Sony A6000 mirrorless camera introduced as NEX-6 replacement

Sony has announced a new middle-entry E-mount camera with an APS-C image sensor, called A6000, which replaces the NEX-6.

So many gossips talks have been heard regarding this camera. Finally, the uncertainty can be put to an end as Sony has unveiled a new middle-entry mirrorless camera. The Sony A6000 is finally official as a replacement for the NEX-6.

Sony announces A6000 to replace only the NEX-6, not the NEX-7

Sony A6000 mirrorless camera features a 24.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor.

The rumor mill has said that the upcoming Sony A6000 will serve as a successor for both the NEX-6 and NEX-7. However, this is not true, as the new model only replaces the former, which is a middle-range mirrorless interchangeable lens camera.

As we are still deprived of an NEX-7 replacement for the time being, we should focus on what the A6000 has to offer. The new MILC sports a 24.3-megapixel image sensor, an improvement over the 16.1-megapixel model found in its predecessor and much more.

Sony A6000 mirrorless camera features world’s fastest autofocus system

Sony A6000 sports the world’s fastest autofocus system capable of focusing in only 0.06 seconds.

The shooter is powered by the BIONZ X processor that delivers a continuous shooting mode of up to 11 fps. The image processor also makes the A6000 the camera with the world’s fastest autofocus system in the world, managing to acquire focus in only 0.06 seconds, Sony says.

Sony A6000 takes the world’s fastest AF system crown from the Panasonic GH4, a 4K video recording camera that focuses on the subject in 0.07 seconds. Before that, the Fujifilm X-E2 and X-T1 have offered the quickest AF with a time of only 0.08 seconds.

The latest addition to the E-mount is another nail in the coffin of the NEX brand. Photographers should not be sad about this as they are getting on-sensor Phase Detection AF and Contrast Detection AF. Together they form an “advanced Hybrid AF system” that features 179 focus points.

Specs list includes built-in OLED viewfinder and tilting LCD screen

Sony A6000 comes packed with an OLED electronic viewfinder and a 3-inch tilting LCD screen on the back.

Sony A6000 specs list is populated by RAW support, 100-25600 ISO sensitivity range, 1/4000-30 seconds shutter speed range, built-in flash, and an autofocus assist light.

Figuring out the exposure settings is easy and it can be done with the help of an OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder placed on the top left corner on the back of the camera.

The problem is that the EVF is a tad smaller while offering a tinier resolution than the one found in its predecessor. Either way, users can always choose to compose shots via the 3-inch 921K-dot tilting LCD screen, also placed on A6000’s back.

Availability details revealed, alongside price of the Sony FE-mount 70-200mm f/4 G OSS lens

Sony A6000 will be released as a body-only version for $650 and with a 16-50mm lens kit for $800.

Sony says that its middle-range E-mount camera is capable of recording 1920 x 1080 videos at 60fps. Moreover, it can store them on an SD/SDHC/SDXC card.

If you want to make room on the SD card, then you will be able to transfer all content to a smartphone or tablet via WiFi or NFC and then start shooting again.

The Sony A6000 is a small camera measuring 4.72 x 2.64 x 1.77-inches and weighing only 12.13 ounces / 344 grams with batteries included.

The company says that the A6000 release date is April 2014. The camera’s body-only price has been set at $650, while with a 16-50mm lens kit will set you back $800.

This device is compatible with all E-mount lenses, including the ones built for full frame A7 and A7R cameras. Speaking of which, the FE-mount 70-200mm f/4 G OSS price is official and will be released for $1,500 this March.