Certainly, when we talk about cameras the first that we think is Nikon and Canon. Falling into such comparison would be very negligent, since we would be denying the place that some cameras deserve, as they are, in this case, the models offered by Sony.
This article will discuss in detail various models of Sony cameras focused on different levels of users: from semi professional cameras, mirroless full frame, to Smart DSLR lenses.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX30Go to Amazon
A detachable camera or an innovative lens kit? Get to know what's coming next in Smartphone Photography!
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Overall rating:
68
Design:
0
70
100
Ease of Use:
0
70
100
Price:
0
50
100
Image Quality:
0
83
100
Pros
30x Optical Zoom
Superb image quality for a smartphone
Remote usage
35mm film equivalent
Easy to use
Individual buttons
Cons
Pricey
Depends on the smartphone’s battery
ISO 3200 onwards can sum a good amount of noise
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Moving past from the traditional DSLR cameras or even from compact cameras, Sony is a pioneer in the market of the brand new "Smart Lenses".
Is this a camera or is a lens? That may be the first question we can ask ourselves when analyzing this camera. As an attachment designed for Smartphones, the main idea was to release all the potential of smartphone photography without depending on the default camera apps by the OS.
The first aspect to highlight within this camera is the 30x Optical Zoom, which would provide us the equivalent in 35 mm to a focal length of 24-720 mm - consider that we speak of optical and not digital zoom, in which the image quality does not get compromised by the zooming process. Being somewhat wider than its predecessor, it can deceive us in what to portability regards; however, there isn't a problem when carrying this lens in our pocket.
Another of the remarkable aspect when using this Smart Lens is the possibility of using it remotely, as we do with a remote flash. This gives us a new range of opportunities for creative photography: either a selfie without selfie stick, using the lens with a tripod, or simply placing this lens on any surface. But of course, by using the lens in remote mode the unit will operate in the same way as a camera on timer mode - meaning that we cannot see what the lens is capturing on our Smartphone.
This Smartlens requires of an app called PlayMemories for accessing to its controls in our Smartphone; this app is currently available for iOS and Android, which can be a constraint if we work with Windows Mobile.
The pairing is done through two options: NFC or WiFi. In the case of the connection via WiFi, you can find a password in the inside of the battery area. Regarding to the storage, this lens can synchronize photographs with the Smartphone using the PlayMemories app, while keeping the high quality files in a card of memory located next to the battery of the device.
We cannot find any major disadvantages in what refers to being operated by the user: it has an on / off button, a shutter button and the zoom selector.
Image quality is more than acceptable for a device linked to Smartphones, widely surpassing the quality that any of these mobile phones can provide us with their camera. ISO settings do not produce a significant amount of noise unless ISO 3200 values are exceeded.
The main disadvantages of this lens are linked to the strict workflow to be used: the device is not compatible with apps like Instagram, Snapchat, etc.; therefore, the PlayMemories application should be used to capture photos and then edit them or import them from the library.
At the same time, there isn't a fully manual mode as we would find ourselves in a Bridge or DSLR camera. We can capture images in Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and some automatic scene modes.
However, the biggest drawback of this device lies in the time or errors that may occur when making the pairing, as also the lag between captures. Another aspect negative, besides the size of the lens when deploys its zoom, is that it strictly depends on the battery of the Smartphone, which will reduce its battery life span while using it as camera.
Sony Cyber-shot W800Go to Amazon
A camera designed for beginners in the world of the photography, equipped with a precise zoom without greater scope, but with all what's needed to obtain a quality work.
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Overall rating:
84
Design:
0
95
100
Ease of Use:
0
90
100
Price:
0
97
100
Image Quality:
0
52
100
Pros
Compact
Lightweight
Cheap
Features some basic manual controls
Acceptable performance
Cons
Poor performance in Low Light
Restricted zoom range
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The W800 is an entry level compact camera, but despite its discreet design is able to equip a CCD 20.1 mpx sensor, with ISO 100-3200 sensitivity and films in 720p.
Its style looks professional and lightweight, with metallic style, giving the appearance of brushed metal; however, that appearance not is more than painted plastic, of which must be treated with care to avoid scratches or marks.
Given its compact size, it is ideal for carrying it in a pocket of our pants or jacket, which makes this camera an ideal ally for those travel days, urban photography scenarios, or even in those situations where it seems safer not to carry around bulky cameras.
The controls were designed with a minimalist profile, simply using what is strictly necessary have, which converts to this camera into something about easy learning: all the customization options are contained in menus operable from those 5 buttons.
The optical zoom lens has a maximum range of 5x, which is really disappointing for everything that this camera could offer. Its focal range is equivalent to 26 - 130mm, with 5cm minimum focusing macro - without presenting any image stabilization system, which is expected since it is a budget-minded camera.
Despite the fact that this camera is designed to work in automatic modes, with a wide variety of preset scenes, it also offers us the possibility of handling White Balance, Exposure Adjustments and ISO sensitivity. 4 preset filters allow us creative adjustments within the very camera, and we can also capture images in 360-degree panoramas.
In broad terms, this is a camera capable of giving us a good and comfortable interface, with a good battery life because it operates with a rechargeable Li-ion battery instead of the traditional AA batteries. The greater disadvantages with this camera relies in poor lighting situations, since it will not have an acceptable performance. The quality of its LCD screen is not at the level of Sony's standards, by varying the quality of image display depending on where is the angle at which we look at the screen and if we are exposed to intense lighting (from very dark images to full washed-out aspect).
Sony Alpha 7R IIGo to Amazon
With a compact size, this camera is a powerful gear for any intrepid photographer who decides to maintain a fair balance between quality and portability.
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Overall rating:
79
Design:
0
95
100
Ease of Use:
0
80
100
Price:
0
50
100
Image Quality:
0
90
100
Pros
42MP Full Frame BSI CMOS sensor
4K video capable
Sturdy construction
5-axis image stabilization
Compact format
High speed AF
Cons
No direct AF point control
Small buttons
No in-camera RAW conversion
Limited battery life
Expensive
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The size of this camera should not delude ourselves that not it owes much to more robust models of DSLR cameras; however, this mirrorless camera is capable of maintaining the right balance between quality and portability.
As a camera itself, this was a considerable step forward in comparison with their predecessors; the reasons to affirm this are mainly given by the change in the technology of the sensor, being this a BSI CMOS - which would act improving the quality by pixel - and the other aspect would be by the improvements made in the Autofocus system, which not only behaves way more agile and effective with lenses Sony but also with lenses of other manufacturers.
The first impression that we can lead about this camera is that it has a solid construction: its body is composed of magnesium alloy, at the time that both strengthens their conditions to be a weather-sealed camera as well as in the lens mount, allowing us to load larger lenses.
We count with two dials: one on top and another in the back face of the camera, besides a third dial next to the LCD screen. The shutter button was moved from its original position in previous models, now being located on top of the grip of the camera - which was redesigned to have a feeling of greater comfort when holding the camera by prolonged times.
The LCD screen is articulated, which will facilitate access to complicated scenarios; however, the control that determines if the display mode is for LCD screen or the electronic viewfinder is particularly sensitive, which will result in more than one occasion a mode change without even intending it.
This model us offers 10 entirely customizable buttons, that while it can seem as too many of them at first sight, it would be needed some more for the correct comfort of the professional photographer. As a drawback we can say that the menu could be defined as disordered and even negligent: basic options such as the management of the SD card are in an awkward position for access, and if we have to do it quickly it will lead in general to a waste of time for the user as they aren't optimized for quick access. While the Fn button gives us the ability to assign "shortcuts" to many of the options from the menu, there are a large number of important options that are not possible to assign as shortcuts. One of those shortcuts noteworthy to assign is the of Auto ISO, since the controls of ISO are highly editable in this model.
The Sony Alpha a7R II is can be considered within the range of cameras of ultra-high resolution, competing with models of Nikon, Canon and Pentax in this category. Compared to its predecessor, the improvements in image quality are notorious: Sony managed to implement a system of in-body image stabilization (IBIS), designed to reduce the shock that was notorious in the previous version shutter.
Regarding to its performance in poor lighting conditions, Sony introduces the system known as a backside-illuminated CMOS sensor (BSI), reducing the requirements for the electronic implements per-pixel, leaving more area for the process of capturing light. With a more advanced electronic system, in addition to a better performance in low light conditions, we are also able to increase the shooting speed without compromising the quality of the image; i.e., not increase the levels of noise to those values of ISO assigned.
In general lines, Sony knew how to give a great advance with this model, considerably improving the menu of options in a vaguely similar to the Nikon camera's format; however, this still being still inefficient if compared with what we can get from a Nikon camera. The improvements implemented both in buttons, dials and the grip ensure us a more reliable handling from the user, avoiding largely accidents during the process of capture.
The shutter lag has been considerably reduced, enough as to compare it with the acceptable levels set by Nikon and Canon; however, there is room for improvement, mainly if we intend to dedicate to sports photography.
One of the main drawbacks is the battery life span, which not is as dreamy like as we were willing to believe, by what for long sessions is recommended carry with us two batteries extra to avoid running out for power. Another aspect to consider is that some of the Autofocus modes are not available in compatible lenses, by what (considering the price of the original lenses by Sony) can be inconvenient if we have a budget-minded view respecting to this camera.
Sony SLT-A77 IIGo to Amazon
A upgrade to the 2011's Sony A77 with interesting features that we will bring us closer to professional photography.
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Overall rating:
81
Design:
0
76
100
Ease of Use:
0
80
100
Price:
0
80
100
Image Quality:
0
87
100
Pros
12 fps burst mode with AF-C
Steady-Shot technology
Articulated LCD screen
Good quality build
Weather-sealed
Cons
Considerable amount of noise in high ISO settings
Burst mode doesn’t allow control of shutter speed and aperture
Controllers can experience some lag
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Despite not being a professional-line camera, according to its manufacturers, the Sony A77 II is gradually taking a good position in the market, and can compete without greater problem with some mid-level DSLR of both Nikon and Canon.
The first aspects to highlight of this camera are the improvements that Sony introduced in relation to its predecessor in what to Autofocus refers. The Eye-AF mode comes as an upgrade of the Face Detection system, allowing us to avoid pictures of subjects with eyes closed. Meanwhile, the Sony A77 II us allows determine how persistent it must maintain the Autofocus sector assigned - something that usually available within professional-range DSLR cameras. The 79 AF points cover almost the greater part of the sensor of this camera, with which can obtain accurate results even for photographs in unexpected moments without too many concerns.
Another technology that Sony implemented both in this model as in its predecessor is the system known as SLT or, according to its acronym, Single Lens Translucent. What does this mean? That Sony opted for a system of a unique semi-transparent mirror (Yes, despite the name the mirror is in fact semi-transparent, as if it was translucent the image would be diffuse), which simplifies the task to the electronic level in comparison with the cameras with multiple mirrors. The cost of this, for technical purposes, is to sacrifice part of the storage capacity for lighting, which is compensated by ISO - thus adding noise to the image, which in moderate values of ISO is not notorious.
In what the SLT technology affects us as photographers? The light that enters to the objective is directed simultaneously to the sensor and to the Autofocus motor, by which both components process the image at the same time, reducing the traditional lag in this process in that we can experience in single mirror cameras. In few words, it means that we have an electronic viewfinder (EVF) working with a traditional Autofocus system, which could be defined as something quite exotic for a camera, and that without any doubt improves the precision level of the focusing interface. For those most passionate for other focus modes, this camera also has developed a fairly advanced Lock-On AF, thought for scenes with nearly-still subjects rather than scenes where the action is a component.
With respect to the physical composition of this camera, the Sony A77 II has a strong body, resistant to most of the conditions that we can face thanks to be weather-sealed. Despite the large number of buttons that this camera has, the grip is comfortable, so we will not find (unless accidentally) situations in where for holding the camera we actually activate unwanted options.
With an articulated LCD screen like its predecessor, we can access a wide variety of challenges given comfort by this display system; But if this was not enough, this model shows clear improvements regarding to the visualization of that very LCD screen under harsh lighting conditions.
This camera replaces the GPS technology with its newly developed WiFi bridge connection and NFC technology, leveling this camera with most high-end DSLR cameras.
As is customary in Sony cameras, and I would like to emphasize this as a personal critic, the menu is disorganized. In the particular case of this camera it can be amazingly frustrating since the controls are very sensitive, by what we can easily pass by any option and spend a good time until we find the very adjustment again. We can store some of these settings to our convenience in the button dedicated for user customization (Fn menu button).
The Auto-ISO operates in two modes: the traditional ISO and a mode exclusive to JPEG format, where it combines three images with the same value of ISO selected, as a way of reducing the amount of noise retrieved by image.
The performance of this camera for situations of poor lighting is more than acceptable, considering we have settled a proper configuration of the ISO values, thus not adding more noise to the photo than desired.
To do a brief summary of this camera, it is, without doubt, a model that deserves the chance to be tested. The areas where this camera will highlight are Sports Photography, Adventure, Wildlife and Portrait Photography given the features of its Autofocus system; however, the Lock-On AF mode can be imprecise in a large number of situations, especially if we have a great amount of subjects in movement at the same time - the camera tends to change the focus point from one subject to another with relative ease, which can be immensely frustrating.
Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IIIGo to Amazon
Impressive image quality for a Bridge camera, capable of competing with entry-level DSLRs; not to mention its 24-600 mm F 2.4-4 lens.
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Overall rating:
74
Design:
0
92
100
Ease of Use:
0
90
100
Price:
0
40
100
Image Quality:
0
75
100
Pros
Comfortable handling
4K Video recording capable
Weather-sealed
Improved battery life in relation with its predecessor
Stunning zoom
Cons
Lens loses its ND-filter coating
Messy menu
Pricey for a Bridge camera
Bigger than most Bridge cameras
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For many, a Bridge camera is the first step towards professional photography; however, in cases such as the Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 III it can be considered as a long-term investment, since it is able to compete with entry level DSLR cameras such as Nikon and Canon. And, as it is well known in the case of Bridge cameras, we cannot exchange the lens, so equipping this camera with a lens that sports both wide-angle and telephoto with an impressive zoom range is a true success by Sony.
Compared with its predecessor, this camera was able to increase in size, so while it could be received as a negative aspect into what the average size of the Bridge cameras are concerned, it is actually a gain, and we'll get a more comfortable handling, and the enlargement in turn facilitated adding more buttons to control the camera on top of it.
The menu, following the same guidelines we've seen in other cameras tested, remains shockingly disorganized, where dozens of options will be deployed for no apparent logic, which can intimidate the user who not only has not previously experienced using a Bridge camera but is also not familiar with this "organization" of Sony.
Ironies aside, the Auto ISO mode allows us great freedom if we talk about camera settings, being even possible to select shutter speed values automatically in relation to the focal length you are using.
The Sony Zoom Assist system will facilitate the task of not losing focus precision when working with focal length values in telephoto zoom mode (which in 600mm focal length is more than assessable).
Despite the level and quality of this camera, the typical Fn button is not part of the configuration of this camera, bringing the already tangled menu affair only worse. Sony made considerable progress in battery life for this camera, which will make it a great tool for the intrepid photographer. The Lock-On AF remains as vague as we have seen in other models, so it is not recommended for situations with many subjects in action.
A more than recommended for a travel photographer camera looking forward to a practical solution for various scenarios without needing to exchange lenses in the process.
Sony SLT-A99Go to Amazon
Despite being a relatively old model (dating from 2012), remains a classic for Sony users, and to-do for future upgrades as photography forums have been talking for a long while about the Sony SLT-A99 II
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Overall rating:
64
Design:
0
60
100
Ease of Use:
0
80
100
Price:
0
40
100
Image Quality:
0
75
100
Pros
Dual SD Card Slot
Articulated LCD screen
Built-in GPS
Full HD video recording
Solid build
Great image stabilization system
OLED EVF
Cons
Autofocus not compatible with manual exposure control in video mode
Live View not available in continuous shooting mode
Messy menu
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Considered as an already outdated for the taste of some users, this camera is the second model from Sony to be considered within the category Full-Frame Reflex (the first being the Sony A900), and at the time of its release was focused on competing with the Nikon D800 and the Canon 5D Mark III. These two cameras differ markedly in the amount of megapixels, the Sony one featuring a maximum resolution of 24 megapixels, while also equips an Electronic Viewfinder instead of an Optical Viewfinder.
It was one of the first Sony cameras to implement the SLT technology, with relatively silent controls. Its body is resistant to weather conditions and dust given the fact that is made of magnesium alloy.
Sony had also made sure to include a hot shoe compatible with the ISO 518 standard, ideal for adding an external flash. The battery life is estimated at about 500 photographs.
Operating controls of this camera are easy to use: first we have a dial with lock-mode to select between automatic modes, priority or manual, as well as to enable us to shooting mode. The top LCD plate will indicate both settings as well as the remaining battery charge. Both ISO and Exposure values are perfectly adjustable since their buttons are located at the top of the camera, next to the shutter button. As for the controls deployed in the back of the camera, the classic Fn button here to display the functions; and in front of the camera two completely editable buttons are displayed to store shortcuts.
The menu should not be a surprise at this point, still unclear, streaky and tedious to explore. It is divided into 7 sections, organized in 21 pages total.
Despite having a comfortable handling, this camera also allows adding a battery grip, which will not only increase the autonomy of the camera but will also allow more comfort for long work sessions.
It has several modes of internal adjustment, as it can be options HDR, Sweep Panorama Clear Zoom; which is expected for a flagship model as used to be this camera.
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