Sony Expands APS-C Mirrorless Lineup

2019.08.29

Sony just followed their to APS-C mirrorless platform by releasing a pair of new E-mount digital cameras and new lenses designed for this exact sensor size. This comes after a period when Sony has released significantly more Full-Frame Mirrorless than APS-C ones. Given that Full-Frame is much more costly than APS-C, consumers were recently worried about being pushed to spend more.

The new Sony Alpha A6600 becomes the new flagship APS-C offering with the latest technology and an truly extensive feature-set. Built around a 24 megapixels CMOS sensor with 425-point Phase-Detect AF built-in, this new digital camera also comes with an in-body 5-axis image-stabilization system, effective to 5 stops over hand-holding [Although we do wonder why not 5.5+ given there is more room to move an APS-C sensor within the E-mount than a Full-Frame one]. This sensor boasts an ISO 100-3200 sensitivity range which expands to 50-102,400. It is capable of shooting continuously at 11 FPS for up to 99 JPEG images or 46 RAW files.

The A6600 is features a 2.4 MP 0.39" EVF with 0.7X magnification and 100% coverage. The body offers dual control-dials which is standard for this type of camera yet one less than the older A7000 and recent competitors. One gets plenty of advanced features such as 9-frame bracketing, highlight-weighed metering, detailed white-balance fine-tuning and bracketing. As a flagship model, the Sony A6600 is weatherproof. They also redesigned the grip to accept a much larger-capacity battery which gives this mirrorless a battery-life of 720 shots-per-charge according to the CIPA standard. This is one of the longest battery-life among mirrorless digital cameras.

Sony expects to ship this new camera in November for $1400 USD or $1900 CAD. Both Adorama and B&H Photo are ready to accept pre-orders for the A6600.

Going the other way to expand the lineup both on the flagship and the budget side, Sony also just added the Alpha A6100 to their series of E-mount mirrorless cameras. This camera cuts costs to sit below the A6400 by using a less expensive 1.4 MP 0.39X EVF unit which still shows an impressive 0.7X magnification. Like it predecessor, the A6100 also forgoes image-stabilization.

Although cheaper than the A6400, the new A6100 keeps the same image-quality and performance by using a modern 24 megapixels APS-C CMOS sensor with 425-Point Phase-Detect AF built-in and 11 FPS maximum burst speed. It is also capable of recording 4K Ultra-HD video at 30 FPS, giving it a well-rounded feature-set for its level. As one would expect, it is not weatherproof yet it does pack dual control-dials for efficiency.

The Sony Alpha A6100 is scheduled to ship in October for $750 USD or $1000 CAD. Again, trusty Adorama and B&H Photo are accepting pre-orders right now.

In a show of commitment to the entire platform, Sony also added two APS-C only E-mount lenses. The new flagship and first G-quality lens for APS-C is the Sony E 16-55mm F/2.8G. This high-end optics offers a bright constant maximum aperture along its zoom range and is designed to keep consistent corner-to-corner sharpness.

This new lens is weatherproof while being relatively lightweight at 494g. It is optimized for APS-C sensors to keep its size compact and so it only needs a 67mm filter on its front-element even though it is an F/2.8 lens. It offers a focus-hold button in addition to the standard AF/MF switch. The Sony E 16-55mm F/2.8G is certain to become the must-have lens for APS-C users given its versatility and optical performance.

Sony is getting ready to this the new 16-55mm F/2.8G lens in November for $1400 USD or $1400 CAD. Notice this is a great opportunity to shop in Canada considering this comes in at a 25% discount over the US price. Pre-orders from Adorama or B&H Photo here.

A new Sony E 70-350mm F/4.5-6.3G OSS lens delivers a unique specification that provides exceptional telephoto reach on APS-C at the expense of luminosity. This super-telephoto lens is equivalent to a 105-525mm lens on a Full-Frame camera and manages to be incredibly light at 625g. Of couse, the F/4.5 maximum aperture at the wide-end closes down to F/6.3 at the long-end which makes it more suitable for still subjects. A lens this long necessarily needs image stabilization on a body that does not have it built-in, which it provided the Sony's Optical Stabilization System (OSS).

The 70-350mm F/4.5-6.3G OSS also accepts 67mm filters and is weatherproof. This new offering will also ship this fall for $1000 USD or CAD [Equivalent to 750 USD at the time or writing]. Pre-orders are ready to be received at Adorama and B&H Photo.

• Digital Camera
• Lens