Sony just announced FOUR new products that demonstrate a serious commitment to APS-C. Two new cameras including a flagship model that offers IBIS and uses the larger Z battery for significantly improved battery life and an entry level a6100 that really doesn’t compromise despite a friendly price of $750. Two new G series lenses for APS-C the 16-55 f/2.8 and the 70-350 f/4.5-6.3

Sony a6100 Specs

• 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor

• BIONZ X Image Processor (same as in a9)

• UHD 4K30p and Full HD 120p Video

• SVGA Tru-Finder 1.44m-Dot OLED EVF

• 3.0" 921.6k-Dot 180° Tilting Touchscreen

• Up to 11-fps Shooting, ISO 100-32000

• 4D FOCUS with 425 Phase-Detect Points

• Real Time Eye AF for Stills and Video

• Mic Port, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

• W Battery - Standard Sony battery used in prior a6xxxx series cameras

• $748.00 Body Only Preorder Soon

Sony a6600 Specs (differences from a6100 bolded)

• 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor

• BIONZ X Image Processor (Same as in a9)

• UHD 4K30p Video with HLG & S-Log3 Gammas

• XGA Tru-Finder 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF

• 3.0" 921.6k-Dot 180° Tilting Touchscreen

• 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization

• Up to 11-fps Shooting, ISO 100-32000

• 4D FOCUS with 425 Phase-Detect Points

• Real Time Eye AF for Stills

• Real Time Eye AF for video

• Headphone & Mic Ports, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

• Z Battery - Used in a7iii cameras offering 821 shots per charge (actual real world usage will likely be higher)

• Magnesium Alloy Body with Dust & Moisture Resistant

• $1498 Body Only Preorder Soon

The big differences between the a6100 and a6600 beyond the price. $1498 for a6600 and $748 for the a6100

The a6600 offers IBIS - built in sensor stabilization, a 2.36m EVF vs 1.44m EVF in the a6100 and real time eye af in video. Both cameras have the same AF system for stills and offer real time tracking in video but they a6600 will also do eye tracking during video. And the a6600 offers a headphone jack, a magnesium alloy body and dust/moisture resistance.

Overall the AF system in these two cameras is extremely impressive and the amount of tech/performance built into a $748 camera is awesome but I really did want to see a redesign of the body. The a6600 has a slightly deeper grip to accommodate the bigger battery but otherwise the design remains relativley the same which lacks a front dial and makes these cameras less manual mode friendly. It is a trade off for their lightweight and compact nature but I would love to see Sony really focus on the manual mode useability of this line of APS-C Cameras. I will be shooting hands-on for the next several days with all of the new gear, including the lenses listed below and will be sharing more soon. Be sure to follow me on instagram.

Also announced two new lenses

The 70-350 f/4.5 - 6.3 $998 - Preorder Soon

The 16-55 f/2.8 $1398 - Preorder Soon

Both of these lenses are exciting - the zoom is a much needed lens for Sony APS-C shooters and on a crop that equates to a 560mm reach making this a solid option for wildlife. I will be back with more hands-on with all of this gear soon.