When Sony introduced A6100 and A6600 on the identical day, many had been left questioning which one of many APS-C cameras was proper for them. Although there are a number of similarities in each programs, the variations may very well be sufficient to sway your determination when choosing the right digital camera for you.
The A6100 is at the moment obtainable for $600, whereas the A6600 is $1400. That’s fairly a distinction, however increased value doesn’t all the time equate to higher high quality. Instead, the options and efficiency are what separate the 2 — however in some ways, they’re nearer than you may assume.
At a look:
Sony A6600
24MP APS-C sensor
5-axis picture stabilization
2.36 million-Dot OLED EVF
UHD 4K/30p video
810-shot battery life
11 fps steady taking pictures
1/4000 to 30-second shutter velocity
Sony A6100
24MP APS-C sensor
1.44 million-dot EVF
4K/30p video
420-shot battery life
11 fps steady taking pictures
1/4000 to 30-second shutter velocity
Sensor
Sony A6600Sony has packed the identical 24-megapixel sensor into each the A6100 and A6600. That quantity of decision is nice for individuals who wish to print their pictures, however how does it translate when day-to-day picture high quality that’s more likely to be considered solely on a digital display screen?
When we examined each cameras, we had been impressed by the richness in colour and the quantity of element within the pictures we created. Granted, most of our testing was achieved in daylight, however there have been instances we would have liked to bump up the ISO. Native ISO efficiency in each cameras is an identical, beginning at ISO 100 and reaching ISO 32,000. Both cameras supplied acceptable noise by way of ISO 6,400, however clearly fell behind Sony’s full-frame choices.
The actual takeaway right here is that you simply’re not sacrificing any picture high quality by choosing the cheaper A6100. In reality, for those who put the cash you save towards a higher-quality lens, you possibly can really get higher outcomes with the A6100 than the A6600 on the identical funds.
Stabilization
A characteristic generally reserved for flagship fashions is in-body picture stabilization (IBIS). Likewise, you’ll discover 5-axis stabilization on the A6600, however not the A6100. This is a kind of options that may be onerous to dwell with out when you’ve used it. Fortunately, lots of Sony’s E-Mount lenses supply optical stabilization, however even these will carry out even higher on a digital camera with IBIS.
Autofocus
Sony A6100. David Elrich / Digital TrendsSony has included its industry-leading autofocus (AF) know-how in its entry-level and mid-range cameras. That’s nice information for those who want professional-level AF however have to stay to a good funds.
Owners of every digital camera can get pleasure from the identical 425 phase- and contrast-detection factors that cowl 84 p.c of the body. Real-Time Tracking and Real-Time Eye AF carry out fantastically in each cameras, and we had been more than happy with the extent of accuracy when utilizing them. The reality you may get such superb AF efficiency in a $600 digital camera just like the A6100 is virtually unbelievable. And if AF efficiency is increased up in your checklist of necessary options, it can save you your self $800 and nonetheless get pleasure from the identical know-how as what’s within the A6600.
Video
Consistent with what you’ve learn to this point, video capabilities are just about the identical in each cameras, minus a number of variations which can be necessary to notice.
They file UltraHD 4K (3,840 x 2,160) video as much as 30 frames per second and 100 megabits per second. High-end videographers could lament the shortage of 10-bit HDMI output in both digital camera, as each solely shoot in 8-bit for each inner or exterior recording.
One characteristic current within the A6600, however missing within the A6100, is Real-Time Eye AF when recording video. This may very well be a deal-breaker if most of your recording is of fast-moving animals and people. It doesn’t imply the A6100 received’t carry out properly, however simply not in addition to the A6600. Another distinction is the recording restrict. The A6100 can file as much as 30 minutes; nonetheless, the A6600 has no restrict when taking pictures video.
Another probably necessary distinction is that whereas each cameras supply microphone ports, solely the A6600 has a headphone jack. If that you must monitor audio, it’s going to be the higher selection.
Design
Sony A6600We’ve had a variety of cameras move by way of our palms right here at Digital Trends. We should say it’s unlikely we’re ever going to offer both the A6100 and the A6600 an award in relation to their design. That’s to not say the design is horrible. It’s simply that it feels a tad dated and clunky when placing it up in opposition to a digital camera just like the Fujifilm X-T30, for instance.
But, it’s Sony’s model, and lots of photographers are completely pleased with it.
The cameras are related, however not an identical. The A6100 is ever so barely smaller and weighs 14 ounces in comparison with the A6600’s 18. The distinction in dimension and weight of each cameras is probably going due to one key distinction: An even bigger, longer-lasting battery. The A6600 guarantees 825 photographs from a single cost, in comparison with simply 420 for the A6100.
The perform buttons on the rear of the digital camera are identically positioned. However, the A6600 has made room for a c3 button, which lets you entry your customizations a lot simpler. Both cameras even have a 3-inch tilting LCD display screen.
The A6600 additionally has a greater digital viewfinder (EVF) decision. It comes with 2.35-million-dot OLED EVF. The A6100 solely affords 1.44 million dots. In different phrases, the A6600 has 63% increased decision when wanting by way of the viewfinder.
As for the construct high quality, the A6600 is weather-sealed and can be utilized in harsher circumstances. The A6100 is totally missing this characteristic and ought to be used with warning when taking pictures in inclement climate.
Which to purchase?
There’s no denying the Sony A6600 has some flagship options which can be missing within the A6100. But in the identical breath, they’re options that the majority shooters can dwell with out. If you need a digital camera that has improbable picture high quality, trailblazing autofocus, and more-than-capable video recording, it’s onerous for us to not advocate going for the A6100 at simply $600.
However, for those who’re unable to compromise on IBIS, climate sealing, and higher battery life — and don’t thoughts shelling out an additional $800 — then you definitely’ll be more than pleased if you buy the A6600. Just know that doing so places you within the firm of another nice choices value contemplating.

Editors’ Recommendations