Sony Alpha and NEX: All system cameras in the test

In the ColorFoto test lab we put all Sony Alpha system cameras to the test.


Alpha and NEX


Before we get to the tests of the Sony Alpha and NEX system cameras, it is worth taking a brief look at the background of the Japanese in terms of digital photography: Sony has been producing compact digital cameras since the 1980s. These appeared only under the name Mavica, from 1996 then under the designation Cyber-shot. In 2006 Sony took over the camera party of the Japanese competitor Konica Minolta. Based on the Konica Minolta cameras, Sony then launched the first digital SLR cameras under the alpha series.


All Sony cameras in the test


The Alpha series has since described Sony's range of digital system cameras. The first model - the Sony DSLR-A100 (test) - was introduced in June 2006. The Alpha Series DSLRs rely on Konica Minolta's inherited A-bayonet.


DSLR (A-bayonet)


In addition to conventional DSLRs with vibration mirrors, Sony has since 2010 also offered Alpha system cameras with a semi-transparent mirror. These models are referred to as SLT cameras (for single lens translucent (mirror)) by Sony and used as lens mount to the A bayonet.


SLT (A-bayonet)


Also in the year 2010 Sony brought with the NEX series its first mirrorless system cameras on the market (partly later also Alpha NEX). Due to their different design, they are not compatible with A-lenses. Sony introduced the new E-mount (E-mount) - which was also named, because NEX stands for New E-mount eXperience. However, special adapters allow you to connect an A bayonet to an e-bayonet.


In September 2013 Sony withdrew from the series designation NEX with the presentation of the two mirrorless full-format system cameras Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R (Test). Since then also mirrorless system cameras such as the A5000 appear again under the name Alpha. In addition, the new E-bayonet-compatible FE bayonet (for Full E-Mount) was introduced for the mirrorless system cameras with full-format sensors.


In the list you can find the series of Sony's respective test reports (also RAW- and Praxistests) of the individual cameras.


The tests date from 2008 to today. If you want to buy a new camera, you will be most likely to find the latest models. The tests of older camera models are now more interesting for buyers of used cameras. Therefore, the test results of the individual models are not directly comparable.


A comprehensive purchase advice on DSLRs is offered by our guide "What you should look out for DSLR purchase". We have compiled a purchase advice for mirrorless system cameras in this guide for you: "Mirrorless system camera: what you should pay attention to when buying."


Mirrorless system cameras (E / FE bayonet)