Sony digital camera model numbers explained: Bigger isn't always better

Everything you need to know about Sony’s alphanumeric naming schemes. Sony digital camera model numbers explained: Bigger isn’t always better. News Sony digital camera model numbers explained: Bigger isn’t always better Everything you need to know about Sony’s alphanumeric naming schemes.

The company has several lineups on offer, including the A1, A7 and A9… But wait, is that an "A" or the Greek symbol for "alpha?" Some of those A7 models also have letter suffixes, like A7C, A7R and A7S, along with roman numerals afterwards (III, IV, V, etc.). Then, there are models with much bigger numbers like the A6400 and A6600, some that start with "RX" and others with "ZV" in the name.

It’s confusing, but there is some logic to it. ‘A’ for ‘Alpha’ means mirrorless Sony’s camera lineup can be divided into two categories, mirrorless and compact. Both have features like electronic viewfinders and rear displays, but mirrorless cameras use interchangeable lenses, while compact models have fixed lenses.

The company’s mirrorless models all have the same prefix: α.