Sony a6600 Review

The Sony A6600 is at the very pinnacle of Sony’s APS-C portfolio for enthusiast photographers. It is designed for individuals who want a top-spec camera but do not have the financial means to purchase full-frame choices such as the Sony A7 III.

The A6600 comes not too long after the Sony A6400, and both cameras share the same 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor and the Bionz X CPU, which can also be found in the company’s top camera, the A9 II.

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Sony Alpha A6600 Mirrorless Camera

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Last update was on: January 19, 2024 2:18 am
$1,198.00

In addition to inheriting quite a few capabilities from its predecessor, the A6400, the A6600 also introduces new functionality, like an in-body image stabilization system and a larger battery. More on this will be covered in the next section.

Once upon a time, such capabilities would have been sufficient for the A6600 to rule the market for mid-range mirrorless cameras, much like the highly praised NEX series and the enormously successful Sony A6000 did before it.

However, the level of competition has been increasingly fierce over the past year due to the introduction of new models by companies like Fujifilm, Canon, and Nikon, the latter of which has only just released its very own APS-C mirrorless model, the Nikon Z50.

Suppose Sony continues to use the same physical size for its APS-C series cameras that it has used for the previous decade. In that case, the question becomes whether or not the significant specifications of the A6600 are enough to keep it competitive.

Sony a6600 Features

The Sony A6600 is driven by a sensor that has a resolution of 24.2 megapixels. It is the same sensor that can be found in the Sony A6400 and the Sony A6100, which was the entry-level model launched at the same time as this camera.

The A6400 also has the same Bionz X processor that is found in the full-frame A9 II; this helps to achieve the camera’s outstanding burst speed of 11 frames per second (fps), which is also found in the A6400.

And this is only the beginning of the parallels. Another feature that is the same across the two models is the viewfinder, which is 0.39 inches and has 2.36 million dots. This viewfinder is joined by a touchscreen measuring 3 inches and can tilt.

Another similar feature is a hybrid autofocus system with 425 phase- and contrast-detection points covering 84% of the scene. Again, this is a standard specification. The A6400, A6600, and A6100 all can record 4K video at frame rates of up to 30 fps, with full pixel readout and no pixel binning. The A6100 also has this capability.

The question now is, what additional features does this flagship model offers? In-body image stabilization is one of the new capabilities, which means you don’t have to rely entirely on lens-based stabilization. Additionally, HDR video and Real-time Eye AF for movies are now included in the camera’s feature set. – characteristics The A6600 has many of the same internal components as another full-frame Sony camera, the A7R IV.

Sony a6600 Build Quality

Over the past ten years, Sony has been an industry leader in camera technology, ushering in several significant advancements. Frustratingly, though, Sony has decided to continue hiding that technology in a body that is starting to seem more and more out of date as the years roll by in the case of the A6000 series of cameras. This is a disappointing choice.

The A6600 utilizes a flat design, much as we’ve seen with all of the previous cameras in the range, and the viewfinder is located on the left side of the camera. It is quite a significant differentiator compared to other APS-C models, such as the Fujifilm X-T3, the Nikon Z50, and the Canon EOS M50. In our opinion, the change is not for the better.

One of the advantages of this model is that it has a more substantial grip than the A6400, which allows it to accommodate a more powerful battery and provide more extended playtime.

Performance

One area in which Sony excels is in the photography of sports and activities. The company’s industry-leading A9 II full-frame camera, mainly, has earned praise for its achievements.

Naturally, what is provided here isn’t nearly as spectacular as what is offered elsewhere. Still, the A6600 gives a lot to enthusiasts or amateur photographers passionate about capturing moving subjects in their photographs.

The camera can have 11 frames per second, but you’ll only get eight fps to keep things quiet. There is a buffer capacity of 116 photos in JPEG or 46 shots in raw; thus, you should discover that it is not difficult to achieve short bursts to record fast-moving action.

It’s disappointing that there isn’t UHS-II card compatibility here to speed up the processing of the images, as it can take a while if you hold down the shutter for a few seconds after taking a burst of pictures. After taking a shot of photos, you will see a display on the screen that indicates that the images are being processed.

Sony a6600 Image quality

Compared to how far Sony has advanced sensor technology in its other camera models, the company’s decision to maintain a 24-megapixel sensor in the A6600 seems slightly unexpected. However, since the release of the NEX-7 in 2011, an APS-C camera, the company has been employing 24MP sensors in all of its APS-C cameras.

Sony likely considers the ordinary photographer does not require a higher resolution; to be fair, 24MP is generally in line with the resolution of competing models, except the Fujifilm X-T3, which has a slightly higher sensor at 26.1MP.

In addition, the sensor of the A6600 delivers outstanding performance when put to use. The levels of detail are superb overall, and the colors are pleasantly saturated without appearing overly artificial.

Thanks to the versatility of the 18-135mm lens that comes included in the box, you have a decent deal of leeway to photograph a wide variety of things. In addition, its comparable focal length of 27-202mm makes it ideally suited for capturing anything from landscapes at its widest angle to nature and wildlife when used at its most extended focal length.

Sony a6600 Specs

Body typeRangefinder-style mirrorless
Body materialMagnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution6000 x 4000
Image ratio w h3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels24 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors25 megapixels
Sensor sizeAPS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor typeCMOS
ProcessorBionz X
Color spacesRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter arrayPrimary color filter
Image
ISOAuto, 100-32000 (expandable to 102400)
Boosted ISO (maximum)102400
White balance presets8
Image stabilizationSensor-shift
Image stabilization notes5-axis
Uncompressed formatRAW
JPEG quality levelsExtra fine, fine, standard
File formatJPEG (Exif v2.3)Raw (14-bit Sony ARW)
Optics & Focus
AutofocusContrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View.
Autofocus assist lampYes
Manual focusYes
Number of focus points425
Lens mountSony E
Focal length multiplier1.5×
Screen/viewfinder
Articulated LCDTilting
Screen size3″
Screen dots921,600
Touch screenYes
Screen typeTFT LCD
Live ViewYes
Viewfinder typeElectronic
Viewfinder coverage100%
Viewfinder magnification1.07× (0.71× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder resolution2,359,296
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed30 sec
Maximum shutter speed1/4000 sec
Exposure modesiAutoProgramAperture priorityShutter priorityManual
Built-in flashNo
External flashYes (via hot shoe)
Flash modesFlash off, Autoflash, Fill-flash, Rear Sync., Slow Sync., Red-eye reduction (On/Off selectable), Hi-speed sync, Wireless.
Flash X sync speed1/160 sec
Drive modesSingleContinuous (Hi+/Hi/Mid/Lo)Self-timerBracketing
Continuous drive11.0 fps
Self-timerYes
Metering modesMultiCenter-weightedHighlight-weighted spot
Exposure compensation±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
AE Bracketing±5 (3, 5 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps)
WB BracketingYes (3 frames, H/L selectable)
Videography features
FormatMPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S
Modes3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 100p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50i / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
MicrophoneStereo
SpeakerMono
Storage
Storage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC + Memory Stick Pro Duo
Connectivity
USBUSB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
USB chargingYes
HDMIYes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone portYes
Headphone portYes
WirelessBuilt-In
Wireless notes802.11b/g/n + NFC
Remote controlYes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealedYes
BatteryBattery Pack
Battery descriptionNP-FZ100
Battery Life (CIPA)810
Weight (inc. batteries)503 g (1.11 lb / 17.74 oz)
Dimensions120 x 67 x 69 mm (4.72 x 2.64 x 2.72″)
Other features
Orientation sensorYes
Timelapse recordingYes
GPSNone

Sony a6600 Verdict

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Sony Alpha A6600 Mirrorless Camera

& Free shipping
Last update was on: January 19, 2024 2:18 am
$1,198.00

The Sony A6600 may be described as having two distinct personalities. First, it can produce some outstanding photos, and its autofocus and tracking features are highly usable and practical; in addition, there is a lot to be said for its burst-shooting capabilities and battery life, which is exceptional for a mirrorless camera.

However, operating the camera may be a challenging experience due to the A6600’s different handling oddities. As a result, it is simple to recommend alternative models that offer comparable performance in a more user-friendly body. The Fujifilm X-T3 is a definite competitor in this race; nevertheless, it is essential to remember that there are reports that a Fujifilm X-T4 will be released shortly.

It’s also difficult to recommend the A6600 over its older sibling, the Sony A6400, unless you need that in-body image stabilization for video and low-light shooting. However, it gives you the same image quality, frame rates, and the same sensor in a cheaper body, albeit one with a shorter battery life. The only difference is that the A6400 has a smaller battery.

It is also frustrating to see a very ordinary screen and viewfinder on a camera that doesn’t leave you with much change from $1,400/£1,500/AU$2,400. In addition, the camera only has one UHS-I SD card slot.

Sony a6600 FAQs

Is an a6600 worth buying?

It is genuinely worth the money to purchase the Sony A6600 because of its outstanding autofocus and a6600 stabilization capabilities, making the camera suitable for enthusiasts and professionals.

Is the Sony a6600 discontinued?

The Sony A6600 is considered a professional camera due to its sophisticated capabilities and features.

Is Sony a6600 a professional camera?

The Sony A6600 has not been officially put out of production as of March 2023.

Can you use a Sony a6600 in the rain?

Even though the Sony A6600 is not weather-sealed, it can still be used without fear of injury in conditions such as drizzle or mist.

Is the a6600 good in low light?

Because of its high ISO range and picture stabilization technology, the Sony A6600 does perform admirably even when the available light is low.

Is Sony a 6600 DSLR or mirrorless?

The Sony A6600 is not a DSLR but a mirrorless camera type.

Is Sony a 6600 crop or full frame?

The Sony A6600 does not have a full-frame camera but rather a zoom sensor that is APS-C.

Does Sony a6600 overheat?

Overheating is a problem that can occur with some Sony cameras; however, due to improvements in heat dissipation, the A6600 is less likely to experience this problem.

Does the Sony a6600 have a silent shutter?

There is a silent capture option available for the Sony A6600.

Does the Sony a6600 have eye tracking?

The Sony A6600 does have a sophisticated eye-tracking autofocus system.

How long does a Sony a6600 battery last?

The amount of photos that can be taken on a single charge with the Sony A6600 is listed at approximately 720, but this number can change depending on how the camera is used.

Does the Sony a6600 flash?

The hot shoe on the Sony A6600 allows you to connect an external light to the camera even though it does not have a built-in flash.

Can you use a Sony a6600 as a webcam?

Yes, the Sony A6600 can be converted into a camera by installing the necessary software and acquiring the required peripherals.

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