The right Sony set for every budget - how to find your ideal equipment

The Japanese electronics brand Sony has a long tradition in the development of filmless cameras. In 1981, it was the first company in the world to launch an analog camera that did not require film. It is therefore not surprising that Sony was one of the pioneers of digital photography in the 1990s. With the acquisition of the Konica Minolta camera brand in 2006, Sony stepped up its activities on the market and in 2013 became the first brand in the world to introduce mirrorless cameras. Today, the company specializes in this technology and has not produced SLR cameras since 2018.

Cameras and camera systems from Sony

In addition to professional cameras and camera equipment, Sony offers three types of cameras for occasional and ambitious amateur photographers:

• Compact camera
• Interchangeable lens or system cameras
• Vlog cameras

Compact cameras are the ideal models for quick and uncomplicated operation. They are available in three different versions: simple models, premium models and vlog cameras. Among the interchangeable lens cameras, you will find full-frame models with large sensors and APS-C cameras with smaller sensors. A vlog camera is characterized by the combination of powerful photo and video functions, which is particularly appreciated by video bloggers.

Especially for compact or vlogcameras, which you often use daily or on the road, it is worthwhile to own a bag that is just as flexible as your camera. Pay attention to high-quality workmanship, reliable protection and a compact, lightweight design. This way your equipment remains not only safe, but you are also ready for action when the perfect moment arises - whether on a stroll through the city, traveling or vlogging. . Especially practical: Bags with adjustable shoulder strap and flat profile that adapt to your style.

Mirrorless cameras from Sony

After starting out with SLR cameras and a few transitional models with translucent mirrors, Sony now only offers mirrorless cameras, which you will often simply come across with the name DSLM camera. This abbreviation stands for "Digital Single-Lens Mirrorless". Unlike an SLR camera, the light is not redirected via a mirror to a viewfinder when the lens is opened. Instead, it hits the image sensor directly and is displayed in an electronic viewfinder or on the camera display.

Many professional and amateur photographers attach particular importance to the natural appearance of the subject in the viewfinder that an SLR camera offers. However, this often does not correspond to the result after the picture has been taken. The mirrorless camera, however, shows the image on the display as it appears after the shot and allows adjustments to be made immediately. The clear advantage of mirrorless cameras is their lightweight housings. Large and heavy camera bags are a thing of the past thanks to mirrorless system cameras.

If you choose a mirrorless system camera, you will benefit from its compact design and lightweight construction - which are ideal for longer photo tours or trips. To ensure that these advantages are not offset by bulky accessories, we recommend specially designed bags or backpacks, that transport your equipment safely and ergonomically. A good solution is a compact camera backpack, that offers enough space for the camera, additional lenses and accessories - but is also narrow enough to be maneuverable in narrow alleys or crowded cities. A good solution is a compact camera backpack Back padding and a well thought-out interior layout also ensure comfort when carrying for several hours.

What makes a full-frame camera?

Sony offers compact and system cameras as full-frame cameras and with smaller APS-C sensors. Cameras with APS-C sensors are characterized by more compact housings with a lower weight. This is often accompanied by a lower purchase price. However, you have to accept the so-called crop factor. This means that the focal length of the lens is different to that of a full-frame sensor. The smaller image sensor reduces the angle of view and creates the effect of increasing the effective focal length of the lens. Photographs with an APS-C image sensor therefore show a smaller section of the photographed scene. However, this is also associated with a greater depth of field, which is advantageous in some situations.

A full-frame camera has a significantly larger image sensor. In terms of image angle and focal length, photographs taken with these cameras are comparable to the former 35 mm films in 36 × 24 mm format. The photographs depict a significantly larger area of the recorded scene.

A full-frame camera delivers the highest quality - but also comes with a certain weight. This makes it all the more important to ensure well thought-out storage space and high carrying comfort during transportation. An elegant shoulder bag specially designed for professional systems not only provides optimum protection for your camera, but can also be carried discreetly and stylishly - ideal for shooting in urban environments, at events or when traveling. Look out for customizable compartments, shock-absorbing materials and water-repellent outer covers to keep your equipment protected at all times.

Choose the right budget camera from Sony

An inexpensive yet high-quality budget camera from Sony is a good choice for you if you are looking for an uncomplicated camera for good snapshots. These models are usually compact cameras with fixed lenses. All Sony compact cameras have a zoom lens, allowing you to take pictures at different focal lengths. Thanks to their small format, the compact cameras fit in a jacket or trouser pocket and are always ready to take a picture. Typical examples of low-cost compact cameras from Sony are the models in the Cyber-Shot series, which are available for less than 200 euros, depending on the range of features.

The current budget model among Sony's system cameras is a vlog camera with interchangeable lens at a price of around 650 euros. It is also ideal as a camera for beginners.

Ideal Sony camera for beginners

If you want to get into hobby photography more intensively, it is worth buying a higher-quality camera. Sony offers premium compact cameras such as the RX10 IV with fast autofocus speeds and a large zoom range. Among compact cameras, this model is the best Sony camera. Despite its professional features, it offers straightforward operation with an intuitive touchpad.

If you are looking for a greater challenge and want to experiment with different lenses, a system camera with interchangeable lenses is the right choice. The Sony range includes models such as the α6100 or the α6400 with an APS-C sensor. Sony offers these typical entry-level cameras without a lens for less than 1,000 euros. Other models in the Alpha series can also be found in this price range in specialist stores with a Sony lens. The best Sony camera for your needs depends on the photographic challenges you want to tackle. Popular system cameras in the mid-price segment such as the Sony Alpha ILCE-7 can be found in various versions with a high-performance Sony lens at prices of around €3,000.

Which is the best Sony camera 2025?

Which is the best Sony camera depends on your needs and requirements. In 2025, the Sony Alpha 1 is considered the brand's best model. It offers all-round professional functions and is therefore a professional camera, but is also attractive for passionate amateur photographers. The Sony Alpha ILCE-9 III system camera is comparable: with these cameras and extensive camera equipment with various lenses from ultra-wide-angle to powerful telephoto lenses and other camera accessories, you have all the possibilities of photography at your fingertips. Sony also offers a wide range of photography accessories for the system cameras, such as

• Lens filters
• lens hoods
• flash units
• rechargeable batteries
• chargers
• Tripods and handles

You will also find suitable camera accessories such as bags and carrying straps for your camera equipment.

Camera recommendation: from travel cameras to comprehensive camera equipment

The question of a camera recommendation always depends on the planned use, the planned budget and the photographic requirements. If you are looking for a travel camera, a smaller range is advantageous. The premium compact cameras from Sony offer outstanding performance. If you want to set up your own small photo studio, you should opt for one of the premium models among the system cameras with matching Sony lenses and extensive photography accessories.

A camera bag or smart backpack is indispensable for traveling or mobile photo projects - especially if you are traveling with several lenses, batteries or a small tripod. If you don't want to do without anything when traveling, you should opt for a weekender model that can store a notebook, personal items and clothing for short trips in addition to your camera and accessories. Well-designed bags with secure access, hidden compartments and a shock-protected interior are particularly useful - so that your valuable technology remains safely stowed away even in turbulent conditions. This means you not only have your equipment to hand, but also remain flexible and mobile - no matter where your photo trip takes you.