A big announcement from Sony today including two new APS-C E-mount mirrorless cameras and two new aps-c e-mount lenses!!
First we have the introductory A6100 aps-c e-mount camera which is going for $748 US. Basically a budget friendly oriented camera that has a lot of power and all the key features most would need which I will go over in more detail shortly. Second we have a new flagship A6600 aps-c e-mount camera which is going for $1398 US, and has all the latest and greatest features available for a more pro oriented user.
Both cameras pack the same 24mp sensor, but the A6600 has different magnesium alloy chassis with better dust and moisture resistance, a new larger more ergonomic grip which houses the way more powerful NP FZ100 battery, 5-axis steadyshot inside, a higher resolution viewfinder, way more advanced video features, more autofocus options, metering options, and the inclusion of a headphone jack in addition to the mic. More details about each model below…
Both cameras get these key new features worth noting:
- Improved color reproduction; algorithms inherited from full-frame models deliver natural color 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
For lenses Sony just announced a E 16-55mm f/2.8 G Lens which is going for $1398 US and looks to be really high quality for pro oriented use. Next we have the E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS Lens which is going for $998 US, and this lens also appears to be very high quality! These new lenses are a huge surprise to me and so overdo it’s incredible! Thank you Sony for supporting the APS-C camera users and addressing their concerns with two really good looking pro oriented zoom lenses.
Sony Promo Video
New – Sony A6100
Key Features:
- 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ X Image Processor
- 425 phase detection AF points
- UHD 4K @ 24p/30p and Full HD 120p/60p/30p/24p Video
- SVGA Tru-Finder 1.44m-Dot OLED EVF
- 180 degree flip touchscreen
- Real-time Tracking, Real-time Eye AF, Eye AF for Animals
- Up to 11 fps at 24.2 MP for up to 33 Exposures (Raw)
- ISO 100–32000, Max ISO 51200
- External recording @ 4:2:2 8-Bit
- Mic jack
- Record limit = 29:59 minutes
- Battery = NP-FW50, 7.2 VDC, 1080 mAh (Approx. 420 Shots)
- Weight = 0.87 lb / 396 g (Body with Battery and Memory)
- Price = $748 US (body only)
New – Sony A6600
Key Features:
- 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ X Image Processor
- UHD 4K30p Video with HLG & S-Log3 Gammas
- Eye-AF with Video
- XGA Tru-Finder 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF
- 180 degree flip touchscreen
- 5-axis Sensor Stabilization
- Up to 11 fps at 24.2 MP for up to 46 Exposures (Raw)
- ISO = 100–32000, Max ISO 102400
- External recording @ 4:2:2 8-Bit
- Mic and Headphone Jack
- recording limit = 29:59 minutes
- Battery = NP-FZ100, 7.2 VDC, 2280 mAh (Approx. 810 Shots)
- Weight = 1.11 lb / 503 g (Body with Battery and Memory)
- Price = $1398 US (body only)
Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G lens
Key Features:
- E-Mount Lens/APS-C Format
- 24-82.5mm (35mm Equivalent)
- Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
- XD Linear Motor
- Nano AR Coating
- Four Aspherical Elements
- 17 Elements in 12 Groups
- Max Aperture = f/2.8
- dust- and moisture-sealed design
- fluorine coating
- Minimum Focus Distance = 1.08′ / 33 cm
- Diaphragm Blades = 9, Rounded
- Filter Thread = 67 mm (Front)
- Weight = 1.09 lb / 494 g
- Price = $1398 US
Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS Lens
Key Features:
- E-Mount Lens/APS-C Format
- 105-525mm (35mm Equivalent)
- Aperture Range: f/4.5 to f/32
- Max Aperture = f/4.5 to 6.3
- One Aspherical Element
- 19 Elements in 13 Groups
- Optical Stabilization
- Zoom Lock
- Minimum Focus Distance = 3.61′ / 1.1 m
- Diaphragm Blades = 7
- Filter Thread = 67mm
- Weight = 1.38 lb / 625 g
- Price = $998 US
First Look Videos worth checking out…
Official Press Release from Sony:
Sony Electronics Strengthens APS-C Mirrorless Line-up with Launch of Two New Cameras
Company Introduces Alpha 6600 with in-body Image Stabilization and Enhanced Battery Life, Also Boosts Product Portfolio with Introduction of Alpha 6100
SAN DIEGO — August 28, 2019 — Sony Electronics today announced two new additions to its α (Alpha) series of mirrorless cameras with the launch of the Alpha 6600 (model ILCE-6600) and Alpha 6100 (model ILCE-6100). These new models bring many of Sony’s most advanced imaging technologies into compact, lightweight APS-C bodies.
The new, extremely versatile Alpha 6600 camera has been designed to address the needs of the most demanding photographers and videographers, while the new Alpha 6100 is targeted at users who are looking to produce high-quality photos and videos with an interchangeable lens camera.
In addition to the new bodies, the Sony APS-C range has been further strengthened by the launch of two new lenses: E 16-55mm F2.8 G and E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS. Sony’s “One Mount” solution for both APS-C and Full-frame cameras provides creators an extreme amount of versatility for all of their photography and video needs.
“These new APS-C cameras provide excellent image quality in a compact package, with the ability to take full advantage of Sony’s Online Tombala Nasıl Oynanır growing lineup of 54 different E-mount lenses,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president of Imaging Products and Solutions at Sony Electronics. “We are proud to bring so many of our innovations into our APS-C lineup and to provide creators with several new tools to realize their vision.”
The new Alpha 6600 and Alpha 6100 include a 24.2MP Exmor™ CMOS image sensor, the latest BIONZ X™ image processor, and a front-end LSI implemented in Sony’s full-frame cameras. This powerful trio combine to deliver all-around enhancements in image quality and performance across all areas of photo and video capture.
The Alpha 6600 and Alpha 6100 offer a lightning-fast autofocus acquisition time of 0.02 seconds. With 425 focal-plane phase-detection autofocus (AF) points covering approximately 84 percent of the image area and 425 contrast-detection AF points, the high density and wide coverage of the AF system ensure reliable AF, even in the most challenging light conditions. Both new models benefit from Sony’s ‘Real-time Tracking’ which utilizes Sony’s latest algorithm with Artificial Intelligence-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. Real-time Eye AF 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 it allows the photographer to concentrate exclusively on composition. The Alpha 6600 also offers Real Time Eye AF in video. 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.
Additionally, both cameras can shoot high-quality 4K video, and include a microphone jack and flip screen that allows for easy framing and shooting of vlog-style content. The Alpha 6600 also features a headphone jack to monitor audio.
An Eye for Detail
Based upon feedback from users of existing Sony APS-C camera users, Sony has added features to the Alpha 6600 and Alpha 6100 to fine tune the user experience. These include:
- Improved color reproduction; algorithms inherited from full-frame models deliver natural color 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
Alpha 6600
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. This contributes to fine reproduction of subject textures and shadow details.
The Alpha 6600 features 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 stabilization 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 viewfinder, approx. 810 images using 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 and Alpha 6100 boasts internal 4K movie recording in Super 35mm format with full pixel readout without pixel binning, to enable them to capture approximately 2.4x the amount of information required for 4K movies. This oversampling results in stunning footage, delivered in the XAVC S™ format with unparalleled resolution. The Alpha 6600 also 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, and without the need for color grading. For users who want to color grade their footage in post-production, S-Log3 and S-Log2 Gamma profiles are provided.
Pricing and Availability
The new Alpha 6600 will be available in November and will be sold at a variety of Sony authorized dealers throughout North America at below prices:
- Camera body – $1,400 US / $1,900 CA
- Camera kit with Sony 18-135mm Lens – $1,800 US / $2,400 CA
In addition, the Alpha 6100 will be available in October and will be sold at a variety of Sony authorized dealers throughout North America at below prices:
- Camera body – $750 US / $1,000 CA
- Camera kit with Sony 16-50mm Lens – $850 US / $1,100 CA
- Camera kit with Sony 16-50mm Lens and 55-210mm Lens – $1,100 US / $1,550 CA
Closing Remarks
As you can see Sony is finally supporting the crop factor APS-C camera users in this latest installment of an announcement. The Sony A6100 is a very nice upgrade from the A6000, and the A6600 is a nice upgrade to the A6500 which leaves the somewhat newer A6400 which I recently reviewed here >>, as an inbetween model.
However, the full frame Sony A7 III is close to the price point of the A6600, it’s hard to not just bit the bullet and go full frame at this point…
The Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G Lens looks to be an awesome fast zoom lens packing a range that is killer! A f/2.8 constant aperture and 16-55mm range is really fantastic spec wise. This is awesome for indoor sports where close range is required, wedding photography, portrait photography, landscape photography, street photography, and on and on. If the lens holds up to the specs, this will be the best all-in-one lens option currently available for the Sony APS-C e-mount cameras today by far. Yeah, it’s a bit heavy for sure, but that constant f/2.8 aperture comes with a cost, and in this case it’s size and weight.
The Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS Lens looks to be an awesome telephoto sports and wildlife lens in particular, although a little slower on the max aperture than ideal for lower light situations. In lower light the ISO levels are going to need to be higher than ideal with the smaller apertures, but in good light the lens will certainly produce some fantastic results based on what I’m seeing so far in the promo video.
I will have more detailed articles on theses new cameras and lenses in the very near future, but for now I would say this is exciting and seriously welcomed to those of us who prefer the more affordable aps-c mirrorless camera format for a variety of reasons.
Please let me know what you think about this new Sony announcement below in the comments area and have a great day.
Jay
