The Sony Alpha 6300 Kit system camera is equipped with a zoom lens suitable for portrait, subject, panoramic and architectural shooting. Its 7-blade rounded diaphragm produces a natural bokeh effect that draws attention to the foreground of the frame. Aspherical elements help to maintain the correct geometric proportions, while extra-low dispersion lenses provide uniform resolution and optimal contrast. The motorized zoom makes shooting photos and videos very convenient, and the stabilization system minimizes the amount of interference when working without a tripod.
INCREASED SENSITIVITY
The Exmor sensor is covered with ultra-thin copper wiring that increases the physical size of the pixels compared to other sensors. It allows you to take clear photos with low noise even at ISO 51200. This makes the camera suitable for shooting in the dark. With it, you will get panoramas of the city at night, portraits in natural light, and even views starry sky.
PROFESSIONAL VIDEO SHOOTING
Create your own short films and music videos. Record 4K videos at consistently high bitrates for crisp images without artifacts or other noise. Save slow motion video at up to 120 fps in Full HD resolution directly to your memory card.
FAST AUTOFOCUS
425 phase sensors are evenly distributed over the entire frame area. They fire in just 0.05 seconds, instantly detecting an object and accurately tracking the fastest movements. This focusing speed allows you to get high quality photos and video recordings effortlessly.
CONVENIENT DESIGN
Control your every move by holding the camera by the massive side handle. It is designed so that the shutter button is under the index finger, and the dial switch is under the thumb. Assign your favorite functions to programmable keys and use the electronic level sensor to correct tilt. Flip up the display to shoot from hard-to-reach positions.
EXTENDED CAPABILITIES
Save photos on your smartphone and send them to the secure cloud service PlayMemories Online. Download new apps, imaging systems, and creative filters for real masterpieces every time you release your shutter. To do this, you just need to synchronize the camera with your phone using the NFC system or by scanning the QR code.
EXCEPTIONAL RELIABILITY
Take your camera to outdoor photo shoots in bad weather. Sealed seals protect its electronics from dust and splashing water. Heavy-duty magnesium alloy housing withstands very heavy loads. Reinforced mount allows you to use telephoto lenses and cinematic optics without additional supports.
I love making videos. And now this love has acquired almost a sick character. And I also tried a lot of cameras: I shot with Canon, I shot with Nikon, Fuji, Olympus, Panasonic, Samsung.
And then I fell for Sony cameras, which I used to try to avoid. I was very glad when, unexpectedly, among the horse-price lands of the company, the a6300 rose like a sunflower on a sunny day, which in the window can easily be lost among the soap dishes.
I have been shooting for her, or rather, them (since I have 2 Sony a6300 cameras) for the second year. And I decided to announce 10 "pluses" and "minuses" of their use. Beware, lots of sarcasm!
10 ARGUMENTS FOR.
1. Price.
This is the first camera from Sony, which offers a very rich functionality for a sane amount. On Avito, the camera now costs a little more than 50 thousand domestic rubles.
Thanks to Sony for releasing the a6500, for which you are asking for unreasonably large amounts of money. But every cloud has a silver lining: the predecessor has logically fallen in price, and seriously.
2. Multifunctionality.
When creating this camera, the company was guided by the rule of "shove what is not pushed in."
As a result, we have a small box with a huge selection of functions for almost any occasion.
3. 4K video.
This camera shoots essentially 6K, squeezed to 4K. As a result, higher detail compared to top-end cameras.
4. Hybrid autofocus.
The camera has a huge focus area littered with phase sensors. There are 425 of them! That's a lot! As a result high speed even in low light.
5. Rate of fire.
a6300 is very good for reportage shooting: it is capable of delivering 11 frames per second with single-frame focusing.
6. Slow motion.
The camera is capable of shooting up to 120 fps, which means the possibility of slowing down five times without artifacts.
7. Customization.
You can reconfigure up to 8 buttons to your taste, adjust the focus speed and use third-party optics without losing features like zebra and focus peaking
8. Work from Power bank.
The camera can be powered without problems from the Power bank via the microUSB input. That eliminates the need to buy expensive batteries.
9.APS-C sensor.
This sensor size is the perfect middle ground, allowing the camera to be used for both video and stills, while still producing the same effects as full frame (I'm talking about shallow depth of field). There are limitations, of course, but in capable hands they are invisible.
Cheaper optics and the ability to use optics from full-frame cameras.
10. Mobility.
As the owner of two such cameras, I confidently declare: even with large lenses, they both fit into a small bag without any problems.
At the same time, working in the middle segment of photo and video services, you are unlikely to hear the customer's complaints about the quality of the picture from these cameras.
10 ARGUMENTS "AGAINST".
1. Blue light distortion.
This camera, like many other Sony cameras, suffers from blue light artifact disease. It is treated by turning up the temperature settings in kelvins above 6000, but this is the wrong approach to shooting in general. So beware of club shoots.
2. Small battery.
I don't understand how a small battery from an action camera has 1240 mA / h, but from a Sony a6300, being twice as large in volume, only 1040? I'm sure it's a conspiracy of the company itself.
3. No flip screen.
This little thing makes you pervert and collect various technological monsters. Given that Sony has cameras where the screen can be rotated as you like. For example, Sony a99 of both generations. But, apparently, the toad is strangling to implement this on mirrorless cameras, because ideas for subsequent models may run out, and money must be ripped off for something new. Like, for example, a6500: they gave the consumer a poor touch screen, poor stabilization on the matrix and raised the price.
Don't get fooled!
4. Overheating.
In 4K, you can shoot no longer than 10 minutes, and then the camera will say, they say, it's time to relax. The exception is shooting in winter. Probably, Sony thought so: "Let's create a camera for northerners" :).
5 Rolling shutter.
Again, in 4K video, sharp turns turn everything around into jelly, so dynamic scenes are in question.
6. Weak bitrate.
a6300, like all Sony cameras, “powders” us with a lot of functions, but at the same time they don’t consider it necessary to raise the bitrate from at least 50 to at least 100 Mb / s. But even my smartphone shoots with a bit rate of 120.
7. Idiot menu.
I can’t say that Sony is unique in creating a completely uncomfortable menu, but a completely illogical sequence and arrangement of settings and options, insane phrase abbreviations ... and this is just the tip of the iceberg.
8. Paid apps.
In general, I don’t mind buying additional applications and expanding the functionality of the camera, but the time-lapse could have been installed for free right away. In addition, installing it using a non-touch screen is not an easy task.
9. Lack of native fast zooms.
Until recently, Sony did not have average native zooms with an aperture of 2.8 and had to use third-party optics, which, in turn, was additional. costs. And the deterioration of autofocus, and if the adapter is not chipped, then it will not be at all.
Now the native f2.8 zoom has appeared, but it costs as much as your left kidney.
Sony's greed knows no bounds, and I'm sure they will shock us more than once in this regard.
10. Display brightness.
No one talks about this anywhere, but when shooting at 100 fps or at 4K on the a6300, the display brightness automatically becomes minimal, sort of like for energy saving, and there is no way to fix this. Thanks Sony! It's nice to wonder on a sunny day: what am I shooting?
Well, as negative bonus- rare firmware update.
For the second year on the market, and the firmware was updated only once and then clumsily. Apparently, it is unprofitable to fix the jambs of old cameras, but it is better to stamp new ones and make money on their sale.
So it was 10 arguments "FOR" and 10 arguments "AGAINST" purchases Sony a6300. As you can see, in my practices and reasoning, a lot refers to Sony cameras in general.
All of the above are my personal, purely subjective impressions.
The Sony α6300 is a mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses. It belongs to Sony's mid-range lineup and is now the top model in that lineup, replacing the α6000, a camera that was and still is a very popular camera that you may already be familiar with. When talking about the α6300, sometimes I will compare it with the α6000.
Note that the official model name is ILCE-6300, but the camera is well known as Sony Alpha a6300 or simply Sony a6300. I will use all these notations.
The Sony a6300 uses a new matrix made using Exmor CMOS technology. The resolution remained at the a6000 level and is 24 megapixels, however, the hybrid autofocus system has been significantly redesigned, for which phase-sensitive sensors built into the matrix are used. Their number has been brought to a record number - 425 pieces (the a6000 had 179 of them), and they are located almost over the entire field of the frame.
In addition, the matrix is made according to new technology, for the manufacture of conductors used copper, not aluminum, which is designed to increase the speed of reading information and reduce power consumption.
The burst shooting speed of the Sony a6300 reaches 11 frames per second. The a6000 had the same number, however, the a6300 implemented a new burst mode - with a reduced delay time for displaying a "live" image in the viewfinder (or on the monitor), which gives a more natural perception (closer to the optical viewfinder reflex cameras) and the ability to more quickly respond to unpredictable object movements in the frame. This is an interesting feature, we will definitely return to it.
The Sony Alpha 6300 can record 4K video at 30/25/24 frames per second and Full HD at up to 120/100 frames per second. Profiles suitable for subsequent professional image processing are offered.
The Sony a6300 electronic OLED viewfinder has a high resolution of 2.36 million dots (the a6300 had 1.4 million) and a refresh rate of up to 120 fps. The camera chassis is made of magnesium alloy, the body has dust and moisture protection. The Sony a6300 is equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi module with NFC technology support, as well as a connector for an external microphone.
The main specifications Sony Alpha ILCE-6300:
- Magnesium alloy body.
- All-weather design (dust and moisture protection).
- 24 MP EXMOR CMOS sensor, APS-C format (23.5x15.6 mm).
- BIONZ X processor.
- Monitor with a diagonal of 3″, resolution 921,000 dots, swivel on one axis.
- Built-in 2.36 M dot high resolution OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% field of view.
- The presence of a built-in flash, synchronization 1/160 s.
- Connector for connection external flash and other accessories.
- Sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600, expandable to ISO 51200.
- Short shutter speeds from 1/4000 second.
- Continuous shooting up to 11 fps and up to 8 fps in the "live viewfinder" mode.
- Hybrid 4D autofocus with 425 areas.
- Peaking function during manual focusing (outlining objects that are in focus).
- Plot programs and effects of artistic image processing.
- Video recording in 4K resolution (3840× [email protected]/25/24p), Full HD 1920×1080 (120/100/60/50/30/25/24p). Video MPEG-4, AVCHD (up to 28 Mbps), X-AVC S codec (up to 100 Mbps), H.264.
- Recording stereo sound when shooting video.
- Connector for an external microphone.
- Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC technology support.
- Overall dimensions (according to the manufacturer, case without protruding parts): 120x67x49 mm.
- Weight: 404 g (with battery and memory card).
For ease of comparison, we combine in one table the most important characteristics of three Sony Alpha cameras - the previous a6000, the new a6300, as well as the older full-frame a7 II model. The winning points highlighting one of the models are marked in green, relative disadvantages are marked in red.
| Sony camera | a6000 | a6300 | a7 II |
| Matrix | 24 MP APS-C |
24 MP APS-C |
24 MP Full frame |
| AF system | hybrid 179 points contrast detection |
hybrid
425 points contrast detection |
hybrid 117 points contrast detection |
| Image stabilization | In the lens | In the lens | In the cell 5-axis |
| Burst shooting | 11 fps | 11 fps 8 fps with "live VI" |
5 fps |
| Minimum exposure | 1/4000 s | 1/4000 s |
1/8000 s |
| ISO range | 100-25600 |
100-25600 (with extension 100-51200) |
100-25600 (with extension 50-25600) |
| Monitor | 921000 dots 3″ LCD Inclined |
921000 dots 3″ LCD Inclined |
1210000 points 3″ LCD Inclined |
| built-in electronic viewfinder |
1.44 Mpoints
OLED 0.7x |
2.36 Mpoints
OLED update 120 times/sec 0.7x |
2.36 Mpoints OLED 0.7x |
| Built-in flash | There is | There is | Not |
| Hot shoe connector | There is | There is | There is |
| Flash sync | 1/160 s | 1/160 s | 1/250 s |
| Video filming | Full HD [email protected]/50/30/25/24p |
4K 3160× [email protected]
Full HD [email protected]/100/60/50/30/25/24p |
Full HD [email protected]/50/30/25/24p |
| control dials | Two | Two | Three + exposure compensation |
| microphone jack | Not | Yes | Yes 12345 |
| Dimensions and weight | 120 x 67 x 45mm 344 g |
120 x 67 x 49mm 404 g |
127 x 96 x 60mm 599 g |
| Dust and moisture protection | Not | There is | Not |
On my test, the Sony a6300 was with Sony lenses E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS and Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 55mm f/1.8 ZA.
Our friend and videographer who works with Sony system cameras to test this camera.
Introduction
In this review, I would like to consider this camera from the position of video shooting and test it in various modes, as well as talk about the pros, cons and professional features of this little one.
Matrix 4K
So, I would like to start by describing the capabilities of the Super 35mm sensor, which allows you to shoot amazing quality video in 4K and record it directly to a memory card, without using an additional external recorder. According to the manufacturer, the data density would be enough to record an image in 6K, which provides very high detail. As a test, I shot a number of video clips in 4K resolution with a bit rate of 100 Mbps.
The camera settings provide for shooting in various resolution modes and frame rates with the choice of a suitable bit rate. The XAVC S codec with which the camera shoots video has good speed stream - from 50 Mbps and above, depending on the selected mode. For myself, I have identified the following video parameters applicable for work:
- XAVC S 4K: 25p/50p;
- XAVC S HD: 25p/50p/100p.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the recording at 100 frames / second. This frame rate allows you to slow down the movement by 4 times. You can also slow down by 5 times if your project involves shooting at a frame rate of 24p.
To do this, you need to switch the camera to NTSC mode so that the recording rate of 120 frames / second becomes available in the menu. It turns out very impressive, just take a look:
Sony a6300, 35/1.8, f4
ISO
The sensitivity of the camera when shooting video is limited to ISO 25,600. In fact, the really “working” ones are 6,400 units.
Just think: quality image on a crop matrix at ISO 6400! A few steps higher sensitivity gives an acceptable picture that is suitable for extreme conditions lighting, but the noise level is already clearly noticeable. 25,600 units, of course, can hardly be used, so in the settings I would limit the sensitivity threshold to 12,800 units.
Sony a6300, 35/1.8, f4
Focusing
One more forte a6300 - hybrid 4D autofocus. Tenacious, fast, with tracking autofocus over the entire sensor area. This topic deserves a separate review, which is available at the link.
Picture Profiles and S-Log
The camera has pre-configured image profiles PP1-PP9, each of them has flexible settings and provides ample opportunities for working with images for various video shooting tasks.
One of the key features is the S-Log2 and S-Log3 logarithmic gamma profiles, which expand the dynamic range (exposure) of the image up to 14 steps. From my own experience: this option is useful when shooting in poor lighting conditions or in bright sunlight. And in post-processing, it will be easier to achieve high-quality video with the preservation of information in highlights and shadows.
By default, this is PP7-PP9, but you can configure absolutely any profile, you can also copy settings from one PP to another. In addition, the Gamma Display Assist function is implemented in this camera, which displays a normal contrast image on the display when shooting in S-Log, due to this it is easier to control the exposure and focus. It is worth remembering: in S-Log mode, the minimum ISO value is 800, which means working with ND filters if you shoot during the day or in a well-lit place.
Sony a6300, 10-18/3.5-5.6, f8
Convenience and additional features of the camera
Zebra
Another tool borrowed from professional video cameras is Zebra. In operation, this function allows you to achieve the correct exposure and avoid overexposure in the frame. Dynamic stripes show the area of overexposure in the image. My camera (Sony A7S II) has this feature enabled all the time, it greatly reduces the risk of overexposure.
Focus Peaking
An equally useful feature when working with manual focus. Extremely relevant when using manual lenses. The area of the frame or objects in the frame that are in focus are highlighted with contrasting contours using Focus Peaking. The degree of sensitivity and highlight color can be selected in the settings. I use several manual focus lenses for shooting, and it's not always clear in the display or in the viewfinder whether the subject is in focus or not. In this case, picking helps.
Electronic viewfinder
At first glance, this might not seem like the most useful thing in the camera. Who wants to look through a small electronic viewfinder when there is a much larger display? But actually it is not. Firstly, the viewfinder in the a6300 is very sharp, contrasty and accurately conveys what is happening in the frame. Secondly, it makes it possible to control the shooting process in the bright sun, while all the necessary settings are displayed in the viewfinder, as on the camera display. This is very convenient compared to SLR cameras. By the way, I always start recording by looking into the viewfinder, for me it is more informative.
The convenience of use
Regarding the ease of use, I immediately want to say about ergonomics. In general, the camera fits comfortably in the hand, despite its small size, the layout of the controls is well thought out.
Of the minuses - a memory card slot, it is located under the battery cover, which, accordingly, makes it impossible to replace the memory card if the camera is mounted on a tripod or monopod. Apparently, this was done for the sake of compactness, in order to place all the details of the device as tightly as possible.
The a6300 control has programmable keys to which you can assign almost any function from the menu. So everyone can customize the convenient location of the buttons.
Using third party optics
A short working length allows you to use lenses of any manufacturer through an adapter. In principle, it is important for a videographer to be able to work with any optics, and the range of adapters for many mounts makes this possible.
In the case of autofocus lenses from other brands, fast focusing cannot be expected, but it becomes possible to use optics that could remain when switching from another system. In my case, this is a Canon EF mount adapter.
Accessories
Despite the “amateur” status of the camera, various accessories for professional work can be connected to it through the appropriate connectors.
For example, you can connect a video recorder to record uncompressed video with the ability to encode it, say, in Prores HQ, etc., which will greatly expand the possibilities in post-production, or you can simply output the video signal to a larger monitor. You can connect such additional equipment through the available micro-HDMI output.
The built-in microphone records sound of decent quality, without background noise. But it captures sound from all around, so you may need a directional microphone - to record sound directly in front of the camera. There is a corresponding entrance for this.
You can also connect a directional microphone with an XLR-K2M adapter via a mi-shoe (“hot shoe”), which allows you to use advanced audio recording options: low-frequency noise reduction, directional recording, selection of the desired recording frequency, use of a high-quality XLR interface.
The battery in video shooting mode holds a charge for about 40 minutes. Not very much, but the camera can be powered using any power bank via the micro-USB connector in the camera, which compensates for this shortcoming. Although this time is enough for me to shoot the necessary scene and calmly replace the battery. By the way, when traveling, it is enough to take a micro-USB cable to charge the battery in the camera by connecting to a laptop or other source via USB. In my opinion, in this regard, mobility is implemented very cool.
The only downside is the lack of a headphone jack. However, it is possible to display the sound level scale on the monitor, since this function is provided by the settings. And thereby compensate for this shortcoming.
Also on sale are all kinds of cages and body kits for this camera, designed to expand the convenience of working with the camera and accessories.
conclusions
In conclusion, I want to say that, despite the compact appearance, the Sony a6300 has a lot of professional video shooting capabilities (4K, S-Log, Zebra, Focus peaking and others), as well as innovative autofocus solutions that can be successfully applied in both commercial and amateur photography. It can be confidently used as a second or third camera, if necessary, it may well work as the main one. Definitely suitable for shooting where mobility is needed: on a crane, stabilizer, slider, etc.
My opinion: Sony a6300 is worthy of attention from professionals, although it has minor drawbacks, which are forgivable, since this small camera can easily fit in a pocket, but it is also capable of producing very high-quality results at a professional level.
Camera Sony a6300 was introduced in February 2016, replacing the model a6000, and briefly became the flagship of Sony's mirrorless camera line with cropped APS-C sensors. But already in November of the same year, a6500, which differed from the a6300 in the presence of a touch screen and a matrix image stabilization system.
MAIN SPECIFICATIONS:
- Housing - Magnesium alloy with dust and moisture protection;
- Sensor - EXMOR CMOS APS-C format with a resolution of 24 MP (resolution 6000x4000 pixels);
- Processor - BIONZ X;
- Autofocus - Hybrid 4D autofocus with 425 phase and 169 contrast sensors;
- Image Stabilizer - No;
- Light sensitivity range - from ISO100 to ISO25600 (with extension to ISO 51200);
- Display - non-touch, rotary, with a diagonal of 3″ and a resolution of 921,000 dots;
- Viewfinder - electronic, OLED-matrix with a resolution of 2.36 MP;
- Exposure - from 1/4000 to 30 seconds, BULB mode;
- Continuous shooting speed - up to 11 fps (up to 8 fps in the "live viewfinder" mode);
- Video shooting - 4K (3840 × 2160) at a speed of up to 30 fps and a stream of up to 120 Mbps; Full HD (1920×1080) at up to 120 fps and bitrate up to 120 Mb/s;
- Flash - built-in, guide number 6 (at ISO 100), X-sync speed - 1/160 s;
- Connections - miсroUSB, miniHDMI, Wi-Fi with NFC technology support, microphone input;
- Dimensions and weight - 120x67x49 mm, 404 g (with battery and memory card).
APPEARANCE, ERGONOMICS:
All Sony mirrorless cameras, from the line NEX and up to modern ones, they have a similar characteristic design with a thin rectangular body and a strongly convex battery handle, thanks to which the cameras are very comfortable to hold even with one hand. a6300 is no exception: the case is compact and lightweight, it fits perfectly in the hand. In addition, the camera has protection against moisture and dust, which is very valuable for lovers of hiking and traveling.
Of the management features:
- manipulations with the camera can be done with one hand, since all controls are concentrated on the right side;
- as many as eight customizable mechanical keys - each can be customized "for yourself". These are C1, C2, a button located inside the AEL (or AF / MF) lever and four of the five navigation keys (all but the top DISP, which is responsible for displaying information on the display);
- the shooting mode selector, in addition to the classic Auto, PASM and SCN (preset scene selection mode), contains two custom modes slots, a panorama mode and a video mode.
But if the convenience of holding and the location of the controls causes positive emotions, then further acquaintance with ergonomics left, to put it mildly, mixed feelings.
The first thing I encountered was the speed of turning on the camera, which can sometimes reach 2 (two) seconds. This is due to the fact that the camera uses its own full-fledged operating system, while cameras from other manufacturers work on firmware "hardwired" into the microcircuit. Accordingly, the a6300 first loads the firmware from the chip, and then loads the operating system. The advantage of this solution is the ability to install additional applications. Minus - periodic "hanging" when you turn on the camera, which is especially pronounced if you reset the settings or set new card memory.
Further, when you enter the menu, you see a very branched structure, where not everything is obvious, and some settings are difficult to find. Makes things worse great amount abbreviations in the spirit of "Tyr.Pyr.Myr", which cannot be deciphered right away. In general, it’s not intuitive to deal with the menu: get ready to open the manual often at first in order to understand what the manufacturer meant by this or that “code”. It is incomprehensible what prevented the implementation, for example, of a hint mode (as is done by Lumix or Olympus), when activated, a scrolling line appears at the top of the screen with brief description menu item. After all, a high-resolution screen allows it. Or make the font smaller, or when scrolling, initially display the full name of the menu item. You can come up with many options, but it is hardly difficult to implement them.
But in the case of the a6300, familiarity with the camera turns into a not weak quest. Moreover, arguments like "you need to get used to" do not work here, the menu is initially ill-conceived and inconvenient. Here I would like to once again recall Olympus, whose menu is really "not like everyone else" and you need to get used to it. But addiction even in a person not familiar with Olympus cameras, happens easily, as there are hints, running lines and a well-thought-out (albeit not the same as everyone else) structure.
The second point is the lack of touch control. In 2016, in a top mirrorless camera, this is an unaffordable "luxury" (apparently so Sony marketers decided). You can argue for an arbitrarily long time that for "real pros" this is an overkill. But the presence of touch control at times increases the convenience of shooting, with both video and photos. In the case of the a6300, shifting the AF area has to be done by manipulating the navipad. Viewing the footage - also with the help of buttons and navigation pad. What kind of speed and convenience are we talking about here? Such an anachronism is an integral part of very budget SLR cameras, but by no means "top mirrorless".
DISPLAY AND VIEWFINDER:
The screen itself is a 3-inch matrix with good color reproduction, wide viewing angles and good contrast. True, in the bright sun it "blinds" a little and you have to turn on the contrast enhancement mode, which eats up the battery power very much. The screen is rotatable - about 45 degrees down and 90 degrees up. For the vast majority of tasks - this is more than enough.
Separately, I would like to dwell on the electronic viewfinder. This is an excellent highly detailed OLED matrix with good color reproduction and contrast, a very high refresh rate, and most importantly - special treatment"minimum latency preview" for active continuous shooting. The essence of this mode is an attempt to get as close as possible to the effect of working with optical viewfinders in SLR cameras. It is implemented using a rather "cunning" algorithm.
The disadvantage of conventional mirrorless cameras, compared to the CZK, is that when continuous shooting is performed, in the viewfinder we see quickly flickering images that have already been captured. That is, the camera shows us the action that has already taken place (the captured photo) with a delay. At the same time, it is very difficult to follow a fast moving object, since you need to predict where it will be in the next moment. In the viewfinder of a reflex camera, we constantly see a real picture of what is happening. Visibility "overlaps" for a moment only at the moment of raising the mirror, and the camera does not show the finished result (picture) at all.
So, before each subsequent frame in the series, the Sony a6300 takes a "screenshot" of what the camera sees before the picture and shows it for a moment in the viewfinder, after which the picture is darkened, creating a "mirror up" effect. At this time, the camera focuses and takes a picture that is not shown in the viewfinder. After that, the whole series of actions is repeated and, as a result, we see each frame as if in the “preview” mode, and not the already captured photo. This is certainly not a "live" picture of what is happening, but much better and more convenient than what is implemented in other mirrorless cameras. True, there are also disadvantages of this "convenience" - the burst shooting speed is programmatically reduced from 11 to 8 frames per second. So, if a couple of years ago, serial shooting of a fast moving car with a mirrorless camera was an almost impossible task, now with the help of the Sony a6300 it is more than real.
Yes, there are micro delays, and you need to get used to a static picture in EVI, but I repeat, the camera allows you to shoot a very fast moving object without any problems (so you can safely take it to shoot auto racing). For additional EVI protection from glare, the camera comes with a specific eyecup - hard and very elongated.
On the screen and EVI, you can display all the information about the shooting, as well as the grid, histogram, basic parameters, virtual horizon and zebra. In addition, the DISP button (upper, non-programmable navigation key) allows you to select the style of display information on the display. For more efficient control of the parameters, there is a quick menu in which you can quickly change key settings.
SENSOR, PHOTOGRAPHY:
For the a6300, Sony has developed a new matrix, which is equipped with a copper substrate. This made it possible to reduce its thickness, and most importantly, to increase the speed of data reading. Actually, there are two main obvious advantages of the novelty:
- firstly, the camera has a very advanced and fast 425-point autofocus system;
- secondly, the camera can now shoot 4K video at a speed of up to 30 frames per second and a stream of 100 Mbps, using the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe matrix to form an image, which has a very positive effect on clarity and detail. And most importantly, it supports video recording with S-Log gamma, which provides a wide dynamic range, up to 14 stops (S-Log3) and S-Gamut mode for a wider coverage of the color gamut.
The rest, relating to photosensitivity (read - the noise of the matrix) and burst speed characteristics, remained similar to the previous model - a6000. An excellent picture can be obtained up to ISO3200. Details are already lost at ISO6400 and contrast sags heavily. The highest values are only suitable for photographing events, nothing more.
Another point with which Sony traditionally "cunning" is the work of the built-in noise reduction. At high ISOs, it works, even if it is completely disabled in the menu, the camera still "corrects" the frames during initial processing - this is noticeable if you carefully examine the RAW files. So, it is difficult to talk about the "honest" noise of the matrix of Sony cameras, and the a6300 in particular, since the operation algorithms are "not completely transparent".
In terms of image quality, it's comparable to similar 24MP APS-C cameras such as the Nikon D7200. And given that Sony produces sensors for third-party manufacturers (including Pentax and Nikon), it is obvious that the picture for all of them will be almost identical, and the differences will increasingly depend on optics.
It seems that the psychological threshold of 24 megapixels for APS-C matrices will still be the default standard for some time, since there are no prerequisites for a qualitative technological breakthrough to reduce image noise. If we recalculate the pixel density relative to full-frame sensors, we get a density comparable to a 50-megapixel full-frame sensor. And here it is worth remembering that the Canon 5Ds is still the most "multi-pixel" full-frame camera, which is also very "noisy" at high values.
AUTOFOCUS:
One of the two main advantages of the Sony a6300 is the new hybrid autofocus system with 425 phase and 169 contrast sensors. It is very valuable that almost the entire sensor is covered with focus points. In fact, given the nimble processor, the camera is equipped with one of the best, if not the best, tracking focus system on the market. The A6300 instantly and very confidently clings to the subject and leads it to the very edge of the frame. Frame-by-frame focusing is also very confident and fast, there is a face recognition function, and with the ability to switch between faces if there are several of them in the frame. If you turn on pre-focusing, the camera will generally be "on guard" all the time and instantly take a sharp picture. The only (but very significant minus) - preliminary focusing very quickly "eats away" an already not very capacious battery. But here the decision is yours - to save a charge, or to be always ready.
Autofocus works great when shooting video. Most mirrorless cameras, especially those equipped with contrast autofocus, often lose focus during shooting and begin to actively crawl the lenses. Moreover, often there are no visible prerequisites for this. This may take a fraction of a second, but it will ruin the video sequence, as it will be clearly visible on the recording. So, the a6300 has practically no such problem. Focus "clings" and keeps clearly, confidently moving from one object to another, inside a given focus area, exactly when needed. Here again I would like to recall the lack of touch control, which would significantly increase convenience when choosing a focus area on the screen.
In addition, the camera has two very useful settings that determine the behavior of autofocus when shooting video: these are " AF Speed" and " AF Tracking Sensitivity". Both of them determine the behavior of the camera in those situations when you need to shift focus from one object to another: you yourself move the camera, or a foreign object unexpectedly "enters" the frame. " AF Tracking Sensitivity " has two operating modes: Normal and High. They determine how the camera will react to a change in the scene in the frame. Let's say you're filming some distant scene, and suddenly a person passes very close to the camera "through the frame". If the sensitivity is set to Normal, the camera will ignore the person and continue to focus on the distant scene. If you set the High sensitivity mode, the camera will quickly respond to changes in the situation and will try to immediately focus on the person. "AF speed " determines how fast the focus transition will take place. It has three modes: slow (smooth translation), medium (faster translation) and fast (dynamic translation of focus). The algorithms of all three modes are really noticeably different and give good control over the behavior of autofocus.
Another truth is that focusing speed is very dependent on lighting. In low light conditions (twilight, room lighting, modeling light), the camera sometimes focused for quite a long time and uncertainly - and this was with the use of a standard lens. It is still premature to say that the Sony a6300 hybrid focusing system has overtaken and overtaken Africa the modern phase autofocusing systems of SLR cameras, but undoubtedly, there are already significant advantages for certain tasks, and the speed is already comparable to amateur and even advanced "DSLRs".
SHOOTING VIDEO:
The second key advantage that Sony is just as diligently focusing on is shooting video in the a6300. First and foremost, when recording video, the entire sensor area is used, and not a “cut-out” area of the appropriate size, which makes it possible to get a very detailed picture. The camera can record video using XAVC S HD, AVCHD and MP4 formats. XAVC S allows you to record 4K Video at up to 30 fps (NTSC) or 25 fps (PAL) at up to 100 Mbps and Full HD Video at up to 120 fps at up to 100 Mbps. AVCHD, like MP4, can only be used to record Full HD movies at up to 50 fps and up to 28 Mbps.
The camera has many features designed for "real" videographers. These are nine image profiles, including post-processing S-Log 2 and S-Log 3 profiles (S-Gamut3.Cine and S-Gamut3), the Gamma Display Assist auxiliary option, and the Zebra function showing overexposed areas, and many settings. The maximum sensitivity for shooting video is ISO25600. There is a built-in stereo microphone, as well as an output for an external, connected via a standard 3.5 mm jack. But what is missing is an output for connecting headphones and all the same touch screen.
It is also worth considering that in order to record video with a stream of 100 Mb / s (be it 4K or Full HD at 120/100 fps), you will need an SDXC UHS-3 memory card, otherwise the a6300 will simply refuse to start recording.
An example of a video shot with a Sony a6300 camera can be downloaded.
FUNCTIONS, ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
Naturally, as in any modern digital camera, the a6300 implements quite a lot of different software features for working with images. These are story programs and various kinds of artistic styles, panorama stitching, and the creation of HDR images. Panoramas can be created in any direction, with both vertical and horizontal camera orientations. The main thing here is to move the camera smoothly and at a uniform speed - not too fast and not too slow. Software processing and gluing is fast and with minimal artifacts - even moving people caught in the frame are often cut out in the final image.
In addition, there are Handheld Twilight and Motion Blur Removal modes that work in a similar way: the camera takes a series of shots and then combines them into one, improving quality and eliminating noise. Both modes allow you to shoot handheld in very low light conditions without sky-high ISO sensitivity.
But what the camera does not have is interval shooting, which seems a bit strange for a top-end solution. It would be more accurate to say - not in the basic configuration. As already mentioned, the a6300 runs on an operating system that allows you to install additional applications. So interval shooting can be purchased in the app store. Yes, Carl, buy an app for an expensive camera!!! And here the most interesting begins. In order to enter the Sony store, you need to register in it, but first you need to connect the camera to the Internet - register a network name and password. When I did all the manipulations for choosing letters using buttons, I remembered push-button mobile phones, and the fate of NOKIA came to mind (which, at some point, also refused to believe in innovation). But that's not all ... Those who master this subtle mockery are in for the most interesting thing - connecting the camera to a smartphone and getting to know the application SonyPlayMemories. Firstly, no "dancing with a tambourine" helped to connect the a6300 to the iPhone (I tried it on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 5s) - the camera simply refused to connect. It was possible to connect only to a smartphone running Android. Secondly, the application that Sony offers for remote control camera - to put it mildly, very, very "laconic". Through the application, you can set the exposure compensation, activate the self-timer, view the shot, release the shutter and ... everything. I have not seen anything like this from any manufacturer for a long time. Below are screenshots demonstrating all this "magnificence".
BATTERY:
The a6300 uses a 1020 mAh NP-FW50 battery, on which the camera is able to work (according to CIPA measurements) - 350 shots. In fact, approximately the same result can be obtained if you use the camera only to take a photo, practically without viewing the footage and changing the settings minimally. But any "step to the side" eats up the battery very quickly: high-contrast display mode; pre-autofocus; often turned on, for scrolling through the menu or viewing footage, the screen; shooting video. In fact, such a picture is rather a result common for mirrorless cameras, nothing special, neither good nor bad. But the a6300 has a couple of absolutely wonderful moments, which for some reason are not yet implemented by all manufacturers (or rather, almost none).
Firstly, the battery can be charged from USB using a standard cord without removing it from the camera, moreover, using a laptop or even a PowerBank. I think that this is a huge plus, since far from the socket you can not be afraid to be left without pictures. Fortunately, modern PowerBanks are very compact and not expensive. Yes, the battery takes longer to charge from USB, but if you want to speed up the process, then you can buy an external charger, if necessary. It is also not expensive. Secondly, the camera can be fully used while charging from USB, which is also very, very convenient. Imagine that the camera has sat down, and by no means should you miss some important moment.
IMAGE EXAMPLES:
Original photos (RAW and JPEG without processing) can be downloaded from link.
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CONCLUSIONS:
PROS a6300
- Dust-moisture protected case,
- Excellent photo and video quality
- Excellent electronic viewfinder with "low latency preview" function,
- The presence of a built-in flash and a "hot shoe" for installing an external flash,
- Fast autofocus, with very fine, and most importantly functional settings and coverage of almost the entire frame area,
- Burst speed up to 11 fps (and 8 fps in the "minimal delay preview" mode, which is also very good),
- Very wide opportunities for shooting video: a large number of formats and settings,
- Possibility to charge the battery from USB,
- Capable of taking pictures while the battery is charging.
CONS a6300
- Overloaded, not thought out menu,
- Not touch screen
- Periodic very long turning on of the camera,
- Terrible implementation of WiFi connectivity and camera communication apps,
- There is no headphone jack.
The Sony a6300 is a camera with simply gorgeous, perhaps the best (among mirrorless cameras) autofocus system that can be finely tuned, a camera with very wide video shooting capabilities, a camera with very rich functionality and excellent image quality. At the same time, the a6300 is a camera in which some solutions look simply absurd (lack of touch control), and some seem "hastily put together on the knees" (implementation of the menu and communication via WiFi). If it were purely professional camera, in which there is no place for excesses, these minuses would not be minuses either, one could not talk about them. But the main audience for Sony mirrorless cameras are modern advanced hobbyists, most of whom are smartphone users who are used to convenient touch controls and normal mobile applications. Therefore, such "strange" decisions of the company seem unjustified to me (especially if you look at the a6300 price tag).
But, if the cons do not bother you, the a6300 will be an excellent choice. As a camera - it is more than worthy of attention. There is only one competitor that can offer such opportunities - Fujifilm with the X-Pro2 and X-T2 models. But both of these models are more expensive than the a6300, and they cannot boast of such a good implementation of video shooting.
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