Sony's Latest NEX-6 Camera Offers DSLR Experience In Compact Form

by Jennifer Johnson — Wednesday, September 12, 2012, 12:51 PM EDT

Sony announced the new NEX-6 camera which features similar power and shooting capabilities as a DSLR in a compact, mirrorless camera. As the latest addition to Sony's E-mount camera line-up, the new NEX-6 features Fast Hybrid AF, Wi-Fi capabilities, and the Play Memories Camera Apps platform. The camera also features Sony's high-resolution XGA OLED Tru-Finder viewfinder with 2.36 million dots.

The NEX-6 features a 16.1 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor that is capable of capturing full HD video. The camera also features a BIONZ image processor. Sony is using the Fast Hybrid AF system in this camera which combines phase- and contrast-detect AF methods to deliver sharp images as well as a Speed Priority Continuous shooting mode that is capable of capturing up to 10 frames per second.

On the back of the camera, you'll find the 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD that can be angled up to 90° up or 45° down to help you compose your picture from various shooting positions. On the top of the camera, you'll find a mode dial similar to what you'll see on a DSLR that provides access to the various shooting modes.

Using the built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and Sony’s free PlayMemories Mobile app for Android and iOS, users can transfer pictures wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet. You can also use the camera's Wi-Fi capabilities to upload photos directly to Facebook using Sony's Direct Upload application. Additional applications for the camera can be downloaded thanks to the PlayMemories Camera Apps platform. At launch Sony is offering apps such as Picture Effect+, Multi Frame NR, and Smart Remote Control. In the future, Sony plans to offer apps such as Bracket Pro, Photo Retouch, Time-Lapse, and Cinematic Photo.

Sony is also adding three new lenses to its E-mount line including the SELP1650 (16-50mm, F3.5-5.6), SEL35F18 (35mm, F1.8), and the SEL1018 (10-18mm, F4.0)

The NEX-6 will be available in November in a kit configuration with the SELP1650 power zoom lens for about $1,000. It will also be offered as body-only for about $850.

Tags: Sony, DSLR, camera, digital camera, mirrorless, NEX-6

Jennifer Johnson

Jennifer grew up around technology. From an early age, she was curious about all things related to computers. As a child, Jennifer remembers spending nights with her dad programming in BASIC and taking apart hard drives to see what was inside. In high school, she wrote her senior term paper on her experiences with building custom computers.

Jennifer graduated from the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. After college, she began writing full-time for various PC and technology magazines. Later, she transitioned to the Web. In these roles, Jennifer has covered a variety of topics including laptops, desktops, smartphones, cameras, tablets, and various consumer electronics devices. When she's not playing with or writing about the latest gadget, Jennifer loves to spend time with her family, capture memories with her camera, and scrapbook.

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