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Sony has finally unveiled the highly anticipated APS-C flagship, the Alpha a6700, which boasts a 26-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, cutting-edge object-detection autofocus capabilities, and 10-bit video support. This professional-level camera from Sony is equipped with a special artificial intelligence processor, promising top-notch performance.
The release of the Sony a6700 has been long-awaited, considering its predecessor, the a6600, was announced way back in August 2019. Sony is known for its frequent camera releases and upgrades, so a four-year gap is quite significant. However, this extended period has allowed Sony to incorporate numerous new features into the a6700, including an upgraded sensor. The 26-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor in the a6700 appears to be the same one introduced in the Sony FX30 last September.
Accompanying the new sensor is a powerful Bionz XR image processor and a dedicated AI processing unit. Sony had previously mentioned that a custom AI processor, like the one found in the a7R V, would become a standard feature in future Alpha cameras. This AI processing unit greatly enhances image processing and autofocus performance.
The image quality delivered by the Sony a6700 is truly impressive. The camera offers a native ISO range of 100 to 102,400 for stills, while video capabilities are limited to ISO 32,000. Sony claims that the camera achieves a dynamic range of 14+ stops when shooting video.
Sony highlights that despite not being a multilayer image sensor, the 26-megapixel APS-C Exmor R sensor in the a6700 exhibits “extremely fast” readout speeds. The camera can capture up to 11 frames per second with full AF/AE tracking using either a mechanical or electronic shutter.
In terms of video capabilities, users can record 4K video with full pixel readout or benefit from 6K oversampling footage. The camera also offers notable features such as 10-bit 4:2:2 video, All-I, 4K/120p, FHD/240p profiles, as well as S-Cinetone and S-Log3.
The AI processor brings a multitude of advantages, including subject detection and tracking for autofocus, smoother focusing during video recording and the auto-framing feature.
The Sony a6700 features a phase detection autofocus system with 759 points that cover 93% of the image area. Alongside traditional object detection modes like Humans, Animals, and Birds, the camera introduces new modes such as Insects, Cars, Trains, and Airplanes. Sony claims that the a6700’s eye AF is now 60% more accurate, while animal and bird AF performance has been improved by over 40%.
In terms of design, the a6700 follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, maintaining a compact and lightweight form factor. It weighs under 500 grams with a battery and memory card and has dimensions of 122 x 69 x 63.6 mm.
The a6700 offers an upgraded vari-angle touchscreen compared to the a6600. While both cameras feature a 3.0-inch panel, the a6700’s touchscreen boasts a resolution of 1.03 million dots, surpassing the 921,600 dots of its predecessor. The cameras share the same electronic viewfinder, a 2.36 million-dot OLED display with a 1.07x magnification (equivalent to 0.71 times the 35mm equivalent). While the EVF specifications remain unchanged from the a6600, Sony notes that the a6700’s EVF is “almost” as bright as the EVF of the A7R V, hinting at a potential panel upgrade.
Additional design and usability improvements include a redesigned front grip and a larger battery, ensuring extended battery life for both stills and movies. The a6700 features a magnesium alloy housing that protects against dust and moisture.
Compared to the a6600, the a6700 introduces a new menu system with an improved structure, greatly enhancing the user experience. As with other recent Sony cameras, the a6700 offers various special features, including a customizable screen reader.
Sony a6700 release date and pre-order
The Sony a6700 camera is now available for pre-order on Bhphotovideo.com and Adorama.com. The body-only option is priced at $1,398.99. Customers can also choose from two bundles: one with a Sony PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens for $1,498, or one with a Sony 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS zoom lens for $1,798.99.
