Sony A6100 and A6600 Excitement and Disappointment

First Impressions Sony A6100 and A6600

Sony A6400 first impressions

Last year, I wrote about Sony’s APS-C dilemma. Essentially, I commented at the time that there wasn’t enough differentiation between Sony’s aps-c cameras, and no true top end flagship aps-c camera for the most demanding serious users. After not releasing any aps-c cameras since 2016, 2019 has become the year of Sony’s aps-c. Given the history and the shrinking market, the new 2019 cameras (Sony A6100, A6400, A6600) likely represent the Sony aps-c lineup for the next 2-4 years. 

There is a lot to like about the 2019 aps-c introductions but unfortunately there are also some letdowns. The letdowns are especially disappointing because they are unlikely to be addressed for several years. 

Sony continues the trend of re-using the same body, for the most part. This is primarily about cost-saving. By re-using the same parts as much as possible, it allows Sony to buy and produce parts in greater volume, which keeps costs down. 

Additionally, Sony announced two new lenses. The Sony 16-55mm F/2.8 G is finally a professional zoom designed for aps-c cameras. (Sony 16-55mm F/2.8 G on Amazon / Adorama). Up until now, I was recommending that Sony A6xxx shooters use full frame telephoto lenses but it appears Sony has finally introduced a high quality aps-c zoom with the Sony 70-350mm F/4.5-6.3. (See Sony 70-350mm on Amazon / Adorama). 

Without further ado, let’s take a look at where the Sony hit and where they missed with the 2019 aps-c additions:

Sony A6100: Exciting Entry Level Camera

Sony A6100 first impressions

Last year, I wrote that for entry/mid level photographers, Sony should update the A6000: Sony A6000ii.   “You don’t need to add IBIS, you can save that for higher end shooters.  You can keep the basic A6000 body.  But put in the top of the line eye-AF.  Put in a fantastic touch LCD.   Put in an articulating LCD for selfies.   4K video and S&Q video features.   These things will excite the growing photographer.”

Sony basically did what I suggested. The Sony A6000 is 5 1/2 years old. So not surprisingly, after 5 1/2 years, there are some significant upgrades. For the most part, there is nothing negative to say about the A6100 as an entry level interchangeable lens camera. 

With an eye towards entry and mid level shooters, the A6100 gains these advantages:

  • Touch screen: It’s 2019. Touch screens have become an expectation since iphones started using them 10+ years ago. Consumers likely expect to be able to get functionality by touching the screen. So this is a must in 2019.
  • Flippy-selfie screen: Gen Z is the selfie generation. For video and photography, if you can do it with a phone, you should be able to do it with your camera.
  • Improved sensor: The A6100 will offer slightly improved high ISO (low light) performance over the A6000.
  • 4K video: As TV screens, phone screens and computer monitors are updated, 4K is starting to become the norm. 
  • Improved AF: Real-time Eye-AF, Real-Time tracking: These features were first introduced in the $4,000 Sony A9 flagship camera. Quite simply, these are amazing autofocus features for both advanced used and entry level users. It makes it easier than ever to get perfect autofocus on a subject’s eye in portraits, easier than ever to track fast moving action. Entry-level shooters may be a bit intimidated by setting up the autofocus system, but once set up, they will discover its ease.

The A6100 continues and improves these strengths from the A6000:

  • 11 fps is amazing performance for any camera, especially entry level. Improving on the A6000, you can shoot a still fast 8 frames per second, without any delay in the viewfinder.
  • Small compact design, weighing a mere 396 grams

Disappointments in the A6100 are limited and are shared with all the current Sony aps-c cameras:

  • While the sensor is a slight improvement over the A6000, one would hope for more improvement after 5 1/2 years. Essentially, the A6100 is using the same sensor found in the A6300, a 3 1/2 year old sensor. 
  • Touch screen: The expectation in 2019 is the ability to use a touch screen for full control over an electronic device. Yet, for some reason, Sony limits the functionality of their touch screens. You’ll be able to select focus points and initiate focus tracking, but you can’t access menus and controls through the touch screen.

Sony A6100 overall:

At $750 for just the body, it is $300 more than the A6000.  Considering you can get an entry level dSLR like the Nikon D3500 bundled with 2 lenses for under $500, $750 is a bit high for an entry level camera.  Still it’s a significant upgrade over the A6000 and easy to rationalize the increased cost. For those looking for a small camera to use over their phone or those looking to get started in photography on a budget, I would not hesitate to recommend the A6100. (Sony A6100 on Amazon / Adorama). Of course, for slightly better features, you can upgrade to the Sony A6400 for only $150 more. (Sony A6400 on Amazon / Adorama)

Sony A6600: Excellent camera but disappointing in many ways

Sony is calling the A6600 their “flagship” aps-c camera. The naming as A6600 (replacing the A6500) should serve as a hint that this is not a revolutionary update. The problem with the A6500 was that it was so similar to the A6300: It was essentially an A6300 with a deeper buffer and with IBIS (in body image stabilization). When Sony introduced the Sony A6400 (Sony A6400 review), it leapfrogged over the A6500 in every way except IBIS. My fear was that the A6600 would take a similar route: it would just be an A6400 with IBIS added. My hope was that it would be an entirely new line of advanced camera, with different body, different sensor, different performance. In the end, we got something in between my hope and fear, but closer to the fear. The greatest thing about the Sony A6600 might be the lenses announced alongside it. 

Sony A6400 grip

Positives of the Sony A6600:

For the most part, the advantages of the A6600 are the same updates given to the A6100 and A6400: Real time autofocus, flippy LCD. So where does the A6600 excel OVER the A6100 and A6300?

  • IBIS: No surprise that this is carried over from the A6500. For stills shooters, there really isn’t a big difference between using IBIS (in body stabilization) or OSS (Optical lens based stabilization). Since almost every Sony aps-c lens has OSS, this doesn’t necessarily impact most shooters. But now Sony has finally introduced a professional quality aps-c zoom lens, the Sony 16-55mm F/2.8 G. This lens does NOT have OSS. Thus, the 16-55mm F/2.8 G will pair far better with the A6600 than with the lower models.
  • Z battery: 220% more battery life. Until recently, Sony cameras were notorious for going through batteries. Recent Sony full frame models utilize a larger battery to finally get respectable battery life and the A6600 inherits this larger battery. You can now expect to shoot an entire day or more without the need to change batteries. I’d still buy/carry a back-up battery just in case, but you no longer will be going through 3 batteries per day.
  • Larger Grip: Partially as a consequence of the new battery, the A6600 has a much deeper grip (pictured above). This will make holding the camera much more comfortable, especially with larger lenses
  • Headphone jack: You can see I’m struggling for positive things to say when I’m getting to the headphone jack, but it’s lacking in the A6100 and A6400. More serious video shooters will appreciate the presence.
  • Sony 16-55mm F/2.8 G lens: Not part of the camera, but introduced at the same time. Photography is all about counter-balancing factors. All else being equal, full frame cameras have better low light performance than aps-c (as well as narrower depth of field). Sony full frame cameras have F2.8 zooms available. For native Sony aps-c lenses, Sony only had lenses at F4 or slower. Sp using an F4 zoom on an aps-c camera really can put you far back behind full frame performance. With the Sony 16-55mm F/2.8 G, you can get an experience somewhat equivalent to shooting full frame with the Sony 24-70 F/4 or Sony 24-105 F/4 lenses. 

Disappointments of the Sony A6600:

  • Same sensor after 3 1/2 years: Canon just announced new aps-c cameras with a new 32mp sensor. After 3 1/2 years, one would hope it was time for the Sony aps-c flagship to take a step forward in sensor.
  • Sony A9 features: If you’re shooting sports with a 24mp sensor, the Sony flagship is the A9. Introduced in 2017, it offers 20fps with a blackout fee viewfinder, shot silently. It would be glorious to bring these features to aps-c shooters. Much like the Nikon D500 is a little brother to the Nikon D5, I hoped the A6500 upgrade would be a little brother to the A9. Alas, for sports shooting, the A6600 isn’t that different than shooting the A6400 or A6100 — Exact same focus system, same 11 fps… and..
  • What happened to the buffer? Shooting sports at 11 frames per second, the buffer can fill up quickly. The Sony A6500 had a buffer that could shoot 233 large jpegs or 107 raw files. The Sony A6600 utilizes a SMALLER BUFFER. Per the specs, the Sony A6600 buffer is only 99 jpegs or 44 raw files. I’m hoping this is a typo on the Sony site. If not, it’s the exact same buffer as the A6400 and only slightly better than the A6100.
  • Mostly the same cramped body: More advanced users demand a body with better direct controls. While the Sony A6600 offers a couple extra controls over the A6400 and A6000, it’s still lacking for a professional/semi professional camera. Most striking, it could have used a joystick for moving the focus point. Instead, like the lesser models, you’ll have to use the touch screen to effectively move the focus point.
  • Single UHS-I card slow: Dual card slots are a defining feature of professional cameras, but the Sony A6600 continues to make do with a single card slot. Even worse, it uses the older UHS-I standard as opposed to the super fast UHS-II slot found in the newer full frame models. For those looking for performance (sports shooting), this is a real negative.
  • EVF still 2.4m resolution, same as the predecessor. The Sony A7riii and A9 utilized as 3.6m dot resolution EVF… the A7riv increases this to 5.76m. The A6600 still continues to rest at the mediocre 2.4m, same as the A6400. Yes, it’s better than the A6000/A6100, but I would expect even more from a flagship.
  • Removed the flash: Serious users don’t really use the internal pop-up flash anyway. So this isn’t a huge loss if this is a professional camera. But looking at this list, is this really a professional camera?
  • Price tag: $1,400 body only!!!:  It is priced $500 more than the A6400. That’s $500 for IBIS, deeper grip, headphone jack, and improved battery life. It’s also only $600 less than the full frame A7iii (which may start to see discounts soon). Other than being a little smaller, it’s hard to find any advantages over the A7iii. In theory, the A6600 with the new 16-55mm F/2.8 G lens ($1400 lens) will produce a similar image quality as the Sony A7iiii with Sony 24-70mm F/4 ot Sony 24-105mm F/4 G lenses. So what would the price be of camera plus lens?

Sony A6600 First Impressions Conclusion:

I’ll eventually use the Sony A6600 and write a full review, so these are only my preliminary thoughts. But right now, I just can’t justify spending $1,400 on the A6600. Either save $500 and get the Sony A6400 (Sony A6400 on Amazon / Adorama) or take the step up to the Sony A7iii (Sony A7iii on Amazon / Adorama). The Sony A6600 would be best for those who really prefer shooting an aps-c camera, for example bird photographers who appreciate the extra crop. (Sony A6600 on Amazon / Adorama). 

As of August 28, 2019, you can get the Sony A7iii even cheaper in a bundle price, see the ad:


Please feel free to leave your thoughts, comments or questions below. 

 

 

 

 

 

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