The anticipated announcement of the Sony α6600 (model ILCE-6600) and α6100 (model ILCE-6100) took place overnight, strengthening the company’s line-up.

The new α6600 camera, shown with the FE 24mm f/1.4 GM lens . (Source: Sony.)

Featuring compact and lightweight bodies, the new cameras contain Sony’s advanced technologies for autofocusing, image quality and video performance. The new α6600 (shown above) has been designed to address the needs of the most demanding photographers and videographers. Both models include algorithms from full-frame models that deliver natural colour reproduction, particularly in skin tones as well as the ability to record 4K video with full-pixel readout without pixel binning in Super 35mm format plus easy smartphone transfers via the Imaging Edge Mobile application. Integrated microphone input ensures clear and crisp audio on video recordings. Interval recording is available for shooting time-lapse videos. Both cameras sport 180-degree tiltable, 3.0-inch 921,000-dot LCD touch screen monitors.

Rear and top views of the α6600 camera. (Source: Sony.)

Key features of the α6600 include:

  • An ISO range of 100-32000 (expandable to ISO 50 – 102400)
  • Area-specific Noise Reduction and Detail Reproduction Technology greatly reduce noise while preserving high resolution of subject textures and shadow details.
  • 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 battery life with Sony Z Battery, enabling extended power performance; approx. 720 still images using viewfinder, approx. 810 images using LCD monitor
  • A tough magnesium alloy body that is dust and moisture resistant
  • Real-time Eye AF for movie shooting[xiv]. 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
  • An HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)[xvi]picture profile that supports an instant HDR workflow.

The α6600 will go on sale in Australia in mid-October 2019 priced at AU$2399 body only or as a kit with the SEL18135 lens for AU$2999. Click here for full product details.

Front view of the α6100 showing the monitor flipped up. (Source: Sony.)

The α6100 is pitched at the entry level to Sony’s APS-C camera line-up and is designed to make picture-taking easy. It features fast and accurate autofocusing, thanks to a total of 425 phase-detection AF points that work in conjunction with contrast-detection AF to achieve an acquisition speed of 0.02-second. High-density AF Tracking Technology reliably follows even erratically moving subjects. Sony’s  Real-time Eye AF system detects and autofocuses on the eyes when the shutter button is half-pressed and it works both for people and animals. Continuous shooting at up to 11fps, or 8fps in silent-shutter mode, and for up to 77 frames.

The α6100 will ship be available locally in early October 2019 at an RRP of AU$1349 body only, as a kit with the SEL1650 lens for AU$1549. Click here for full details of this camera.