Point-and-shoot cameras are no longer the budget alternative to mirrorless cameras – or at least, the good compact cameras with larger sensors and a longer feature list are not. Thanks to steep discounts, two of Sony’s most compact mirrorless cameras actually sit far under the cost of the popular Sony RX100 VII.
The Sony RX100 VII is an impressively small camera that fits in a pocket, yet has a larger one-inch sensor, a 24-200mm equivalent zoom lens, and even manages to keep the viewfinder in the tiny design. That mix of size and features puts the camera at a $1,500 list price – a price that some Sony mirrorless models are easily beating right now.
The Sony RX100 VII is a fantastic compact camera, but also a pricey one (Image credit: Rod Lawton/Digital Camera World)
A mirrorless camera won’t be as small and pocketable like the RX100 VII, but Sony’s crop-sensor mirrorless cameras are still travel-friendly, particularly when paired with a smaller lens. What APS-C mirrorless cameras like the Sony ZV-E10 and Sony A6400 lack in pocketability, they make up for in a lower price, a larger sensor, and a more ergonomic grip.
For video and content creatorsFor photographers
Seasonal sales have pushed the price of Sony’s APS-C mirrorless even lower. At $798, the ZV-E10 is almost half the cost of the RX100 VII, and that’s including a kit lens! The vlogging-focused camera delivers 4K video and snappy autofocus in a rather compact design.
For still photographers, the Sony A6400 slides in at more than $500 less than that popular point-and-shoot. Unlike the ZV-E10, the Sony A6400 still has a viewfinder, making it the better choice for photographers.
For more tiny cameras with big performance, take a look at the best travel cameras or the best compact cameras.