Sony offers a wide variety of digital cameras and photography products. Sony's Cyber-shot models are usually aimed at beginners, although some advanced Cyber-shot cameras provide high-end features, such as the new Sony 3D cameras. Sony also creates alpha DSLR cameras as well as DIL cameras.
This list of the best new Sony cameras includes models that have been released in the past 18 months.
1. 3D Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5
Sony
The Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 from Sony provides 3D options in a camera body that measures only about 0.7 inches in thickness. The WX5 offers 12.2 megapixels of resolution, a 5X optical zoom "G" series lens with good wide angle and low light capabilities, a 2.8-inch LCD, and full HD video capabilities. The WX5 captures 3D images using a single-lens system that uses a sweeping motion. Images can be viewed on a 3D TV.
2. Sony Alpha NEX-3 DIL
Sony
The Sony Alpha NEX-3 camera offers 14.2 megapixels of resolution, and it can shoot 720p HD video as compact MP4 files. It measures only 4.63 by 2.5 inches by 1.5 inches, and it weighs 10.5 ounces with the battery and memory card.
The NEX-3 is available in silver, black, and red. Even though the NEX-3 uses interchangeable lenses, its mirror-less design means it technically is not a DSLR camera. Instead, it's called a DIL, or digital interchangeable lens, camera. (It's also sometimes called an EVIL camera.)
Finally, look for strong panoramic features in the NEX-3, allowing you to shoot up to 226 degrees horizontally and 151 degrees vertically.
3. Sony Alpha NEX-5 DIL
Sony
Small and lightweight DSLR-like cameras continue to appear from more manufacturers, including the powerful Alpha NEX-5 from Sony. Technically, the NEX-5's mirror-less design means it's not a DSLR camera. Most similar cameras are called DIL or EVIL cameras.
The NEX-5 measures 4.38 by 2.38 by 1.56 inches, but it is less than 1 inch in thickness without the lens mount and handgrip. It weighs only 10.1 ounces with both the battery and memory card installed. The mirrorless design of the NEX-5 allows for such a thin and small DIL camera.
4. Sony Alpha NEX-7 DIL
Sony
Sony's latest DIL camera, the Sony alpha NEX-7, will offer 24.3MP of resolution. In addition, the NEX-7 features 1080p HD video, an electronic viewfinder, 25-point autofocus, and a high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD.
All of these features are in a camera body that measures only about 1.7 inches in thickness, before you attach the interchangeable lens. The thin camera body is the key design feature of DIL cameras. The NEX-7 is available in black only.
5. Sony Alpha A55V DSLR
Sony
Extremely fast autofocus for both still images and movies highlights the Sony Alpha SLT-A55V "hybrid DSLR" camera, which is among the best entry-level DSLR cameras you'll find. The award-winning A55V (sometimes called the a55) includes a new technology Sony calls "translucent mirror technology" that allows both the image sensor and the autofocus sensor to receive the light at the same time, improving speed. The a55's interior mirror does not "flip up," as in a traditional DSLR mirror. This technique means the a55 must use an EVF.
The A55V can shoot at 16.2 megapixels with a large CMOS image sensor, which results in great image quality. The A55V's 3.0-inch LCD can tilt away from the camera, which is handy.
6. Sony Alpha A77 DSLR
Sony
One of the most powerful cameras aimed at advanced consumer-level photographers this holiday season will carry 24.3 megapixels of resolution.
The Sony alpha a77 DSLR camera offers a powerful set of features beyond its high resolution level. It offers a 3.0-inch LCD that can tilt and swivel and full 1080p HD video. With a series of alpha interchangeable lenses available from Sony, you can find the telephoto or wide-angle capabilities you need with the a77.
7. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H70
Sony
If you commonly experience problems with motion blur and camera shake ruining your still images and videos, Sony hopes its recently released Cyber-shot DSC-H70 digital camera can help you fix those issues.
The H70 -- which is currently available in black, blue, red, or silver -- features two special modes to help with camera shake and motion blur. In addition, the Cyber-shot H70 offers a 10X optical zoom lens, 720p HD video capabilities, and a sweep panorama mode.
8. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5
Sony
Geotagging just became a lot easier, thanks to the Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 from Sony, which includes a built-in GPS system and a compass. The DSC-HX5's list of powerful features doesn't stop there. You'll find a 10X optical zoom lens with limited wide angle capabilities, support for both Memory Stick Pro and SDHC memory cards, a 3.0-inch LCD screen, and full HD video options. (The award-winning DSC-HX5 is also called the DSC-HX5V, and it made my list of the best cameras for 2010.)
9. Sony Cyber-shot DMC-HX9
Sony
With built-in features aimed at improving photo quality when a strong backlight is present, among other features, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9 provides image quality usually not found in a thin, point and shoot camera.
The HX9, sometimes called the HX9V or HX9B, provides a CMOS image sensor with 16.2MP of resolution, a high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD, 1080p HD video, and a 16X optical zoom lens. The Cyber-shot HX9, measuring only 1.38 inches in thickness, is available in black only.
The HX9 has a lot of features that are improvements over a similar earlier model from Sony, the Cyber-shot DSC-HX5, that I had a chance to review.
10. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V
Sony
The recently released Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V camera is one of two new Sony cameras that include 27mm Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonar T* lenses (along with the HX9V).
The HX100V includes a 30X optical zoom lens, making it a very powerful compact camera. The HX100V also includes 16.2MP of resolution, full 1080p HD video capabilities, and a 3-inch high-resolution LCD screen that can swivel away from the camera.
In addition, the camera's back-illuminated CMOS image sensor is great for low-light photography and for high-speed autofocus. Finally, the HX100V includes 3D capabilities and "sweep panorama," which is great for creating panoramic photos.
11. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T90
Sony
If stylish design and great looks are important in your next choice of a digital camera, you'll want to strongly consider Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T90. It has a touch screen LCD, a small size, and a very interesting design. The bright body colors (silver, pink, blue, brown, and black) and slide panel on the front of the DSC-T90 make it a very impressive looking digital camera. The T90, which made my list of the best cameras for 2009, includes 12.1 megapixels of resolution, a 4X optical zoom lens, and a 3.0-inch touch-screen LCD.
12. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX9
Sony
The Cyber-shot WX9 includes a CMOS image sensor, which improves the camera's low-light performance. And, as I found in my WX9 review, this camera does a nice job in low light, with or without the flash.
Sony included limited wide angle capabilities in the WX9's 5X optical zoom lens. This camera can shoot 16.2MP still images and 1080i HD video. Look for the WX9 to be available in black, red, and silver.
