Sony A74 Best Hybrid Mirrorless Camera Review
Introduction
As more people are looking for ways to stay connected to the world, they’re also looking for new products that can do what they want them to do with their time and money. This is a good thing. It means there are choices when it comes to gear that best meets your needs. And when you’re shopping around for a mirrorless camera, you want one that has plenty of features and options so you don’t have too many things to worry about as you’re snapping photos or videos. Sony cameras are no exception; these days, most mirrorless models include some version of electronic viewfinder (EVF) technology and a hybrid zoom feature. That way, you can get a wide-angle lens while still getting great optical quality on stills. You can even attach other accessories to go along with this setup without needing additional extra hardware. So if you’re interested in purchasing an EVF-equipped camera but not sure where to start, check out our picks for the top mirrorless cameras.
We’ll cover all the basics for each model, including image sensors, native ISO range, sensor size and aspect ratio. We’ll also touch upon whether it makes Sense or S1-S4 video, image stabilization, shooting modes and much more. There’s also a side by side comparison between three different models worth considering by any standards: the Mavic 3D, the Xperia 1 III and the Sony Alpha 1+. As always, we’ll show you the complete details of an excellent option to match your unique requirements and budget. However, this review will focus on our top two picks. Let’s get going!
Sony A74 – A Handy Choice For Beginners AND Professional Users Looking for a versatile package that’s capable of handling everything from taking great photos to vlogging, this mirrorless camera for beginners is an ideal choice. Here’s why they made our list today. Read More >>
What Makes The A74 Standout?
The Sony A74 is one of those camera systems that doesn’t need a lot of explanation. Like most Sony cameras, it uses the same 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor Sony introduced for its professional line of cameras. But for everyday use and general photography, you can get something a little more powerful. Using “Sony L-mount” lenses in the Sony A74 is standard. Most of us know how important this type of compatibility is – it improves the overall photo quality and allows you to capture better content in higher resolution. Also, it means less post-processing work when it comes to processing. To avoid losing the high-quality images the system delivers, you should buy lenses that support both APS-C and Sony L-mount lenses. In addition, make sure you’re using compatible memory cards (this includes external drives), power supply units or USB port connections. Lastly, be aware that it’ll take longer to load certain files than others. Your computer may also struggle working with newer versions of software like Adobe Lightroom. Get in contact with a specialist if needed. If you find yourself struggling to use the built-in processor within the settings to your advantage, consider picking up the latest model. Check the specs box to ensure your operating system is compatible before you buy. Finally, there are third-party apps available to help process RAW files. These can come in handy when editing your RAW footage, adjusting brightness, improving colour saturation and much more. Some of these apps allow you to edit JPEG and TIFF files simultaneously. Note that only supported operating system versions are listed below. Click Here to Choose From Three Models With Many Features
Features Of The Top Two Options Today, let’s first see what the A74 can accomplish, as well as decide which of these options is the best pick. Keep in mind that each has to offer at least five unique advantages that set it apart from competitors. After a bit of analysis, here are the reasons these two systems earn our trust in each category:
Compatible Third Party Apps Available Specifications Main 5.5.6 MP Sensor Size 2/3 sensor size Full HD Video Resolution 4K UHD 30p High Frame Rate 15.9 frames per second Max Continuous Shooting Speed 11fps Maximum Auto Focus Tracking 25fps Battery Life 24 hours Internal Memory 12GB SD Card slots Dual SD card slot Advanced Flash Assist Yes Lens Compatibility Full-Frame R WR II, F8 Lens Weight 21.4 ounces Color Black Display Screen On / Off Touchscreen LCD No Built-In Wi-Fi 6 Connectivity WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n Bluetooth Yes Microphone 1 Stereo Jack 1 Mic Support 8MP AF Lens Optical Zoom Up To 32x Digital Zoom 10x Image Processor 16-20-16 Phase Detection Capable Sensor DCI Sensors Proximity, X-Ray, ISA 2 Metering Bias Time-of-Flight DIGIC DVAF IR Gesture Variance ND filter Lowest Shutter Latency 60,000sec Max Refresh Rates 20Hz Wide Format Shooting Mode Superzoom Slowest Wireless Connection 0.75m WIFI Network Setup Processor Remote HQ Software Integrated via PC or Mac Compatible Operating System Windows 7 64 Bit Price $1,699 $1,899 Warranty 1 year (5 years)
Best Pick Overall: Sony A74
The Sony A74 remains our top choice because of several factors. First, this option offers an impressive combination of features and performance for anyone who wants to spend time capturing pictures or videos. While compact, it's quite large and comes equipped with advanced automatic focus and tracking technologies. Additionally, the A74 comes ready to shoot in pro-level conditions. Its super wide-angle, 50mm full-frame sensor provides ample detail and low light performance to meet all types of shooting scenarios. Meanwhile, the dual CFexpress Type A and VFD image stabilisation provide enhanced stability. Thanks to the 14-stop dynamic range, you'll get amazing shots regardless of ambient light levels. All of this combines to create an impressive package for serious photographers and videographers alike. Don't miss out on the fantastic live streaming experience Sony offers with its flagship device. Read More >>
What Are The Pros & Cons Related To Our Picks, Both Systems Have Their Disadvantages But Before Explaining Them One thing stands out right away: the Sony A74 does have limitations. Because of its small form factor, most manufacturers won't be able to mount multiple lenses in either system. Although this limitation isn't anything major, if you already own a pair of EF-mount lenses, you might want to refrain from opting for the FE mount on the A74. Then again, the lack of battery on the A74 does mean that you’ll need to keep one charged for as long as possible. Conversely, in terms of shooting speed, you get pretty decent numbers across the board. The fast shutter speeds in normal mode mean you can shoot high-quality slow motion videos, crisp panoramas and smooth bokeh portraits. They’re just a couple of the many benefits associated with this kit, and you shouldn’t discount this camera system due to its minor flaws. Read More >>
Pros Fast auto-focus
Improved battery life compared to previous Sony options
Compatible third-party apps included Cons Small frame
No wireless control option
No ability for users to upgrade their firmware
No dedicated display
No IBIS support
Limited autofocus in Live View
No inbuilt tripod No dedicated manual controls
No user manual There was never a shortage of pros for the Sony A72 and JVJ in our lineup. Why did they earn such a spot though? Well, we’ve been impressed with nearly every single element of the A74. Not only is it one of the most compact systems we've tested in recent times, but it has a few key advancements over last year’s predecessor that help make their stand out. Take note of the fact that this model features improved optical image quality thanks to a larger main sensor. What’s more, it also boasts a faster, more responsive autofocus system. Even better news? Now, it’s easier to connect Sony’s newest generation remote controller to your smartphone. Just like Sony’s original Airpeak interface, these controllers work with Windows Phone OS, Android and iOS devices. Plus, they also have various preset buttons that let you customise them to suit your specific needs. Read More >>
Video Quality And Recording Styles The Sony A74 gets a solid A- Cinema Standard certification as a cinema monitor mount. Unfortunately, this means you still need to install some applications to export your footage or record it from raw files. Thankfully, you don’t have to do that with the Sony A74. Instead, you can utilize a standalone recorder if that’s what you prefer. If done right, you’ll get superior file quality, fast load times and crisp output. At least, that’s the reality of this model. This device isn’t far off from competing with similar setups from Nikon, Leica and Canon. It also takes some getting used to if you haven’t watched enough movies to understand how fast the format processes. Still, once you get into filming videos, you’ll find it fun to have access to the highest quality recording capabilities on a camcorder. When it comes to recording style, the A74 excels over its predecessors thanks to its Cinematic mode, as it gives you access to various audio options. Whether you’ve captured sound directly from location, recorded music from your smartphone or played back through noise reduction technology, there’s something for everyone. Once the audio is processed, you can choose from presets for the perfect soundtrack. By doing
