The new SonyNEX-6 is a mirrorless, pocket-sized digital camera with the quality, speed, operability and handling of a DSLR. The NEX-6 features many of the photography innovations also found in the recently announced NEX-5R, from fast hybrid autofocus to Wi-Fi support and downloadable Camera Apps.
A pocket-sized compact camera
Sony
NEX
-6 with interchangeable optics
- DSLR-quality images and FullHD video thanks to the new large ExmorAPSHDCMOS sensor with an effective resolution of 16.1 megapixels and high ISO performance up to 25600
- New fast hybrid autofocus system for optimum, accurate autofocus in all conditions. SLR-like autofocus for up to 10 fps.
- High resolution XGAOLEDTru-Finder⢠viewfinder.
- Convenient operation with DSLR-like dual dial selectors and QuickNavi interface.
- Easy image transfer via Wi-Fi.
- Downloading new apps with PlayMemoriesCameraApps⢠â The worldâs first camera app download service*.
- Built-in flash and new MultiInterfaceShoe.
* For digital cameras with interchangeable optics as of August 2012.
The NEX-6 supports the growing array of interchangeable E-lens and is aimed at digital SLR users who sometimes want to travel light, but donât want to sacrifice image quality.
The new camera boasts performance with a large sensor in a modest body size and is ideal for creative photographers looking for new ways to express themselves.
Designed with the demanding photographer in mind, the new camera has a clear electronic viewfinder and ergonomic controls, just like a DSLR or the flagship Sony NEX-7.
Hidden inside the NEX-6 is a large Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with an effective resolution of 16.1 megapixels, offering the same picture quality as a DSLR and Full HD video capture with crisp, saturated detail.
Its capabilities are complemented by a powerful BIONZ image processor that delivers high-quality, low-noise images â even in low-light conditions at ISO speeds up to 25600.
Like the newly announced NEX-5R, the NEX-6 boasts an innovative rapid hybrid autofocus system, combining phase and contrast autofocus to capture quality images in almost any scene. Phase AF for rapid distance analysis and contrast AF for ultra-precise targeting.
In high-speed priority shooting mode, the camera automatically switches to phase-autofocus only mode. You will experience the same autofocus performance as DSLR systems when shooting fast-moving scenes at up to 10 fps.
Since its launch, the rapid hybrid autofocus system is supported by the following lenses: E 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS E 24mm F1.8 ZA Sonnar T* E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS. Due to firmware upgrades, the lineup of lenses supporting the rapid hybrid autofocus function will be continuously expanded.
The NEX-6 features the same XGA OLED Tru-Finder⢠as the NEX-7, providing accurate framing and focusing. This well-regarded electronic viewfinder delivers bright, richly detailed and high-contrast images in stills and movies, covering 100% of the frame and offering wide viewing angles to rival professional-grade optical viewfinders. Grid lines and digital level indicators can be displayed on the viewfinder screen to make it easier to compose your shot.
In addition to the OLED Tru-Finderâ˘, it has a 7.5cm 3in Xtra Fine LCD, which swivels 90° up or 45° down for easy viewing in any shooting position. The LCD display is highly detailed and contrast-rich, with much reduced reflection from the screen to aid outdoor or directional photography.
Despite its compact size, the NEX-6 offers performance and reliability that photographers accustomed to DSLRs will appreciate. A mode dial conveniently located on top of the camera makes it as easy to switch between shooting modes including P/A/S/M and Sweep Panorama as it is with larger cameras with interchangeable lens.
A command dial is under the mode dial, and a separate dial is provided on the back of the camera for fine-tuning exposure, ISO level, white balance and other settings.
The new model also inherits from Sonyâs high-end A-mount cameras the Quick Navi interface, a professional-oriented interface that allows you to make adjustments without taking your eye off the viewfinder.
Full HD video shooting capabilities have been enhanced with a new Auto Slow Shutter function that makes video clips shot in low light look more vivid. The NEX-6 detects low-light conditions and night scenes and automatically slows down the shutter speed to make video brighter.
Just like the NEX-5R, thereâs built-in Wi-Fi for easy wireless transfer of photos and videos to a variety of smartphones and tablets with the free PlayMemories Mobile app installed. Images can also be streamed wirelessly to networked computers or viewed on any DLNA-compatible TV.
PlayMemories Camera Apps, also supported by the NEX-5R, expand the features of the NEX-6 and open up new perspectives on shooting. All you have to do is connect the camera to your PC via USB cable or Wi-Fi. Then sign in to your Sony Entertainment Network SEN account and explore the worldâs first app download service1, allowing you to set new functions on demand.
Since its release, the list of available apps includes Picture Effect+, Bracket Pro, Multi-Frame NR, Smart Remote Control and Direct Upload. In the future, Sony plans to release other applications such as Photo Retouch, Time-Lapse and Cinematic Photo.
In addition to a convenient pop-up flash, the camera has a new universal Multi Interface Shoe, which enables intelligent connection of accessories.
New interchangeable lenses for E mount cameras
Three new models have been added to Sonyâs E-lens range of interchangeable lenses.
The SELP1650 is an ultra-lightweight and compact 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens with built-in SteadyShot optical image stabilisation for sharper, tripod-free images. The lens folds down to 29.9mm in length, making it ideal for transportation and travel.
It also features a dual-purpose lever that lets you adjust both the zoom with the motorized zoom lever and manual focus, depending on the mode of operation. In autofocus mode, the control lever smoothly adjusts the high-speed zoom and responds precisely to the slightest movement of the hand.
And in manual focus mode, it lets you manually focus on your subject. Smooth zoom with motorized zoom lens makes it a particularly good option for video shooting.
The SEL35F18 is a fast 35mm prime lens with a maximum aperture of F1.8 and built-in SteadyShot for optical image stabilization. It provides exceptional optical image quality and pleasing bokeh for portrait and street photography, as well as Full HD video recording. Newly designed body makes the lens easier to handle and carry.
The SEL1018 is an ultra wide angle zoom lens with a maximum aperture of F4, a focal length range of 10-18mm and a built-in SteadyShot optical image stabilisation system. The use of an Extra Low Dispersion lens means it has fewer chromatic color aberrations. An ideal lens for landscapes and interiors, offering dramatic perspective from the widest angle of view.
New accessories for NEX-6
LCS-ELC6 soft leather carrying bag serves as both a camera case and a lens case. This bag is specially designed for the NEX-6 and is able to hold the camera with the SELP1650 or SEL16F28 lens attached. LCD display can be rotated even when the camera is in the case. Whatâs more, you can also mount the camera on a tripod.
The LCS-EJA soft pouch is suitable for all E-type Îą cameras and is ideal for cameras with the new SELP1650 or SEL16F28 lens attached. Inside pockets of bag can hold lens cap and spare memory card.
In America, the new compact digital camera Sony NEX-6 with interchangeable optics goes on sale in November 2012.
Appendix
PlayMemories
Camera
Apps
Not yet available for America. Launch time will be announced later
Key Technical Features
| Features | NEX-6 |
| Type | Digital compact camera with interchangeable lenses |
| Compatible lenses | E mount. A mount lens can be used with an optional adaptor LA-EA2 with continuous autofocus |
| Sensitivity | APS-C type 23.5 x 15.6 mm , Exmor⢠APS HD CMOS sensor with effective resolution of 16.1 megapixels |
| Processor | BIONZ⢠image processor |
| ISO sensitivity range | 100-25600 ISO still images |
| HD Video Recording | Support Full HD AVCHD version 2.0 MPEG-4 AVC H.264 MP4 Up to 1920 x 1080 50p |
| LCD display | 7.5 cm 3 inches , TFT Xtra Fine widescreen with approx. 921 thou. dots, upward facing approx. 90° and down approx. at 45° |
| Electronic Viewfinder | 1.3 cm 0.5 in , OLED Tru-Finder⢠with resolution of approx. 2,359k. Dots, with one hundred percent coverage and magnification of approx. 1.09x with a 50mm lens set to infinity, -1m-1 diopter |
| Digital zoom | Clear Image Zoom: approx. 2x stills Autozoom: approx. 1.4x/2x still images Digital Zoom: Approx. 4x stills/video |
| SteadyShot⢠INSIDE stabilization system | (Optical Image Stabilization is available with certain E lenses |
| Autofocus system | Fast hybrid autofocus phase AF and contrast AF , 99 focus points phase AF 25 focus points contrast AF Trailing autofocus |
| Artistic effects | 11 types 15 variations : Posterization color, black and white , Pop Colour, Retro Photo, Partial Colour red, yellow, blue, green , High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera, Soft High-key, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, Miniature |
| Continuous burst shooting | Up to 10 fps in speed-priority shooting mode |
| Battery life still photography | Approx. 270 shots viewfinder , approx. 360 shots LCD (CIPA standard |
| Built-in flash | HF 6 at ISO 100 |
| Other Features | Features Auto Portrait Layout, Face and Smile Recognition, Superior AUTO mode, Sweep Panorama, Auto HDR, DRO, Hand-held Twilight mode, Art Styles, Photo Creativity interface, Wi-Fi, USB charging, PlayMemories Camera Apps |
| Media | Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards |
| Dimensions W x H x D | Approx. 119.9 Ă 66.9 Ă 42.6 mm without protruding parts |
| Weight | Approx. 287g camera only Approx. 345g including battery and Memory Stick PRO Duo card |
| Included software | PlayMemories Home |
Is the Sony NEX-6 compact camera suitable for professional photographers, considering its interchangeable optics and new large Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor?