Sony Releases “α6700” APS-C Camera

Processing engine and CMOS sensor

The α6700 uses a back-illuminated CMOS sensor. This is an enhancement from the front-illuminated sensor in the α6600. The number of effective pixels increased from 24.2 megapixels of the α6600 to 26 megapixels, and the image processing engine comes available with BIONZ XR. This processing engine greatly improves the visual performance capabilities of this camera versus the α6600

Standard ISO settings of 100 to 32000 (when shooting still images and movies) makes for high-sensitivity noise performances.  Extended ISO settings from 50 to 102400 (when shooting still images and shadows) are possible, and has a wide range of high-sensitivity resistance.

In terms of color reproducibility, the α7R V incorporates plenty of algorithms cultivated with the popular full-size machine, and is equipped with an AE algorithm that detects the skin area of ​​the face in the screen when shooting still images and movies, and achieves optimal brightness. AE control is about 20% more stable than α6600.

Image quality and stabilization

Like the previous α6600, the Sony is equipped with 5 steps of in-camera body image stabilization. In addition, a new algorithm detects and corrects very minor blurring at the level of one pixel.

In terms of image quality performance, for the first time in the α6000 series, Creative Brook is installed in the Sony α6700. There are 10 types of presets that users can choose from, and users can adjust the image quality for up to 8 items from there. The HEIF format and RAW files, which achieve high image quality with high compression, is improved to support lossless compression.

In addition, the Sony α6700 is equipped with HLG still image mode that allows you to enjoy a wider range of brightness on a large screen than before. HEIF images shot in this mode are visible on large screens, with a wide dynamic range of brightness when displayed through the α6700.

Sony α6700 AI Processing Unit with Real-Time Autofocus

The α6700 autofocus performance is vastly improved. Equipped with an AI processing unit, the processing unit supports the real-time recognition AF previously installed in the α7R V. Human eye recognition accuracy has improved by 60% compared to the α6600. Using posture estimation technology, the position of the human torso and head can be recognized with higher accuracy.

AF performance improved impressively, and recognition of subjects besides people is compatible with animals, birds, insects, cars, trains, and airplanes. Animal recognition performance improved by 40% compared to the α6600.

Real-time tracking has also been greatly improved, and up to 759 focal-plane phase-difference AF points have been placed for AF distance measurement points. This is a significant increase from the α6600’s 425 points, covering 93% of still image shooting. The α6700 can capture even in dark scenes with EV-3.0.

In addition, it is newly equipped with the full-time DMF function and focus bracket function that were also installed in the α7R V. The α6700 has been equipped with the functions that are also installed in the α7R V.

As for high speed, continuous shooting is possible at a maximum of about 11 frames per second, and 11 frames per second even during silent shooting. During silent shooting, the frame speed is even higher than the α6600. Continuous shooting performance has also evolved, enabling stress-free high-speed continuous shooting of more than 1,000 shots.

In addition, flickerless shooting is newly supported. When shooting still images with the mechanical shutter, flicker caused by artificial light sources such as fluorescent lights is automatically detected, enabling flicker-free still image shooting.

Movie functions of the α6700

The camera supports high-resolution 4K video recording at up to 120fps with a wide latitude of 14+ stops for capturing details in harsh or under-lit conditions and features the S-Cinetone™ picture profile found in Sony’s professional Cinema Line for refined movie imagery that doesn’t require color grading, and it delivers stunning representation of human skin tones. User-preferred LUTs can be displayed on the camera monitor image when shooting S-Log3 or in log. With 6K oversampling, sensitivity performance also supports ISO100 to 32000. The image quality has also been greatly improved by installing the BIONZ XR.

Equipped with real-time recognition AF, even during video, the Sony α6700 has the ability to recognize the subject clearly. Real-time tracking also improves tracking performance.

The Sony α6700 is equipped with fast hybrid autofocus that allows AF matching with a hybrid of phase difference and contrast. There are 495 AF points for movies, which is slightly less than for still images, but still can run with high AF performance. In addition, the Sony α6700 supports new functions added in α7 IV, such as AF assist, focus map function, peaking display, and breathing correction.

In addition, The α6700 has the new auto framing function that was installed in the “ZV-E1” from earlier this year. Timelapses can be generated as well, and also supports the digital audio interface for sound quality.

Conventional Size, Unconventionally High Reliability

The Sony α6700 is APS-C model that combines the latest functions and cost performance

In conclusion, the Sony α6700 has achieved a major evolution equivalent to a full model change from the α6400 and α6600. The number of pixels increased, the image processing engine changed, autofocus performance and an AI processing unit are installed, and it supports video performance 4K120P. The LCD monitor is versatile, and has specifications  comparable to the full-size α7 IV.