The very popular Alpha 6000 series has been around for nearly a decade and they have been the perfect camera to bridge the gap between cheaper compact cameras, and the more expensive Alpha 7 bodies. These days they are marketed as a multi-media camera which have pro-credentials borrowed from Sony's Cinema Line cameras.
Although the new a6700 is a cropped sensor body, it still takes the full size E-mount lenses. So while the camera is an excellent beginners camera or great for hybrid shooting, for a professional – it could be a perfect lightweight backup camera.
The RRP price is $2,499 (body only), which means some consumers may begin to eye off the Alpha 7C (full frame) or even an Alpha III or IV.
Other competing APS-C cameras are the Canon R7 ($2,150) and the Fujifilm X-S20 ($2,060)
The new a6700 has all the expected upgrades from the a6600 - but interestingly, you can still purchase the a6400 for $1,400.
Specifications
- 26MP BSI CMOS APS-C sensor
- Bionz XR processor and dedicated 'AI Processing Engine' (inherited from a7RV)
- AF tracking with subject recognition, 759 AF points with 93% coverage
- 11 fps shooting with mech or electronic shutter
- 4K up to 60p from 6K capture
- 4K/120 from 1.58x crop
- Flash sync 1/160
- Weight approx 500g
- 10-bit video with 4:2:2 or 4:2:0 color
- S-Cinetone, S-Log3 and HLG profiles
- 5-axis in-body image stabilisation
- Magnesium weather sealed body
One of the biggest upgrades not celebrated is the inclusion of a front dial / wheel which means easier access to to manual controls. Still missing is a focus point joystick.
Another interesting feature is AI-based Auto Framing. This means the user can 'lock the camera off' on a tripod and the camera automatically follows the subject within the frame using zoom and follow focus. It's a great inclusion to give a more professional look to your footage.
The Alpha 6700 will be available in Australia from August 2023 SRP: $2,499.00 AUD.
For more information on the camera - visit Sony AU.
FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II
Also announced is the new FE 70-200mm f4 Macro G OSSII lens which retails for $2,899.00 AUD.
The original 70-200mm f4 OSS I was internal zoom, while the new lens extends out from the body while zooming. All this means is that the MkI was considerably larger at 840g and 80mm X 175mm, while the new MkII is 15% lighter and shorter at 794g and 82mm X 149mm. On top of this, Sony claims that it focusses 20% faster.
Macro abilities
This is the world's first zoom lens to offer 'half macro' capability - with a maximum magnification of 0.5x.
To give you an idea of a dedicated macro lens maximum magnification - the Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS has a 1:1 (i.e. 1X or 'life-size') magnification, while the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 has a magnification of 1.4X (i.e. larger than life size)
Interestingly, adding a 2X teleconverter not only enables the lens to shoot to 400mm, but also gives a 1:1 macro magnification.
When used in conjunction with the APS-C sized sensor on the a6700, the lens becomes the equivalent of 105mm - 300mm.
Price and Availability
The FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II will be available in Australia from early August 2023 SRP: $2,899.00 AUD
For more information on the lens - visit Sony AU.