Sony Alpha 6700 – APS-C Interchangeable Lens Camera with 24.1 MP Sensor, 4K Video, AI-Based Subject Recognition, Log Shooting, LUT Handling and Vlog Friendly Functions and…

This is a really great camera! I’m coming from an a6100 so the resolution bump is minimal, as expected, but every other aspect of this camera is a step up compared to previous a6000 series cameras.

The autofocus is truly the best I’ve seen on any camera; it’s not just the speed that impresses me, it’s the accuracy and reliability as well. Previous a6000 cameras only had face and human eye detect, but this has animal/bird/car/plane/train detection as well. Reviewers mostly glossed over this but, imo this is a major feature. I can just point my camera in the general direction of my subject and it will lock on and automatically maintain focus without me having to do much of anything, meaning I can focus on composition while the camera focuses on well –focusing.

Another thing I love about this camera is the IBIS. Although I have lenses that feature OSS, having IBIS can add even more stabilization, resulting in sharper photos. In some cases, it’s going to be a minor difference but it works well for the most part and I appreciate that.

The speed of the camera is also quite snappy. Everything from navigating menus and saving data to the SD card, it all just works really quickly so it feels like the camera is always ready to snap a quick shot/record a video.

Lastly and most importantly is the shutter sound. It’s a deep, satisfying clunk that makes you feel like you’re really taking a picture. It’s the sound of love.

If you’re an e-mount shooter with a bunch of APS-C lenses, this is the camera to get.

Amazon? I bought this item as a present for someone, and you sent me this “brand new” camera with the box destroyed. Also, we tested the camera, which overheats by only navigating through the menu and recording some minutes in 4k 24. It feels like you’re holding a hot potato.

August 7, 2023 Initial Review

I take family portraits as a hobby. I don’t do video. I started with Sony back in late 2010 when I purchased a Sony A33. I’ve stayed with Sony since then through several upgrades.

I have an a6600 which has served me well. So why upgrade. There are just a few reasons.

1) The a6700 ai Auto Focus will improve my sharp focus needs. The a6600 has been so good at focusing on the eyes of my subjects that I concentrate on all other things, letting the camera take care of focus. But it could be better. I think my hit rate is over 90% but I expect the a6700 auto focus to be even better. Some of my subjects are small children on the move.

2) The a6600 is not a great performer in low light. I get decent photos but the ISO tends to be 3200 to 6400 and beyond. The a6700 has a Backside Illuminated Sensor which should prove to be somewhat better in low light.

3) Menu System: Along the way I had an a6400, and a6500. Both great cameras. When I bought the a6600 I sold the a6500. For the past couple of years the a6400 has been my backup camera. When I pre-ordered the a6700 I sold the a6400. The truth is the a6400, a6500, and a6600 all had the old menu system which I found to be quite frustrating. I spent a lot of time searching through the menus. So the new touch screen along with the new menu system has already helped (and I’ve only had the a6700 for about 8 hours).

4) Front wheel. Oh thank you so much Sony. Every time I put the a6600 in “M” mode I was forced to use the rear round dial which was not easy to use. With the front wheel under the shutter button I have easy access to the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. It’s like a dream come true.

5) Common battery. The a6400 had the old NP-FW50 battery which simply is inadequate. I would bring along one spare battery for the a6600, and 4 to 6 spares for the a6400. Now I have the a6600 and a6700 which share a common battery type. Both will last all day and more. The a6700 now becomes my primary body while the a6600 will be my backup.

I have to say I was not expecting any improvements in photo quality. But after taking less than 100 photos I do believe there is a slight improvement.

I’m not a fan of the fully articulating LCD screen, but I’ll get over it. The tilt mechanism on the a6600 was best for me and I miss it already. One thing I do like is the LCD screen can now face onto the back of the camera when traveling. That comforts me that the LCD is protected from scratches.

Even though there is a new, much improved, menu system the camera is still complex to learn and use.

People complain about the dangling camera strap adapters on each side of the camera because they flop around and make a noise on recorded videos. As I don’t take video they don’t bother me. But I wonder why people don’t simply remove them?

Many a6700 reviews complain about the EVF and how small it is. I was anxious to see if it is a different size than the a6600 and it is not. So it’s the same EVF I’ve been used to for years.

Many people also complain about the EVF being on the left rather than the center like the A74. I’m glad Sony stayed with the EVF on the left. That is the way I like it. That way I use my right eye on the EVF so my nose isn’t pushing against the back of the camera.

Grip: Over the years many have complained about the small grip on the a6xxx line of cameras. Frankly that never bothered me. The a6600 has a larger grip, and now the a6700 has an even larger grip. I really can’t feel the difference. Both are fine.

I have a shoot scheduled for two days from now and I plan to use the a6700 for that shoot.

I recommend the Sony a6700