Best Rated Sony Alpha DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras Comparison | 2020

APS-C Imager = This imager is smaller than a Full Frame imager, but bigger than a Four Thirds Imager. Lenses used on SLRs with APS-C imagers have a focal length about 1.6x that of full frame imagers (crop factor 1.6). This means that the telephoto end of the lens will be greater. New digital lenses have been developed for these type of SLRs.
Full Frame Imager = This is the same size as 35mm film, no conversion is needed on lenses. The new Sony Alpha A7 and A7r are Full Framed mirrorless cameras, and are the smallest and lightest full frame cameras available.
Four Thirds Imager = This imager is smaller than a Full Frame imager. Lenses used on SLRs with Micro Four Thirds imagers have a focal length 2.0x that of full frame imagers (crop factor of 2). This means that the telephoto end of the lens will be greater. New digital lenses have been developed for these type of SLRs.
Crop Factor = This refers to how the focal length of the lens will behave compared to the same lens on a camera with a full frame 35mm sized imager. A crop factor of 2.0 means that a 16mm lens will behave like a 32mm lens. The higher the crop factor, the larger the focal length and also the telephoto end of the lens.
ISO = This refers to how sensitive the image sensor is to the amount of light present. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the image sensor and ability to take pictures in low-light situations.
Live View = Allows you to preview your picture on the LCD screen instead of only through the viewfinder.
Frames per second = This is how many pictures (or frames) can be taken rapid fire per second at maximum resolution.
HD Video Mode = These sub-compact cameras can operate as an HD camcorder as well as an SLR. We also list the resolution (1080p, 1080i and 720p) that each camera is capable of recording. Some have higher 4K resolution.
UHD/24/30P 4K = This indicates that this camera is capable of 4K Ultra HD resolution (UHD) at 24 and 30 frames/second progressive or 24p and 30p. 4K is four times higher resolution than full HD. The clarity is truly stunning.
60p Full HD = Only the Sony Nex-7, A7 and A7r have the super smooth 60 frames/second (60p) movie mode at Full HD 1920×1080 resolution.
Compact E-mount = This refers to the lens mount that the Sony NEX cameras use for their subcompact DSLRs.
Micro Four Thirds mount = This refers to the lens mount that the sub-compact DSLR Panasonic Lumix and Olympus Pen cameras use.
LCD = This refers to the LCD screen in the back of the camera. A tiltable screen allows you to take pictures above your head or down low.
Detachable Flash = On some Sony Cameras, the flash is not built-in, but clips on when you need it. This gives the advantage of a smaller camera than its peers. The Nex-7 does have a built in pop-up flash.
Weight and Dimensions = The weight and dimensions listed are for the camera body only.
Translucent Mirror Technology = For Sony Alpha DSLRs, these mirrors direct light to both the image sensor and the Phase Detection AF sensor simultaneously. This makes for faster focusing. Allows Full-time Continuous AF that keeps the subject in sharp focus and even during continuous shooting and movie shooting
Uncompressed 1080p out = This means that you can record uncompressed video using the HDMI port on the camera with an external recorder.