SONY ALPHA A6000 REVIEW

The Sony Alpha A6000 is a dynamic and sophisticated mirrorless camera with a 24.3 MP and APS-C Exmor APS sensor. It also brags of the Bionz X processor that delivers exceptional image qualities. This gadget falls in the same category with Sony’s mirrorless line-up but brings with it some far-reaching tweaks based on its functionality and performance. The selling point of the A6000 is the Hybrid Autofocus System which makes shooting a whole lot easier. This camera is suited for enthusiast photographers looking for a secondary camera or would like to try out the mirrorless cameras.

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

The A6000 series is an update of the Sony NEX-6 which is a cutting edge CSC to date. However, in this Sony Alpha A6000 review, we are going to discover the new features it brings to the table together with its variation to the predecessor mirrorless camera.

Type: Mirrorless AF Viewfinder with APS-C sensor
Resolution: 24.3 megapixels and 1920 x 1080 video resolution
ISO: Native ISO: 100 to 25600
Extended ISO: 100 to 51200
Shutter Speed: 1/4000 to thirty seconds
Continuous Shooting Rate: 11.1 frames per second
Size: 4.7 in x 2.6 in x 1.8 in or
(120 x 67 x 45 mm)
Weight: 16.5 oz. or 468 g
Including batteries, kit lens
Media Storage: MS PRO Duo, SD Card, SDHC or SDXC

Pricing Options:

• Price in Sony store: $479.99
• New on Amazon: $478.00 with free shipping
• On Sale: $478.00
• Used: $394.99 plus $9.72 shipping fee
• Refurbished: $499.95
• Kit Options: $799 for a kit containing the 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 power zoom lens.

KEY FEATURES

The Sony Alpha A6000 mirrorless digital camera takes after the famous mirrorless camera series from the Sony company and surely doesn’t disappoint the audience. It borrows some features from the previous model such as the build and design.

The Alpha A6000 brings with it some major features like the zebra pattern which helps the user choose a brightness level. You can also output a clean video via the HDMI port. The menu has also been changed to a new Alpha Design making it able to be controlled through a Mac or a PC via a USB connection. It also has a Wi-Fi connectivity capability.

The Hybrid autofocus makes the A6000 stand out from the rest in its category. In addition to the 25-point contrast detection, the number of Phase detection points has been incremented from the former 99 to 179. These new characteristics increases the camera’s coverage area to 92 percent of the frame; a feature that is very vital in shooting mobile objects.

The Bionz X processor is way more powerful than the other cameras in the line-up providing a baseline for development of higher processing power.

IMAGE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE

Starting from the sensor, the Alpha A6000’s APS-C-sized Exmor APS HD CMOS in collaboration with the Bionz X sensor provides excellent image qualities with little noise in all conditions. The sensor is also responsible for high operation speeds within the camera.

The hybrid autofocus system is integrated with a 179-point phase detection, and a 25-point contrast detection allowing the camera to achieve an accurate focus in less than 0.06 seconds. The AF brings the object into fine focus while the contrast AF adjusts the sharpness of the subject matter for better accuracy and quality. The system also provides the platform for tracking when shooting in bursts of 11 frames per second or in video shooting.

Complete high definition recording is allowed at 24 to 60 frames per second in the superior quality 50Mbps XAVC Standard Codec. The camera can shoot even the HD 1080p at 28mbps as well as allow dual video recording. The built-in stereo microphone complements the video competency of the Sony Alpha A6000.

DESIGN AND CONTROLS

The camera assumes a compact and featherweight outline with an incorporation of an electronic viewfinder. The LCD in the rear is also large for better display. The camera has a refined optical system with the help of Tru-Finder 0.39″ 1,440k-dot OLED EVF that gives a full frame coverage. Its extra fine monitor enables precise compositions, image review, and smooth menu navigation.

Sony A6000 supports a customizable user interface that contains the function button plus other seven buttons. You can assign to them any of the forty-seven possible functions for controlling the camera’s operations. Consequently, additional buttons at the top provide an instinctive way of selecting important camera settings. There is an inbuilt pop-up flash for low light conditions.

You can also attach extra kits such as flashes, video lighting, and voice outputs through the multi-user interface. The two ports in the door on the left of the camera are the multi-interface port and the USB for charging or attachment of a wired remote.

PROS

• The 24.1-megapixel camera is the best among the other members of its category.
• It has a fast continuous shooting speed of up to 11 frames per second.
• The hybrid autofocus is leading in its class.
• It has a great video control as well as an excellent manual exposure.
• The viewfinder is top notch and very responsive.
• The sharpening of the camera produces good JPEG images.
• Additional features such as the sweep panorama and automatic object framing make it stand out from the rest.
• It is Wi-Fi supports with a variety of options
• Charging it is quite convenient based on the USB-support feature.

CONS

• The flash exposure is overrated.
• It lacks the capability for raw conversion within the camera.
• Noise reduction with the A6000 can be rather cumbersome for some people.
• It has a limited battery life despite the fact that the information on utilization and remaining charge is indicated.
• The positioning of the movie record button may lead to a shaken footage at the beginning and end of clips.
• Its lens range is rather minimal as compared to that of competitors in the market.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The Sony Alpha A6000 mirrorless digital camera is the company’s first E-mount camera to replace the NEX branding that initiated the production of the mirrorless designs. Despite borrowing a few features from the NEX-6, it has ground-breaking features making it a whole different photography tool. The only hitch you may note is that the viewfinder has been slightly downgraded in the A6000.
Otherwise, there isn’t another camera with a fast shooting and high focusing speeds at the price of the Alpha A6000. In fact, it is on a pedestal slightly higher than most other mirrorless cameras. Therefore, having reviewed its features, it is accurate to say that it is a perfect tool for enthusiast photographers. If you are trying E-mount mirrorless cameras for the first time, then this is the best option. Click here to get also about Fujifilm X-Pro2.

VERDICT

The Sony Alpha A6000 certainly is an excellent gadget as portrayed by its cutting edge features in this review. You can purchase it as a personal camera and use it for some outdoor shooting expeditions.

The inbuilt flash will also work great for you in dimly lit indoor environments. It is worth trying since finding all its features at just $479.99 is quite hard, except in the Sony Company. Therefore, we are looking forward to a taste of your shooting experience with the Sony Alpha A6000 if you already own one or planning to buy one.