Selects: Top 6 Sony APS-C Mirrorless Cameras

The Sony A6000 series can seem a bit confusing at a first glance. It’s not as easy as ‘the higher the number, the better the camera gets’. What are the differences between each camera in the Sony A6000 range, and which is the right choice for you?

The models from the Sony A6000 series are all small-but-powerful mirrorless hybrid cameras, with the Sony E lens mount. All six cameras share the same 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, so their image quality is nearly identical. But there are significant differences between them, especially when it comes to their features and handling. The original A6000 trilogy featured the Sony A6000, Sony A6300, and Sony A6500. Later, Sony released upgraded versions of all three, with the Sony A6100, Sony A6400, and Sony A6600 respectively.

The original Sony A6000 was released in 2014, replacing the older A5000 series. It is bigger than its predecessor, has an electronic viewfinder, a hot-shoe mount and more physical controls on the body. And that’s only a selection of the improvements you can expect over the Sony A5100. The Sony A6000 shoots 24.3-megapixel photos in JPEG or RAW format. It also records video in 1080p resolution, with continuous autofocus and face detection, but its autofocus system is a bit slower than in the more recently released models. Sony has also improved the colour rendition in JPGs, so the latest models will give you better colours straight out of the camera.

Two years after the A6000, Sony released the more advanced A6300. Compared to the previous model, it had a much better LCD screen and viewfinder, the ability to film in 4K, a greatly improved autofocus system and a microphone input among the main features.

Later, the A6500 brought one crucial feature—in-body image stabilisation (IBIS). This meant you no longer had to own optically-stabilised lenses to get sharp photos in non-ideal lighting conditions. The IBIS works in video mode as well, reducing the shakiness of handheld footage. The A6500 also has a bigger buffer, allowing you to take more pictures in continuous mode. And, of course, it had a lot of minor tweaks and refinements.

The first of the upgraded trilogy is the A6100. Compared to the previous A6000, it is a much-improved piece of kit. It has 4K video recording, a flip-out LCD screen for vlogging, a mic input and a greatly improved autofocus with amazing real-time face and eye tracking. It also has the next generation of Sony’s colour rendition so your photos will look better, straight out of the camera.

It is still an entry-level camera though so it has a reduced resolution viewfinder and lacks some of the features like S-log or HLG Picture Profiles for video which is reserved for the more advanced models like the A6400.

When it came out, the A6400 was advertised as a perfect small camera for content creators. Not only does it have a great autofocus system and flat picture profiles for shooting video, but it also has a flip-out screen allowing you to see yourself while filming. The A6400 also features a more robust, moisture- and dust-resistant body made of magnesium alloy and plastic.

And, finally, the Sony A6600, the bigger sibling. Its key feature is still the IBIS, exactly like it was with the A6500. But it has many more improvements, like the chunky hand grip, which houses the bigger Sony NP-FZ100 battery. The battery life on this one is a huge improvement, you no longer need to carry lots of spares to make it through a day of shooting. However, the A6600 is the only camera in the series without a built-in flash. So, if you need this feature, then it’s definitely not a camera for you.

But which one is right for you? They are all amazing cameras, which will allow you to take beautiful pictures. Choose the Sony A6000 if you’re looking for an entry-level camera that is still more than capable if you have a slightly limited budget and don’t need the 4K video or the fancy real-time autofocus. It will be great for casual shooting. 

If you have a bit more money to spend and mostly shoot stills without needing advanced video features, then pick the A6100. Or, the A6300 is the right one if you’re a more advanced user and need more control over your camera, if you create both photos and videos and need the flat picture profiles for more flexibility while colour grading.

The A6400, meanwhile, offers the best value for money. It has most of the advanced features available in the series, amazing autofocus, 4K video with S-Log 2 and S-Log 3 picture profiles. If you don’t need the IBIS, choose the A6400. But if you need the in-body image stabilisation, and you can’t afford the latest A6600, then go for the A6500. Finally, if you want it all and don’t mind the bigger size and no built-in flash, then go for the A6600.

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