Sony a6600 Mirrorless Camera: Power in Your Hands

With an emphasis on speed and versatility, the Sony a6600 is a sleek-yet-fully-featured APS-C-format mirrorless camera well-suited for both stills and video. Sporting a revised 24.2MP CMOS sensor, the a6600 is capable of producing high-resolution photos and up to UHD 4K video with no recording time limit, more efficient processing, faster focusing, and features in-body image stabilization for steadier shooting in difficult lighting conditions.

24.2MP Exmor CMOS Sensor and BIONZ X Processor

A revised APS-C-format 24.2MP Exmor CMOS sensor realizes smooth, nuanced image quality with minimal noise and high sensitivity from ISO 100-32000, which can further be expanded to ISO 102400 for working in low-light conditions. The sensor features a unique design that utilizes thin copper wiring, enhanced circuit processing, and an enhanced front-end LSI to boost light-gathering abilities, reduce noise, and increase readout speeds to benefit video recording. The sensor and BIONZ X processor combination also avails a top continuous-shooting rate of 11 fps with AF and AE and permits 16-bit recording with 14-bit raw file output for a wider tonal and color scale.

UHD 4K Video Recording in XAVC S Format

UHD 4K video recording is possible up to 30p and uses full pixel readout with 6K oversampling to yield greater detail with reduced moir and aliasing. Full HD 1080p recording is also supported in frame rates up to 120 fps, and both resolutions utilize the 100 Mb/s XAVC S format contained within an MP4 wrapper with 4:2:0 sampling. In addition to high-resolution internal recording, uncompressed HDMI output also enables the use of an optional external recorder for clean 4K recording with 4:2:2 sampling. No recording limit for movie recording, allowing for longer takes and uninterrupted shooting of live events. Affording extensive customizable color and gamma controls, the camera allows users to adjust the gamma, black level, knee, color level, and more. Use the same S-Log2 Gamma Curve that is found on high-end Sony Cinema cameras, which squeezes up to 1300% more dynamic range into the video signal then traditional Rec. 709, for increased post-production flexibility. HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) support is also available, along with the BT.2020 color space, for recording within a wide color gamut and, in addition to S-Log2, S-Log3 is also available for producing an effective 14-stop dynamic range with increased grading control in the shadow to mid-tone regions of the image. slow & Quick (S&Q) mode allows shooters to capture Full HD video at specified steps between 1-120 fps. These settings will allow you to slow down action as well as speed up a slow-moving scene. Interval shooting mode is ideal for creating time-lapse movies with the aid of Imaging Edge software. Intervals can be selected between 1-60 seconds for recording up to 9999 sequential free.

Autofocus and Image Stabilization

Fast Hybrid AF System

Covering nearly the entire sensor area, a powerful 4D FOCUS system incorporates 425 on-chip phase-detection points along with 425 contrast-detection areas for precise focusing in as little as 0.02 seconds. The density of focusing points from this hybrid AF system also enables Real-time Tracking, for intelligent subject tracking, and Real-time Eye AF to base focus on recognized subjects’ eyes for portraits (either humans or animals) and is available for both AF-S and AF-C modes, for stills or video. Lock-on AF maintains focus on moving subjects through the use of a configurable frame that is set over the desired moving subject Expand Flexible Spot employs neighboring focus points to retain focus on moving subjects even if the originally selected point loses focus Focus Magnifier function can be used for critical focus when homing in on minute subject details Rear touchscreen can also be used for Touch Focus control and a Touchpad Focus Control mode lets you use the rear screen intuitively while keeping your eye to the viewfinder.

5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization

Packed into the svelte body is a 5-stop effective 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization system that compensates for five different types of camera shake encountered during handheld shooting of stills and video. This allows users to confidently use any lens, even adapted lenses, for critical imaging without encountering blur from camera shake. For long focal lengths, the system will correct for pitch and yaw adjustments. Macro and high-magnification imagery, on the other hand, will benefit from the inclusion of horizontal and vertical shift compensation. All shooting styles will get usage out of the roll compensation. All 5 axes of stabilization will function at all times, even when used with third-party lenses and adapters or lenses with built-in optical stabilization.

Body Design and Connectivity

The XGA Tru-Finder 2.36m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder offers a bright, high-resolution means for eye-level monitoring, and also sports a dedicated 120 fps mode for smoother viewing when tracking moving subjects. Rear 3.0″” 921.6k-dot LCD touchscreen can be tilted 180 upward or 74 downward to suit working from high and low angles. Integrated 3.5mm headphone and microphone ports afford greater control over audio during video recording. Included NP-FZ100 rechargeable lithium-ion is rated for approximately 810 shots per charge when working with the LCD screen. In addition to the battery, the a6600 can also be powered via a USB connection to a computer or mobile battery. This connection can also be used to charge the battery. Robust magnesium alloy body offers a durable profile, and also incorporates dust and moisture seals to protect against harsh environments. A rigid metal lens mount better supports working with larger, heavier lens designs. An ergonomic grip structure is ideal for long shooting sessions and facilitates easy access to the main control buttons and dials. Built-in Wi-Fi enables the a6600 to instantly share imagery to mobile devices for direct sharing online to social networking, via email, and to cloud storage sites. The linked mobile device can also display a live view image on its screen and remotely control the camera’s shutter. Bluetooth connectivity allows for location data acquisition. NFC (Near Field Communication) is also supported, which allows for one-touch connection between the camera and compatible mobile devices; no complex set-up is required.

Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens

Lightweight and Stabilized Versatility

Spanning a useful wide-angle to medium telephoto range, the E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS from Sony is a versatile 27-202.5mm equivalent zoom for APS-C-format E-mount mirrorless cameras. This well-rounded lens suits working in a variety of situations, making it an ideal zoom for travel applications, and the image stabilization helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake for sharper imagery when shooting handheld.

Optical Design

Two extra-low dispersion elements help to reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations in order to produce greater clarity and color accuracy. One aspherical element helps to control distortion and reduce spherical aberrations for greater sharpness and accurate rendering. Rounded seven-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality when employing selective focus techniques.

Image Stabilization and Autofocus

Optical SteadyShot image stabilization helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake for sharper imagery when shooting handheld with slower shutter speeds. This stabilization system can also be combined with select camera’s sensor-shift type image stabilization for more effective control of camera blur. Linear autofocus motor provides quick and precise autofocus performance and enables accurate and silent focusing while recording videos. Dedicated AF/MF switch allows for quick changing between focusing methods. Minimum focusing distance of 1.5′, along with a maximum magnification of 0.29x, suits working with close-up subjects.