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Sony Announces a6700 Flagship APS-C Mirrorless
12 July 2023
Sony has announced the a6700 APS-C mirrorless camera, featuring still and video capabilities from the latest full-frame Alpha and Cinema Line series in the compact and lightweight design of the a6000 series. The company also announced its ECM-M1 compact camera-mount digital shotgun microphone.
"With the release of the α6700, Sony continues its commitment to elevate the abilities of creators everywhere and at every level by empowering them with state-of-the-art tools that enable their creativity to relentlessly move forward," said Yang Cheng, Son vice president.
"Sony will continue to expand its APS-C line-up to cater to and support image production activities of a diverse array of creators."
The a6700 combines an APS-C back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor of 26 effective megapixels with Sony's BIONZ XR image processing engine. It supports high-resolution 4K video recording up to 120fps, a wide latitude of 14+ stops for capturing details in harsh or under-lit conditions and features the S-Cinetone picture profile found in Sony's professional Cinema Line for refined movie imagery that doesn't require color grading.
The ECM-M1 microphone is the first shotgun with eight dial-selectable audio recording models, Sony said. With four microphone capsules and unique beamforming and advanced digital processing technology, it offers varied modes including stereo.
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights of the a6700 include:
- 26-megapixel Exmor R APS-C BSI CMOS sensor
- BIONZ XR image processor
- UHD 4K 120p, FHD 240p, 10-bit 4:2:2
- S-Log3, S-Gamut3, S-Cinetone, User LUTs
- Up to 11-fps shooting
- ISO 100 to 32,000
- 5-Axis pixel-level image stabilization
- Real-Time Tracking AF for stills and video
- 759-point phase detection
- 3.0-inch 1.03m-sot Vari-Angle LCD touchscreen
SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications for the a6700 include:
SONY a6700 SPECIFICATIONS Sensor 26-megapixel Exmor R APS-C BSI CMOS sensor
1.5x crop factorBit Depth 14-Bit Lens Mount Sony E File Formats Raw, JPEG, HEIF Storage SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) Viewfinder Built-in 0.39" OLED
2,359,296 dots
22mm eye point
100 percent coverage
1.07x magnification
-4 to +3 diopter adjustmentMonitor 3.0-inch 1,030,000-dot articulating LCD touchscreen Shutter Mechanical Shutter:
- 1/4000 to 30 Seconds
Electronic Shutter:
- 1/8000 to 30 SecondsFrame Rate Up to 11 fps at 26-Mp for up to 59 Raws or 1,000 JPEGs ISO 100 to 32,000
Extended for Stills: 50 to 102,400Autofocus Yes Live View Yes Image Stabilization Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis Flash TTL, intelligent hot shoe, wireless
No built-inMovie XAVC HS 4:2:2/4:2:0 10-bit:
- UHD 4K ) at 23.98/50/59.94/100/120 fps [30 to 280 Mb/s]
XAVC S 4:2:2/4:2:0 8/10-bit:
- UHD 4K at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps [60 to 280 Mb/s]
- 1920 x 1080 at 23.98/25/50/59.94/100/120 fps [16 to 100 Mb/s]
XAVC S-I 4:2:2 10-bit:
- UHD 4K at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [240 to 600 Mb/s] 1920 x 1080 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [89 to 222 Mb/s] External 4:2:2 10-bit via HDMI:
- UHD 4K at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps - HD at 23.98/50/59.94 fps
HDR-HLG, S Cinetone, Sony S-Log 3
2-Channel 16-bit 48 kHz LPCM audio
No clip length limitConnectivity 2.4/5 GHz MIMO Wi-Fi
Micro HDMI, USB-C
1.8" 3.5mm stereo headphone,1.8" 3.5mm stereo micPower NP-FZ100 rechargeable lithium-ion battery
570 shotsDimensions 4.8 x 2.7 x 3.0 inches Weight 1.1 lbs.
SONY E PZ 16-50mm f3.5-5.6 OSS KIT LENS SPECIFICATIONS Mount Sony E Focal Length 16mm to 50mm (24mm to 75mm equivalent) Aperture Maximum Aperture: f3.5 to f5.6
Minimum Aperture: f22 to f36
7 rounded diaphragm bladesAngle of View 83° to 32° Minimum Focus 9.84 inches Magnification 0.21x Optical Design 9 elements in 8 groups Autofocus Yes Image Stabilization Yes Filter Thread 40.5mm Dimensions 2.55 x 1.18 inches Weight 4.09 oz. PRICE, AVAILABILITY
Sony said the a6700 will be available later this year for $1,399.99 (body only), $1,499.99 with the L kit 16-50mm lens and $1,799.99 with the M kit18-135mm lens. B&H is now accepting pre-orders.
The ECMM1 microphone will be available for $349.99. B&H is now accepting pre-orders for that as well.
Sony Electronics Releases Next-generation APS-C Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera α6700 with Simultaneous Release of Versatile Compact Shotgun Microphone ECM-M1
High-precision subject recognition by AI and the latest still image and video performance are condensed into a compact APS-C body for the first time
SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Sony Electronics has announced the release of its newest APS-C mirrorless camera, the α6700. This new offering combines the cutting-edge still image and video capabilities found in the latest full-frame Alpha and Cinema Line series with the compact and lightweight design of the α6000 series, resulting in Sony's most advanced APS-C mirrorless camera to date.
Combining an APS-C back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor boasting 26 effective megapixels with the speed and power of Sony's advanced BIONZ XR processing engine, the α6700 achieves exceptional imaging performance while maintaining a compact and lightweight design.
The camera supports high-resolution 4K video recording at up to 120fps, a wide latitude of 14+ stops for capturing details in harsh or under-lit conditions and features the S-Cinetone picture profile found in Sony's professional Cinema Line for refined movie imagery that doesn't require color grading and it delivers stunning representation of human skin tones. For videographers and vloggers, Sony simultaneously releases the ECM-M1 shotgun microphone, capable of high-quality sound with eight sound pickup modes including stereo.
"With the release of the α6700, Sony continues its commitment to elevate the abilities of creators everywhere and at every level by empowering them with state-of-the-art tools that enable their creativity to relentlessly move forward. Sony will continue to expand its APS-C line-up to cater to and support image production activities of a diverse array of creators," says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc.
Highly accurate subject recognition with AI
The latest APS-C size, back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor boasts approximately 26 effective megapixels, paired with our advanced BIONZ XR engine for exceptional imaging performance. Standard ISO sensitivity spans 100 to 32000 for both stills and movies, allowing high-sensitivity, low-noise shooting. Enhanced color reproduction ensures subjects like people and plants are captured with natural hues, while Creative Look features allow unique visual expressions.
The AI processing unit is inherited from the α7R V, enabling high accuracy "Real-Time Recognition AF (autofocus)." Beyond the α6000 series' human and animal recognition, it now accurately identifies various subjects such as human, animal, bird, insect, car/train and airplane, catering to diverse creative expressions. When paired with today's newly launched FE 70-200MM f4 Macro G OSS II, it offers 105mm to 300mm focal lengths in 35mm full-frame equivalent, leveraging the power of telephoto zoom for high-quality shooting. Additionally, it's compatible with a broad array of E-mount lenses and Sony's E-mount lenses covering full-frame and Cinema Line cameras with a single mount.
Excellent video performance compatible with 4K120p
Harnessing data equivalent to 6K, the α6700 outputs superior 4K video, including support for high-frame-rate recording at 4K 120fps. It features S-Log3, offering a latitudes of 14+ stops, for stellar gradation. Also equipped with S-Cinetone, the α6700 offers impressive skin tone depiction and subject highlighting, technologies honed through our Cinema Line development, while its AI-driven Auto-Framing smoothly tracks subjects, eliminating the need for manual camera movement. The body houses a Multi-Interface Shoe compatible with digital audio interfaces. Used in conjunction with the new ECM-M1 shotgun microphone, it allows for direct digital audio transmission, capturing high-quality, undegraded sound.
Mobility, operability and connectivity unique to a compact and lightweight device
With a compact design (approx. 4 7/8 × 2 3/4 × 3 in. and weighing about 1 lb 1.4 oz.), the α6700 is highly portable. It has a user-friendly, touch-operable vari-angle LCD monitor, coupled with a modern touch menu for effortless operation. Customizable front dial and a switching dial for still images, movies and S&Q modes are also featured. It is also equipped with optical 5-axis in-body image stabilization system with 5.0 stops of shutter speed advantage for stills and an Active Mode ensures stable footage.
In terms of connectivity, the camera now supports the Creators' App for seamless uploads of videos and still images to cloud services. Sony also plans to roll out a new version of the "Camera Remote SDK" in July, allowing remote operation and setting adjustments.
Environmental conscious and accessibility
Recycled materials, including SORPLASTM, are used throughout the camera body, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing functionality. Over the past 10 years, Sony has replaced approximately 379 tons of virgin plastic with recycled plastic in digital cameras and digital video cameras.
In addition, it is equipped with Sony's Screen Reader function that reads menus and video playback screens aloud to assist operations, supporting the creative activities of a wide variety of creators.
Main features of shotgun microphone ECM-M1
The ECM-M1 is the world's first shotgun microphone with eight dial-selectable audio recording models. With 4 microphone capsules and unique beamforming and advanced digital processing technology, it offers varied modes including stereo. Its ultra-directional mode captures targeted sound from the front (within a 30-degree width) and at the same time effectively suppresses other sounds, dynamically adapting to ambient sound in the surroundings. This mode is ideal for interviews and selfie-oriented scenarios where the subject is always in front of the microphone.
A newly added mode dial with a locking mechanism ensures easy, secure switching of sound pickup modes. The ECM-M1 features noise reduction utilities like a noise cut filter for reducing background noise and a low-cut filter for minimizing vibration and low frequency noise. These filters are implemented through digital signal processing, maximizing audio quality at the recording stage and thereby reducing the need for complex post processing. It also supports 4-channel recording (compatible cameras only), allowing safety recording in omnidirectional mode on channels 3 and 4, while channels 1 and 2 focus on selected directivity.
Compact and lightweight, the ECM-M1 enhances mobility, empowering creators to capture high-quality audio in diverse situations. Simply clip the microphone into the Multi Interface Shoe on a compatible camera for direct power and audio connections without the need for extra cables or batteries. When connected via the Multi Interface Shoe of a compatible camera that features a built-in digital audio interface, the audio signal is directly transferred to the camera in digital form so that no degradation can occur. A simple switch also provides compatibility with a wide range of cameras using an analog interface.
Pricing and Availability
The new α6700 will be available in 2023 at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers:
- α6700 camera only: MSRP $1399.99, $1899.99 CAN
- α6700 "L" kit w/PZ1650: MSRP $1499.99, $1999.99 CAN
- α6700 "M" kit w/18135: MSRP $1799.99, $2399.99 CAN
The new ECMM1 microphone will be available for MSRP $349.99 and $469.99 CAN.