Sony Alpha a6000 Review

Last Updated on November 25, 2023 by Sharon Advik

Sony Alpha a6000 Review:

I was a landscape, travel, and adventure sports photographer for several years.

A sports organization gave me a year to photograph their various sports departments and provide them with the best possible image to set them apart from other photography companies’ rivals.

I jumped at the opportunity because it was so great, and I began my adventure with my gorgeous sports camera, the “Sony Alpha a6000.”

Many options were available to me, including taking cinematic pictures of athletes, drivers, football players, and other sportspeople.

I captured athletes pushing the limits of their sports in accurate, vibrant photographs.

I took pictures of mountain bikers, kayakers, rock climbers, and mountaineers.

I could magically see the world thanks to this camera’s fantastic views.

This camera’s use is very feasible.

Advantages:

NFC Connectivity

Built-in Wireless (wifi)

Electronic Built-in Viewfinder

Articulating Screen

24.0MP – High-Resolution Sensor

Face Detection Focusing

25600 Max ISO

922k dots LCD Resolution

11.0fps Shooting

179 Focus Points

344g Light Body

0.7x magnification – Large Viewfinder

1440kdot Viewfinder Resolution

Panorama Shooting

Good Low Light ISO – 1347

Timelapse with an optional downloadable app

Disadvantages:

No Touch Screen

No Sensor shift Image Stabilization

No Environmental Sealing

Low Battery Life: 360 shots

Overview:

I was always excited to try this camera when it first hit the market.

I enjoy using and learning about new cameras available on the market.

Consequently, when this camera came onto the market, I immediately bought it.

When this camera came in handy, I learned much about its capabilities.

This new a6000, which offers a broadly similar feature set and occupies the same spot in Sony’s mirrorless lineup, adds several noteworthy new features (while also losing the NEX moniker of its predecessor).

The metal control dials and overall metal feel and appearance give off a sense of assurance.

Although the resolution and processor have been improved, the updated Hybrid AF system on the A6000 is what I find to be the most noteworthy improvement.

I first used it for sports photography, and the results were stunning.

However, I also used it in other situations and for different types of photography to better understand the fields in which this camera excels.

I learned a lot about this camera when it first started to be helpful to me.

This new a6000, which offers a broadly similar feature set and occupies the same spot in Sony’s mirrorless lineup, adds several noteworthy new features (while also losing the NEX moniker of its predecessor).

Although the resolution and processor have been improved, the updated Hybrid AF system on the a6000 caught my attention the most.

Specifications:

APS-C CMOS sensor with 24.3 megapixels

Image processor Bionz X

25 contrast-detect points in the hybrid AF system

Phase-detect points: 179

Multi-Interface Shoe + Built-in Flash

Continuous 11 fps subject-tracking shooting

With 921,600 dots and a 3-inch tilting LCD

1.44M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder

Correction for diffraction

Localized noise reduction

Detail reproduction technology

Clean HDMI output; full HD video recording at 1080/60p and 24p

NFC-enabled wifi and downloadable apps

Body, Size, and Weight:

First things first: I adore cameras that are small and lightweight.

And it is the first feature of a camera that I notice. Fortunately, this camera has won my heart.

This a6000 body is admirably tiny and roughly half the size of a typical mainstream DSLR body, measuring 4.8 x 2.9 x 1.9 inches.

I adore how exquisitely made this camera is.

The body, made of composite materials and weighs 12.1 ounces, is light but sturdy.

I could easily hold this camera because I have large hands.

This a6000 has both an onboard flash and an electronic viewfinder (EVF), unlike other mirrorless models that only have one or the other.

Despite being made of composite materials, the a6000 has a solid-feeling body and is a rangefinder-style camera.

Despite not being the most miniature mirrorless camera on the market, in my opinion, this one travels well, especially when the 16–50mm power zoom is attached.

I observed that the optional wireless remote’s IR receiver is to the left of the AF-assist lamp on the front.

Its large eyecup and sensor for automatically switching between it and the LCD impress me.

Regarding that, the LCD has a 16:9 aspect ratio, which I thought was excellent for watching movies.

Let me now review the right side of this camera for you.

The contact area for tapping an NFC-enabled smartphone is on the right side of the frame, and the I/O ports for the camera are on the left.

The Multi-Terminal (which manages USB, charging, and a wired remote) and micro-HDMI are two of these ports.

The a6000 lacks an integrated microphone and headphone jack (but it can accept the hot-shoe mounted Sony ECM-XYSTM1 mic).

Weather Sealing:

I ask indignantly; why would you do something like that with such a cute camera?

Why is the body of my Sony a6000 not weather-sealed?

My camera needs to be shielded.

I wish Canon would give this camera a temperature-filling feature.

But now, I must be cautious to keep it dry and dust-free.

I occasionally had to shoot children playing and dancing in the streets while it was raining, dusting, or muddy.

My camera is like a bay, so I’d like to protect it because I can’t afford to damage it.

My camera could have been weather-sealed, which would have eased my worries about its durability and allowed me to spend and shoot more time in the rain.

Lenses:

Every seasoned photographer enjoys playing around with different camera lenses.

It has become my obsession. I like experimenting with the effectiveness of different lenses on my camera.

Therefore, I must research all the compatible lenses when purchasing a camera.

This time, I also learned that the Sony A6000 has a Sony E lens mount and that there are currently 184 native lenses compatible with this mount.

The selection of E and FE mount lenses from Sony keeps expanding, and there are also many excellent options from third-party lens manufacturers.

I’m so grateful for its extremely short flange focal distance because it allows me to adapt lenses from other mounts.

Sony also offers an adapter (Sony LA-EA4) that enables using A-mount lenses with E-mount cameras, including AF.

The entire line of Canon EF lenses with Auto Focus is usable with adapters from Metabones and Fotodiox when used with E-mount cameras.

While 36 of these lenses already have optical image stabilization, as I mentioned, this camera has the advantage of not having a sensor-based image stabilization system.

I’m relieved I could find a solution for my camera’s non-weatherproof body and that 98 lenses are weatherproof for the Sony A6000.

I’ve listed a few of the best lenses I’ve ever used on my camera, all of which were outstanding.

• Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM
• Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS
• Sony FE 200-600 F5.6-6.3 G OSS
• Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM
• Sony FE 50mm F1.8
• Samyang AF 135mm F1.8 FE
• Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS

Handling:

This camera is equipped with all the features required for easy handling.

Its features reassured me that operating this camera wouldn’t be challenging.

I can hold my camera comfortably thanks to the camera’s relatively large sensor and rubberized hand grip.

Also, it conceals the shared battery/memory card compartment at its base.

On my camera, I can shoot Raw files, or even more helpfully, for those who want to spread their bets simultaneously, Raw and JPEG images.

Additionally, JPEGs are offered with Fine or Normal compression levels.

Additionally, the Sony A6000 provides me with an awe-inspiring burst shooting rate of 11 frames per second, which is unmatched by its main competitors.

This rate is remarkable at a full 24-megapixel resolution and with autofocus tracking.

I got through my experience with this camera thanks to its gesture.

I’m impressed that my camera has a functional, programmable C1 button next to the shutter release, which gives me access to the Focus Mode settings by default.

From the Setup menu, I can easily change the purpose of this button.

I’m happy to announce that It’s fantastic news for strobes and anyone using standard hot-shoe-mounted accessories.

The A6000’s top plate has an ISO standard hot shoe that accepts generic center-contact flash units when viewed from the back and the left.

Moreover, this camera’s clever hinged design raises the flash far above the lens to prevent red-eye problems.

You can see how this camera’s features have benefited users throughout their interactions.

Long story short, this camera ensures you won’t experience any difficulty using it.

Sensor and Processor:

Let’s talk about the sensor, which is a camera’s most crucial part.

Yes, I think I had your complete focus when I said this. Every photographer is most worried about the image and video quality that his camera will produce.

I am pleased to tell you guys that the wait is over; this is the best sensor camera of all time and a deadly sensor and processor combination.

My camera’s 24.3MP APS-C-sized Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor enable me to capture images with a high level of detail, minimal noise, noticeable low-light quality, and sensitivity to ISO 25600.

The sensor uses a gapless on-chip lens design To increase light-gathering capacity and produce edge-to-edge sharpness and quality, which fills the spaces between adjacent pixels with optimized lenses that match the angle of incidence.

Additionally, the processor enables me to achieve a wealth of speed across the entire camera system, including Fast Hybrid AF, a top continuous shooting rate of 11 fps, and Full HD 1080i/p video recording in multiple frame rates.

I’m happy to report that the A6000 can take some incredible pictures.

The effect is generally very pleasing, even though occasionally the colors can err towards being too vibrant.

And it’s all thanks to the stunning sensor in this camera.

The detailed rendering on the A6000 is excellent.

Beginning around ISO 400, image smoothing can be seen only when zoomed in and in specific areas of the image.

Detail is generally maintained well throughout the low-to-mid sensitivity range; only around ISO 6400 do standard print size images start to present problems.

If I wanted to print a photo at A4 size or smaller, ISO 3200 is probably the highest I would feel comfortable using, but if I wanted to share a photo online in a small size, I’d use ISO 12800.

Autofocusing:

Photography requires focus because, without it, pictures may not be sharp or contain enough detail.

This camera also allows me to use a guide artistically to draw attention to the subject in a photograph and minimize unimportant information in the background.

I can set this camera’s Lock-on focus system to turn on when I half press the shutter (a significant improvement over older implementations that required you to select and confirm the subject – missing valuable shooting time if the issue was moving).

The focus point selection mode establishes the area where the camera will search for a problem.

It appears to be pretty effective at figuring out what I’m trying to photograph.

If it finds nothing more interesting, it will shoot the nearest object or recognize faces and people as likely targets.

I’m glad that my Sony A6000 has both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems because they assure me of quick and accurate focusing in most circumstances.

If it finds nothing more interesting, it will shoot the nearest object or recognize faces and people as likely targets.

I’m glad that my Sony A6000 has both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems because they assure me of quick and accurate focusing in most circumstances.

There are 179 points available in the AF system.

The Sony A6000 also has face detection autofocus, which automatically locks focus when it detects faces in the frame.

LCD:

The Sony A6000 has a 3.00-inch tilting LCD screen with a 922k-dot resolution.

While videographers prefer fully articulated screens, tilting screens are more suited to photography.

The resolution and screen size are appropriate for this class.

Unfortunately, the Sony Alpha a6000’s screen isn’t selfie-friendly.

If you consider this feature essential to your shooting style, look at this list of the Best Mirrorless Cameras with Selfie-Friendly LCD screens.

The ability to use an electronic viewfinder is another attribute of a camera that I find extremely important.

You might wonder, “What’s the big deal with an electronic viewfinder?”

If the viewfinder is electronic, you can look through it to see the live view image.

It can sometimes be beneficial because the viewfinder is shaded and easier to see than the camera’s screen, especially when it’s bright outside or inside.

Of course, an LCD screen has advantages, but it can be difficult—or even impossible—to see what you’re shooting on bright, sunny days.

Therefore, I enjoy using a viewfinder.

It’s nice that this particular camera had a small eyepiece you could attach.

It also has Live View, an incredible feature inside the viewfinder.

You can see how your images are exposed as you change your settings and look at the scene through your viewfinder.

Battery Life:

I talked earlier about one of this camera’s pros: its short battery life.

Yes, mirrorless cameras have frustratingly short battery life.

It is expected. I find it difficult to precisely compare the battery life of the A6000 to that of other mirrorless cameras.

They’re all pretty depressing, and unless the battery life differs noticeably, I wouldn’t advise choosing one mirrorless camera over another.

In my opinion, they could all stand to benefit significantly from new technology, or why not just a bigger battery?

A slightly larger grip would be acceptable to accommodate a slightly larger battery.

Video:

This trait is becoming more and more crucial to me as my interest in video grows.

Although I’m not an expert, this camera’s video feature is simple and produces decent-quality brief videos of your life.

Except for one thing—how to record video—this camera was so simple to use right out of the box that I hardly needed to refer to the user’s manual.

After consulting the manual, I eventually located the tiny red button on the grip you must push to begin a recording.

The a6000, typical for Sony, has a reasonably impressive video specification.

It includes the headline specification of 1080p video at 60/30 and 24p (50/25/24 in PAL markets), the amount of control, and the number of integrated auxiliary features.

According to my observations with this camera, the camera can capture finer detail horizontally than vertically when comparing the horizontal and vertical resolutions.

Image Quality:

We know that a camera’s sensor and processor are critical factors in image quality.

And I’ve already informed you of the camera’s sensor and processor’s expertise.

Regarding age quality, my experience with this camera is pretty good.

I can record in both RAW and JPEG formats with this Sony A6000.

In good lighting, the a6000 shines. Colors are generally accurate and pleasing when the camera is set to Standard (the default) or Neutral in the Creative Style menu.

However, they are not as saturated as those from other mirrorless cameras, particularly the Olympus O-MD series models.

Vivid is the Creative Style setting for the a6000 if you prefer a higher level of color intensity.

With its Bionz X processor and 24MP Exmor HD CMOS sensor, the a6000 promises better JPEG processing.

The company’s most recent processor, JPEG, is expected to undergo three significant changes: more sophisticated sharpening, aperture-dependent sharpening (to combat diffraction), and context-sensitive noise reduction.

Photography Feature:

I also put it to the test for other kinds of photography to identify the areas where this camera shines.

I found that to be the case.

Daily Photography:

The Sony a6000, which has a score of 67 for daily photography, is a GOOD option for this type of photography.

Even though most photographers concentrate on one or two distinct photographic genres, experimenting with different shooting techniques may result in surprising findings.

I would refer to it as “everyday photography.”

Various photographic styles can be created using the same technical and artistic abilities.

You might learn valuable skills and techniques to advance your photography if you are successful in one endeavor.

The best type of photography for it is candid, everyday photography.

One good camera will allow you to take a wide range of pictures.

Street Photography:

This type of photography is a style that focuses on capturing daily life in open areas.

The setting’s transparency frequently enables the photographer to capture candid, unguarded images of strangers.

Street photography encourages a sense of the environment.

It enables you to be aware of your surroundings. Shooting, among other things, can aid in character development.

This camera is a GOOD choice for this type of photography, earning a score of 66 in Street Photography.

Why should one get a Sony a6000?

• Better moiré control: Anti-alias filter prevents the appearance of unnatural patterns in images.
• It has Improved live-view autofocus: On-sensor phase-detection technology for more reliable autofocus.
• Additional information on framing has a camera data viewfinder that is electronic.
• The viewfinder has a more comprehensive view and a larger field of view (100%).
• It Features a viewfinder with higher magnification and a larger image (0.70x).
• More flexible LCD: Tilting screen for portrait shots at unusual angles.
• It has a Faster burst: It shoots more frequently (11 vs. five flaps per second) to catch the crucial moment.
• It is smaller (120x67mm) and more easily fits into a bag, making it more compact.
• Less cumbersome: It has a lighter weight (71g or 17%) and is simpler to transport.
• It charges more easily while traveling thanks to its USB port.
• More compatible with legacy lenses: Many non-native lenses can be used with adapters.
• It has built-in wifi for automatic backup or image transfer to the web, making file uploading more straightforward.

Price:

Considering all this tiny mirrorless camera is capable of, the price is astounding.

Launch price

Sony launched this gorgeous camera in April 2014 in two different price ranges: US$650 for the body-only model and US$800 for the kit version with the Sony 16-50mm Power Zoom lens (with corresponding silver 16-50 kit lens).

Current price

You can purchase The Sony A6000 for as little as $548 for the body alone; a 16-50mm lens kit starts at $648.

Conclusion:

My experience with this camera was fun!

For me, the price of this camera makes it worthwhile to purchase.

So let me now explain why buying this camera is worthwhile.

The Sony A6000 is a fully-featured, quick-to-respond compact system camera that produces excellent images in various settings, all for a meager price compared to its main competitors.

It’s our favorite Sony’s current APS-C mirrorless camera range and a strong competitor in the mid-range market despite lacking a touchscreen interface and having a slightly inferior EVF to the older NEX-6 model it replaces.

The vastly improved Fast Hybrid AF system is one of the primary causes.

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