Best Sony Camera for Beginners of 2024

If you’re starting your photography journey, we’re here to help you find the best Sony cameras for beginners. With so many fantastic Sony cameras available, how do you choose the right one?

We’ve reviewed a wide range of models to help you find the perfect Sony camera. Our selection includes excellent all-around cameras that capture stunning photos and videos, vlogging cameras for budding social media stars, and advanced cameras for those looking to get a head start.

Our top choice for beginners is the Sony ZV-1 II. This brilliant compact camera is perfectly equipped for creating social media content. It delivers excellent picture quality for stills and is packed with video features ideal for aspiring content creators.

Now, let’s dive into each entry-level Sony camera. We’ll cover all the main specifications and highlight the strengths of each model so you can decide which camera is best for you.

While the list isn’t long, we’ve filtered out the poor performers, leaving only the best Sony cameras for beginners.

1. Sony ZV-1 II

The ZV-1 II is the top Sony camera for beginners. It features a fixed 18-50mm zoom lens and is compact enough to fit in your pocket. Designed with vlogging and social media content creation in mind, this camera is packed with specialist features.

While it has a one-inch sensor and a 20 MP image resolution, it outperforms most smartphone cameras. The image quality is sharp with vibrant colors, making it a great option for still photographers.

Targeted at vloggers and content creators, the ZV-1 Mark II records stunning 4K videos at 30 frames per second (fps), surpassing most social media content. For faster frame rates, you can switch to Full HD recording.

The camera includes a built-in gyroscopic system for video stabilization, reducing camera shake and allowing for handheld shooting without a gimbal.

A rotating touchscreen simplifies self-filming, and the vertical video mode is perfect for social media-optimized videos. It also features a built-in three-capsule microphone, enabling high-quality audio recording without additional equipment. Plus, it can be used as a live-streaming webcam.

The autofocus (AF) system, with eye-detection capabilities, is particularly vlogger-friendly. It maintains focus even with significant movement and also tracks animal eyes, which is ideal for pet vloggers.

The Sony ZV-1 II has another standout feature: specialist cinematic vlog settings. These settings give your videos a professional touch that few other entry-level cameras can match, helping your content stand out in a crowded online market.

2. Sony Alpha a6400

The Sony a6400 has been on the market for a few years, yet it remains one of Sony’s most popular cameras. It’s no surprise, given that this all-around mirrorless camera excels in both photography and videography.

Even by mirrorless standards, it’s compact and lightweight. The APS-C sensor captures 24.2 MP images in both JPEG and RAW formats, and its wide ISO range of 100 to 102,400 allows for shooting in various lighting conditions.

The video capabilities are equally impressive, with 4K recording at 30 fps. Budding vloggers and filmmakers will find this camera appealing, especially with the ability to shoot 120 fps slow-motion videos in Full HD.

Both the photography and video features are supported by a sophisticated autofocus system. With 425 phase and 425 contrast detection points, it offers incredible coverage. The autofocus is fast and capable of tracking moving subjects with ease, and it includes face and eye detection modes.

A tilting touchscreen enhances the experience of shooting photos and videos. The camera also has ports for external audio devices like headphones and microphones. With autofocus support, the burst mode allows for 11 fps shooting at full resolution. Additionally, the camera features Wi-Fi connectivity.

The a6400 remains an excellent choice for beginners. Despite its age, the price is very reasonable when purchased new, and its features are still up to date.

3. Sony ZV-1F

The Sony ZV-1F is an excellent choice for those seeking a pocket-sized camera that delivers on performance. As a compact camera, it’s extremely small and convenient. With a fixed lens, there’s no need to spend extra on additional lenses, and it boasts solid photo and video specs.

The fixed Zeiss lens has a 20mm focal length, providing a lovely wide field of view ideal for videos and vlogs, despite the lack of zoom. Its f/2 maximum aperture offers excellent low-light performance.

Despite its small one-inch sensor, the ZV-1F still offers a 20 MP image resolution, a significant improvement over most smartphone images.

Vloggers and content creators will appreciate its 4K video recording at 30 fps, supported by reliable autofocus with eye-detection capabilities. The camera also features gyroscopic stabilization for smooth, shake-free videos.

A rotating LCD screen makes it easy to film yourself, and there are external ports for microphones and other devices. Additionally, the ZV-1F includes a built-in microphone and sound muffler for better-quality audio outdoors.

Tech-savvy users will love the Sony ZV-1F’s ability to pair with a smartphone via Wi-Fi for remote control. It can also function as a webcam when connected to a laptop, making it an excellent choice for live streamers.

4. Sony Alpha 6700

The Sony a6700 is the latest model in the a6000 line of APS-C mirrorless cameras. While the previously mentioned Sony a6400 is an older model in the same series, the a6700 offers more advanced features and updates.

One key improvement is the image resolution, which is 26 MP on the a6700. This increase of nearly two megapixels significantly enhances image quality.

For video recording, the a6700 supports 4K with 10-bit 4:2:2 color sampling, providing superior quality. It can record at 30 fps and 60 fps at full resolution, and offers an impressive 240 fps in Full HD for stunning slow-motion footage.

The newer model also features built-in image stabilization with a five-axis system and up to five stops of exposure compensation, offering better exposure control in low light conditions.

Sony has integrated AI into the autofocus system, resulting in faster and more accurate focusing and tracking. This advanced AF performance is remarkable for an APS-C camera.

While there’s no built-in microphone, the a6700 has ports for external audio devices. The LCD screen rotates, making it easy to take selfies and record vlogs. Additionally, it can be used as a webcam for high-resolution conference calls and live streams.

The Sony a6700 is one of the most advanced APS-C cameras available. It remains suitable for beginner photographers, though it comes with a higher price tag compared to the a6400. If your budget allows, the latest features make it a worthwhile investment.

5. Sony Alpha ZV-E10

If you’re an aspiring filmmaker without a Hollywood budget, the Sony ZV-E10 is an ideal choice. It captures stunning still photos, but its real strength lies in video recording.

The ZV-E10 records beautiful, uncropped 4K videos, oversampled from 6K for superior playback quality. The 30 fps frame rate is sufficient for most users, with 60 and 120 fps options available in Full HD for those seeking smoother motion.

The camera features in-body audio recording with a built-in directional microphone, and ports for external devices allow you to use professional mics for enhanced audio quality.

Its advanced image stabilization system enables smoother handheld video shooting, eliminating the need for a gimbal or camera stabilizer.

Similar to the Sony a6700, the ZV-E10 uses artificial intelligence for enhanced focusing, offering exceptional eye-detection and subject tracking for both photos and videos.

While it doesn’t have five-axis image stabilization, it does include gyroscopic video stabilization. Although not as effective as the five-axis sensor-shift system, it still provides smoother footage when shooting handheld.

The Sony ZV-E10 also functions as a webcam, making it a great choice for Twitch and YouTube streamers. With Wi-Fi connectivity, it easily links to other devices. Its affordable price makes it an excellent starter camera for filmmakers.

Conclusion

We highly recommend all the best Sony cameras for beginners listed here. Each camera has its own strengths, catering to different types of photographers.

Every Sony camera on our list is worth considering. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or an aspiring social media star, there’s a Sony camera that’s perfect for you.

Our top pick for beginners is the Sony ZV-1 II. This brilliant compact camera captures gorgeous images and is excellently equipped for video production. With 20 MP photos, 4K video capabilities, and a host of extra features, it offers plenty for beginners to explore and enjoy.