Sony Alpha a6300 Mirrorless Camera with World’s Fastest Autofocus
Sony recently announced the new Alpha a6300 Mirrorless digital camera, the much-anticipated successor of the Alpha a6000. Sony claims that the new a6300 is the world’s first mirrorless camera to have the fastest autofocus speed (0.05 sec.) and higest number of AF points which is 425 points. The Alpha a6300 also features a newly developed 24.2 megapixels APS-C sensor, a high resolution 4K video recording, and 5x slow motion (120fps) in FHD. It also has XGA OLED Tru-Finder, S-Gamut/S-Log shooting, enhanced Zebra function, 14-bit raw output, and many more. The list of features can get longer, but what’s really new and the main feature of the a6300 is its impressive new AF system and the 425 AF points. The new Alpha a6300 will start shipping this month (or in March) with an manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $999 for the body only, and $1,149 for a kit with 16-50mm lens. You can (pre)order one at Amazon.com here.
Sony Alpha a6300 Mirrorless Camera Released
Sony Electronics introduced the latest addition to their award winning lineup of mirrorless cameras, the a6300 model. The new Sony Alpha a6300 camera boasts an unrivaled 4D FOCUS™ system that can lock focus on a subject in as little as 0.05 seconds, the world’s fastest AF acquisition time. Additionally, the a6300 has an incredible 425 phase detection AF points that are densely positioned over the entire image area – the world’s highest number of AF points on any interchangeable lens camera, and can shoot images at up to 11 frames per second with continuous autofocus and exposure tracking,
The impressive new mirrorless model also has the ability to support full live-view continuous shooting on the Tru-finder or LCD screen at up to 8 frames per second, ultimately producing a real-time shooting experience that combines all the benefits of an electronic viewfinder with the immediacy of a through-the-lens optical viewfinder.
The versatile Sony a6300 is equipped with a newly developed 24.2 MP (approx.. effective) APS-C sized Exmor CMOS sensor that works together with a BIONZ X image processing engine to produce outstanding image quality throughout the entire ISO sensitivity range ISO 100 – 51200 3. It can also shoot and record high resolution 4K video with full pixel readout and no pixel binning in the popular Super 35mm format.
Neal Manowitz, Vice President of Digital Imaging at Sony Electronics said: “The a6300 is yet another example of the dominant innovation that Sony continues to bring to the industry, especially from the mirrorless space,”. “With this new model, we’ve combined the world’s fastest and most extensive AF system with a superb image sensor and many of our most advanced imaging and video technologies, creating a package that can far exceed the performance of any DSLR in its class. This camera connects you with the action like never before.”
Unrivaled AF Performance
Sony’s new a6300 camera builds upon the acclaimed 4D FOCUS performance of the α6000 model, utilizing a Fast Hybrid AF system that combines high-speed phase detection AF with extremely accurate contrast AF and allows it to capture and lock on to moving subjects in as little as 0.05 seconds. The camera’s High-density Tracking AF technology positions 425 phase detection AF points over nearly the entire field of view, allowing it to accurately focus throughout a wide area – even on small, fast objects that other cameras would fail to recognize.
In addition to the extensive AF coverage, the a6300 debuts a new High-density tracking AF technology that significantly improves subject detection and tracking performance. This new technology can quickly activate a large number of AF points surrounding a subject – approximately 7.5 times more density than the α6000 – and intelligently adjust them in accordance with the subject’s motion. This is a particularly powerful feature when used with high-speed 11 fps continuous shooting or the new 8 fps continuous live-view mode, which provides 100% accurate framing for fast moving subjects on the LCD screen or viewfinder.
Of note is the fact that the camera’s 425 phase detection AF points, enhanced tracking and focus accuracy are all available on the a6300 when using A-mount lenses4 with a mount adaptor like the Sony LA-EA3. This is a first for Sony E-mount interchangeable lens cameras with an APS-C sized sensor, as the only other cameras to feature this capability are the full-frame α7R II and α7 II models.
Other enhancements to the a6300 include silent shooting functionality the ability to use AF in focus magnifier mode, expanded flexible spot AF, Eye AF in AF-C mode and more.
Powerful 24.2 MP Exmor CMOS Sensor and BIONZ X Processor
In order to maximize efficiency and overall camera performance, the a6300 features a new 24.2 MP sensor that is an ideal match for its BIONZ X image processing engine.
The new image sensor employs copper wiring in its structure, which improves light collection efficiency and significantly accelerates readout speed. The BIONZ X processor features an upgraded image processing algorithm designed to maximize the sensor’s overall capabilities. Together, the two key components work together to produce images with low noise and exceptional resolution in sensitivity settings up to ISO51200, in particular in the mid-to-high sensitivity range.
Ultimate 4K Resolution and Other Professional Video Capabilities
In another first for non-full-frame Sony interchangeable lens camera, the new a6300 offers internal 4K movie recording in Super 35mm format. When shooting in 4K, the camera uses full pixel readout without pixel binning to collect 20 megapixels of information – approximately 2.4x (6K equivalent) as many pixels as 4K UHD and then oversamples the information to produce high quality footage with exceptional detail and depth.
The camera utilizes the XAVC S codec during video shooting, which records at a high bit rate of 100 Mbps7 during 4K recording and 50 Mbps during standard Full HD shooting, ensuring maximum detail and clarity in both video formats. Additionally, the camera will focus approximately twice as fast as its predecessor during movie shooting thanks to its new and improved AF system. AF speed and AF tracking sensitivity are also adjustable for expanded creativity.
Other professional caliber video features include the ability to record Full HD at 120 fps at 100 Mbps, another first for α interchangeable lens cameras with APS-C sized sensors. This mode allows footage to be reviewed and eventually edited into 4x or 5x slow motion video files in Full HD (24p or 30p) resolution with AF tracking. The new a6300 also offers S-Log gamma recording for wide dynamic range shooting – approximately 14-stop latitude in S-Log3 gamma setting – and supports S-Gamut for a wider color space. Both options allow for greater creativity for processing video post-production.
Also included on the new camera is a microphone line input that accepts external microphones and also supports XLR input with Sony’s XLR adapter kit, as well as Gamma Display Assist, a new function that allows users to monitor images or check focus when recording S-Log movies. The new model has enhanced Zebra functionality for greater exposure control. Picture profile settings are available, as well as Time Code / User Bit and much more.
Enhanced Operability and Ergonomics
The a6300 camera is equipped with a high contrast, high-resolution XGA OLED Tru-Finder with approximately 2.4 million dots that offers exceptional corner-to-corner visibility. There is also a new mode available for the viewfinder that allows display of images at 120 fps, ensuring that action is displayed smoothly with very few afterimages, making subject tracking through the Tru-finder easier than ever.
Aesthetically, the new a6300 camera features an extremely solid feel in hand thanks to its robust, magnesium alloy design. It can be customized to fit nearly any shooting style or preferences, with 9 customizable buttons that one of 64 different functions can be assigned to. The camera adds a digital level gauge as well as upgraded dust and moisture resistance, a reinforced lens mount structure and a new shutter release button and mode dial with improved operability and grip.
The new a6300 camera is Wi-Fi® and NFC compatible and fully functional with Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile™ application available for Android™ and iOS platforms, as well as Sony’s growing range of PlayMemories Camera Apps™, which add a variety of creative capabilities to the camera. It also supports QR code for easy connection to non-NFC smart phones.
Price and Availability
The Sony Alpha a6300 Mirrorless camera will start shipping this month or March with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $999 for the camera body only, or for $1,149 paired with a 16-50mm F3.5 – F5.6 kit lens (model SELP1650).
See latest pricing and availability on Amazon.com here and here.
Sony Alpha a6300 Product Photos
Sony Alpha a6300 Full Specifications
| Lens | Lens Mount | E-mount |
| Lens Compatibility | Sony E-mount lenses | |
| Sensor | Sensor Type | APS-C |
| SENSOR | APS-C type (23.5 x 15.6 mm) Exmor® CMOS sensor | |
| Number Of Pixels (Effective) | Approx. 24.2 megapixels | |
| Number of Pixels (total) | Approx. 25.0 megapixels | |
| Image Sensor Aspect Ratio | 3:02 | |
| Anti-Dust System | Charge protection coating on Optical Filter and ultrasonic vibration mechanism | |
| Recording (still images) | Recording Format (Still images) | JPEG (DCF Ver. 2.0, Exif Ver.2.3, MPF Baseline compliant), RAW (Sony ARW 2.3 format) |
| Image Size (pixels), 3:2 | L: 6000 x 4000 (24M), M: 4240 x 2832 (12M), S: 3008 x 2000 (6.0M) | |
| Image Size (pixels), 16:9 | L: 6000 x 3376 (20M), M: 4240 x 2400 (10M), S: 3008 x 1688 (5.1M) | |
| Image Size (pixels), Sweep Panorama | Wide: horizontal 12,416 x 1,856 (23M), vertical 5,536 x 2,160 (12M), Standard: horizontal 8,192 x 1,856 (15M), vertical 3,872 x 2,160 (8.4M) | |
| Image Quality Modes | RAW, RAW & JPEG, JPEG Extra fine, JPEG Fine, JPEG Standard | |
| RAW Output | 14 bit | |
| Picture Effect | 13 modes: Posterization (Color, B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (R, G, B, Y), High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera, Soft High-key, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, Miniature, Watercolor, Illustration | |
| Creative Style | Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Autumn Leaves, Black & White, Sepia (Contrast -3 to +3 steps, Saturation -3 to +3 steps, Sharpness -3 to +3 steps) (Style Box 16 also provided) | |
| Dynamic Range Functions | Off, Dynamic Range Optimizer (Auto/Level (1-5)), Auto High Dynamic Range: Auto Exposure Difference, Exposure Difference Level (1.0-6.0 EV, 1.0 EV step) | |
| Color Space | sRGB standard (with sYCC gamut) and Adobe® RGB standard compatible with TRILUMINOS Color | |
| Recording (movie) | Recording Format | XAVC S/AVCHD format Ver. 2.0 compliant/MP4 |
| Video Compression | XAVC S: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, AVCHD: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MP4: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 | |
| Audio Recording Format | XAVC S: LPCM 2ch, AVCHD: Dolby® Digital (AC-3) 2ch, Dolby Digital Stereo Creator, MP4: MPEG-4 AAC-LC 2ch | |
| Image Size (Pixels), NTSC | XAVC S 4K: 3840 x 2160 (30p/100 Mbps, 30p/60 Mbps, 24p/100 Mbps, 24p/60 Mbps), XAVC S HD: 1920 x 1080 (60p/50 Mbps, 30p/50 Mbps, 24p/50 Mbps, 120p/100 Mbps, 120p/60 Mbps), AVCHD: 1920 x 1080 (60p/28 Mbps/PS, 60i/24 Mbps/FX, 60i/17 Mbps/FH, 24p/24 Mbps/FX, 24p/17 Mbps/FH), MP4: 1920 x 1080 (60p/28 Mbps, 30p/16 Mbps), 1280 x 720 (30p/6 Mbps) | |
| Image Size (pixels), PAL | XAVC S 4K: 3840 x 2160 (25p/100 Mbps, 25p/60 Mbps), XAVC S HD: 1920 x 1080 (50p/50 Mbps, 25p/50 Mbps, 100p/100 Mbps, 100p/60 Mbps), AVCHD: 1920 x 1080 (50p/28 Mbps/PS, 50i/24 Mbps/FX, 50i/17 Mbps/FH, 25p/24 Mbps/FX, 25p/17 Mbps/FH), MP4: 1920 x 1080 (50p/28 Mbps, 25p/16 Mbps), 1280 x 720 (25p/6 Mbps) | |
| High Frame Rate Recording | NTSC: 1920 x 1080 (24p/12 Mbps, 30p/16 Mbps), PAL: 1920 x 1080 (25p/16 Mbps) | |
| Picture Profile | Yes (Off / PP1-PP9) Parameters: Black level, Gamma (Movie, Still, Cine1-4, ITU709, ITU709 [800%], S-Log2, S-Log3), Black Gamma, Knee, Color Mode (Movie, Still, Cinema, Pro, ITU709 Matrix, White&Black, S-Gamut, S-Gamut3.Cine, S-Gamut3), Saturation, Color Phase, Color Depth, Detail, Copy, Reset | |
| Movie Functions | Audio Level Display, Audio Rec Level, Auto Slow Shutter, HDMI info. Display (On/Off selectable), Time Code/User Bit, Picture Profile, Creative Style, Picture Effect, Rec Control, Dual Video Rec, Marker Setting, PAL/NTSC Selector, Gamma Display Assist | |
| Color Space | xvYCC standard (x.v.Color when connected via HDMI cable) compatible with TRILUMINOS Color | |
| Storage Media | Compatible Recording Media | Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, Memory Stick Micro (M2), SD memory card, SDHC memory card (UHS-I compliant), SDXC memory card (UHS-I compliant), microSD memory card, microSDHC memory card, microSDXC memory card |
| Storage Media Slot | Multi slot for Memory Stick Duo/ SD memory card | |
| Noise reduction | Noise Reduction | Long exposure NR: On/Off, available at shutter speeds longer than 1 sec., High ISO NR: Normal/Low/Off selectable |
| Multi Frame NR | Auto/ ISO 100 to 51200 | |
| White Balance | White Balance Modes | Auto WB / Daylight / Shade / Cloudy / Incandescent / Fluorescent (Warm White / Cool White / Day White / Daylight) / Flash / Color Temperature (2500 to 9900K) & Color Filter (G7 to M7: 57 steps, A7 to B7: 29 steps) / Custom / Underwater |
| AWB Micro Adjustment | G7 to M7 (57 steps), A7 to B7 (29 steps) | |
| Bracketing | 3 frames, H/L selectable | |
| Focus | Focus Type | Fast Hybrid AF (phase-detection AF/contrast-detection AF) |
| Focus Point | 425 points (phase-detection AF) / 169 points (contrast-detection AF) | |
| Focus Sensitivity Range | EV-1 to EV 20 (ISO 100 equivalent with F2.0 lens attached) | |
| AF Mode | Automatic AF (AF-A), Single-shot AF (AF-S), Continuous AF (AF-C), Direct Manual Focus (DMF), Manual Focus | |
| Focus Area | Wide (425 points (phase-detection AF), 169 points(contrast-detection AF)) / Zone / Center / Flexible Spot (S/M/L) /Expanded Flexible Spot/ Lock-on AF ( Wide / Zone / Center / Flexible Spot (S/M/L)/Expanded Flexible Spot) | |
| Other Features | Lock-on AF, Eye AF, Focus lock; Eye-Start AF and AF micro adjustment (both only available with optional LA-EA2 or LA-EA4 attached), AF illuminator (built-in, LED type, range: Approx. 0.98-9.8 ft), AF ON | |
| Exposure | Metering Type | 1200-zone evaluative metering |
| Metering Sensor | Exmor® CMOS sensor | |
| Metering Sensitivity | EV-2 to EV20 (at ISO100 equivalent with F2.0 lens attached) | |
| Metering Mode | Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot | |
| Exposure Modes | Auto (iAuto, Superior Auto), Programmed AE (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter-speed priority (S), Manual (M), Scene Selection, Sweep Panorama, Movie/High Frame Rate (Programmed AE (P) / Aperture priority (A) / Shutter-speed priority (S) / Manual (M)) | |
| Scene Selection | Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night Scene, Handheld Twilight, Anti Motion Blur | |
| Exposure Compensation | +/-5.0 EV (in 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV steps) | |
| Auto (AE) Bracketing | Bracket: Single/Bracket: Cont., 3/5/9 frames selectable. With 3 or 5 frames, in 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1.0, 2.0 or 3.0 EV increments, with 9 frames, in 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1.0 EV increments. | |
| AE Lock | Available with AE lock button. Locked when shutter button is pressed halfway. Can be disabled from the Menu. | |
| ISO Sensitivity | Still images: ISO 100-25600 (expandable to 51200), AUTO (ISO 100-6400, selectable lower limit and upper limit), Movies: ISO 100-25600 equivalent, AUTO (ISO 100-6400, selectable lower limit and upper limit) | |
| Viewfinder | Viewfinder Type | XGA OLED, 1.0 cm (0.39 type) electronic viewfinder (color) |
| Number of Dots | 2,359,296 dots | |
| Brightness Control (Viewfinder) | Auto/Manual (5 steps between -2 and +2) | |
| Color Temperature Control | Manual (5 steps) | |
| Field Coverage | 100% | |
| Magnification | Approx. 1.07x (35 mm camera equivalent: Approx. 0.70x) with 50 mm lens at infinity, -1mstyle name="sup"-1/style | |
| Dioptre Adjustment | -4.0 to +3.0 mstyle name="sup"-1/style | |
| Eye Point | Approx. 23 mm from the eyepiece lens, 21.4 mm from the eyepiece frame at -1mstyle name="sup"-1/style(CIPA standard) | |
| Viewfinder Display | Graphic Display / Display All Info. / No Disp. Info. / Histogram / Digital Level Gauge | |
| Real-time Image Adjustment Display | On/Off | |
| Finder Frame Rate Selection | Yes (1x, 2x) | |
| LCD Screen | Screen Type | 2.95 in (3.0-type) wide type TFT |
| Total Number of Dots | 921,600 dots | |
| Brightness Control (LCD) | Manual (5 steps between -2 and +2), Sunny Weather mode | |
| Adjustable Angle | Up approx. 90 degrees, down approx. 45 degrees | |
| Display Selecter (Finder/LCD) | Auto/Manual | |
| LCD Display | Graphic Display / Display All Info. / No Disp. Info. / Histogram / Digital Level Gauge / Shooting information for viewfinder mode | |
| Real-time Image Adjustment Display (LCD) | On/Off | |
| Focus Magnifier | 5.9x, 11.7x | |
| Zebra | Yes (selectable level + range or lower limit as custom setting) | |
| Peaking MF | Yes (Level setting: High/Mid/Low/Off, Color: White/Red/Yellow) | |
| Other Features | Face Detection | On/On (Regist. Faces)/Off, Face registration, Face selection (Max. number of detectable faces: 8) |
| Auto Object Framing | Yes | |
| Clear Image Zoom | Still / Movie: Approx. 2x | |
| Smart zoom (Still Image) | M: Approx. 1.4x, S: Approx. 2.0x | |
| Digital zoom (Still Image) | L: Approx. 4x, M: Approx. 5.7x, S: Approx. 8x | |
| Digital zoom (Movie) | Approx. 4x | |
| PlayMemories Camera Apps | Yes | |
| Lens Compensation | Peripheral shading, chromatic aberration, distortion | |
| Zoom Ring Rotate | Yes | |
| Image Processor | BIONZ X | |
| Shutter | Shutter Type | Electronically controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type |
| Shutter Speed | Still images: 1/4000 to 30 s, Bulb, Movies: 1/4000 to 1/4 (1/3 step), NTSC: Up to 1/60 in AUTO mode (up to 1/30 in Auto Slow Shutter mode), PAL: Up to 1/50 in AUTO mode (up to 1/25 in Auto Slow Shutter mode) | |
| Flash Sync. Speed | 1/160 sec. | |
| Electronic Front Curtain Shutter | Yes, On/Off | |
| Silent Shooting | Yes, On/Off | |
| Image Stabilization | Steadyshot | Not supported (image stabilization supplied by lens) |
| Flash | Flash Control (with optional external flash) | Built-in flash |
| Flash Compensation | +/-3.0 EV (switchable between 1/3 and 1/2 EV steps) | |
| Flash Bracketing | 3/5/9 frames selectable. With 3 or 5 frames, in 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 EV increments, with 9 frames, in 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1.0 EV increments. | |
| Flash Modes | Flash off, Autoflash, Fill-flash, Rear Sync., Slow Sync., Red-eye reduction (On/Off selectable), Hi-speed sync 2, Wireless2 | |
| External Flash Compatibility | Sony ? System Flash compatible with Multi Interface Shoe. Attach the shoe adaptor for flash compatible with Auto-lock Accessory Shoe. | |
| FE level lock | Yes | |
| Drive | Drive Modes | Single shooting, Continuous shooting (Hi+/Hi/Mid/Lo selectable), Self-timer, Self-timer (Cont.), Bracketing (Cont., Single, White Balance, DRO) |
| Self-timer | 10 sec. delay/5 sec. delay/2 sec. delay/Continuous self-timer (3 frames after 10 sec. delay/5 frames after 10 sec. delay/3 frames after 5 sec. delay/5 frames after 5 sec. delay/3 frames after 2 sec. delay/5 frames after 2 sec. delay)/Bracketing self-timer (Off/2 sec. delay/5 sec. delay/10 sec. delay) | |
| Speed (approx. max.) | Continuous mode: 11fps (Hi+), 8fps (Hi), 6fps (Mid), 3fps (Lo) 3 | |
| No. of recordable frames (approx.) | 44 frames (JPEG Extra fine L), 47 frames (JPEG Fine L), 55 frames (JPEG Standard L), 21 frames (RAW), 21 frames (RAW&JPEG) 3 | |
| Playback | Playback Modes | Single (with or without shooting information, Y RGB histogram & highlight/shadow warning), 12/30-frame index view, Enlarged display mode (Maximum magnification L: 16.7x, M: 11.8x, S: 8.3x), Auto Review (10/5/2 sec, off), Image orientation (Auto/Manual/Off selectable), Slideshow, Panorama scrolling, Folder selection (Still/Date/MP4/AVCHD/XAVC S HD/XAVC S 4K), Forward/Rewind (Movie), Delete, Protect |
| Interface | PC Interface | Mass-storage, MTP, PC remote |
| Multi / Micro USB Terminal | Yes 4 | |
| Wireless LAN (Built-In) | Wi-Fi Compatible, IEEE802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz band) 5 Playback of still images and movies on smartphones, PCs and TVs | |
| NFC | Yes (NFC Forum Type 3 Tag compatible, One-touch remote, One-touch sharing) | |
| HD Output | HDMI micro connector (Type-D), BRAVIA® Sync (link menu), Photo TV HD, 4K movie output, 4K still image playback | |
| Multi Interface Shoe | Yes | |
| Others | Microphone terminal (3.5 mm Stereo minijack) | |
| Audio | Microphone | Built-in stereo microphone or XLR-K2M / XLR-K1M / ECM-XYST1M (sold separately) |
| Speaker | Built-in, monaural | |
| Compatible Standards | Exif Print, Print Image Matching III, DPOF setting | |
| Custom function | Custom Function Type | Custom key settings, Programmable setting |
| Memory Function | Yes (2 sets) | |
| Power | Supplied Battery | Rechargeable battery pack NP-FW50 |
| Battery Life (CIPA, Still Images) | Approx. 350 shots (viewfinder) / Approx. 400 shots (LCD screen) (CIPA standard) | |
| Battery Life (CIPA, Movies) | Actual 6 7: Approx. 70 min. (viewfinder) / Approx. 75 min. (LCD screen) (CIPA standard), Continuous 6 8: Approx. 115 min. (viewfinder) / Approx. 115 min. (LCD screen) (CIPA standard) | |
| External Power | AC Adapter AC-PW20 (sold separately) | |
| Size & Weight | Dimensions (W x H x D) | Approx. 2.63 x 4.72 x 1.92 in |
| Weight | Approx. 12.73 oz (body only)/Approx. 14.25 oz (with battery and Memory Stick PRO Duo) | |
| Others | Operating Temperature | 32–104°F / 0–40°C |
