Sony Alpha a6300: First Look
02/03/2016In the following video, Doug Guerra, of B&H, sits down with Kenta Honjo, the Sony Alpha Product Manager, to discuss the major advancements of the speedy and 4K-capable a6300 Mirrorless Camera, as well as the trio of lenses that introduce the fledgling G Master full-frame E-mount line: the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM, FE 85mm f/1.4 GM, and FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS.
They discuss the major enhancements that have been made to the camera’s Fast Hybrid AF system, now equipped with 425 phase-detect points, and the image-quality boost provided by the new 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor with thinner copper wiring for better low-light performance and faster readout. They also talk about the new body design with a 3.5mm microphone input and a high-resolution EVF with near real-time response.
Each lens is reviewed in depth, while they focus on the G Master’s overall goal of exceptional resolution, outstanding bokeh quality, and flexibility for stills and video. They also discuss the two new full-frame teleconverters, a 1.4x and 2.0x, that are now available for the E-mount system. We hope you enjoy the video, and invite you to view the wide selection of other instructional and informative videos at B&H.com.
Comments
15 Comments
Are you able to use the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters with the old 70-200mm G f4.0 or it is only for the new G pro 70-200mm 2.8
Hello again Efrain,
As of right now, the new teleconverters are only compatible with the new FE 70-200mm f/2.8 OSS G Master lens and will not work with the existing FE 70-200mm f/4 OSS G lens.
Are you going to be able to use the new 70-200mm 2.8 with tc 1.4 or 2 with the old a6000? if yes, when the price should be available
thank you
Hello Efrain,
The new 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master lens and both teleconverters are E mount, so they will be fully compatible with the a6000. We do not currently have a timeline on pricing, but if you follow any of the following links you can sign up to receive an email notification when information becomes available:
FE 70-200mm f/2.8 OSS GM
FE 1.4x Teleconverter
FE 2.0x Teleconverter
...the two new full-frame teleconverters, a 1.4x and 2.0x, that are now available for the E-mount system.
Why are these called "full frame" teleconverters? i assume they will work on the a6300 and further extend the lens beyond the 1.5 factor ?
Hi Doug,
They are called full-frame teleconverters because they cover full frame, which does mean they will work with APS-C cameras as well. When discussing a system that has multiple sensor sizes and lens lines we find it to be an important distinction, especially since the conversation involves a new APS-C camera. Also, we usually assume that it is implied that full-frame lenses will cover APS-C sensors.
Low light autofocus was the problem for me with a6000. Looks like a6300 takes us from EV 0 to EV -1, which should be some improvement. I am wary but optimistic.
For the pricepoint tho, pretty hard to beat. My a6000 was $398 bucks for the body over the holidays. Hard to complain at that price.
Also, the sigma art lenses are a bit quicker focusing than the basic 35 and 50mm sony primes.
Is there any image stabilization built into the camera? Or, is it still only available if you have lenses with image stabilization? For anyone who uses legacy lenses, this is really important.
Hi Andrew,
There is NO image stabilization built into the a6300, likely due to its compact size. You would need a lens with its own OSS/IS system.
Two new lenses look too heavy: the one is 1.95lb and the other 3.26lb. If they are almost same heavy as DSLR ones, I don't see the reason why I will have to change to the mirrorless.
Fantastic announcements. Regarding the new lenses, has Sony dropped the terrible fly-by-wire manual focus feature? That is the #1 reason I haven't invested in Sony FE glass to date.
Hello Kepano,
During our short time with the lenses it seems that these are focus-by-wire designs, however the focusing rings feel way better than all of their previous offerings. Unfortunately, we will have to wait for samples before we can determine whether they funtion in a more traditional manner (such as the 90mm G Macro in manual mode with its markings) as opposed to the speed ramping that occurs with current lenses.
We will inquire with Sony and see if we can find an answer.
What about audio monitoring? The A6300 is shown with the XLR-K2M adaptor and shotgun mic. With no headphone output does Sony have an option to monitor the audio being recorded?
Hi Roamer,
Unfortunately it does not appear that there is any way to monitor audio, the only way I could possible think of would require an external monitor/recorder such as the Atomos Shogun or Video Devices PIX-E5H that have their own 3.5mm headphone jacks.