Sony has announced two new APS-C format interchangeable lens cameras, the A6600 and the A6100.
The Alpha 6600 is aimed at demanding photographers and videographers who want to shoot in a wide range of situations.
Meanwhile, the Alpha 6100 is aimed at novices looking move-up to shooting with interchangeable lens camera.
New Lenses
In addition, Sony has announced two new lenses for the APS-C camera, the E 16-55mm F2.8 G standard zoom lens and the E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS super-telephoto zoom lens. This takes Sont’s E-mount system lens count to a total of 54 lenses.
“Our ‘One Mount’ strategy to continually expand the E-mount system, cameras and lenses with complete inter-compatibility between full-frame and APS-C, means that we want to offer the widest range of exciting products that customers can select from when choosing the right tool for their needs,” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. “The APS-C market is extremely important to Sony and the Alpha 6600 and Alpha 6100 are both cameras that pack-in the very latest technology breakthroughs and whether you shoot stills, video or a combination of the two, we are confident that users will be very happy with the results.”
24.2MP Exmor CMOS Sensor
Both the new cameras have a 24.2MP Exmor CMOS image sensor, the latest BIONZ X image processor and a front-end LSI as is implemented in Sony’s full-frame cameras. These are claimed to deliver enhancements in still and video image quality and performance.
The Alpha 6600 and Alpha 6100 offer an autofocus acquisition time of 0.02 seconds. It also has 425 phase-detection AF points covering approximately 84% of the image area and 425 contrast-detection AF points.
Both new cameras also have Sony’s ‘Real-time Tracking’ which utilises Sony’s latest algorithm including AI-based object recognition to ensure that subjects can be captured with excellent accuracy, even via the touch panel on the rear screen. In addition, the new models offer ‘Real-time Eye AF’, the latest version of Sony’s acclaimed Eye AF technology, which employs AI-based object recognition to detect and process eye data in real-time, resulting in improved accuracy, speed and tracking performance of Eye AF for both humans and animals, and allows the photographer to concentrate exclusively on composition.
An Eye for Detail
Based upon feedback from users of existing Sony APS-C camera users, further features have been added to the Alpha 6600 and Alpha 6100 to fine-tune the user experience. These include:
- Improved colour reproduction; Algorithms inherited from full-frame models deliver natural colour reproduction, particularly in skin tones
- Hi-resolution internal 4K movie recording with full-pixel readout without pixel binning in Super 35mm format with easy smartphone transfers via the Imaging Edge Mobile application Interval shooting for stunning time-lapse videos 180-degree tiltable, 3.0-type 921k-dot (approx.) LCD touch screen
- Integrated Microphone input for clear and crisp audio on video recordings
Sony A6600
Across an ISO range of 100-32000 (expandable to ISO 50 – 102400), the new Alpha 6600 offers superb low-noise performance and delivers extremely high-quality images, even in low-light conditions. By applying noise reduction and sharpness processing optimally in each area, Area-specific Noise Reduction and Detail Reproduction Technology greatly reduce noise while preserving high resolution contributing to fine reproduction of subject textures and shadow details.
The Alpha 6600 packs in many of the technology breakthroughs that are attracting praise on Sony’s high-end full-frame cameras. These include:
- Sony’s innovative 5-axis in-body image stabilisation system that results in a 5.0-step shutter speed advantage
- Implementation of the industry-leading long battery life with Sony Z Battery for the first time on an APS-C camera, enabling extended power performance; approx. 720 still images using the viewfinder, approx. 810 images using the LCD monitor
- A tough magnesium alloy design that is dust and moisture resistant
- Real-time Eye AF for movie shooting. When activated, the eye of a subject is automatically tracked with high precision and reliability, allowing the shooter to focus on the content itself as opposed to what is in focus or not in focus. Touch Tracking functionality will also automatically initiate Eye AF when a human subject is selected
- Integrated headphone jack which allows the user to connect high-quality headphones for accurate monitoring of recorded sound
- 4K Recording.
The Alpha 6600 boasts internal 4K movie recording in Super 35mm format with full pixel readout without pixel binning, to capture approximately 2.4x the amount of information required for 4K movies (Also available in Alpha 6100). This oversampling results in stunning footage, delivered in the XAVC S™ format with unparalleled resolution. The Alpha 6600 equips an HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile that supports an instant HDR workflow. Recorded movies played back on an HDR (HLG)compatible TV will appear true-to-life, with no blocked shadows or blown highlights, without the need for colour grading. For users who want to colour grade their footage in post-production, S-Log3 and S-Log2 Gamma profiles are provided.
Sony A6600 Price and Availability
The Alpha 6600 will ship in Europe in October 2019 priced at approximately £1450 and €1600 body only or as a kit with the SEL18135 lens for £1800 and €2000.
You can buy the Sony A6600 from retailers such as Adorama, B&H Photo Video, Park Cameras and Wex Photo Video.
Sony A6100 Price and Availability
The Alpha 6100 will ship in Europe in October 2019 priced at approximately £830 and €900 body only, as a kit with the SEL1650 lens for £900 and €1000 or as a kit with the SEL1650 and SEL55210 priced at approximately £1150 and €1250.
You can buy the Sony A6100 from retailers such as Adorama, B&H Photo Video, Park Cameras and Wex Photo Video.