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Sony has been a leader in the camera industry for many years, and their mirrorless cameras have been a go-to choice for photographers and videographers alike. When it comes to video, Sony mirrorless cameras have a lot to offer, including high-quality video resolution, fast autofocus, and lightweight design.
If you're in the market for a Sony mirrorless camera specifically for video, there are a few critical things to keep in mind. First, you'll want to consider the camera's video resolution and frame rate capabilities. You'll also want to look at the camera's autofocus system, as well as its low light performance. Finally, you'll want to consider the camera's overall design and ergonomics, as well as any additional features it may offer for video, such as built-in stabilization or microphone inputs.
After researching and testing multiple Sony mirrorless cameras, we've identified the best options for videographers looking to take their video capabilities to the next level.
Best Sony Mirrorless Cameras for Video
Looking for the best Sony mirrorless camera for your video needs? Look no further, as we've compiled a list of the top options available on the market today. Our team of experts has extensively tested and researched each camera to ensure that it meets our high standards for quality and performance. Whether you're a professional videographer or a beginner looking to up your game, we've got you covered. So without further ado, here are the best Sony mirrorless cameras for video.
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera
If you're looking for a versatile camera that can handle both photography and videography, the Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera with 18-135mm Lens is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Next Gen speed: Experience the world's fastest 0.02 sec AF with real-time AF and object tracking.
- Enhanced subject capture: Wide 425 Phase/ 425 contrast detection points over 84% of the sensor.
- Multiple movie functions: Make time-lapse movies or slow/quick motion videos without post-processing.
Cons
- No in-body stabilization.
- No headphone jack for audio monitoring.
- No flip-out screen.
We've had a chance to use this camera and we're impressed with its speed, accuracy, and versatility. The autofocus system is incredibly fast and accurate, making it easy to capture sharp photos and videos. With 11fps continuous shooting at 24.2MP, you can capture fast-moving action with crisp, clear natural colors.
One of the standout features of this camera is its ability to shoot high-quality video. You can shoot 4K video at up to 30fps, and there are multiple movie functions that allow you to create time-lapse movies or slow/quick motion videos without post-processing. The tiltable LCD screen is customizable for vlogging, still photography, or recording a professional film.
While this camera doesn't have in-body stabilization, the 18-135mm lens that comes with it does have optical stabilization. We found that this worked well for most situations, but if you're planning on shooting a lot of handheld video, you may want to consider investing in a gimbal.
Overall, we think the Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera is a great choice for anyone who wants a versatile camera that can handle both photography and videography. The autofocus system is incredibly fast and accurate, and the ability to shoot high-quality video is a real plus. If you're looking for a camera that can do it all, this is definitely worth considering.
Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Zoom Lens
If you're looking for a reliable mirrorless camera that excels in video, the Sony Alpha A6100 is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The world's fastest autofocus system at 0.02 seconds with real-time AF and object tracking.
- Wide 425-phase/425-contrast detection AF points over 84% of the sensor.
- Real-time AF Tracking and Real-time Eye AF for human and animal.
Cons
- The electronic viewfinder isn't very good, and it's better to use the larger screen to compose shots.
- The camera doesn't have in-body image stabilization.
- The camera's battery life isn't the best in its class.
We were impressed with the Alpha A6100's autofocus system, which is blazing fast and accurate, making it ideal for capturing moving subjects. The camera's 24.2MP APS-C Exmor sensor with front-end LSI and ISO up to 51,200 produces sharp, detailed images with excellent color reproduction. The camera is also capable of recording 4K video at 30fps and 1080p video at 120fps.
The A6100's 180-degree tiltable 3-inch touchscreen LCD makes it easy to capture selfies and vlogs, and the camera's touch tracking provides smooth continuous focus tracking of your subject activated with a simple touch of the display screen. The camera also features up to 11fps continuous shooting at 24.2MP RAW with AF/AE tracking, making it a great choice for action photography.
Overall, the Sony Alpha A6100 is an excellent mirrorless camera for video that offers fast autofocus, great image quality, and a range of useful features. While it's not perfect, it's a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable camera that can handle both photos and videos.
Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera with 28-70mm Lens Kit Video Bundle + LED Video Light + Microphone + Extreme Speed 64GB Memory(20pc Bundle), ILCE7M3K/B
If you're looking for a well-rounded camera suitable for both photo and video applications, the Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera is a great option. The camera is refined for improved speed and low-light performance and is suitable for a variety of working situations.
Pros
- The full-frame 24.2MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor pair to realize an impressive 10 fps continuous shooting rate and improved autofocus performance for faster, more reliable subject tracking along with wide frame coverage.
- The processing improvements also help to realize greater image clarity and reduced noise throughout the sensitivity range from ISO 100-51200, which can further be expanded to ISO 50-204800.
- The bundle includes a range of accessories such as a camera backpack, LED video light, microphone, and a 64GB memory card.
Cons
- The camera is relatively expensive compared to other mirrorless cameras in the market.
- The camera's battery life could be better.
- The camera's menu system can be a bit overwhelming for beginners.
The Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera is a great option for anyone looking for a high-quality camera with great autofocus and image quality. The camera is well-suited for both photo and video applications, making it a versatile option for many different types of users.
The camera's autofocus system is particularly impressive, with a combination of 693 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection areas for quicker acquirement of focus in a variety of lighting conditions. This makes it easier to capture sharp images and video, even in challenging lighting situations.
In addition to its autofocus system, the camera's image quality is also excellent. The full-frame 24.2MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor work together to produce sharp, detailed images with reduced noise throughout the sensitivity range.
However, the camera is relatively expensive compared to other mirrorless cameras in the market, and its battery life could be better. Additionally, the camera's menu system can be a bit overwhelming for beginners, making it less intuitive to use than some other cameras on the market.
Overall, if you're looking for a high-quality mirrorless camera that's well-suited for both photo and video applications, the Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera is definitely worth considering. With its impressive autofocus system, excellent image quality, and range of accessories, it's a versatile and powerful camera that's sure to meet the needs of many different types of users.
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 versatile camera for both photo and video applications, the Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Digital SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens Kit is a great option. With a full-frame 24.2MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor, this camera delivers impressive speed and low-light performance.
Pros
- The camera features a 24.2MP Full frame sensor and can shoot 4K UHD videos with an ISO up to 204800, providing outstanding imaging capability and high-speed performance in a compact body.
- With fast continuous shooting at up to 10fps with AF/AE tracking and up to 8fps burst shooting when shooting with live-view mode, the camera can capture the height of a moment while supporting silent shooting at up to 10fps with AF/AE tracking at maximum resolution.
- The Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens is a lightweight, compact lens that makes an ideal everyday lens. The built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization keeps images sharp and noise-free.
Cons
- The 30-minute recording limit may be a disadvantage for some users.
- The included commander remote may not function properly, and the editing software may not be included in some cases.
- The lens is good enough for beginners but not professional purposes.
We were impressed by the Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Digital SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens Kit. It offers outstanding imaging capability and high-speed performance in a compact body, making it an ideal option for capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments. The fast continuous shooting and silent shooting modes provide flexibility when capturing images, and the FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens is a lightweight, convenient everyday lens. However, the 30-minute recording limit and the limited functionality of the included commander remote may be disadvantages for some users. Overall, we highly recommend this camera for those looking for a versatile option for both photo and video applications.
Sony Alpha a7 IIK E-mount interchangeable lens mirrorless camera with full frame sensor with 28-70mm Lens
If you're looking for a mirrorless camera that can capture stunning videos with minimal blur, the Sony Alpha a7 IIK is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The world's first 5-axis in-body image stabilization in a full-frame camera reduces blur caused by camera shake from five different directions, making your videos more stable than ever.
- You can use your favorite lenses without worrying about blur from camera shake, thanks to the 5-axis image stabilization built into the body of the camera.
- With full-frame, 24.3MP resolution, a 35mm sensor, and a normal sensor range of ISO 100–25600, you can capture breathtaking imagery with a sophisticated balance of high-resolving power, gradation, and low noise.
Cons
- The battery life isn't the best, so you may want to invest in a battery grip if you plan on using it frequently.
- The autofocus system could be improved, especially in low light conditions.
- It's a bit on the pricey side, so it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget.
We've been using the Sony Alpha a7 IIK for a while now, and we're impressed with its performance. The 5-axis image stabilization system is a true marvel of engineering, and it works incredibly well during video recording. We've been able to capture stable footage even when walking or running, which is something that we couldn't do with other cameras.
We also love how we can use our favorite lenses with the camera without worrying about blur from camera shake. The 5-axis image stabilization system works with both still images and video, and it even enhances lenses that already have optical image stabilization systems.
The camera is also capable of capturing stunning images with its full-frame, 24.3MP resolution, and we've been able to get some amazing shots with it. The BIONZ X image processor enables up to 5 fps high-speed continuous shooting and high-50Mb/s XAVC S video recording, which is great for capturing fast-moving subjects.
However, the battery life could be better, and we've found ourselves needing to charge it more frequently than we'd like. The autofocus system could also be improved, especially in low light conditions, but it's still good enough for most situations.
Overall, if you're looking for a mirrorless camera that can capture stunning videos with minimal blur, the Sony Alpha a7 IIK is definitely worth considering. It's a bit on the pricey side, but if you're willing to invest in it, you won't be disappointed.
Sony a6100 Mirrorless Camera
If you're looking for a compact and versatile mirrorless camera that can capture both stills and videos, the Sony a6100 is a great choice.
Pros
- The camera comes with a bundle of accessories including a 128GB memory card, microphone, video light, tripod, filters, and more. This makes it a great value for the price.
- The 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor deliver high-quality images and videos with excellent detail and color accuracy.
- The camera features Real-Time Eye AF and Subject Tracking, which makes it easy to capture sharp and focused shots of moving subjects.
Cons
- The camera's battery life is not as long as some other mirrorless cameras on the market. You may need to bring an extra battery if you plan on shooting for extended periods of time.
- The camera's touchscreen is not as responsive as some other models. It can be frustrating to use when trying to navigate menus or adjust settings.
- The camera does not have in-body image stabilization, which means you'll need to rely on the stabilization in your lenses to get smooth footage.
Overall, we think the Sony a6100 Mirrorless Camera is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile camera that can capture both stills and videos. The bundle of accessories that comes with the camera makes it an excellent value for the price, and the camera's advanced features and intuitive handling make it easy to use for both beginners and advanced photographers.
Sony Alpha 7R III Mirrorless Camera
If you're looking for a high-quality mirrorless camera for video, the Sony Alpha 7R III is a great choice. With its advanced image processing system, fast autofocus, and high-resolution sensor, this camera delivers superior imaging quality and flexibility.
Pros
- The 42.4MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processor provide exceptional image quality and detail.
- The Real-time AF tracking and Real-time Eye-AF for humans and animals make it easy to capture stunning portraits and action shots.
- The camera's fast Hybrid autofocus system, with 399 phase-detection and 425 contrast AF points, ensures accurate and reliable focus in any situation.
Cons
- The camera can be quite expensive, especially when compared to other mirrorless cameras on the market.
- The camera's menu system can be a bit confusing and overwhelming for new users.
- The camera's battery life could be better, especially when shooting video.
Overall, if you're looking for a high-quality mirrorless camera for video, the Sony Alpha 7R III is definitely worth considering. With its advanced features and exceptional image quality, it's a great choice for both amateur and professional photographers.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best Sony mirrorless camera for video, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to keep in mind:
Sensor Size
One of the most important factors when choosing a camera for video is the sensor size. A larger sensor will typically provide better low-light performance and a shallower depth of field, which can be desirable for certain types of videos. However, larger sensors can also be more expensive.
Video Resolution
Another important factor is the video resolution. Higher resolutions, such as 4K or even 6K, can provide more detail and clarity in your videos. However, keep in mind that higher resolutions also require more storage space and processing power.
Frame Rate
Frame rate is another important consideration when choosing a camera for video. A higher frame rate can provide smoother, more fluid motion, while a lower frame rate can create a more cinematic look. However, higher frame rates also require more processing power and can result in larger file sizes.
Autofocus
Autofocus is crucial for video, as it allows you to keep your subject in focus even when they are moving. Look for a camera with fast and accurate autofocus, as well as the ability to customize autofocus settings to suit your needs.
Image Stabilization
Finally, image stabilization is important for handheld video shooting. Look for a camera with built-in stabilization or the ability to use stabilized lenses to help reduce camera shake and create smoother, more professional-looking videos.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best Sony mirrorless camera for your video needs.