Sony A6700 Review

In this Sony A6700 Review I take a look at Sony’s flagship APS-C mirrorless camera, sitting above the A6400 and A6100 in the lineup and replacing the A6600. It’s designed for photographers and videographers who need a high-performance camera in a compact, travel-friendly body.

What’s really interesting here is that Sony has brought in features from its full-frame cameras, including an AI-powered autofocus system, the Bionz XR processor, and a much-improved menu system that now includes full touchscreen control. One of the biggest upgrades is the fully articulated vari-angle touchscreen, which makes it far more versatile than the tilt-only screen on its predecessor. Whether you’re shooting from high or low angles, composing in portrait orientation, or recording yourself, the screen is a huge bonus for travel and street photography.

Compared to the A6600, the A6700 brings several improvements for a start there’s the new 26MP sensor that provides a little extra resolution, but the real advantage comes from the faster readout and improved processing. The autofocus is a major leap forward, thanks to AI-driven subject detection that can recognize humans, animals, birds, insects, cars, and more. Video capabilities are also stronger, with 6K oversampling for high-quality 4K footage and 10-bit 4:2:2 recording for those who want more flexibility in post-production. It’s a more responsive camera overall, and the menu system is now much more intuitive, especially with the added touchscreen functionality. However, some things haven’t changed.

As I mentioned in the Our Verdict section there’s still no joystick for selecting focus points, which I really would have liked to have seen and while you do have the touchscreen controls I still feel there’s no beating the old analog approach to some things. The electronic viewfinder also remains the same small 0.39-inch OLED, which feels like a missed opportunity given the competition.

The A6700 goes up against some strong rivals; there’s the Fujifilm X-T5 offers a higher 40MP resolution, a larger 0.5-inch viewfinder, it’s also a more fluid shooting experience with its traditional dials. Then there’s the Canon EOS R7, with it’s dual card slots, deeper grip, and in-body stabilization (IBIS).

While both the X-T5 and R7 have their advantages, the A6700 stands out for its advanced autofocus, strong video capabilities, and compact design, making it one of the most well-rounded APS-C cameras available today. In this Sony A6700 I’ll cover the use and my findings about the camera – However, if you have any questions or comments please leave them in the comments box below.

• Camera type: Mirrorless
• Announced: 12th July 2023
• Lens mount: Sony E
• Sensor: 26MP APS-C BSI CMOS (23.5 x 15.6mm) sensor
• Video: 4K (3840 x 2160) 60p 10-bit 4:2:2, 120p 8-bit 4:2:0
• Continuous shooting rate: Hi+: 11fps
• Burst depth: In Hi+ 59 raw files, 1000+ Fine Jpegs or 44 raw and Jpeg files
• Stabilisation: 5-axis in-body image stabilisation giving up to 5EV shutter speed compensation
• Sensitivity: ISO 100-32000 (expandable to ISO 102400)
• Autofocus : Fast Hybrid AF with 759 phase-detection points and 25 contrast-detection points, Real-time Subject Recognition AF
• Subjects recognition modes: Human, Animal, Animal/Bird, Bird, Insect, Car/Train, Aeroplanes
• Viewfinder: 0.39-inch 2,359,000-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
• Screen: 3-inch 1.03-million-dot vari-angle touchscreen
• Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-II
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 122.0 x 69.0 x 75.1 mm, or from grip to monitor: 122.0 x 69.0 x 63.6 mm / 4 7/8 x 2 3/4 x 3 inches or or from grip to monitor: 4 7/8 x 2 3/4 x 2 5/8 inches
• Weight: 409g / 14.5 oz

Sony has also refined the handling of the A6700, making it a more comfortable and user-friendly camera, especially for travel and street photography. The grip is noticeably deeper and more ergonomic than the A6600’s, which makes a real difference, particularly for those with larger hands or when using heavier lenses. Overall the camera feels much more balanced and secure in the hand, making it easier to shoot for extended periods without discomfort.

While the A6700 is not the smallest APS-C camera out there, it’s still compact and lightweight enough to be a great travel companion. During the test I found that I could carry it around all day without feeling weighed down, something that’s crucial when you’re exploring new places or walking the streets in search of the perfect shot.

Sony has also added weather sealing, which is definately welcome if you live in the UK and are used to the odd rain shower or two, but elsewhere in the world it’s just good to have that reassurance in unpredictable conditions. Whether you’re caught in a drizzle in a busy city or dealing with dust on a remote adventure, the added protection provides peace of mind. It’s not full professional-grade weather sealing, but it’s better than nothing.

The button layout has been refined, with small tweaks that make the camera feel more intuitive to use. One of the best upgrades is the new dedicated Still/Movie/S&Q dial, which makes switching between shooting modes much quicker.

The updated menu system is also much improved from the A6600’s, and you can see the influence of Sony’s more recent full-frame cameras. It’s not perfect, but it’s better organized and slightly easier to navigate. The touchscreen functionality is also far more useful than before, allowing for full menu navigation and settings adjustments rather than just touch-to-focus.

That being said, there are still a few issues when it comes to the handling. Foremost of which is the lack of a joystick for selecting the AF point. While the touchscreen does a decent job, I still miss the precision and speed of a joystick, especially when shooting with the viewfinder. The button customization options also feel a little limited compared to some rival cameras, and while the menu system is improved, it can still be a bit confusing.

The A6700 is a step forward in terms of handling, the deeper grip, more intuitive controls, and improved touchscreen make it a much more enjoyable camera to use for travel and street photography. While the missing joystick is frustrating, it’s not an essential and there’s always the touchscreen controls.

One of the big features of the Sony A6700 is its AI-powered autofocus, which works incredibly well for both street and travel photography. This new AF system enables real-time tracking and subject recognition essentially taking the guesswork out of focusing, whether you’re capturing people in a busy market, birds in flight, or even fast-moving vehicles.

It’s especially useful for street photography, where subjects can be unpredictable. The ability to lock onto and track a specific person in a crowd is handy, making it easier to capture those fleeting, candid moments. When traveling, having autofocus that can shift between different subjects—whether it’s a person, an animal, or even an insect—adds an extra level of versatility.

The vari-angle touchscreen is for me the biggest upgrade, and had that been matched with a joystick the A6700 would have been one of my top pick cameras. As it stands it replaces the tilting screen of previous models. This makes a huge difference for street and travel photography, allowing you to shoot from low angles without having to crouch awkwardly or from overhead without straining your arms. It’s also a big plus for anyone interested in vlogging or self-recording while on the go.

Sony has also taken steps to improve the menu system. While it still has its quirks, it’s better organized than on the A6600, making it quicker to navigate and adjust settings. This is a small change—anything that saves time when shooting on the move is a plus.

On the video front, the A6700 is a capable performer, offering 4K recording at up to 60p, excellent autofocus tracking in video mode, and in-body image stabilization to help smooth out handheld footage. If you’re primarily a stills shooter, the video features are more of a bonus than a selling point, but for those who dabble in travel vlogging or cinematic content, the camera holds its own. Sony has also included options like S-Log3 and 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, which give more flexibility for color grading in post.

Of course, no camera is perfect, and the A6700 has a few limitations. The single SD card slot is still one of the most commonly mentioned downsides, particularly for those who prefer the security of dual slots for backup. For travel photography, it just means you need to be diligent about offloading your files regularly.

Rolling shutter is another factor to consider, particularly for video shooters. It’s not something that affects stills much unless you’re photographing extremely fast-moving subjects, but it can be noticeable when panning quickly in video mode.

While the improved touchscreen helps with focus point selection, the lack of a joystick remains a minor frustration for those who prefer a more tactile control method.

The A6700 is an excellent choice for street and travel photographers, combining top-tier autofocus, a much-needed vari-angle screen, and improved usability in a compact package. While it has a few trade-offs, the strengths far outweigh the weaknesses, making it one of the most compelling APS-C cameras available today.

One of the more understated strengths of the Sony A6700 is its ability to support high-quality external video recording, making it a genuinely capable tool not just for travel and street photographers dabbling in video, but also for more serious content creators. While its internal recording already supports 10-bit 4:2:2 in a range of codecs including XAVC HS and XAVC S-I, hooking up an external recorder via the full-size HDMI Type-A port unlocks even more flexibility—particularly if you want the cleanest image possible for grading or editing.

For those using an Atomos Ninja or similar recorder, the A6700 outputs clean 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 over HDMI, which is ideal for workflows requiring high bit-depth and colour accuracy. The footage captured externally benefits from less compression, providing a better base for colour grading—especially when working in S-Log3 or HLG. It’s a real advantage if you’re producing polished travel videos, mini-docs, or even YouTube content where consistency in tone and quality matters.

What’s commendable is that Sony has kept overheating largely in check when outputting externally. While extended 4K recording can still generate heat, the A6700 holds up better than expected, especially in milder climates or well-ventilated spaces. That makes it more dependable for longer interviews or time-sensitive recording sessions where you don’t want to worry about thermal warnings interrupting your shoot.

Audio is also well-supported during external recording. The A6700 features a 3.5mm microphone input and headphone jack, allowing for proper audio monitoring and high-quality input directly to your external setup. Combine that with Sony’s MI (Multi Interface) shoe for digital audio accessories like the ECM-B1M mic, and you’ve got a tidy, portable kit with surprisingly professional output.

The only real limitation here is that there’s no raw video output, unlike some of its higher-end or full-frame siblings. That might be a sticking point for those wanting ProRes RAW workflows, but for the vast majority of creators, the 10-bit 4:2:2 HDMI output is more than sufficient.

In short, the A6700 punches well above its weight when it comes to external recording. It offers pro-level output options in a small package, making it an ideal travel companion for hybrid shooters who value image quality and flexibility without the bulk of a larger rig.

The Sony A6700 proved to offer excellent performance across the board, making it a great choice for both street and travel photography. Its image quality balances detail, low-light capability, and high ISO, making it a great option if you often find yourself shooting in variety of conditions.

Low-light performance is also impressive, with the camera producing clean images even at higher ISOs, making it well-suited for dimly lit streets, night markets, or indoor environments. The usable ISO range extends comfortably to 1600 or 3200, depending on your tolerance for noise. Push beyond that, and grain does become visible, but it remains well-controlled and doesn’t overly degrade image quality. Again this makes it easier to shoot handheld in lower light without constantly reaching for a tripod or flash.

Detail retention is good, with the sensor doing a great job of preserving fine textures, from cobblestone streets to the intricate patterns on a subject’s clothing. Of course, noise tolerance is subjective, and every photographer will have their own threshold, but overall, the A6700 holds up well against the competition in this price range in this regard.

Autofocus is where this camera again excels, and it’s a major advantage for both street and travel photography. In fast-paced street environments, the AI-powered subject tracking makes it effortless to lock onto a person in a crowd, keeping focus sharp even as they move. This makes it much easier to capture fleeting expressions without having to manually adjust focus.

For travel, the camera’s versatility is key—whether you’re photographing a local market, an animal in the wild, or a passing vehicle, the subject recognition system ensures you don’t miss the shot. The ability to track birds, insects, and even vehicles adds an extra layer of convenience, especially when exploring new places where you’re constantly shifting between different types of subjects.

While the A6700 offers 11fps burst shooting, continuous shooting and buffer depth aren’t the biggest priorities for street and travel photography, so it’s not a feature most users will rely on heavily. That said, the buffer is deep enough for capturing a short burst of images when needed, ensuring you don’t miss fast-moving moments.

On the video side, 4K recording with 6K oversampling ensures excellent detail, and the autofocus system remains just as reliable in motion as it is for stills. In-body image stabilization (IBIS) helps smooth out handheld footage, which is great for capturing travel clips without the need for a gimbal. However, rolling shutter is present, particularly when panning quickly, and overheating can be a factor when shooting extended high-quality clips. While it’s not a dealbreaker for casual video shooters, those planning to do a lot of professional-grade video work may need to keep this in mind.

Through the Sony A6700 review the camera also impresses when it comes to dynamic range, helping to retain detail in both shadows and highlights. This is particularly useful for high-contrast scenes, like shooting a subject in front of a bright sunset or capturing shadowed alleyways in the midday sun. The camera’s colour rendering is natural and well-balanced, with pleasing tones straight out of the camera, which is great for those who prefer minimal editing. Whether you’re capturing skin tones, vibrant cityscapes, or the soft hues of a sunrise, colours remain accurate without looking overly processed.

Overall, the A6700 delivers a high-quality performance for both travel and street photographers. With excellent autofocus, strong dynamic range, and good high-ISO performance, it’s a camera that adapts well to different environments and lighting conditions. While rolling shutter and overheating are minor drawbacks for video, they don’t take away from its strengths as both a stills camera and video.

The Sony A6700 is an excellent choice for travel and street photography, offering a powerful feature set in a compact, portable design. It brings class-leading autofocus, a versatile vari-angle touchscreen, and strong low-light performance, making it a highly adaptable. While Sony has made some trade-offs to keep the size down, the overall package delivers impressive performance in a travel-friendly form factor.

One of the biggest selling points is just how quick and reliable the autofocus is. The AI-driven subject tracking locks onto people, animals, and even vehicles with remarkable accuracy, making it easier than ever to get sharp shots in dynamic, fast-moving environments. Whether you’re capturing a fleeting street scene or a fast-moving subject while traveling, the A6700’s AF system is a major asset.

Add to that its small, lightweight build, and you’ve got a camera that’s easy to carry all day without feeling weighed down. It’s the kind of camera that fits effortlessly into a daypack or shoulder bag, ready to shoot at a moment’s notice.

That said, the compact size does come with some trade-offs. The single SD card slot means you’ll need to be diligent about backups, which could be a concern for professionals who prefer dual-slot redundancy. The lack of a joystick for AF point selection is another omission that some users will notice, particularly those coming from cameras with more hands-on control options. While the touchscreen mitigates this to some extent, a joystick would have been a welcome addition.

But these drawbacks are easy to overlook when you consider just how much Sony has packed into this camera. The AI-powered autofocus, improved handling, and strong image quality in a range of conditions make it a fantastic option for those who want a small, capable camera that delivers high-end results. Whether you’re exploring a new city, capturing everyday life on the streets, or traveling light without sacrificing performance, the A6700 proves to be a compelling choice.

Just a quick addition to the review, well more technique. If you’re interested in Street Photography for which the in this Sony A6700 review I’ve highlight a few times is perfectly suited you may want to check out Jan Tichy’s feature at Sony.co.uk