Sony a6000 Camera Review

I’ve been in the market for a small camera for a while, one that could not only free me from lugging a full size DSLR to trade shows and on outdoor adventures, but also serve as a second concert photography rig. So, I was excited about the opportunity to check out the a6000, a mirrorless APS-C camera from Sony.

There are plenty of resources for digging into every little detail about this camera, but here are some of my thoughts from my time with the Sony a6000.

First Impressions

The day I got the a6000, I took it on a trail run with my wife. The first thing I noticed was the impressive speed of its continuous shooting (rated at 11fps). It sounds like a pro level DSLR when shooting action sequences. The camera’s AF system, with 179 phase-detect points, easily keeps up with the action.

Shooting Experience

I could not get used to the zoom-in style manual focus functionality on this camera, so I shot it in auto focus almost exclusively. I know this isn’t isolated to the a6000, but I feel like it’s worth mentioning to anyone considering the switch from or addition to a DSLR setup. I still prefer the good ole through the lens view vs EVF, but I’ll probably just have to get over that.

On that note, while I’m used to shooting my iPhone without one, I prefer a viewfinder when shooting a camera. The electronic viewfinder on the a6000 is bright and provides all the live image details you could ever ask for (and more). The hinged back screen is nice for getting the camera low to the ground.

Body/Design

The a6000 has a solid build and immediately felt good in hand. External controls are easy to access and operate and menu items are well organized. I didn’t shoot any video on this camera, but the very small video record button could be an annoyance if capturing a lot of video.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi connectivity is available on most new cameras, but I really appreciate this feature coming from a DSLR without it. Beaming photos to my iPhone from the a6000 for quick upload to social media was fairly quick and easy. It does require Sony’s PlayMemories app and a few clicks on your phone and the camera, but it worked well for me every time.

Lenses

The F3.5-5.6 16-50 kit lens was adequate for trade show snapshots and outdoor photography, but fell short in challenging lighting conditions at concerts. Pair a fast 50mm with the a6000, and you’d have a capable and compact low light and concert rig. While Sony offers a wide range of high quality lenses, you might feel constrained by being locked in to their E-Mount system. Adapters are available for using Canon or Nikon lenses.

Bottom Line

I like this camera a lot. It’s built well, feels great in hand, and offers loads of customizability. The impressive 11 frames per second is fast enough for anyone who wants to shoot action. It’s not tiny, but still small enough to stuff into a small bag for travel, hiking, or outdoor adventures. Skip the kit lens and pony up for a fast prime lens, like Sony’s E 50 mm 1.8 ($299) and this camera is a keeper in my book.