Fujifilm Fanboy Reviews the Sony A6700 | After 2 months of use!

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Introduction

As a long-time Fujifilm shooter, I wasn't always a fan of Sony cameras. Their older models had notoriously awful skin tones, but I decided to give Sony another shot. I recently owned the Sony A7S III and the Sony A7 IV, and while they were decent, they didn't excite me. However, the Sony A6700 has genuinely impressed me in a way no other Sony camera has in a very long time.

Compact and Convenient

The most notable advantage of the A6700 is its compact and convenient design. This camera is small, making it incredibly easy to pack for shoots. Recently, I ventured out to film some client content with only the A6700 and the Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 lens, and it was all I needed. The camera's size ensures it’s not intimidating, allowing me to capture people in their natural state without them getting distracted by the gear.

Dual Shooter Delight

I consider myself a hybrid shooter, mostly leaning toward photography but also doing video work when required. The A6700 fits the hybrid shooter moniker excellently. Its video specs are impressive, offering crispy-looking 4K video oversampled from a 6K sensor. It shoots 4K at 60fps beautifully, though the 4K 120fps mode comes with a 1.5x crop and can be noisy without proper exposure.

Autofocus: A Game Changer

The autofocusing capabilities of the A6700 have been a revelation, especially coming from the Fujifilm XT5, which often struggles with reliable focus in fast-paced environments. The A6700's AI chipset ensures quick and accurate eye and subject tracking, making it perfect for capturing dynamic gym and fitness content.

Still Photography Prowess

Switching between video and photo modes with the A6700 is seamless, thanks to the toggle switch. Paired with the Tamron lens, it allows for versatile, non-intrusive shooting. Image quality is top-notch, with sharp, crisp, and contrast-rich photos. While the color science could still use some improvement, this is the first Sony camera where I found myself not complaining as much about the colors.

Battery Life

Battery life on this camera is impressive. I was able to get over an hour of 4K recording at 10-bit 4:2:2, and after 3-4 hours of photography, I still had 50% battery remaining.

Downsides

However, the A6700 isn’t without its flaws. The grip can be uncomfortable, the single card slot can interrupt workflow, particularly in critical moments, and the EVF and LCD screen are less than stellar, especially in bright sunlight. Lastly, Sony's menu system is more complex compared to Fujifilm’s, although it becomes more manageable over time.

Conclusion

After putting the Sony A6700 through its paces for several months, I find it to be a highly reliable camera for hybrid use—ideal for content creation, client work, and portrait photography. Despite its few drawbacks, the A6700 offers fantastic value, especially considering its price point of $ 1,400, making it competitive with the likes of the Fujifilm XS20 and XT5. For these reasons, I regard the Sony A6700 as the king of APS-C hybrid cameras.

Keywords

  • Sony A6700
  • Fujifilm
  • Compact Camera
  • Hybrid Shooter
  • Autofocusing
  • 4K Video
  • Tamron 17-70mm
  • Photography
  • Battery Life
  • APS-C Camera

FAQ

What makes the Sony A6700 stand out for hybrid shooters?

The A6700 offers a compact design, excellent autofocus, and impressive video and photo specs, making it versatile for both photography and videography.

How does the Sony A6700 perform in terms of video quality?

The A6700 records sharp, detailed 4K video oversampled from a 6K sensor, with excellent 4K 60fps performance and usable, if somewhat noisy, 4K 120fps.

Is the battery life good on the Sony A6700?

Yes, the battery life is strong, offering over an hour of continuous 4K recording and 3-4 hours of photography with 50% battery still remaining.

Are there any major drawbacks to the Sony A6700?

Some drawbacks include an uncomfortable grip, a single card slot that can disrupt workflow, and a subpar EVF and LCD screen, particularly in bright sunlight.

How does the autofocus on the A6700 compare to other cameras?

The A6700’s autofocus is significantly superior to many other cameras, particularly the Fujifilm XT5, thanks to its reliable eye and subject tracking, powered by an AI chipset.