Sony NEX-6 review

After Sony popularized the category of mirrorless cameras with its NEX line, even the Canon and Nikon have been forced to offer mirrorless models. After three years of NEX cameras, it seems that we waited a model worthy of our initial expectations. NEX-6 is the camera that we could completely replace D-SLR with its image quality and usability.

The design is very attractive and gives the impression of an advanced, high-quality camera as confirmed receiving the first hand. Plastic is strong and good, grip generously rubbed, a button and dial pleasant "click" when using. The previous NEX cameras had a plastic grip. For the best impression we miss basically just tightness against water and dust as we find with Olympus OMD.

Shape and ergonomics Sony NEX-6 is almost identical to the more expensive model NEX-seventh The difference is that there are not three but only two control wheels, but this is quite enough for daily use. Several keys are programmable as advanced users will appreciate and praise recessed button for video recording, no more accidental launch videos as some users NEX-7 model led to insanity. Sony after many queries users finally decided to include an external knob to select the mode that does not even expensive NEX-seventh

The menu is a long-standing flaw NEX camera. Sony probably wanted to facilitate the use of the users, but the end result is a menu that is struggling and professionals, let alone amateurs. It takes a lot of getting used to and scrolling through the options to find the desired setting. Fortunately, it is the most important settings are linked to the "Fn" button next to the trigger that calls short quick menu.

Swivel LCD Diagonal 3.0-inch with 920,000 dots is the same that the reason we see for many years in a variety of Sony SLT and mirrorless cameras, image is sharp and detailed with attractive colors. Electronic viewfinder is among the best and ergonomic in the perfect position, it is possible right eye to look through it, and left observe what is going on out of sight and looking so plan to frame and trigger. Also, the position of looking at the corner of the camera disables your nose to leave greasy fingerprints on the LCD screen.

Sony NEX-6 uses a lithium-ion battery that provides enough power for about 300 shots, which is average for mirrorless appliances. We understand (for the umpteenth times), charge in the camera via USB ... We would rather see a separate charger that the appliance can be used while we fill up a spare battery.

16 megapixel sensor is a high performance. Usable up to ISO 6400 and has excellent color reproduction and dynamic range, just as we have come to expect from Sony. Better result in our opinion is only possible from the (considerably more expensive and larger) Full Frame DSLR.

With the NEX-6 comes an all-new retractable 3x zoom lens E PZ 16-50 mm F/3.5-5.6. When the camera is off lens is only 3 cm long and makes the NEX-6 is relatively flat and easy to carry in a jacket pocket. Converted to a 35 mm format, the lens covers 24-75 mm, which is sufficient for a variety of shots from cramped interior to the portrait photos.

Sony NEX-6 uses Memory Stick and SDHC memory card is connected via USB and HDMI connectors, and has a built-in Wi-Fi, and support for a variety of applications. We lack only the GPS and input for an external microphone when capturing video.

Full HD video recording is possible even at 60p frames per second - this can currently boast only Sony cameras. Auto focus during video is not overly fast, but has a very gentle and soft transitions which gives a natural and calm look recordings. Also, all NEX lenses have completely silent focus motor, which is actually not a single competitor for now can boast.

We believe that there is still room for improvement (desperate menu, speed auto focus lagging Olympus, no sealing against rain ...) but we have to at this time opt for a camera that would be used over the next few years for all occasions from family and amateur use, travel to the basic professional use, the NEX-6 would be the first on the list.