Today brought a treble announcement from our friends at Sony, featuring a new body, lens, and important videography accessory. All three are slated for delivery in the first half of August; click the links below or visit a Mike’s Camera near you to pre-order any (or all) of this cutting-edge gear.
α6700 premium APS-C mirrorless body
The latest in the ever-popular 6000-series of premium APS-C interchangeable lens cameras is the first in three years; some of the biggest improvements are to the powerful autofocus system, but there’s plenty to catch the eye of any discerning photographer or videographer looking for a crop-sensor body for their bag.
The α6700 will be available as a stand-alone body or in a kit with the E PZ 16–50mm f/3.5–5.6 OSS or the E 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 OSS, depending on your needs. The heart of the camera comprises a 26 MP Exmor R back-side illuminated CMOS sensor and the super-charged BIONZ XR processor, plus a dedicated AI processor. (More on that in a moment.) Maximum video quality is 4K/60p 6K oversampled 4:2:2 10-bit, but high framerate 4K video can be recorded at up to 120 fps. Nice!
Folks ever on the quest for more effortless imaging excellence should note the dramatically improved autofocusing system. Sony’s highly advanced, AI-based Real-time Recognition and Real-time Tracking are more effective and compatible with more subjects than ever. With 759 PDAF points, the α6700 will recognize birds, insects, cars, trains, and airplanes in addition to the humans and animals previously detected by 6000-series cameras.
More noteworthy highlights include:
- S-Log3 shooting with 14+ stops of dynamic range
- .cube LUTs can be imported for in-camera monitoring and simplification of post-processing
- Breathing compensation (with compatible lenses)
- 5 steps of IBIS
- Huge buffer allows up to 1000 JPGs in burst mode at 11 fps
- Built-in focus bracketing to shoot up to 299 images
- Built-in time-lapse with adjustable intervals
- Automatic or manually tunable flicker suppression for artificial lighting in stills or movies
- Compressed RAW and new Light JPG options rein in runaway memory requirements
- HEIF offered for the first time in an APS-C camera
Physically, the α6700 features a new, redesigned hand grip for a more solid, comfortable hold than ever. In addition to the 3″ vari-angle touch monitor (with intuitive controls), the EVF is twice as bright as that of the a6600, displays at 120 hz, and has an expanded viewing angle. Tying it all together is a new menu structure (the same as found on latest full-frame models) which was redesigned after focused collection of professional feedback.
This is only scratching the surface of what’s possible, of course. Pre-order yours today, or visit any of our stores to get a firsthand look and talk to an expert about your needs before you commit. We’re here to make it as easy as possible for you to create without restraint!
Sample images
FE 70–200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II
The compact, high-resolution 70–200mm f/4 occupies an important role in the Sony full-frame E-mount lineup; version two promises some highly intriguing upgrades. For perhaps the first time ever, this zoom lens provides exceptional performance for portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, and close-up photography.
G-lens quality, of course, means that you can expect edge-to-edge sharpness, minimal chromatic aberration, and consistent contrast throughout the range, plus a nine-blade spherical aperture will keep the bokeh creamy. A fluorine coat keeps the front element clean and dust- and moisture-resistance protects the rest.
Now, for the new:
- 0.5x magnification across all focal lengths: completely unique in this class
- Teleconverter compatibility improves both reach and close-up (1.4x teleconverter enables 0.7x magnification; 2x teleconverter enables true macro 1:1 shooting)
- 20% faster AF performance, driven by four XD linear motors; tracking is unperturbed by zooming at the same time
- Extending design makes this palm-sized lens more portable than ever
Breathing compensation is supported (with compatible bodies) and linear response MF gives you total control over your creations. Five separate physical switches plus customizable buttons only further the degree of fusion you can expect with your tool. Pre-order today to secure your new favorite lens!
ECM-M1 digital shotgun microphone
Last, but not least, is a compact, camera-mounted microphone combining high audio quality with high versatility: the ECM-M1. Sony’s “beamforming technology” combines four discrete microphone capsules with processing magic to enable eight distinct audio recording modes.
The modes are selectable via a physical dial, simplifying control. Also physically controllable are a built-in noise-cut filter and audio recording levels. When supported, channels 3 and 4 can be utilized to record backup all-around audio—a neat bit of extra security, in case you’re a little more directional than you needed to be.
The ECM-M1 is designed to physically maximize the signal to noise ratio: the electronic connection via the Multi-Interface shoe removes the potential for bumped audio cables to intrude rudely on your recording, and shock dampeners reduce the introduction of low-frequency noise from vibrations and handling. An easily detachable dead cat wind diffuser also significantly improves potential audio quality.
The palm-size microphone is light and discreet for minimal disruption to gimbal or cage rigs; it’s also dust- and moisture-resistant to match the rest of your gear.
External microphones are essential for videographers, and a directional/shotgun mic is especially important for anyone recording interviews or other isolated voices. Good audio can single-handedly make or break a video, and getting good audio in the first place is critical for a smooth post-processing experience.