Sony is known for pushing the boundaries of modern technology, and their a6600 camera is no exception. As the successor to the beloved a6500, this mirrorless camera packs a punch with its impressive features and performance. This article takes a fun and informal deep-dive into the a6600, outlining everything you need to know about this remarkable camera.
1. Say Hello to the Sony a6600: What’s in the Box?
When you get your hands on the Sony a6600, the first thing you’ll notice is how professional the packaging looks. Open the box and you’ll find the a6600 body, a 18-135mm kit lens (if you opted for it), a battery, a USB cable, an AC adapter, a shoulder strap, eyepiece cup, and a user manual. The battery is a high-capacity Z-series which promises longevity for those long photo shoots. The inclusion of a physical manual is also a nice touch, particularly for those who are new to the world of mirrorless cameras.
2. Diving into Design: A Closer Look at the a6600 Body
The a6600 boasts a compact and robust design with a sturdy magnesium alloy body that feels both durable and high-quality. The camera is surprisingly lightweight making it easy to carry around. One of the standout features is the deep, comfortable grip that lets you hold the camera securely. The body is also weather sealed, providing peace of mind when shooting in a variety of conditions.
3. Setting Up the Sony a6600: A Quick and Easy Guide
Setting up the a6600 is a breeze. After attaching the lens and inserting the battery and memory card, you turn on the camera and follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll be asked to input the date, time, and preferred language. Once the initial setup is done, you can dive into the menu system to customize the camera to your liking. Sony’s menu system can be a bit overwhelming, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll appreciate the level of customization it offers.
4. Exploring the a6600: The Buttons, Dials, and Ports
The a6600 has an array of buttons and dials that offer comprehensive control over your shooting experience. On the top, you’ll find the mode dial, control dial, and the custom buttons. The rear houses the function button, control wheel, and various other buttons. The camera also has multiple ports including a microphone input, headphone output, HDMI, and multi/micro USB terminal. Sony has also added a custom button that you can assign to your most-used function.
5. The a6600 Lens: Your Window to the World
One of the great things about the Sony a6600 is its E-mount, which means you have access to a vast array of lenses. Whether you are a landscape photographer, a portrait shooter, or a macro enthusiast, Sony has a lens for you. The 18-135mm kit lens is a versatile option for those starting out, offering a good range for various types of photography.
6. Picture Perfect: Testing the a6600’s Image Quality
The image quality of the a6600 is impressive, thanks to its 24.2 MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor. The camera produces images with excellent sharpness, detail, and dynamic range. The color reproduction is also spot on. The a6600’s real party trick is its autofocus system. With 425 phase-detection and 425 contrast-detection points, this camera can lock onto your subjects instantly and accurately.
7. Let’s Talk Video: The a6600’s 4K Recording Capabilities
The a6600 is not just a stills camera; it’s also an accomplished video shooter. It offers 4K video recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning. This means you get crisp and detailed footage. The camera also offers a Super 35mm format, which gives you a more cinematic look. Couple that with the camera’s excellent in-body image stabilization, and you have a formidable video tool in your hands.
8. Final Thoughts: Is the Sony a6600 Worth the Investment?
The Sony a6600 has so much to offer for both photographers and videographers alike. Its stellar image quality, impressive autofocus system, robust video capabilities, and the option to use a wide array of lenses make it a worthy investment. Of course, it’s not the cheapest camera out there, but considering what you get for the price, it’s a solid choice, especially for those looking to upgrade from an entry-level camera or for those who want a compact yet powerful camera for travel.
The Sony a6600 is a powerful and versatile camera that truly pushes the boundaries of what a mirrorless camera can do. It’s an investment, but one that pays off with its remarkable features and performance. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a photography enthusiast, the a6600 is a camera that won’t leave you wanting. Happy shooting!