Key Specs
- APS-C CMOS sensor 24.5 megapixels
- ISO 100-25600
- Hybrid AF system: 25 CDAF, 179 PDAF points
- 11 fps continuous shooting + subject tracking
- Full HD video recording 1080/60p
- Wi-Fi + NFC
- Sony E-Mount Lens
- Built-in flash
- Multi-Interface Shoe
Intro
The Sony a6000 was announced in February 2014, 6 years before this review. The key selling point at the time of release was the unprecedented AF system, featured as the world's fastest autofocus with tracking AF and 11fps continuous shooting mode. This model has been reported as the best-selling mirrorless camera of all time. Proved to be a favourite among the photography community, Sony released many firmware updates over the years being the last one from March 2019.
When compared to its predecessor (Sony a5100), the a6000 saw the addition of an electronic viewfinder (EVF), dials and custom buttons, Multi interface shoe and increased battery life.
In 2020, this camera can be purchased under $500, and even under $300 if you consider the second hand market.
When compared to its predecessor (Sony a5100), the a6000 saw the addition of an electronic viewfinder (EVF), dials and custom buttons, Multi interface shoe and increased battery life.
In 2020, this camera can be purchased under $500, and even under $300 if you consider the second hand market.
Ergonomics and Build Quality
The Sony a6000 is an entry-level mirrorless camera with a hard to believe price point. Nevertheless, build-quality is not as bad as many would expect. This camera offers a solid metal body weighing less than 350g. Unfortunately, there is no form of weather sealing.
This camera sports a 3" LCD screen, with 16:9 ratio. Although this is unusual for 3:2 stills, I find it quite useful as many in-camera settings can be displayed on the sides of the frame while not disturbing your composition. This screen can be tilted 90 degrees upward and 45 down.
Many buttons can be found on the a6000 body:
- 2 custom buttons, C1 and C2, the latter working as delete button.
- Playback button.
- 1 rotating wheel, that can be totally personalized to your own shortcuts.
- Function (Fn) button, to access you list of shortcuts (up to 12), that doubles as a "Send to smartphone" shortcut.
- 1 AEL button, also customisable.
- 1 button to pop up the flash.
- 1 (strangely placed) video recording shutter.
- 2 dials to change modes and to adjust settings.
- 1 MENU button that usually doubles as back button
- 2 custom buttons, C1 and C2, the latter working as delete button.
- Playback button.
- 1 rotating wheel, that can be totally personalized to your own shortcuts.
- Function (Fn) button, to access you list of shortcuts (up to 12), that doubles as a "Send to smartphone" shortcut.
- 1 AEL button, also customisable.
- 1 button to pop up the flash.
- 1 (strangely placed) video recording shutter.
- 2 dials to change modes and to adjust settings.
- 1 MENU button that usually doubles as back button
Image Quality
Image Quality in this camera is absolutely stunning once you think about this price point. Furthermore, for JPEG shooters, I believe that they will be very pleased as the final result may require none or only minor edits. Adding the ability to quickly send the photos to the smartphone, will ease the process of uploading photos to social media.
Overall, you should expect vivid photos with deep contrasts. The 24 Megapixels will allow you to crop your photo without compromising your quality. Sony adds Dynamic Range Optimization that surely will automatically take care of your highlights and shadows.
In terms of ISO, I personally like to refer to it as a guide to the amount of light my camera is getting. Although noise starts to be noticeable above ISO 800, I am very comfortable to shoot up to ISO 1600 and ISO 3200. If you set your camera to auto ISO, you will easily realise how high the camera sets it when your subject is under a shadow or at the end of the day. This highlights the not so great quality of the a6000 on low light conditions.
AF
The highlight of this camera is definitely the impressive autofocus. The AF-C mode (continuous autofocus) is a pleasure to use being quick and responsive and specially guessing in which subject to focus. However, I find myself going back to AF-S (single autofocus) when the frame is very busy. The camera offers AF-A, changing from AF-C and AF-S automatically, but personally I do not find it useful for my type of photography.
Face recognition is a great feature that will help you to have your subject in focus even if it is moving. In addition, the camera can memorise up to 8 faces, which is very useful if you are shooting on crowded places. Although most recent models provide "eye AF" I believe the face recognition in this model is an impressive features, especially (again) regarding the price point.
Face recognition is a great feature that will help you to have your subject in focus even if it is moving. In addition, the camera can memorise up to 8 faces, which is very useful if you are shooting on crowded places. Although most recent models provide "eye AF" I believe the face recognition in this model is an impressive features, especially (again) regarding the price point.
Who needs this camera?
Beginners - People that want to move away from mobile phone photography and immerse in the world of interchangeable lenses cameras, may find in the a6000 the best starting point.
Amateur & Professional photographers using E-mount lenses - The Sony a6000 may easily be a backup camera offering a great value for money, while being able to use the same set of lenses as other Sony high end cameras.
Travel photographers - The portability of this camera associated with its quality and price point makes it great to travel and carry around.
