What is Sony E-mount? (all you must know)
Do you wish to enter the photography industry? Sony has a wide selection of cameras and lenses to suit different needs and preferences. With all the camera jargon thrown in there, it’s hard to know what people are talking about.
That said, if you’ve researched Sony cameras, you’ve probably heard of the Sony E-mount. But what exactly is a Sony E-mount? If you want to know, keep reading!
What is the Sony E-mount in 2022?
The Sony E-mount is the company’s line of mirrorless cameras to launch in 2022. Sony is known for its mirrorless cameras that are lightweight and great for video. These E-mount cameras are full frame or cropped sensors. E-mount cameras can be paired with certain E-mount lenses, depending on the model, or with A-mount lenses using an adapter.
If you want to learn more about Sony cameras, keep reading. This article breaks down everything you need to know about this camera type.
What is a Sony E-mount body?
Sony’s E-mount body is another way to describe a camera with an E-mount.
Of course, all cameras have bodies. However, the E-mount refers to the circular part that protrudes from the body. This is where different lenses can be mounted.
If the camera has an E-mount body, it is designed for an E-mount lens.
Is the Sony E-mount full frame?
Sony E-mount cameras are designed as full-frame or cropped sensors. So yes, some Sony E-mounts are designed for full frame lenses. However, not all are.
Conversely, if you wanted a full-frame Sony E-mount camera, this would be called a Sony EF camera—E for E-mount and F for full-frame.
But why would you want a full-frame camera? Let’s see what the pros and cons of these are.
When discussing full frame cameras, people are referring to sensor size.
In a full-frame camera, the sensor is the same size as a full-frame 35mm film. Although many cameras no longer use film, this measurement can also be translated into numbers.
Full-frame cameras allow you to take pictures in low-light situations. Generally speaking, when it comes to shading, they can reveal more detail.
They offer more pixels than crop sensor cameras, resulting in higher resolution. Also, they have a wider field of view.
However, they tend to be larger, less compatible with lenses, and more expensive.
Is the Sony E-Mount the same as the FE?
Sony E-mount and Sony FE are not the same thing. Sony E-mount refers to the type of lens mount that comes with the body.
However, Sony E-mount cameras can be designed for both cropped sensor lenses (APS-C) and full-frame lenses.
FE camera refers specifically to the E-mount for full-frame lenses. If you have a cropped sensor E-mount camera, the good news is that it fits E-mount lenses, including full-frame lenses.
However, if you have an FE camera, it will only work properly with a full frame lens.
While the cropped sensor lens may be screwed onto the body, you will be forced to switch to cropping mode, otherwise you will end up with black borders in your photos.
When buying a Sony camera, sellers usually specify whether it’s an FE or Crop Sensor E mount.
If you see FE in the name, it’s a complete frame. However, crop sensors are often just called E-mounts, so you may need to read the finer words.
What is the list of Sony E-mount cameras?
There is a long list of Sony E-mount cameras. While I can’t list all of them here, I can help you identify which Sony cameras are E-mount.
To determine if a camera is E-mount, the model number will usually include the following acronyms:
- NEX stands for New E-mount Experience.
- The Sony α3000, α7, α6000 and α9 are all part of the Sony Alpha series. Some Alpha models are E-mount, but not all.
- FE means the camera is both full frame and E-mount.
Do all Sony cameras use E-mount?
Not all Sony cameras use E-mount, but either E-mount or A-mount.
However, Sony has officially discontinued the A-mount series in Japan and the US.
So, going forward, all Sony cameras currently in production are E-mount. So if you want a Sony A mount, you have to find a used one.
What is the difference between Sony E-mount and A-mount?
Sony’s two main lens mount cameras are E-mount and A-mount. Let’s review the basic differences between the two.
The E-mount is Sony’s mirrorless camera system. Mirrorless cameras sound a bit like that — they don’t have mirrors, so light goes straight through the lens.
This generally makes them lighter and great for video, but they lack an optical viewfinder.
A-mount cameras are Sony’s digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. Photographers generally like this camera because of their higher shooting speed and better autofocus.
Also, Sony’s E-mount camera models start with SEL, while Sony’s A-mount cameras start with SAL.
Does the Sony A-mount fit the Sony E-mount?
Sony A-mount lenses are not suitable for Sony E-mount cameras.
Due to the different diameters of the lens mounts, you cannot screw an A-mount lens onto an E-mount camera.
Fortunately, there is a workaround for this problem. You can use a lens adapter to connect A-mount lenses to E-mount cameras.
Unfortunately, the reverse is also true, so there is no adapter for A-mount cameras.
Is there a Sony E-mount adapter?
There are Sony A-mount lens adapters available for E-mount cameras. Sony offers a variety of options based on your needs.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on what a Sony Google TV is, where Sony cameras are made, and whether Sony TVs are Bluetooth-enabled.
in conclusion
The Sony E-mount is Sony’s choice for mirrorless cameras. Contrary to DSLRs, light passes directly through the lens. E-mount refers to the type of lens mount that the body has. While Sony once produced A-mounts, they have been discontinued.
The FE camera is a full-frame E-mount, while the ASL-C camera is a crop sensor. FE cameras only fit full frame, while ASL-C can also fit full frame lenses. However, A-mount lenses will only work on E-mount with an adapter.