Unveiled: New Sony Mirrorless Camera

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By John R. Harris

Published: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 - 11:00pm

It seems that it’s the time of the season for multi-camera announcements from big camera manufacturers, and Sony is leading the way, offering a new advanced mirrorless APS-C camera and a new 70-200mm f/4 full-frame E-mount lens. They have also announced five new digital cameras set to succeed already popular compacts. The point-and-shoots, from entry-level variety to advanced long zoom models, represent the latest generation of the Cyber-shot family.

Sony Alpha A6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera

With the Sony Alpha A6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera, which is available as a body only or as a kit with a 16-50mm lens, Sony continues to update their mirrorless lineup. This current model will succeed the NEX-6, taking its place just behind the NEX-7, as one of their premiere APS-C format mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras. The A6000 features a 24.3MP Exmor APS-HD CMOS sensor and, with the BIONZ X image processor and 179 autofocus points and up to 11 fps burst shooting, it provides particularly fast performance and does so in a compact form factor that can easily be carried with you throughout the day.

The sensor features Sony’s gapless on-chip design, which optimizes the position of the on-chip lenses to increase light-gathering efficiency for better image quality from edge to edge. High sensitivity ISO ranging from 100-25600 enables low-light imaging with minimized noise. The BIONZ X Image Processor, which is the same processor as in the full-frame A7 and A7R cameras, sharpens details, improves area-specific noise reduction, and ramps up performance speed including the Fast Hybrid autofocus, which utilizes 25 Contrast detection AF points and 179 Phase-detection AF points. Autofocus can be achieved in as little as 0.06 seconds, and with numerous modes and AF features such as Eye-AF and AF Area Settings, exacting control over focus will enable faster and more precise focus.
Don’t let the compact size of the A6000 fool you—it offers the interface and control features similar to a DSLR. Dial controls, an Fn button and customizable buttons make adjustments fast and a multi-interface shoe enables the use of numerous accessories. A pop-up flash is also supported and a 3.0” 921k-dot tiltable LCD monitor provides clear playback and odd-angle composition. Grid display, histogram, and focus peaking are supported. The bright OLED 1.4M-dot Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder uses four double-sided aspherical lenses for enhanced high-contrast viewing. All camera adjustments, including creative Picture Effects, can be seen within the EVF and brightness and color temperature adjustment as well as focus enlargement aid in accurate composition.
Integrated Wi-Fi connectivity enables instant sharing of photos with smartphones, tablets, and even compatible TVs and NFC (Near Field Communication) makes linking with Android devices easy. The free Sony PlayMemories app adds functions such as remote camera control and direct upload to social media sites.
Full HD 1080p is supported in the AVCHD format with 60 and 24 fps rates and stereo audio. The improved autofocus functions let you set the AF drive speed when shooting video as well as providing AF tracking duration settings. The enhanced phase-detection light gathering also adds to the camera’s scene-recognition capability—it is the first E-mount camera to offer Automatic AF mode.

All E-mount lenses are compatible with the A6000 and Sony has created a kit that bundles a 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens with the new A6000. This E-mount lens provides the 35mm focal length equivalence of 24-75mm for wide-angle to short telephoto versatility. Built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization results in clear, blur-free photos and videos and a stepping motor and power zoom feature provide smooth and quiet AF action, which is especially helpful when shooting video. A dual-function control ring enables both manual focus and zoom action. One ED lens element and four aspherical elements minimize aberrations and contribute to sharp, high-contrast imaging. When powered down, the retracting mechanism on the lens reduces its length to just 1.2”, for truly compact transport.