It’s been a while but Sony has finally updated its popular a6000 series of mirrorless cameras with an APS-C sensor: Enter a6700boasts a new 26-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor (apparently the same sensor found in FX30 camcorder), the latest Bionz XR image processing engine and a dedicated AI Processor, designed to enhance autofocus and image processing performance.
While the sensor isn’t stackable, Sony says it delivers “ultra-fast” sensor readouts. Like the a6600, the new camera can shoot at up to 11 fps using either a mechanical or electronic shutter with full AF/AE tracking, although the buffer only allows for 59 frames to be recorded in the format. RAW format (lossy compression) at that highest continuous shooting rate. The a6700 has a hybrid autofocus system with 759 phase-detection points and 25 contrast-detection points (compared to the a6600’s 425 phase-detection and 425 contrast-detection points), but the range covers Current coverage is about 93% of the frame (instead of 84% on the a6600).
On the video front, the a6700 downsamples 6K video down to 4K without pixel binning to deliver the same high-quality footage as the a6600, but the new model is capable of recording at up to 4K/60p at 10-bit 4:2: 2 and 4K/120p in 8-bit 4:2:0 color. The a6700 features S-Log3, S-Cine, HLG and LUT, making it a more versatile video camera than its predecessor. Note that there is a small cropping in 4K/30p and 4K/60p modes, but a huge cropping (about 38%) for 4K/120p.
Other upgrades include a new dedicated AF-ON button on the back, a brighter 2.36 million-dot OLED EVF (nearly twice as bright as on the a6600), a 1.03-inch vari-angle LCD screen. million points, SD card /SDHC/SDXC card slot UHS-II (as opposed to the a660’s UHS-I) and a new menu system with an improved structure that promises to be easier to navigate.
Annoyingly, Sony doesn’t provide an exact date on the a6700’s availability, only saying it will launch in “2323”. Body-only price will be $1,400, while it will also be available in a kit with the Sony PZ 16–50mm f/3.5–5.6 OSS lens for $1,500.
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PRESS RELEASE
Sony Electronics Launches Next Generation Mirrorless APS-C Lens Camera “α6700” with Simultaneous Release of the ECM-M1 Versatile Compact Shotgun Microphone
For the first time, highly accurate AI object recognition and the latest in video and still image performance are condensed into a compact APS-C body.
SAN DIEGO, CA. July 12, 2023 – Sony Electronics today announced the launch of its latest APS-C mirrorless camera, the α6700. This new product combines the advanced stills and video capabilities found in the latest full-frame Alpha™ and Cinema Line series with the compact and lightweight design of the α6000 series, creating an APS-C mirrorless camera Sony’s most advanced to date.
Combining the back-illuminated APS-C Exmor R® CMOS image sensor boasting 26 effective megapixels with the speed and power of Sony’s advanced BIONZ XR® processor, the α6700 achieves outstanding imaging performance. while maintaining a compact and lightweight design.
This camera supports 4K high-resolution video recording at up to 120 fpsIlatitude more than 14 stopsii to capture details in harsh or low-light conditions, and feature the S-Cinetone™ picture profile found in Sony’s Professional Cinema Series to deliver refined movie images that require no color grading and offer the excellent rendering of human skin tones. For videographers and vloggers, Sony is also releasing the ECM-M1 shotgun microphone, which captures high-quality audio with eight recording modes including stereo.
“With the release of the α6700, Sony continues its commitment to empowering creators everywhere and at every level by empowering them with state-of-the-art tools that keep their creativity moving forward. . Sony will continue to expand its APS-C product line to serve and support the imaging operations of a variety of creators,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony. Electronics Inc said.
Highly accurate object recognition with AI
The latest APS-C size, back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor boasts approximately 26 effective megapixels, which combine with our advanced BIONZ XR engine to deliver outstanding imaging performance. Standard ISO sensitivities extend from 100 to 32000 for both stills and movies, enabling high-sensitivity, low-noise photography. Enhanced color reproduction ensures subjects such as people and plants are captured with natural colors, while Creative Look features enable unique visual expressions.
The AI processor is inherited from the α7R V, enabling high-precision “Real-time AF (autofocus)”. In addition to the human and animal recognition capabilities of the α6000 series, it now accurately recognizes various objects such as people, animals, birds, insects, cars/trains and airplanes, serving for a variety of creative expressions. When paired with today’s new FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II lensiii, it provides a focal length of 105mm to 300mm at a 35mm full-frame equivalent, leveraging the power of telephoto zoom to capture high-quality images. Additionally, it is compatible with a wide range of Sony E-mount and E-mount lenses including full-frame and Cinema Line cameras with a single mount.
Excellent video performance compatible with 4K120pI
Mining data equivalent to 6K, the α6700 outputs superior 4K video, including support for high frame rate recording at 4K 120 fps. It features S-Log3, which provides latitude more than 14 stopsii, for star hierarchy. Also equipped with S-Cinetone, the α6700 offers dramatic skin tone depiction and subject highlighting, technologies honed through our Cinema Line development, while Auto AI-driven framing animationiv Smooth subject tracking, eliminating the need for manual camera movement. The body contains a Multi Interface Shoe (MI) compatible with digital audio interfaces. Used in conjunction with the new ECM-M1 shotgun microphone, this microphone enables direct digital audio transmission, capturing high quality, undistorted audio.
Portability, operability and connectivity in a compact and lightweight device
With a compact design (approx. 4 7/8 × 2 3/4 × 3 inches and weighs approximately 1 lb 1.4 oz.v), the α6700 is highly portable. It features a user-friendly, vari-angle LCD display that can be operated by touch, combined with a modern touch menu for easy operation. Customizable front dials and switchable dials for still images, movies, and S&Q modes are also available. It is also equipped with in-body 5-axis optical image stabilization with 5.0 stopsBecause Shutter speed advantage for stills and Active modevii ensure stable footage.
In terms of connectivity, the camera now supports Creators’ Appviii to upload videos and still images to cloud services seamlessly. Sony also plans to launch a new version of the “Remote Camera SDK” in July 2023, allowing remote operation and setting adjustment.
Environmental awareness and accessibility
Recycled materials, including SORPLASTMx, used throughout the camera body, reducing environmental impact without compromising functionality. Over the past 10 years, Sony has replaced about 379 tonsix virgin plastic with recycled plastic in digital cameras and digital video cameras.
In addition, the machine is also equipped with Sony’s Screen Reader functionxi read out menus and video playback screens to support activities, support the creative activities of many creators.
Main features of shotgun microphone ECM-M1
The ECM-M1 is the world’s first shotgun microphone with eight dial-selectable recording stylesxii. With 4 microphone capsules and unique beamforming and advanced digital processing technology, it offers a variety of modes including stereo. Its super-directional mode captures targeted sound from the front (within 30 degrees), while effectively suppressing other sounds, automatically adapting to surrounding sounds. This mode is ideal for interviews and selfie-oriented situations where the subject is always in front of the microphone.
The newly added mode dial with locking mechanism ensures easy, secure switching of recording modes. The ECM-M1 has noise reduction amenities such as a noise reduction filter to reduce background noise and a low cut filter to minimize vibration and low frequency noise. These filters are realized through digital signal processing, maximizing sound quality at the recording stage and thus reducing the need for complex post-processing. It also supports 4-channel recording (compatible cameras only), allowing secure omnidirectional recording on channels 3 and 4, while channels 1 and 2 focus on the selected direction.
Compact and lightweight, the ECM-M1 enhances portability, helping creators capture high-quality sound in a variety of situations. Simply clip the microphone to the Multi-Interface Dock on a compatible camera for direct power and audio connections, without the need for additional cables or batteries. When connected via the Universal Connector of a compatible camera with a built-in digital audio interface, the audio signal is transmitted directly to the camera in digital form so no degradation occurs. quality. A simple switch also provides compatibility with a wide range of cameras that use the analog interface.
Price and availability
The new α6700 will be available in 2023 at various authorized Sony dealers:
- α6700 camera only: MSRP $1399.99 USD, $1899.99 CAN
- Kit α6700 “L” w/PZ1650: MSRP $1499.99 USD, $999.99 MAY
- Kit α6700 “M” w/18135: MSRP $1799.99 USD, $2399.99 MAY
The new ECMM1 microphone will be available for an MSRP of $349.99 USD and $469.99 CAN.
For detailed product information of the new α6700, please visit:
You can watch the product video of the new α6700 here:
For detailed product information of the new ECM-M1, please visit: https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/imaging-accessories/all-accessories/p/ecmm1
Product videos of the new ECM-M1 can be viewed here:
Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new α6700 and other Sony imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, a website created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of the Sony α – Alpha brand.
Note:
I QFHD (3840×2160). About 38% of the viewing angle is cropped.
ii When shooting S-Log3. Sony internal measurements.
iii For detailed information on the FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II, please see the press release published on 12 July 2023. URL: https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/lenses/all-e-mount/p/sel70200g2
iv Valid only in video mode. The viewing angle is narrow because it is cropped from the 4K resolution image.
v Weight includes battery and memory card.
Because CIPA compliant, Pitch/Yaw orientation, FE 50mm F1.2 GM lens attached, long exposure noise reduction disabled.
vii In Active Mode, the angle of view is a bit narrower.
viii Check the availability of services and apps in the region via the URL below:
Get the app at Google Play and the App Store. Network services, content, operating system and software are subject to terms and conditions and may be changed, interrupted or discontinued at any time and may require fees, subscriptions and notifications credit card information.
ix According to research by Sony. Recycled materials were used for product bodies and accessories from April 2012 to March 2022.
x SORPLAS™ may not be used for used parts depending on the time of manufacture.
xi Supported languages vary depending on the sales region.
xii As of July 2023 press release. Sony Research. As a camera microphone.
