Buzz
Sony recently unveiled two mirrorless camera models simultaneously: the A6100 as an upgrade to the A6000, and the A6600 as the new crop sensor flagship in the A6000 series, both featuring extensive upgrades and innovations. These cameras present an enticing option for both professional photographers and filmmakers.
Design Aspects
Continuing the Alpha series tradition, the A6600 boasts a 24.2 MP Exmor CMOS sensor delivering sharp image quality and high light sensitivity. Its ISO range spans from 100-32000, extendable up to 102400, performing admirably in low light conditions.
The new sensor pairs with a unique design using thin copper wiring to reduce noise. The BIONZ X image processor enables a maximum continuous shooting speed of 11fps with AF and AE, alongside the capability to shoot 16bit video and providing smoother contrast and tones in 14bit raw images.
The A6600 features the NP-FZ100 battery, identical to the one in the A7 Mark III, allowing for up to 810 shots, a significant leap from the previous 350. This upgrade results in a larger grip and a slightly heavier build, accommodating a headphone jack to meet user demands.
Video Recording Capabilities
Crafted for professional video production, the A6600 offers UHD 4K recording at various frame rates, up to 30 fps. Utilizing a Super 35mm format, it achieves a 6K resolution, ensuring exceptionally sharp and detailed videos without pixel binning.
Other resolutions include Full HD 1080p at 120 fps, perfect for creating stunning slow-motion videos up to 4x or 5x at matching 24p and 30p frame rates.
A notable feature of the A6600 is its unlimited recording time, allowing for endless captures. An external recorder can be connected via the HDMI port for 4K video recording at a 4:2:2 sampling rate.
Autofocus System
The A6600 boasts an advanced autofocus system, featuring 4D focus with 425 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points covering the entire sensor area. It achieves autofocus in 0.02 seconds, which Sony claims to be the world's fastest.
Features like Real-time Eye AF focus on the subject's eye for perfect portraits, alongside focus lock for tracking moving subjects across the frame. The A6600 also offers high-density tracking AF to maintain focus under various conditions, including a manual focus system for precise control in Manual mode.
How much does the Sony A6600 cost?
Launching in November 2019, the Sony A6600 is priced at $1,400 for the body alone, and $1,800 when bundled with an E-mount 18-135mm lens. Additionally, Sony announced two E-mount lenses compatible with this and other APS-C cameras set for release later in the year: the E 16-55mm f/2.8 at $1,400 and the E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 for $1,000.
