Recently, Sony created a lot of excitement with the announcement of the Sony Alpha a6300 mirrorless (i.e. DSLM) camera. The new model offers high specifications, including 4K recording, yet it is much cheaper than comparable models – it’s just under $1000 for the body.
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Here are the highlights of the camera:
- Exmor CMOS sensor, APS-C format (1.5x crop factor)
- Sony E-Mount
- UltraHD / 4K recorded internally in XAVC S, up to 30 fps, 100 Mbps; Super35mm recording area
- Full HD / 1080P in XAVC S, up to 120 fps, 100 Mbps
- uncompressed HDMI output for clean external 4K recording with 4:2:2 sampling
- Fast focusing with 4D FOCUS: a 425-point phase-detection, a 169-area contrast detection and high-density tracking AF for better tracking of moving subjects, including in low light
- ISO range: 100-25600 (Extended Mode: 100-51200)
- S-Log2 and S-Log3 profiles (for 14-stop wide dynamic range)
These specifications compare favourably to much more expensive cameras, including Sony’s own a7S, a7S II and a7R II (the main differences: they have full-frame sensors, in-body image stabilization and shoot at higher ISOs – the a7S series cameras are the best low-light shooters available on the market). I’ve reviewed all these three Sony cameras, so please follow the links below to see my reviews.
While many people are excited about the release of the a6300, I have also seen online a lot of angry comments from those who have already purchase the more expensive Sony cameras. They feel wronged by the camera maker. I found this emotional reaction just as interesting as the fact that there is another cool camera coming to the market.
I certainly understand that everyone wants to get the best value for their money, but it is also ironic that people get upset about technological improvements and better deals on the market. It is something one should expect and want. But there is a bigger point here, I think.
Buying the latest cameras, just like buying the latest electronic gadgets in general, is rarely a good investment, because prices drop quickly. More importantly, though, since the technological improvements are gradual, you don’t need the latest and greatest camera to produce the best work – and you can save a lot of money if you “settle” on a camera model that is a bit older. For example, you can produce great results with the model previous to the a6300, the Sony Alpha a6000 (main differences: no 4K or S-Log profiles; for a great comparison of a6000 and a6300, please see here).
So, to avoid buyer’s remorse, we have to resist spending money on the latest gear. The best investment we can make is in our filmmaking skills – and the best way to learn is to shoot, even with older cameras.
Here are all the cameras mentioned in the article – not that I encourage you to buy the most expensive models.
I agree. 🙂
Both the a6300 and a6000 are incredible “movie” cameras and without competition in their price range.
The XAVC S codec is a pleasure to grade (Sony updated the a6000 firmware with the XAVC S codec too). I’ve used both of these cameras and, “slim-rigged,” they are a dream to work with and produce a beautiful image.
Even though the a6000 does not have a log profile, a neutral profile with contrast, saturation and sharpness shut down (-3) produces a very flat image with good dynamic range and is a easy to grade.
Astonishing cameras.
Hi Tom,
Do you think A6300+sigma MC-11 adpoter+Sigma 18-35 F1.8 combination is going to be the ultimate camera for low budget indie film maker? It will have image quality same as sony A7R2?
Thanks,
Ashoka K.S
It won’t be the ultimate camera for indie filmmaker and it won’t have the same image quality as the A7r2 but it will be amazing. At least that’s what it sounds like. I have yet to try out the camera and see just what kind of quality it can deliver. I can tell you after my review of it.