9 Best Sony Cameras for Video

Sony may not be as old as Nikon and Canon, but one thing is pretty clear; their video and photography equipment keep growing in popularity each day.

In fact, the brand’s mirrorless camera systems are amongst the most powerful in the market.

If you are into the motion picture business, you’ve possibly tried Sony’s equipment.

If not, then the mere furor surrounding the brand is compelling you to try out some of their offers.

In this article, we are going to shed light on a few best Sony cameras for video that are worth every penny.

The Best Sony Cameras for Video Shooting

From the most expensive to those under $1000, here are some amazing Sony cameras for taking videos:

1. Sony A7S III

This is a low-light beast capturing up to 4k footage for crystal clear clips that encourages your consumers to view content to the last second.

Amongst the A-series cameras, this one is exceptionally outstanding given that it shoots videos in challenging conditions.

Besides incredible low-light performance, A7S III is fully touchscreen and comes with internal image stabilization.

It can record 4K footage up to 120 fps and Full HD up to 240 fps.

Thanks to the Bionz XR, the camera can record 30+ long clips without showing signs of overheating.

Being a mirrorless, full-frame brute, Sony A7S III is an endearing companion for professional vloggers and videographers.

It lasts fairly longer than its predecessors and bags a heck boatload of amazing features for pro-level shooting. 

The few downsides include its inability to capture 6K and 8K videos.

Given its price point, it should reach 6K. Also, the camera’s stills are of low resolution.

Features

• Mirrorless
• Bionz X processor
• Full frame camera
• Internal image stabilization 
• Top-class autofocus, 
• HDMI connectivity 
• Multiple picture profiles

Pros

• Does not overheat
• Excellent low-light performance
• Satisfactory battery life
• Top-class Autofocus for quick tracking
• Durable design

Cons

• Low-resolution stills

2. Sony A7R Mark IV

At 63 MP, a 5-axis image stabilizer, and a robust CMOS image sensor, Sony A7R Mark IV is clearly a bona fide top dog.

Being a mirrorless model, it does pack some of the most recent upgrades such as the BIONZ processor that promotes many hours of filming.

The camera shoots in super 4K resolution and therefore a worthy friend to top professionals. It works quietly and chucks out up to 15 EV dynamic range stops.

You also get to enjoy built-in image stabilization to compensate for movements.

If you crave top-end resolution and long-lasting performance, you should take Sony A7R Mark IV for a spin.

However, given its plenty of astonishing features, expect to shell out a pretty penny.

Features

• Mirrorless full-frame camera
• 63 megapixel
• Up to 4k video quality
• 3-inch tilting touch screen
• Maximum burst at 10 fps
• CMOS image sensor

Pros

• Superior AF coverage
• A very powerful sensor
• Dual media slots to store more footage
• Greater color accuracy
• Advanced subject recognition
• Works silently

Cons

• Some models arrive with focus problems necessitating a return process
• The price is a little on the higher side 

3. Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless Camera

Sony Alpha A6100 is one of Sony’s entry-level mirrorless models that promise high-speed performance and excellent quality footage.

The camera runs on the widely acclaimed BIONZ processor which guarantees multiple hours of shooting without the unit overheating.

The camera is equipped with one of the fastest autofocus systems.

The real-time tracking feature also ensures human or animal eyes can be seen clearly even when hidden or when in the dark.

Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless Camera makes sharing and exporting data a smooth process through Wi-Fi, remote control, and QR.

It’s also equipped with a mic-a feature that gives vloggers and other moviemakers greater audio options.

Features

• Tilting LCD touchscreen  
• 24.2 MP Exmor sensor
• Continuous focus tracking up to 11fps
• BIONZ image processor
• External mic input

Pros

• Very fast autofocus with real-time eye-tracking
• The screen tilts to frame up the subject well
• Accurately optimizes light for superior-resolution images
• Impressively high-speed internal processor for clear continuous shots

Cons

• Real-time tracking is still lacking as it doesn’t work on some animals

4. Sony Alpha 7 II Mirrorless Camera

Every content creator aspires to capture steady images and videos in stellar resolutions.

This is something that can be achieved through full-frame cameras such as Sony Alpha 7 II.

Running on a 24.3 MP image sensor, this gem produces videos and pictures in amazing resolutions.

Plus, you can crop the sensor to customize it.

As a professional mirrorless model, this beast works with a wide range of lenses, giving experts greater options.

Sony Alpha 7 II’s hybrid autofocus is downright remarkable. It is incredibly fast to allow capturing of those fleeting photo moments.

During each shoot, the high-speed, BIONZ X processor ensures details are recorded precisely as perceived by the naked eye. 

In short, Sony Alpha 7 II is for those who don’t want to spend too much or too little.

Instead, they’d rather stay in the middle.

Features

• 24.3 MP resolution
• SLR-style mirrorless camera
• Hybrid autofocus system
• Top-ranking 5-ibis (in-body image stabilization)
• BIONZ X image stabilization

Pros

• Outstanding stability thanks to 5-ibis
• Supports multiple lenses
• Speedy and effective subject tracking
• A tiltable screen that allows low and high-angle framing

Cons

• Dismal battery life
• Some dials are too close and get accidentally nudged during shooting

5. Sony RX100 Digital Camera

Are you one of those people who don’t want to spend $1,000 on one of the best Sony cameras for video?

But you still expect the best gear, right?

Well, you can try out Sony RX100 Digital Camera.

The camera effectively captures well-detailed full HD videos for professional use.

Thanks to the BIONZ X processor, you can rest easy knowing it’s possible to shoot stills faster and accurately and in multiple formats.

Sony RX100 Digital Camera comes with a tilting screen that allows proper object positioning.

Tiltable displays are also great for selfie lovers.

The camera compresses files extremely to allow for longer shooting durations. 

Features

• Shoots burst up to 10fps
• 3-inch tiltable LCD screen
• Steady-shot image stabilization
• NFC and Wi-Fi for sharing
• Shoots footage up to 1080p
• Exmor R CMOS sensor

Pros

• Shoots video in different formats for easy sharing
• Compresses footage so more files can be stored
• Seamlessly pairs with other devices for data sharing
• Selfie-ready multi-angled display
• Shoots clear footage even in dim situations

Cons

• Cannot shoot past 1080p

6. Sony ZV-1

If you are making your first leap into the world of video content creation, you possibly don’t have a lot to throw on high-end cameras.

But you also don’t want to sacrifice a lot of features, in the end, right?

Well guess what, Sony ZV-1 might be the solution to your worries.

This compact, flip-screen camera records excellent 4K HDR videos with live streaming capability.

The autofocus system is incredibly fast to allow smooth real-time autofocus.

Sony ZV-1 packs a 20.1MP, pro video functions, and average-quality image stabilization features that come with high-end camera models.

While the camera can do a lot, it’s a favorite choice for YouTubers and Vloggers.

Features

• Flip-screen
• Touchscreen display
• Built-in mic
• 4K video footage
• Live streaming capability
• Bionz image processor

Pros

• Great image stabilization
• A fast, hybrid AF system for stellar quality output
• Does not overheat 
• Ample pro video functions for post-production
• Affordable Sony video camera
• The screen flips to make video shooting easier

Cons

• The touchscreen experience is not the best
• Could use more front dials

7. Sony Alpha A6500

Though not a film-making flagship, Sony’s Alpha A6500 camera is a decent grab that delivers professional results.

It’s a mirrorless system that boasts internal image stabilization for still clips.

The camera can comfortably capture quick 4k clips as well as full HD quality (at 11 fps).

Its advanced processing allows it to shoot in continuous mode, silently with a very outstanding 0.05-sec autofocus acquisition.

Sony Alpha A6500 spots a myriad of supreme upgrades that make it stand out from Sony 6100 and A6400-Its predecessors.

Beginner professionals on a budget will find it to be a worthwhile friend to carry along on a filming trip.

Top features

• In-body image stabilization to steady the lens
• Continuous shooting mode
• Advanced processing
• Silent shooting
• 4k quality clips
• Touchscreen
• Features one of the best AF acquisition system
• Full-resolution images at 11 fps, continuous autofocus, and exposure tracking

Pros

• In-body stabilization to minimize camera shake
• Reliable processing power
• Silent performance
• Touch-screen enabled
• High-quality video clips

Cons

• Lacks high-end features

8. Sony A9 II

If you are a high-rolling sports videographer whose work is always used as the yardstick for the gold standard, then you possibly are here for something truly amazing.

And guess what, Sony A9 II might just tick many of your boxes.

This camera is a speed freak capturing 4k videos at 30 fps and a maximum continuous shooting burst of 20 fps.

Its full-frame sensor is powerful enough to deliver crisp clear footage without aberration issues.

When it comes to connectivity, Sony A9 II leaves nothing to chance.

It comes with an Ethernet port, high-speed 2.4 or 5 GHz Wi-Fi as well as a secure FTP transfer.

So as you can see, transferring data with this camera is easy breezy.

Unfortunately, Sony A9 II’ is slowly losing its glow to Sony Alpha 1-another unbelievably expensive Sony video camera.

A1 sports spectacular upgrades that include a 50MP sensor, 8K video output, and top-class anti-flicker.

Nevertheless, A9 II is still a great pick for discerning professionals.

Features

• Interchangeable lens
• Built-in connectivity 
• 24.2 MP
• Mirrorless full-frame camera
• Up to 4k resolution
• Real-time tracking
• Voice memo function
• 3-inch tilting touchscreen

Pros

• Amazing autofocus
• Unrivaled connectivity
• Highly advanced subject recognition
• Reliable image stabilization
• Super-speed sensor for fast performance
• A compact design that fits in the hands perfectly

Cons

• It’s an expensive sports camera
• The menu system is awkward

9. Sony Alpha A7R III

Judging from multiple positive reviews Sony Alpha A7R III has received so far, this camera is indeed the epitome of stellar craftsmanship.

When it comes to recording performance, you can take high-speed subjects through its incredible CMOS sensor at 10fps without losing autofocus tracking.

The unit runs smoothly and doesn’t overheat when capturing 4k videos.

Furthermore, sensitivity, processing, and dynamic range are advanced to allow pro-level recording for those once-in-a-lifetime memories.

Sony Alpha A7R III is designed to accommodate challenging low-light shooting situations.

Additionally, its design is not only durable but compact as well.

Pros

• Strong and compact body
• Excellent tracking in continuous shooting mode
• Compatible with multiple lenses and accessories
• Crisp clear videos and stills
• Stunning bit depths for a fully dynamic experience

Cons

• It’s not cheap.

Features to consider when buying the best Sony camera for video shooting

Here are a few factors to take into account before you make your pick:

Portability

You must keep in mind the events you are planning to shoot before acquiring a camera.

Vloggers, travel bloggers, and wedding photographers need compact models.

Processor and sensor

Do you always do your shooting in low-light conditions? If so then consider a camera with a powerful sensor and processor.

Good sensors draw in a sufficient amount of light to bring the image into focus.

As for the processor, the more powerful it is, the more you’ll be able to shoot without the camera heating up.

Resolution

It is important that your footage comes out with rich details-almost as was seen by the naked eye.

If a lot of post-production is mandatory, then consider a camera with 1080p or more.

Frame rate

Frame rate refers to the frequency at which details are displayed in a video.

Usually abbreviated as fps, the bigger the frame rate number, the clearer the images appear-especially in slow motion.

Mirrorless or DSLR

There are still amazing DSLR cameras out there. However, mirrorless models are currently all the rage—and for good reasons.

You see, the absence of a mirror allows cameras to capture as many shots as possible and at insane shutter speeds.

DSLR, on the other hand, cannot accomplish such a feat.

Log profiles

Post-production is part and parcel of filming.

Having a camera with multiple log profiles means you’ll be able to edit your content without losing the depth of the color.

Few profiles, on the other hand, will leave you with very little to work with.

Image stabilization

There are several types of camera shakes to be wary of while filming.

These movements interfere with the clarity of the footage resulting in bad copies.

Considering Image stabilization ensures video footage is sharp and steady.

Compatible accessories

One of the biggest mistakes beginners do is to blindly go with any camera.

In the end, they realize it cannot support many lenses and other essential sound and mounting accessories.

So before you add a cam to the cart, make sure it can seamlessly link with other photography tools.  

Video format

You need to consider a camera that lets you shoot in different formats.

The common ones are MPEG-2, MPEG-4, AVCHD (version of H. 264), M4V, HEVC, and a couple of others.

Final Thoughts

There are many best Sony cameras for video.

However, the most reliable models cost upwards of $1,000. Most of them feature stellar tracking abilities, reliable autofocus, and thrilling frame rates per second.

The mirrorless options, which happen to be their latest invention offer far superior performance as compared to their slowly fading DSLRs.

The general consensus online is that Sony is better for video than Canon. The latter comes to the top when it comes to photography.

While most of the reviews mentioned in this article are outstanding rigs, doing a bit of price and features comparison will help you to settle on an amazing pick.