Faster than ever. New mirrorless camera Sony α6300 has the world’s fastest autofocus

Sony has introduced the α6300, the latest addition to their award-winning line of interchangeable lens cameras. This model features the unrivaled 4D FOCUS™ system, which is capable of focusing on a subject in as little as 0.05 seconds, the world’s fastest autofocus time[i]. In addition, the α6300 uses 425 phase AF points that cover the entire frame with high density – the world’s highest number of AF points of any interchangeable lens camera[ii]. The new camera shoots up to 11 frames per second with continuous tracking autofocus and exposure.

This new camera is also capable of continuous shooting with subject tracking at up to 8 frames per second through a Tru-finder viewfinder or LCD screen, finally providing real-time shooting that combines all the advantages of an electronic viewfinder with the direct view in the optical viewfinder.

The versatile α6300 features a redesigned 24.2-megapixel[iii] Exmor APS-C CMOS sensor that, together with the BIONZ X processor, delivers flawless image quality throughout the ISO 100 – 51200 sensitivity range[iv].

The new α6300 is also capable of shooting and recording high resolution 4K video in the popular Super 35mm format with full readout and without pixel aggregation.

Autofocus performance

Autofocus in the new Sony α6300 is based on the highly acclaimed 4D FOCUS system used in the α6000. This system uses fast hybrid autofocus, which combines fast phase AF with extremely accurate contrast AF to bring a moving subject into focus and lock focus in as little as 0.05 secondsⁱ. This camera’s High-Density Tracking AF technology uses 425 phase-tracking AF points spread out over virtually the entire field of view, enabling the system to accurately focus over a wide area – even on small fast-moving subjects that other cameras would be unable to detect.

In addition to the expanded AF area, the α6300 uses, for the first time, a new high-density tracking AF technology that dramatically improves subject recognition and tracking. This new technology is capable of rapidly activating a large number of AF points around the subject – with about 7.5 times the density of the α6000 – and intelligently correcting them according to the movements of the subject.

This extremely powerful feature when used with fast continuous shooting at up to 11 fps or with the new 8 fps live-view continuous shooting mode, provides 100% accurate framing of fast moving subjects on the LCD screen or viewfinder.

Also worth mentioning is the fact that all the features – 425 phase AF points, enhanced tracking and greater focus precision – are available on the α6300 when using A-mount lenses[v] with a Sony LA-EA3 adapter. This is a first for Sony interchangeable lens cameras with E mount and APS-C format sensor, since previously such features were only available in full-frame models α7R II and α7 II.

Other improvements in the α6300 include silent shooting features silent shutter , the ability to use zoom autofocus, universal AF point size selection, eye autofocus in AF-C mode, camera operation when powered by an external source via the USB connector, and more.

New powerful 24.2 megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor

In order to maximize the effectiveness and performance of the camera as a whole, the α6300 features a new 24.2-megapixel sensor that is perfectly coordinated with the BIONZ X image processor.

The new sensor uses copper wiring, which increases light capture efficiency and significantly speeds up the readout. The BIONZ X processor uses an advanced image-processing algorithm that focuses on getting the most out of the sensor. In combination, these two main components work together to produce images with low noise and exceptionally high resolution at sensitivities up to ISO51200ⁱⁱⁱ, particularly in the medium to high sensitivity range.

Ultimate 4K resolution and other professional video capabilities

The new α6300 provides internal 4K video recording in Super 35mm format, a first for Sony’s part-frame interchangeable lens cameras. When shooting in 4K mode, the camera uses a full pixel readout without combining 20 megapixels of information – about 2.4x[vi] 6K equivalent more pixels than in 4K UHD mode – and then re-samples the information to create a high-quality image with exceptional detail and depth.

When recording video, this camera uses the XAVC S[vii] codec, which records at high speeds of 100 Mbps^vii in 4K mode and 50 Mbps in standard Full HD mode, providing maximum detail and clarity in both video formats. In addition, this camera focuses approximately twice as fast as the previous model during video shooting, thanks to a new and improved autofocus system. AF speed and tracking sensitivity also adjustable by the user to enhance creative possibilities.

Among other professional-level video features is the ability to record in Full HD at 120 frames per second at 100 Mbps[viii], also a first for cameras with interchangeable lenses α, equipped with an APS-C format sensor. This mode allows you to view video footage shot with tracking autofocus and later mount it with 4x or 5x slow motion to Full HD[ix] video files 24p or 30p .

The new α6300 also offers S-Log gamma[x] mode for wide dynamic range shooting, an exposure width of about 14 steps when set to S-Log3, and supports S-Gamut for a wider color space. Both options expand creative options for post-production processing.

The new camera features a line-in microphone input to which an external microphone can be connected, supports the Sony XLR adapter, and also supports the new Gamma Display Assist feature, which allows the user to monitor the image and check sharpness when shooting video in S-Log mode. New model features an expanded zebra output function for improved exposure control. Image profile settings, user time code/bit, and more are also available.

Enhanced control and ergonomics

From an aesthetic point of view, the new α6300 is extremely comfortable to hold, thanks to the construction of its solid magnesium alloy body. It can be customized to fit almost any shooting style and preference, thanks to 9 context-sensitive buttons that can be assigned 64 different functions. This camera features a digital level to control horizon level when shooting, as well as robust dust and moisture protection[xi], a reinforced mount design for mounting heavy lenses, and a new and more convenient shutter button and mode dial.

The new α6300 camera is Wi-Fi compatible^® and NFC, with the Sony PlayMemories Mobile™ app for Android™ and iOS platforms, as well as the ever-growing series of PlayMemories Camera Apps™ that expand the camera’s diverse creative options. It also supports a QR code for easy connection to smartphones without NFC.

The α6300 will go on sale in America from March 2016 in body-only and SELP1650 lens configurations.

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[i] Among interchangeable lens cameras equipped with an APS-C sized sensor as of February 2016, according to Sony research. Measured using CIPA guidelines and internal techniques with an E PZ 16-50 F3.5-5.6 OSS lens attached. With autofocus off and viewfinder on

[ii] Among interchangeable lens cameras, as of February 2016, according to Sony research

[iii] Approximate effective number of megapixels

[iv] Expandable up to ISO 51200 for still images and up to ISO 25600 for movies

[v] Only for A-mount lenses with SSM or SAM drive. Users can select phase or contrast AF in the autofocus system menu

[vi] 1.6x at 30p

[vii] SDHC/SDXC memory card with Class 10 speed or better is required for XAVC S recording

[viii] UHS Class 3 memory card is required for 100 Mbps recording

[ix] The number of pixels required for Full HD video recording is read from the sensor

[x] S-Log2 and S-Log3 are based on image processing

[xi] This camera has optimal dust and moisture protection, but it’s not waterproof or splash-proof. FE lenses only