If you’re tuned into the camera world, you’ve probably heard rumors bubbling about yesterday’s announcement from Sony, and now that it’s actually happened we can say they certainly delivered. While we’ve seen a lot of development in the world of full-frame mirrorless cameras over the last year, today’s announcement proved that Sony is nowhere near abandoning their more-compact, smaller-sensor 6000-series cameras.
Two rather distinct APS-C cameras will be shipping later this year, as well as two new E (not FE) lenses. Read on for the fast facts! Presales for both the cameras and the lenses start today, August 29th, so place your order now at mikescamera.com or stop into your local store to make sure you’re at the head of the line for your very own new gear.
The α6600: the new APS-C flagship
Officially replacing the α6500, the α6600 offers a host of step-up features from the α6400. Chief among them are IBIS (in-body image stabilization) and the latest advanced real-time-tracking auto-focus system as seen on Sony’s full-frame cameras. The sensor features 425 phase-detection/425 contrast-detection AF points. Video shooters will be pleased to see both microphone and headphone ports, as well as an HLG shooting mode. Sony even promises that they’ve updated their color-processing algorithms, inheriting developments made in their full-frame models for more natural reproduction.
You’ll also find a slightly expanded grip to accommodate the new Z battery, which offers a massive improvement in battery life over the W battery found throughout the rest of the series. The camera is a little heavier at 16.17 oz. (vs. 15.98 oz. for the α6500), but having used a Z-battery-toting camera, I can safely say that it’s worth it. The whole shebang is housed in a dust- and moisture-resistant magnesium alloy frame.
Other features will look familiar:
- 24.2 MP APS-C-size sensor
- 4K 30p max video resolution (full pixel readout)
- 11 fps burst speed (with AF and AE)
- 2.36 million dot EVF
- 180°-tiltable 3″ touchscreen
- Built-in intervalometer
- NFC-assisted WiFi connection for instant sharing
The α6600 will be available in November of this year, with a launch price of $1399.99.
Preorder the α6600 (body only)
Preorder the α6600 with E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens
α6600 sample images
Click to enlarge full-resolution sample images.
The α6100: lean & low-cost excellence
Featuring several of the same upgrades as the α6600, the α6100 will fit in (quite logically) between the α6000 and α6400 in the current Sony lineup. You’ll still get the real-time-tracking autofocus system and microphone port, but you won’t get HLG shooting, IBIS, or the Z battery, and the EVF is only 1.44 million dots rather than 2.36. The new algorithms are included.
However, at little more than half the price of the α6600, the savings could make all the difference in the world to a budget-conscious vlogger or an imaging-minded student of life!
These features remain the same:
- 24.2 MP APS-C-size sensor
- 4K 30p max video resolution (full pixel readout)
- 11 fps burst speed (with AF and AE)
- 180°-tiltable 3″ touchscreen
- Built-in intervalometer
- NFC-assisted WiFi connection for instant sharing
The α6100 will be available in October of this year, with a launch price of $749.99.
Preorder the α6100 (body only)
Preorder the α6100 with E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens
Preorder the α6100 with E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS and E 55-210mm f/4.5-5.6 lenses
α6100 sample images
Click to enlarge full-resolution sample images.
New lenses: the E 16-55mm f/2.8 G and E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS
Rounding out the announcement are two E lenses. These will still work with FE/full-frame E-mount cameras, but the lens will not cover the whole sensor and you’ll need to shoot in a cropped mode. They’re also significantly smaller and lighter than their FE equivalents would be, so your neck will thank you if you’re only shooting APS-C and consider these choices.
The first lens, the E 16-55mm f/2.8 G, is an industry-standard mid-range zoom with G-series quality glass for edge-to-edge sharpness and a fast f/2.8 aperture throughout the range. The lens features dust and weather sealing as well as XD linear motors, and will be able to get as close to your subject as one foot. Watch for the svelte 15.88 oz. lens to arrive at a Mike’s Camera near you in October, available for a cool $1399.99. Click here to preorder now!
The other, the E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS, is an optically-stabilized super-telephoto lens with the same edge-to-edge sharpness guaranteed in all G-series lenses. With an equivalent focal length of 105-525mm, the 1.378 lb. weight seems pretty light! The 70-350mm, like the 16-55mm, features dust and weather sealing and XD motors. Watch for this one in November, slated to launch at $999.99. Click here to preorder now!
As an α6000 owner myself, I know I’m excited about this development. What’s the first thing you’d shoot with your new gear this fall?