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Sony Camera Buying Guide:

What are the best picks for 2024?

As with most things, the more options you have, the less likely you are to make a decision, and when it comes to Sony cameras, there is no denying there’s a lot of choice.

From the top Sony cameras for beginners to the best video capabilities, we’ve broken down which Sony cameras would be suited to your needs with the help of Product Specialist Lizzie James at Jessops.

Here’s a round-up of the best picks for 2024: 

Best for beginners: Sony a6100 Mirrorless Camera Body

The best all-rounder: Sony a7 III Mirrorless Camera

Best for shooting in low light: Sony a7S III Mirrorless Camera

Best for still images: Sony a7R V Mirrorless Camera

Best for video: Sony ZV-1 II Compact Vlogger Camera

Best budget option: Sony DSC-RX100 III

Best zoom capabilities: Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV

Best for beginners: Sony a6100 Mirrorless Camera Body | Only £679

"The Sony a6100 stands out as an excellent choice for beginners in photography, thanks to its blend of user-friendly features and advanced technology," says Lizzie.

"The fast autofocus accurately zeroes in on your subject and the camera's ability to track subjects ensures your photos stay sharp where it counts. This makes photography less daunting for beginners, allowing you to concentrate more on being creative rather than getting bogged down by the technical details."

Plus, sharing your new creations is easy, as the camera allows for effortless transfer to your phone using Wi-Fi.

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The best all-rounder: Sony a7 III Mirrorless Camera | £1,699

Life is full of different experiences, and having a camera that can adapt to them is crucial. That's where the Sony a7 III comes in. An incredibly well-rounded full-frame mirrorless camera that's suited to both professionals and enthusiasts looking to shoot a mix of stills and video.

"The 24.2MP full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor provides incredible sensitivity and dynamic range for whatever subject you feel like shooting that day, whether that be scenic landscapes or portraits of your friends and family," explains Lizzie.

"When it comes to wildlife or sports, the a7 III has got you covered; with its fast autofocus speed and up to 10fps shooting, you're sure not to miss the moment."

"If you're worried about shooting in low light, then you needn't be. With an expandable ISO of 50-204800, you can continue shooting comfortably into the night or indoors, where good lighting is scarce."

"This isn't limited to just stills! Sony's advanced image processing makes it possible to record full-frame 4K movies with stunning image quality in the mid-to-high ISO ranges, too. See what we mean when we say it's an incredibly well-rounded camera.”

To learn more about ISO and how to use it, read our beginner's guide on what ISO is in photography.

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Best for shooting in low light: Sony a7S III Mirrorless Camera |. £3,549

You need a camera that knows how to handle light – or the lack of it. 

"The Sony a7S III does just that," says Lizzie. "It has a high ISO range of 80-102400, expandable to 40-409,600, allowing you to capture clear, detailed images even in dimly lit environments."

"It also features a back-illuminated full-frame 12.1MP Exmor R CMOS sensor, significantly improving image clarity and reducing grainy noise that sometimes comes with a high ISO."

"If you're looking for supreme video capabilities, then the a7S III will deliver that, too. With 4K video, offering high-resolution footage, and 10-bit depth that captures a lot more colour variations than standard cameras, your video will be incredibly detailed and vibrant."

"Plus, it uses 4:2:2 colour sampling, which accurately records colour information. This is particularly important in low-light situations, where accurate colour reproduction is key to ensuring your footage appears true-to-life and natural."

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Best for still images: Sony a7R V Mirrorless Camera | £3,999

"When scouting for a camera that’s ideal for still photography, sensor quality should be top of your list," explains Lizzie. "The Sony a7R V Mirrorless Camera is a real gem in this category. Its 61MP full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor is a game-changer, ensuring that even the smallest details are captured with crystal clarity. It excels in macro photography, allowing you to see the intricate patterns and textures up close."

For those interested in nature or wildlife photography, the camera's real-time autofocus system that utilises AI-driven technology is invaluable. It offers advanced recognition of multiple subjects' eyes, ensuring that even the fastest-moving animals are captured with sharp focus.

Plus, the APS-C crop allows for closer zooming while retaining a high 26MP resolution, enabling you to capture far-off subjects without losing image quality.

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Best for video: Sony ZV-1 II Compact Vlogger Camera | Only £869

If you've been creating all your content on your smartphone, you may be looking for something more. More control, more features and most importantly, more quality. 

Say hello to the Sony ZV-1 II. If there was ever a camera designed to fit seamlessly into your life, it would be this one. 

Lizzie says, "this compact camera is lightweight and small in size, making it the ideal everyday travel companion. And if you're really looking to keep size down, the built-in 3-directional capsule microphone allows you to capture clear, professional quality audio without the need to attach an external mic."

"You can also record 4K/30fps video, which, paired with its large 20.1MP sensor, allows you to capture incredible detail in each and every frame."

It's certainly ticking all the right boxes when it comes to quality and performance!

"If you've struggled in the past with focusing, you'll be treated to some worry-free recording as the ZV-1 features Sony's super-fast autofocus system. This will keep you locked on and looking sharp, even when moving around."

"Another of Sony's worry-free features when it comes to focus is the Product Showcase mode. Ensuring this mode is activated is a definite must if you're planning on showing an item or product on camera at the same time as you. It will offer a smooth and fast transition in focus from your face to the item you're talking about."

"This isn't the only mode found on the ZV-1 to make your vlogging life a lot easier. There is also a new feature known as the bokeh switch. This little button, when pressed, will quickly and effortlessly blur out your background, making sure it doesn't distract from you and what you're talking about at the time. Perfect if you're walking down busy streets while vlogging!"

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Best budget option: Sony DSC-RX100 III | Only £479

"Despite its small size, the Sony DSC-RX100 III doesn't compromise on features," says Lizzie. "It has excellent image quality thanks to the 20.1-megapixel sensor. While this might not outshine the highest-end cameras, it stands tall in its price category, offering detailed, high-quality images that are bound to impress."

But it's not just about still images. The RX100 excels in video, too, with full HD (1080/50p) capabilities that bring your stories to life. Coupled with a built-in stereo microphone and Sony's SteadyShot electronic stabilisation, your videos are not only visually stunning but also silky smooth, free from shakes commonly seen in handheld footage.

One of the standout features is Sony’s intelligent eye autofocus. It keeps your subjects in sharp focus, even if they turn away from the camera, ensuring that every portrait and candid moment is captured with clarity. It’s these thoughtful touches that make the RX100 a versatile powerhouse.

If you're on a budget, you could even consider a pre-owned camera to lower the price. At Jessops, our pre-owned cameras and lenses are serviced by our experts and come with a 12-month guarantee.

 

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Best zoom capabilities: Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV | £1,499

"With a 25x optical zoom and a large 1-inch 20.1-megapixel sensor, this Sony camera is a master at capturing sharp, detailed images from a wide range of distances," explains Lizzie.

"It has the world’s fastest autofocus time of 0.03 seconds, and this is particularly beneficial when zooming in. It ensures even the most fleeting moments are captured with precision, especially when shooting at longer focal lengths."

"The 24-600mm range lens stands out because of its large aperture range from F2.4 to F4.0. This lets in more light and gives better control over the depth of field, leading to top-notch image quality across all zoom levels."

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Find your perfect Sony camera at Jessops

Whether you're capturing everyday family moments or wanting to improve your photography skills, we have a wide range of Sony cameras at Jessops to cater to every need. Choose from compact, mirrorless, and DSLR models.

If you want to see what else is out there before deciding, explore cameras from other leading brands like Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm and more.

If you're new to photography, take a look at our beginner's guide to choosing the best digital camera or for more advice and inspiration, check out our blog. Or, if you're unsure which product is right for you, contact us today.

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