K 60fps video makes it a great tool for both photo and video work, leaning a bit more towards photography with a strong video capability.

The Sony a7S III is a true video-centric powerhouse, and it immediately feels like a high-end piece of equipment. It’s what I’ve been using to film these YouTube headshots you’ve been watching for the past couple of years. While its 12.1MP sensor might not be the highest resolution for stills, its video specs are incredible, including the ability to shoot 4K up to 120fps. While the stabilization isn't the absolute best, if I could only have two cameras, it would be this and the ZV-E1. The lack of recording time limits is a huge plus for longer shoots. Overall, if you're serious about video creation, the a7S III is absolutely worth considering—it’s a total workhorse that delivers top-tier performance.

So, there you have it—my personal recommendations based on real-world use and years of experience with these Sony cameras in all sorts of shooting scenarios. Whether you’re just starting out and want something simple and compact, or you’re a hybrid shooter looking for full-frame power in a lightweight body, hopefully, there’s something here that fits your needs and budget. I’ve only included the ones I’ve actually used and can confidently recommend. If you’re still on the fence, definitely check out the sample footage linked below to see the kind of image each one produces. And as always, if you’ve got any questions or you’re torn between a couple of models, drop a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you out!