The Sony a6000 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens digital camera released on the 12th of February 2014. It is a sleek, fast, versatile, user-friendly, and compact mirrorless camera offering a well-balanced combination of inclined tools such as an articulating LCD screen and intuitive controls – for easy operation and fast hybrid autofocus (AF) ability up to 11 frames per second-for accurate subject tracking. Thus, its imaging and video capabilities and deliverables are brilliant.
The brand advertised the model to feature the “world’s fastest autofocus” with a lag of 0.06 seconds and an APS-C image sensor. Thus, the a6000 was a brilliant camera for newbie and professional photographers when it was released. But camera technology is constantly improving. Although the camera is aging, it can still reproduce stunning photographs and videos due to its advanced features and specifications.
However, is it still worth purchasing for professional photography? You will learn all you need to know in this article – whether to buy it or not.
General
Pros |
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Advanced image processor |
Fast AF performance |
Excellent high ISO performance |
Cons |
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Limited video recording time due to overheat |
LCD doesn’t feature touchscreen |
Battery life is a bit low |
Key Features And Extras
24.3MP Exmor APS-C HD CMOS Sensor with BIONZ X Image Processing Engine And 25,600 Max. ISO Sensitivity
The 24.3 effective megapixels sensor and BONX image processor are some of the vital and advanced-like features of the Sony a6000 mirrorless camera. You can find these components in most modern DSLRs.
The combination of the APS-C image sensor and BONX image helps the camera to reproduce high-resolution and well-detailed photographs and videos, even in dimly light environments.
Single-handly, the 24.3MP enables high sensitivity and stunning or epic background and foreground defocusing and less image noise across a wide range of ISO (100-25,600). On the other hand, the image processor enhances its overall color balance.
Full HD Video Recording And Fast AF Performance
Although the a6000 is a bit old, you can still use it to record full 1080p HD videos at up to 60 or 24 frames per second. It also offers a built-in microphone that enhances the audio qualities of videos.
Recording movie clips with the Sony a6000 is easier. The improved fast hybrid AF system with 179 focus points helps the camera to provide quick and accurate autofocusing while clicking still images or clips.
In addition to smooth subject tracking, you can also shoot life-like photographs and videos of fast-moving photography subjects anywhere on the screen. The model is the first E-mount mirrorless camera to feature AF-A and displays the active autofocus points even in the AF-C mode, so you effortlessly examine if the intended subject is in focus.
Built-in Wi-Fi And NFC Connectivity
The Sony a6000 also offers wi-fi and Near Field Communication (NFC), like modern advanced DLSR and mirrorless cameras. These features allow instant file transfer to your smart device and remote control of the camera with your smartphone.
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Photos clicked by Sony Alpha a6000 Camera
Body Build And Handling
The Sony a6000 is lighter and smaller than most other cameras. The camera features a magnesium alloy on its front section, and the body weighs approximately 285g. Nonetheless, it is durable, rugged, and feels solid on the hands.
Regarding operation, Sony intuitively designed the keys and controls for easy and swift operations without sacrificing anything. You can easily change the shooting mode with your thumb while viewing the scene through the viewfinder. The control dial and wheel are also easy to set.
Furthermore, it offers a refined user interface, which allows smooth and personalized controls. You can assign any of 47 functions to any of the 7- buttons according to your preference.
Viewfinder And Display
The camera features a high resolution 0.39″ 1.44m dots OLED electronic viewfinder, with 100% field coverage and approximately 33° wide-angle viewing capabilities. Furthermore, the Sony Alpha a6000 also offers a 3″ articulating LCD screen. Thus, you can be confident of reaching every corner and include several elements in your photographs if you want.
Display
Viewfinder
Image And Video Qualities
The 24.3MP APS-C sensor combined with the advanced image processor delivers well-detailed, real color-like pictures and full 1080p HD videos with less noise. Thus, the a6000 is still an excellent option for clicking brilliant still photographs and movie recordings.
Video Recording
Low Light Performance
Practically, the Sony a6000 performs incredibly in dimly lit environments due to the presence of an advanced picture processing engine and 24.3 effective megapixels image sensor. Although it does not feature higher ISO sensitivity like most modern cameras, it is still one of the best budget cameras with justifiable low-light performing ability.
You might be interested in our article ” Canon EOS Rebel SL1 DSLR Camera- Suitable For Macro and Landscape Photography “
Overall Speed Performance
Sony claims that the a6000 is the world’s fastest autofocus camera with a lag time of 0.06 seconds as of 2014 when the model was released. But models like the Sony a6400 mirrorless camera, Canon R5C, and Nikon Z6 II cameras now offer more swift AF performance, with around 0.02 average lag time. However, the a6000 is still one of the quickest budget mirrorless cameras you can buy on the market.
Note: Lag time is the time it takes the camera to focus.
Camera Flash
Communication
Exposure
Lens System
Battery Performance
The battery life is average when compared to other cameras. You can click approximately 360 still images. Thus, we recommend that you always carry an extra charged battery.
Price-$700. Buy from Amazon
What Type Of Photography Is The a6000 Suitable For?
The camera is suitable for landscape, portrait, and astrophotography. You can use it for sports photography.
Who Should Buy? Value For Money?
Although the a6000 has been officially discontinued by the brand, it is still a good choice for beginner and professional photographers seeking a budget fast AF-performing mirrorless camera.
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