If you are looking for the best Sony cameras for video, you are in the right place. The world of video production has seen an incredible evolution over the last few years, and with new technology constantly being developed, the quality of video content is only getting better.
One of the industry’s most iconic names is Sony, who are renowned for their high-quality video cameras. Sony produces a wide range of cameras, from large professional cinematic cameras to small video camcorders.
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Our Guide of the 10 Best Sony Cameras for Video
This guide will showcase the 10 best Sony cameras for video, providing an overview of each camera and its key features. Read on to discover which Sony camera will best meet your needs. Here, you will see the pros and cons of each camera and learn more about the features offered.
Sony PXW-FS7
The Sony PXW-FS7 is a professional-grade video camera with a Super35 4K sensor. It features a body-only weight of only 5.26 pounds, making it one of the lighter video cameras available. It’s capable of recording 4K at up to 60fps and has an impressive 14 stops of dynamic range.
It’s also equipped with an electronic variable ND filter for maximum control over exposure. The PXW-FS7 is designed for fast and efficient documentary and corporate video production.
Pros:
– Super36 4K sensor
– Lightweight body
– 4K recording at up to 60fps
– 14 stops of dynamic range
– Electronic variable ND filter
Cons:
– Relatively expensive
– No built-in ND filters
– Limited selection of compatible lenses
Sony HXR-NX80
The Sony HXR-NX80 is a 4K handheld video camera with a 1” sensor. It features a body-only weight of 1.6 lbs, making it one of the lightest cameras available. It’s capable of recording 4K at up to 30fps and supports up to 10-bit 4K recording to XAVC-S or XAVC-L codecs.
The HXR-NX80 features an impressive 15x zoom and advanced autofocus with 425 AF points. It also has a host of professional-grade features such as dual-settings, professional stills mode, slow motion recording, and time code.
Pros:
– Lightweight body
– 1” sensor
– 4K recording at up to 30fps
– 15x optical zoom
– Professional stills mode
Cons:
– Limited 4K frame rate
– Limited selection of compatible lenses
– High price point
Sony PXW-X70
The Sony PXW-X70 is a small but powerful professional video camera. It has a body-only weight of 1.69 lbs and is capable of recording 4K at up to 30 fps. It features a wide-angle G-Lens with an f2.8 aperture and 12x optical zoom.
The PXW-X70 also has a host of other features such as improved autofocus, an adjustable ND filter, zebra function, and auto white balance. It is well-suited for documentary and corporate video production.
Pros:
– Lightweight body
– 4K recording up to 30fps
– Wide-angle G-Lens with f2.8 aperture
– 12x optical zoom
– Improved autofocus
Cons:
– Limited 4K frame rate
– Limited low light performance
– High price point
Sony FDR-AX1
The Sony FDR-AX1 is a high-end 4K camcorder with a large body and weight to match. It has a body-only weight of 5.9 lbs and features an impressive 30x optical zoom lens. It’s capable of recording 4K at up to 60 fps and features a host of other features such as improved autofocus, dual recording, dual recording slots, and picture effects. The FDR-AX1 is well-suited for feature-film-level video production.
Pros:
– 4K recording up to 60fps
– 30x optical zoom lens
– Improved autofocus
– Dual recording
– Dual recording slots
Cons:
– Heavy body
– Low battery life
– High price point
Sony HXR-MC2500
The Sony HXR-MC2500 is a mid-range camcorder designed for corporate video production. It has a body-only weight of 2.2 lbs and is capable of recording Full HD at up to 60fps. It features an impressive 20x optical zoom lens and improved autofocus capabilities. The HXR-MC2500 is well-suited for events, weddings, and corporate video production.
Pros:
– Lightweight body
– 20x optical zoom lens
– Improved autofocus
– Full HD recording up to 60fps
– Affordable price point
Cons:
– Limited low light performance
– Non-detachable lens
– Limited selection of compatible lenses
Sony HDR-CX405
The Sony HDR-CX405 is a consumer-level video camera with a lightweight body. It has a body-only weight of 0.6 lbs and is capable of recording Full HD at up to 60fps. It features a 26.8mm wide-angle lens with 60x optical zoom and improved autofocus capabilities. The HDR-CX405 is a great option for those on a budget who still want a quality video camera.
Pros:
– Lightweight body
– 26.8mm wide-angle lens
– 60x optical zoom
– Improved autofocus
– Full HD recording up to 60fps
Cons:
– Lack of professional-grade features
– Non-detachable lens
– Limited low light performance
Sony FDR-AX700
The Sony FDR-AX700 is a professional-grade 4K camcorder with an impressive feature set. It has a body-only weight of 3.31 lbs and is capable of recording 4K at up to 60fps. It features an impressive 15x optical zoom lens and supports up to 10-bit 4K recording to XAVC-S or other codecs. The FDR-AX700 also features advanced autofocus with 399 AF points, advanced image stabilization, and dual recording capability.
Pros:
– 4K recording up to 60fps
– 15x optical zoom
– 10-bit 4K recording
– 399 AF points
– Advanced image stabilization
Cons:
– Limited selection of compatible lenses
– High price point
– Limited battery life
Sony DSC-RX100 VII
The Sony DSC-RX100 VII is a pocket-sized video camera designed for vloggers and content creators. It has a body-only weight of 0.37 lbs and is capable of recording 4K at up to 30 fps. It features a 24-200mm equivalent lens with an impressive 20x zoom and improved autofocus capabilities. The RX100 VII also has a host of professional-grade features such as RAW and slow-motion recording.
Pros:
– Pocket-sized body
– 4K recording up to 30fps
– 20x optical zoom
– Improved autofocus
– Professional-grade features
Cons:
– Low light performance
– No 1/2-inch sensor
– No 4K at 60fps
Sony FDR-AX53
The Sony FDR-AX53 is a mid-range 4K video camera. It has a body-only weight of 1.4lbs and is capable of recording 4K at up to 30 frames per second. It features a 26.8mm wide-angle lens with 20x optical zoom and improved autofocus capabilities. The FDR-AX53 also has a host of professional-grade features such as time-lapse recording, slow motion recording, and creative effects.
Pros:
– Lightweight body
– 4K recording up to 30fps
– 20x optical zoom
– Improved autofocus
– Professional-grade features
Cons:
– Limited 4K frame rate
– Non-detachable lens
– Limited low light performance
Sony A7S III
The Sony A7S III is a full-frame video camera with an impressive list of features. It’s lightweight and ergonomic and has a body-only weight of 1.4 lbs. It’s capable of recording 4K at up to 120 frames per second and supports up to 10-bit 4K recording to XAVC-S, Apple ProRes RAW, or a variety of other codecs.
With a 12-megapixel resolution and a 35mm full-frame sensor, the A7S III is well-suited for low light situations. It also supports deep 14-stop dynamic range and advanced autofocus with 567 AF points.
Pros:
– Lightweight body
– High-resolution 12-megapixel sensor
– 4K at up to 120 frames per second
– 14-stop dynamic range
– Advanced autofocus
Cons:
– Relatively small battery life
– High price point
– Limited selection of compatible lenses
Our Conclusion on The Best Sony Cameras for Video
This guide has provided an overview of the 10 best Sony cameras for video. From professional cinematic cameras to pocket-sized camcorders, Sony offers a wide range of cameras to meet the needs of any budget or application.
Each camera provides a unique set of features, from 4K recording capabilities to improved autofocus, that make them well-suited for a variety of video production uses. Whether your needs are for professional-grade video production or for vlogging and content creation, one of the Sony cameras showcased in this guide can help you capture the perfect video.
