Exploring the History of Sony Cameras
Sony has a rich history in the camera industry, with a legacy of producing high-quality and innovative cameras.
The company entered the camera market in the 1980s and quickly gained recognition for its advanced technology and cutting-edge features.
The first digital camera from Sony appeared in 1988. Dubbed the Mavica, it worked with a TV screen display.
Sony did not create another digital camera until the 1996 release of the company’s first Cyber-shot model. In 1998, Sony introduced its first digital camera, which used the Memory Stick external memory card.
Over the years, Sony has continued to push the boundaries of camera technology, introducing new models with improved image quality, autofocus capabilities, and video recording capabilities.
Today, Sony is one of the leading brands in the digital camera market, known for their mirrorless cameras offering exceptional image quality and versatility.
With a focus on innovation and user-friendly features, Sony cameras have become preferred among Kenyan professional photographers and enthusiasts.
Read more about Sony’s camera history here: https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/History/sonyhistory-g.html
Popular Sony Cameras in Kenya and their prices
- Sony Mirrorless Cameras
Sony’s mirrorless cameras have garnered widespread acclaim in Kenya for their versatility and performance.
These cameras take imaging beyond what a smartphone can achieve.
They possess the power of a professional camera yet are compact and user-friendly, transforming ordinary snapshots into captivating films and photographs that evoke both visual and emotional depth.
Popular Sony Mirrorless Cameras in Kenya include:
1. Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera
The Sony ZV-E10 is an Alpha camera that brings improved image quality, an excellent choice of lenses, and increased control to up your creativity when shooting.
This camera is designed for vloggers and pairs a large APS-C sensor with mirrorless versatility and a specialized feature set, making it ideal for content creators.
Its main specifications include:
- 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor
- UHD 4K30p and Full HD 120p Video
- 3.0″ Side Flip-Out Touchscreen LCD
- 425-Point Fast Hybrid AF
- Up to 11-fps Shooting, ISO 100-32000
- Real-Time Eye AF and Tracking
- Background Defocus & Face Priority AE
- Directional 3-capsule Mic and Windscreen
- Headphone and Microphone Ports
- E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens
The Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera is available in several camera shops across Kenya with a 16-50mm lens at an average price of Ksh. 100, 000 – Ksh. 115, 000.
Buy here: Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Lens (Black) – Snapshot Kenya
2. Sony a6400 Mirrorless Camera
Featuring a reliable design and apt performance to bolster creativity, the Sony a6400 is a sleek APS-C-format mirrorless camera featuring well-rounded photo and video capabilities.
Its main specifications include:
- 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ X Image Processor
- Real-Time Eye AF & Real-Time Tracking
- XGA Tru-Finder 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF
- 3.0″ 921.6k-Dot 180° Tilting Touchscreen
- Internal UHD 4K Video, S-Log3, and HLG
- Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC
- 425 Phase- & Contrast-Detect AF Points
- Up to 11 fps Shooting and ISO 102400
- E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens
The Sony a6400 Mirrorless Camera is available in several camera shops across Kenya with a 16-50mm lens at an average price of Ksh. 130, 00 – Ksh. 150, 000.
Buy here: Sony a6400 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Lens and Accessories Kit – Snapshot Kenya
3. Sony a7 III Mirrorless Camera
Renowned for its updated sensor design, the Sony a7 III is a well-rounded camera suitable for photo and video applications in various working situations.
Its main features include:
- 24MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ X Image Processor & Front-End LSI
- 693-Point Hybrid AF System
- UHD 4K30p Video with HLG & S-Log3 Gammas
- 2.36m-Dot Tru-Finder OLED EVF
- 3.0″ 922k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization
- ISO 204800 and 10 fps Shooting
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, Dual SD Slots
- USB Type-C Port, Weather-Sealed Design
The Sony a7 III Mirrorless Camera is available in several camera shops across Kenya at an average price of Ksh. 220, 000- Ksh. 240 000 (body only) and with a 28-70mm Lens at an average price of Ksh. 260, 000 – Ksh. 280, 000.
Buy here: Sony a7 III Mirrorless Camera – Snapshot Kenya
4. Sony a7 IV Mirrorless Camera
The Sony a7 IV is an advanced hybrid mirrorless camera with resolution and AF performance that appeals to photographers, along with robust 4K 60p video recording for filmmakers and content creators.
Its main specifications include:
- 33MP Full-Frame Exmor R CMOS BSI Sensor
- Up to 10 fps Shooting, ISO 100-51200
- 4K 60p Video in 10-Bit, S-Cinetone
- 3.68m-Dot EVF with 120 fps Refresh Rate
- 3″ 1.03m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
- 759-Pt. Fast Hybrid AF, Real-time Eye AF
- Focus Breathing Compensation
- 5-Axis SteadyShot Image Stabilization
- Creative Looks and Soft Skin Effect
- 4K 15p UVC/UAC Streaming via USB Type-C
The Sony a7 IV Mirrorless Camera is available in several camera shops across Kenya at an average price of Ksh. 315, 000 – Ksh. 325 000 (body only) and with a 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens at an average price of Ksh. 355, 000 – 370, 000.
Buy here: https://www.snapshot.co.ke/product-category/photography/?filter_brands=sony
5. Sony a7S III Mirrorless Camera
The Sony a7S III raises the bar for what a full-frame mirrorless camera can do. It features a revised 12.1MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and an updated BIONZ XR image processor, offering faster performance, improved noise reduction, and a more comprehensive dynamic range.
Its main specifications include:
- 12MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
- UHD 4K 120p Video, 10-Bit 4:2:2 Internal
- 16-Bit Raw Output, HLG & S-Cinetone
- 759-Point Fast Hybrid AF
- 9.44m-Dot QXGA OLED EVF
- 3.0″ 1.44m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen
- 5-Axis SteadyShot Image Stabilization
- Extended ISO 40-409600, 10 fps Shooting
- Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots
The Sony a7S III Mirrorless Camera is available in several camera shops across Kenya at an average price of Ksh. 450, 000 – Ksh. 480, 000 (body only)
Buy here: Sony – Snapshot Kenya
ss Camera
Distinguished as one of the world’s first global shutter mirrorless cameras, the Sony a9 III is a speedy and incredibly capable system for sports, wildlife, photojournalism, and much more.
This camera’s revolutionary sensor technology raises the bar for full-frame imaging, including the ability to shoot raw continuously at up to 120 fps and enjoy flash sync up to the maximum shutter speed of 1/80,000 second.
Its main features include:
- 24.6MP Full-Frame Global Shutter Sensor
- Up to 120 fps Cont. Shooting with AF/AE
- Pre-Capture Function; Speed Boost Button
- Flash Sync at up to 1/80,000 Sec.
- 4K 120p 10-bit Video; S-Log3 & S-Cinetone
- 759-Point Phase-Detect AF with Tracking
- 8-Stop 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
- 9.44m-Dot EVF with 240 fps Refresh Rate
- 3.2″ 2.1m-Dot 4-Axis Touchscreen LCD
- Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots
The Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera is available across several camera shops in Kenya at an average price of Ksh. 730 000 – 750 000 (body only).
Buy here: Sony – Snapshot Kenya
Cameras
In this new age of content consumption, capturing emotions and producing powerful visuals are critical.
Thus, Sony provides Cinema cameras to give cinematographers the tools they require for better storytelling.
Popular Sony Cinema cameras in Kenya include:
1. Sony FX3 Full-Frame Cinema Camera
This is an optimized portable cinema camera designed for solo shooters, for travel applications, and to serve as an ideal B cam.
The Sony FX3 borrows from both the Cinema Line and Alpha series of cameras to create a compact design cinema camera.
Its main specifications include:
- 12.1MP Full-Frame CMOS Exmor R Sensor
- UHD 4K up to 120 | 1080p up to 240
- Compact Form for Cage-Free Operation
- 10-Bit 4:2:2 XAVC S-I,16-Bit Raw Output
- S-Cinetone/S-Log3/HLG, 15+ Stops DR
- Detachable 2 x XLR/TRS Adapter Handle
- Phase Detection AF/Face Tracking/Eye AF
- 80 to 409,600 Expanded ISO Range
- Dual CFexpress Type A/SDXC Card Slots
Sony FX3 Full-Frame Cinema Camera is available across camera shops in Kenya at an average price of Ksh. 560, 000- Ksh. 580, 000
Buy here: Sony – Snapshot Kenya
inema Camera
This camera blends an imaging pipeline designed for cinematic capture with a comprehensive feature set to create a complete camera for all levels of filmmaking.
The Sony FX30 provides everyday content creators and aspiring filmmakers with a powerful yet accessible cinema camera to push their cinematic journey to new heights.
Its main features include:
- 26.1MP APS-C BSI CMOS Sensor
- UHD 4K up to 120p
- Compact Form Designed for Cage-Free Use
- 10-Bit 4:2:2 XAVC S-I,16-Bit Raw Output
- S-Cinetone/S-Log3/HLG, 14+ Stops DR
- Phase Detection AF/Face Tracking/Eye AF
- Standard ISO 100-32000 | Dual Base ISO
- Dual CFexpress Type A/SDXC Card Slots
- User LUTs & Timecode Sync Support
The Sony FX30 Digital Cinema Camera is available across all camera shops in Kenya at an average price of Ksh. 280, 000- Ksh. 300, 000.
Buy here: Sony – Snapshot Kenya
- Sony Camcorders
Sony camcorders provide photographers and videographers with budget-friendly tools to capture moments and experiences the way they see them.
Popular Sony camcorders in Kenya include:
1. Sony PXW-Z190 4K 3-CMOS 1/3″ Sensor XDCAM Camcorder
This camera continues the fine tradition of the XDCAM series of cameras. It captures 4K at up to 60p, relying on three 1/3″ Exmor R sensors that provide improved low-light capability compared to standard sensors.
The camera supports a variety of codecs out of the box, with an optional MPEG HD license enabling you to shoot HD video.
Its main features include:
- Three 1/3″ Exmor R CMOS Sensors
- 4K 60p Recording
- Integrated 25x Sony G Optical Zoom Lens
- Electronic Variable ND Filter
- Optional MPEG HD License
- Supports HLG for an HDR Workflow
- Optional Simultaneous 4K/HD Recording
- Built-In 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi
Sony PXW-Z190 Camcorder is available across several camera shops in Kenya at an average price of Ksh. 450, 000- Ksh. 500, 000.
Buy here: Sony – Snapshot Kenya
K HDR XDCAM with Fast Hybrid AF
Suitable for corporate events, broadcast news, and television production, the PXW-Z90V camcorder offers phase-detection autofocus (AF) and HDR capabilities in a compact, palm-style body.
Its main features include:
- Single 1″ Exmor RS CMOS Sensor
- UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) up to 30p
- 4K HDR with Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG)
- 3G-SDI Output, 2.4/5 GHz Live Streaming
- Phase-Detection Autofocus (AF)
- Zeiss 12x Optical / 18x Clear Image Zoom
- Records MPEG-2 HD with Optional License
- XAVC HD / QFHD Recording
- S-Log3/S-Gamut3 Imaging Options
- 2 x SD Card Slots, Relay & Simul Modes
The Sony PXW-Z90 Camcorder is available in several camera shops across Kenya at an average price of Ksh. 280, 000- Ksh. 300, 000.
Buy here: Sony – Snapshot Kenya
There you have it! Everything to know about Sony Cameras. And where to buy Sony cameras in Kenya.
Happy snapping!