Sony has steadily risen to prominence within the world of photography through its game-changing mirrorless cameras, widely regarded for their innovative technology and robust feature sets. Delivering a blend of high image quality, impressive speed, and unparalleled portability, Sony’s mirrorless lineup caters to a vast spectrum of photographers—from the mobile vlogger seeking a lightweight companion for dynamic storytelling to the professional capturing the vibrancy and chaos of the natural world.
At Photography Essentials, we love the Sony mirrorless ecosystem for its cutting-edge autofocus systems and high-resolution sensors that excel in low light. In addition, the lens offerings outpace any other modern mirrorless system, with some notable offerings from Tamron and Sigma that rival Sony’s own native lenses.
Here is an overview of Sony mirrorless bodies currently in production in 2024.
Alpha 6xxx Series
The Sony Alpha 6xxx series represents a versatile range of APS-C mirrorless cameras that cater to photographers and videographers at various skill levels. Starting with the Alpha 6100, suited for beginners seeking high-quality imagery, to the more advanced Alpha 6600, which appeals to professionals desiring robust features like in-body stabilization and extended battery life, the series is known for its compact design, swift autofocus systems, and excellent image quality. As an integral part of Sony’s mirrorless camera lineup, the Alpha 6xxx series demonstrates a balance between performance and portability, making these cameras a favored choice for creatives who are always on the move.
Alpha 6100
The Alpha 6100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera catering to both photography enthusiasts and those taking their first step into serious photography. It features a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor and real-time eye autofocus that ensures crisp images with accurate subject tracking. Easy to use and compact, it’s an ideal camera for everyday use and travel.
Alpha 6400
Positioned as a mid-range model, the Alpha 6400 offers a balance between performance and price. It improves upon its predecessors with enhanced autofocus speeds and the introduction of real-time tracking and real-time eye autofocus for both stills and video, making it a reliable tool for creators who need a responsive camera.
Alpha 6600
The Alpha 6600, aimed at more serious photographers and videographers, boasts in-body stabilization and a longer-lasting battery, distinguishing it from its siblings. With a robust build and excellent image quality, it’s well-suited for professionals who need a dependable secondary camera or amateurs seeking to upgrade.
Alpha 6700
The Sony Alpha 6700 is a new offering that combines the latest AI technology with Sony’s outstanding α-series image quality in a compact camera body. It features a 26.0MP APS-C format Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor and BIONZ XR processor. The camera also has a dedicated AI Processor and Real-time Recognition for accurate subject tracking. In its kit configuration, the ILCE-6700 comes with a 16-50mm Power Zoom Lens.
Alpha ZV Series
The Sony Alpha ZV series, consisting of models like the Alpha ZV-E10, is tailored specifically for content creators, vloggers, and influencers who prioritize ease of use, versatility, and video-centric features. These cameras boast features that are perfect for self-recording, such as flip-out screens, excellent autofocus with eye-tracking, and microphone inputs that ensure high-quality audio to match the crisp video output. The Alpha ZV series is designed to be user-friendly, offering intuitive interfaces, lightweight builds for portability, and connectivity options that streamline the content creation process. Sony’s focus on this series underscores its commitment to addressing and supporting the ever-growing needs of the modern content creator.
Alpha ZV-E10
The Alpha ZV-E10 is designed with content creators in mind, particularly vloggers. It features a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor and a vari-angle screen that is ideal for self-recording. Additionally, its compact form factor and easy-to-use interface make it perfect for on-the-go shooting.
Alpha ZV-E1
The Sony Alpha ZV-E1 is a full-frame interchangeable lens mirrorless camera designed for vlogging. It features a 12.1 MP back-illuminated 35mm CMOS image sensor that delivers 15+ stops of latitude, low noise, high sensitivity, and gorgeous full-frame bokeh. The camera is equipped with advanced audio options and features specifically designed for vlogging. It can shoot 4K video at 120 fps and has a flip-out vari-angle LCD.
Alpha 7C Series
The Sony Alpha 7C series carves out its niche as a compact line within Sony’s full-frame mirrorless camera offerings. The series, including models like the Alpha 7C II, is designed for photographers who don’t want to compromise on image quality but crave a more portable and less intimidating form factor compared to traditional full-frame models. Marrying the high-performance standards of Sony’s full-frame sensors with a travel-friendly body, the Alpha 7C series boasts features such as advanced autofocus, impressive low-light capabilities, and versatile video recording options. It’s an ideal solution for enthusiasts and professionals looking for a lightweight camera that can deliver the power and performance of a full-frame mirrorless system on the go.
Alpha 7C II
The Alpha 7C II is the successor to Sony’s compact full-frame Alpha 7C, retaining the series’ light and portable design while bringing performance enhancements. It is aimed at photographers looking for the image quality of a full-frame sensor without the bulk typically associated with such cameras.
Alpha 7CR
The Sony Alpha 7CR is a full-frame interchangeable lens mirrorless camera that boasts a 61.0-megapixel sensor in a compact body. It has a dedicated AI processor and real-time recognition for accurate subject tracking. The camera can shoot 8fps continuously and is built around the same full-frame 61MP BSI CMOS sensor as the a7R V, which is capable of capturing excellent levels of detail and performs well in terms of both dynamic range in good light and noise in poor light.
Alpha 7 Series
The Sony Alpha 7 series is at the heart of Sony’s full-frame mirrorless camera offerings, renowned for its compelling blend of performance, resolution, and professional-grade features. Models like the Alpha 7 II introduced pivotal advancements such as 5-axis image stabilization, while the Alpha 7 III further solidified the series’ reputation with significant enhancements in autofocus capability, sensor technology, and video prowess. The Alpha 7 IV continues this legacy with even greater focus on connectivity and user experience improvements. Engineered to meet the diverse requirements of both professional photographers and serious hobbyists, the Alpha 7 series epitomizes Sony’s dedication to delivering high-quality imaging tools that do not just keep up with but drive the industry’s technological evolution.
Alpha 7 II
The Alpha 7 II made headlines as the world’s first full-frame mirrorless camera to feature 5-axis in-body image stabilization. As a versatile camera, it continues to serve many photographers well with its improved handling and high-quality imaging capabilities relative to the original Alpha 7 model.
Alpha 7 III
With significant improvements over its predecessor, the Alpha 7 III is popular among professional and serious amateur photographers alike. Its strengths include a back-illuminated 24.2 MP sensor, impressive low-light performance, and advanced video capabilities, making it a workhorse for diverse shooting scenarios.
Alpha 7 IV
The Alpha 7 IV is the newest addition to the Alpha 7 series, showcasing Sony’s commitment to continual innovation. It builds on the solid foundation established by earlier models, with upgrades to autofocus performance, resolution, and connectivity options for a more seamless shooting experience.
Alpha 7R Series
The Sony Alpha 7R series is targeted at photographers who demand the ultimate in image resolution and detail. Models in the 7R series are recognized for their high-resolution sensors, with the Alpha 7R IV impressing with a staggering 61 MP. From the Alpha 7R II’s solid introduction of 5-axis image stabilization and 42.4 MP to the subsequent models offering even more refined performance, the 7R lineup is tailored for those engaging in landscape, studio, and fine art photography where capturing the finest details is paramount. The Alpha 7R series combines these high-resolution sensors with a suite of professional features, including robust build quality, advanced autofocus systems, and high dynamic range, positioning it as a premier choice for professionals seeking no-compromise image quality.
Alpha 7R II
The Alpha 7R II was Sony’s offering for photographers needing high resolution. It introduced a 42.4 MP sensor with 5-axis image stabilization to the R series. This camera remains a solid choice for landscape and studio photographers demanding detailed images.
Alpha 7R III
Improving on its predecessor’s high-resolution capabilities, the Alpha 7R III offers a balanced combination of performance and resolution. With faster autofocus, enhanced processing, and better battery life, it caters to professionals who need detail without compromising on speed.
Alpha 7R IV
As the resolution king, the Alpha 7R IV boasts a 61 MP sensor, providing extraordinary detail for landscape, architectural, and studio photography. It also features improved ergonomics and weather sealing, making it a robust camera for high-resolution capture in various conditions.
Alpha 7R V
The A7R V uses the same amazing sensor as the A7R IV mentioned above, but adds some upgrades: more advanced autofocus, better IBIS, a better EVF, dual tilt LCD, and lossless compressed RAW, to name a few.
Alpha 7S Series
The Sony Alpha 7S series stands out in the mirrorless camera market for its extraordinary low-light performance and video capabilities. The series, particularly recognized by the Alpha 7S III, is tailored to videographers who require high sensitivity and minimal noise at elevated ISO levels. Featuring a full-frame sensor optimized for video rather than stills, the 7S models excel at capturing top-tier 4K footage, even in challenging lighting conditions. With color depth, dynamic range, and an autofocus system that performs admirably for filmmakers, the Alpha 7S series is a powerhouse tool for anyone whose work demands cutting-edge video technology packaged in a robust and compact body.
Alpha 7S III
The Alpha 7S III is tailored for videographers seeking outstanding low-light performance and impressive video features. It’s equipped with a full-frame sensor optimized for video, providing high sensitivity with minimal noise, 4K recording capabilities, and a refined autofocus system that excels in video production environments.
Alpha 9 Series
The Sony Alpha 9 series is synonymous with speed and performance, specifically engineered for sports and wildlife photographers who require rapid shooting capabilities without compromise. The series, which includes the Alpha 9 and its enhanced successor, the Alpha 9 II, boasts groundbreaking full-frame sensors capable of blackout-free continuous shooting at extraordinary speeds. These cameras set a high bar for autofocus performance, with numerous focus points, real-time tracking, and high-speed processing that ensure sharp images of fast-moving subjects. With robust build quality, advanced connectivity for swift image transfer, and professional-grade durability, the Alpha 9 series has become the gold standard for photographers who cannot afford to miss a millisecond of action.
Alpha 9
The Alpha 9 is Sony’s speed demon, combining a high-speed full-frame sensor with rapid continuous shooting and blackout-free viewing. It’s designed for sports and wildlife photographers who need to capture fast-moving subjects with precision and clarity.
Alpha 9 II
Building on the success of the Alpha 9, the Alpha 9 II incorporates enhanced connectivity and workflow features to meet the needs of professional sports photographers and photojournalists. While it maintains the impressive speed of its predecessor, these refinements target the fast-paced environments of professional shooters.
Alpha 9 III
The Sony A9 III is a full-frame mirrorless camera that stands out for its first-of-its-kind full-frame CMOS sensor with a global shutter. This allows for 100% electronic shutter use, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects without mechanical noise. The camera features a 24 Megapixel resolution, supporting JPEG, HEIF, and various RAW formats. It has a unique 3.2-inch screen with dual articulation, twin dual-format card slots, and extensive connectivity options including USB-C, Micro USB, and Ethernet ports. The A9 III employs the FZ100 battery, and an optional grip can accommodate two batteries. Its built-in sensor shift stabilization offers up to eight stops of compensation.
Despite its innovative features, the A9 III may not match the dynamic range of some other models, and its base ISO starts at 250, possibly due to the global shutter technology.
Alpha 1 Series
As Sony’s pinnacle of mirrorless camera technology, the Alpha 1 series embodies a no-compromise approach to professional photography and videography. The Alpha 1 astounds with a remarkable blend of high resolution and speed, boasting a 50.1 MP full-frame sensor and continuous shooting capabilities of up to 30 fps. It doesn’t stop at stills; the Alpha 1 also pushes boundaries in video with 8K recording capability, satisfying even the most demanding cinematographers. The camera’s robust build, comprehensive connectivity options, and advanced autofocus technology make it a versatile powerhouse for professionals who demand the highest performance in both photo and video realms, from the studio to the field. The Sony Alpha 1 series is the quintessential tool for creators who seek unparalleled quality and refuse to compromise on any aspect of their creative vision.
Alpha 1
The flagship Alpha 1 stands as Sony’s most advanced and versatile mirrorless camera to date. It excels across the board with a high-resolution 50.1 MP sensor, astonishing burst shooting speeds of up to 30 fps, 8K video recording capabilities, and a robust build. This camera is aimed at professionals who demand the ultimate in performance and image quality.
