Sony a6300 Mirrorless Digital Camera + Sony FE 85mm F1.4 G Master Lens
Sony a6300 is flat-out the best camera on the planet under $1,000 USD. It offers a blazing fast 11 frames per second, best-in-class 425-point phase-detection autofocus that smokes DSLRs in it’s price range, internal 4K Recording with S-Log3 and Silent Shooting mode that’s perfect for stealth shooting in courtrooms, golf courses and movie-sets and anywhere else that silence is golden.
Top Ten New Features of Sony a6300
1. Improved 4D FOCUS
Covering nearly the entire sensor area, a powerful 4D FOCUS system incorporates 425 on-chip phase-detection points along with 169 contrast-detection areas for precise focusing in as little as 0.05 seconds. The density of focusing points from this hybrid AF system also enables High-density Tracking AF Technology, which is adept at tracking moving subjects in a variety of lighting conditions. The use of phase-detection points also enables the use of A-mount lenses via the optional LA-EA3 or LA-EA1 lens mount adapters with full AF compatibility.
2. Silent Shooting Mode
Previously found on a7S, a7RII and a7SII, Silent Shooting mode makes use of an electronic shutter function for completely silent performance that is ideal for photographing in noise-sensitive areas. When using this mode, up to 3 fps continuous shooting is available with autofocus and auto-exposure.
3. UHD 4K Video Recording in Super35 Format
Internal recording of UHD 4K movies is possible in multiple frame rates up to 30 fps and, based on the Super35mm recording area and effective 20MP (6000 x 3376) resolution, 2.4x oversampling renders greater detail and full pixel readout is possible, that is void of pixel binning, for higher quality imagery with reduced moiré and aliasing. Full HD 1080p recording is also supported in frame rates up to 120 fps, and both resolutions utilize the 100 Mbps XAVC S format contained within an MP4 wrapper with 4:2:0 sampling. The high-speed, 120 fps recording also enables 4x and 5x slow-motion movie recording with the frame rate set to either 30p or 24p. In addition to high-resolution internal recording, uncompressed HDMI output also enables the use of an optional external recorder for clean 4K recording with 4:2:2 sampling.
4. Custom Color Profiles and S-Log3 Gamma
Supports S-Gamut3.Cine/S-Log-3 and S-Gamut3/S-Log3 profiles that enable up to a 1300% wider dynamic range for smoother tonal and color gradations, along with enhanced sensitivity and clarity in shadows and mid-tones. These profiles also lend themselves to greater compatibility within a professional workflow and are well-paired to the Cineon Log gamma curve for versatile post-production grading and color control. The S-Log3 gamma setting also offers an impressive 14-stop wide dynamic range for greater control over the highlights and shadows, while the S-Gamut3.Cine profile can be used to mimic the qualities of scanned negative film with a wide gamut comparable to the DCI-P3 color space. Additionally, the popular S-Log2 setting is also available.
5. Improved XGA Tru-Finder
The XGA Tru-Finder 2.36m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder offers a bright, high-resolution means for eye-level monitoring, and also sports a dedicated 120 fps mode for smoother viewing when tracking moving subjects.
6. Improved 24.2MP Exmor CMOS Sensor and BIONZ X Processor
The APS-C-format 24.2MP Exmor CMOS sensor pairs with the BIONZ X image processor to realize smooth, nuanced image quality with minimal noise and high sensitivity from ISO 100-25600, which can further be expanded to ISO 51200 for working in low-light conditions. The sensor features a unique design that utilizes thin copper wiring and enhanced circuit processing to boost light-gathering abilities, reduce noise, and increase readout speeds to benefit video recording. The sensor and processor combination also avails a top continuous shooting rate of 11 fps for up to 21 raw frames in a single burst with AF and AE, 8 fps shooting in live view, and permits 14-bit raw file output for a wider tonal and color scale.
7. Zebra and Gamma Display Assist
An enhanced Zebra function is ideally suited to working with S-Log gamma profiles and aids in monitoring exposure values in high-contrast scenes. Video signal level targets can be set from 0 to 109, and specific ranges can be set to make exposure level adjustments easier. Gamma Display Assist function is also available that displays scenes with natural contrast when recording with S-Log settings. This function converts imagery to the ITU709 profile for easier on-camera monitoring.
8. Time Code and User Bit Settings
A time code can be used to record hours, minutes, seconds, frames on image data for more precise editing while the User Bit function can record date, time, and scene number to aid in editing together footage from multiple cameras.
9. Auto ISO with Minimum Shutter Speed
When working with ISO Auto settings, you can configure a minimum shutter speed setting to better ensure sharp imagery.
10. External Battery Power Option
Sony a6300 can also be powered via a USB connection to a computer or external battery for extended shooting when shooting video or time lapse. This connection can also be used to charge the battery.
11. Improved Rigid Metal Lens Mount
A rigid metal lens mount better supports working with larger, heavier lens designs.
Sony a6300 Available for Pre-order Now!
Sony a6300 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only) | (Pre-Order Now $998)
Sony a6300 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm Lens | (Pre-Order Now $1,148)
45 thoughts on “Top Ten New Features of Sony a6300!”
Thanks Brian. Does the a6300 still not have an available battery grip for a more DSLR-like handleablility?
Sony is not planning one – but there are several third-party battery grips for a6000 that might fit on a6300:
https://briansmith.com/neewer-battery-grip-for-sony-a6000/
Thank you! Looks better than ones I’d seen previously.
I just did!
Brian,
We have found the A6000 has a 1.5 to 2 stop disadvantage in low light shooting compared to the A7R II. What is your take on how the A6300 fits regarding this issue?
Thanks,
Jack
a6300 might have tightened the gap a tad, but at the end of the day that’s one of the advantages of fullframe.
I read from another review that using full frame lenses on the 6000 will not be as sharp as using the same lens on a true full frame camera. Have you noticed this? In theory would use the canon pancake lenses on this camera.
Fullframe sensors have bigger pixels that resolve better.
The Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS & Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS APS Lenses are sharper than the Canon pancakes.
Could “a tad” be 1 stop better than the A6000?
I doubt it will be that much better.
Thanks very much!
LA-EA3 will disable Lock On AF on A7RII and A7II. I wonder if this LA-EA3 will disable Lock On AF on A6300 too. If it disable then the 4D tracking sitll working ? or it will change back to traditional AF-C ? (same as A7RII , traditional AF-C )
It’s not that it ‘disables’ lock-on AF. It’s simply that lock-on AF is not compatible with lens adapters. There is a difference.
Brian, I am considering migrating from an A77II to the A6300 (the 4K video would be nice). However, I have some nice A-mount glass (the Sigma 18-35 F1.8, the Sony-Zeiss 50 mm F1.4 — a gorgeous lens for portraits, and the Tamron 150-600mm). I have a developing interest in bird photography, and I am wondering how the A6300 will handle that with my A-mount glass, particularly the Tamron. From what I have read (about A7R II and A7 II) – you lose a lot of AF functions with the LA-EA3 adapter, and the burst speed drops off to around 3FPS (from 5 FPS).
With the A77II, I use Flexible Spot Lock-on AF, when shooting wildlife. I can probably live without the lock-on AF, if the focus tracking in AF-C performs well (is it available as an option?). I guess I am wondering if my A-mount telephoto lens will be handicapped on the A6300 (loss of some AF functions), or actually track better because of more AF points?
It should preform similar to a7RII: https://briansmith.com/sony-a7rii-canon-ef-smart-adapter-tests/
I’ve been trying every way i can to get AF Lock on to work with my Tamron 150-600mm 011 lens on the a6300. But it is grayed out and tells me incompatible lens.
I wonder how in the world you are getting Lock-on with this lens and the a7II??
Lock-on AF does not work with most adapted lenses.
should i get the kit lens that comes with it or put $ towards a different lens? Im about to preorder =)
How is third party (Canon) lens support for the video autofocus? That seems to be the 6300’s major video advantage over the A7R/SII. Are we limited to area selection options with non-Sony lenses?
DSLR lenses are not designed for video AF. Sony a6300 should offer similar AF to a7RII & a7II when using third party lenses with Smart Adapters. Your best bet for AF video is to stick to native E-mount lenses.
Here’s a list of APS E-Mount Lenses: https://briansmith.com/aps-e-mount-lenses-for-sony-mirrorless-cameras/
And a list of fullframe FE lenses: https://briansmith.com/sony-a7-a7r-a7s-lens-guide/
Thanks for your rapid response Brian. Similarity to the A7RII is what I fear as well-the video autofocus options on my A7RII are very limited, and the ‘lock-on’ options that you’d probably want for focus tracking of a subject in video aren’t available with anything but E lenses. Didn’t matter as much on the A7RII since it didn’t work that well anyway. Now it looks like it matters 🙂 To say all DSLR lenses aren’t designed for video might not quite be fair. I know the Canon stepper motor lenses focus extremely well with part of their design being intended for video application. Though they share in common another of Sony’s weaknesses-the E-lenses are really not optimal for video with their fly-by-wire focusing. Fortunately the mirrorless E-mount allows for the versatility of buying Sony lenses to take advantage of the (what seems to be revolutionary) video AF, and then switching to nearly any lens or your choice (one with a dedicated, traditional focus ring) for manual focus control when shooting on larger sets. Just more money, more physical space, and more time to do the switch. With regards to APS lenses I’ll be very curious to see how/if the Touits perform for video AF. Pity the lack of fast zooms for APS doesn’t seem nearly as high priority as full frame lenses for Sony at this point in time. It is nice to see that many of the existing APS Sony lenses offer optical stabilization to compensate the lack of IBIS in the a6300. While I’m ranting about the ideal: IBIS could be amazing on a cropped sensor. Look at how remarkably well it works on small micro four thirds sensor on an Olympus compared to the mediocre full frame A7R2 (speaking in regards to video stabilization specifically). A Sony rep indicated privately at NAB last year that they won’t ever be able to match Olympus’s performance due to the simple physical space limitation of moving the full frame sensor. An APS sized sensor, however, could be an excellent candidate. At $1000 one can’t complain about the lack of IBIS in the a6300, and maybe they won’t go there because the priority will be keeping the body small, but makes me very anxious to see how well sensor stabilization could perform on a future APS Sony.
Brian,
Do you know why Sony removed GPS from their cameras and if they will ever add it back?
User surveys showed that few people use it. I realize that some people really like that feature – but not enough to pass the cost on to the users who don’t.
It makes adding metadata so much easier. I sure wish they would add it back. Where are their surveys done? They should put them on the Sony Camera Club website for the next model. I saw people requesting it as a feature when they used to ask on there. I haven’t seen much activity from Sony on their website recently. That would be the perfect place to do surveys since it’s Sony’s website.
Does this camera have the ability to assign a function button to toggle between the rear screen and the EVF? The automatic switching function is a pain and setting to either the EVF or the screen full time is buried in menus. I have/had a Nex-6 and an A7r. Both cameras are great, but the lack of monitor/evf toggle is unfortunate.
I didn’t have one in my hands long enough to dig that deeply into the menu.
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Does A6300 has the option to change release priority vs. shutter priority like on a-mount cameras and also A7rII?
I have the A6000 and A7II. The A7II is my landscape, low-light, portrait camera. I use the A6000 for sports and macro. For outside high-speed sports photography, which would you recommend: The A6300 or the A7RII. I use the Sony A-mount 70-400 and I have both LA adapters. I am just trying to navigate all the pros and cons of the focusing advantages versus frames per second.
Thanks
Brian, how did the camera handle, does it feel ok, not too unbalanced with the new lenses? I’m still shooting with a NEX-7 from 4-5 years ago and use my Leica lenses plus the Sony10-18 mm and Sony/Zeiss 16-35 mm FE which has become my favorite lens. It may be time for an upgrade to the body and a new lens like the new 70-200. Has the user interface improved and is the camera reasonably customizable? Thank you.
This is a huge upgrade from NEX-7. If by user interface you mean menus, you can choose between the current menu tabs or the tiled menu found in NEX.
Hi Brian; I have the Sony 70-400 a mount, and use the LA-EA4 with it
Will that give me good AF performance for sports shots?
LA-EA4 relies its own 15-point PDAF system. You might find that you get better results from LA-EA3 which utilizes a6300‘s 425-point PDAF system.
Brian,
What is your take on the a6300 compared to the a7ii? Would the newer sensor of the a6300 be comparable to the a7ii IQ? With the new features of the a6300, it makes it a interesting upgrade option. Have the 16-70mm from my a6000 and would need to sell for FF, but really like the lens.
APS- C image quality continues to improve but it will never catch up to Fullframe. A6300 has an advantage in FPS and slightly faster AF speed, but a7II offers cleaner images at high ISOs, better control of selective focus and 5-Axis image stabilization.
Nice summary, thanks. Most of the way to switching from Nikon to Sony. Hold out is my 70-200 VR and D750. Would like to replace with a 6000 or 6300 to complement my a7r2, but want smaller zoom. Is Sony planning to produce an APC 70-200? Otherwise, might as well keep the Nikon.
I don’t know of any camera manufacturers that make both a fullframe and APS-C 70-200mm.
Thanks for responding. I was not clear. I meant a 70-200 APC equivalent such as Fuji’s 50-140. Nevertheless, I did get an A6300. It’s becoming my take everywhere camera with Batis 25 or 35 2.8. The little flash is handy for fill.
I need some advice and I found your review online, that´s why I´m writing you.
I´ve bought the Nikon d5500, then I read your review of the Sony a6300, and you praised it a lot. The thing is I still have the window open for making a change between these two cameras (like a day or so).
Which one would you recommend the most?
I´m a amateur photographer with the intention of become a more serious one. I even exhibit some of my work in the past. I take photos mostly of nature, from seascapes to the inside of a flower. I also do some streetphotography.
I´m sending you some pics to give you an idea.
Hope this email reaches you on time.
Thank you,
All the best.
Thanks for your email Andy. Sony mirrorless is the future of photography and it’s available today. Nikon and Canon will eventually follow suit but their heels are pretty firmly dug in at the moment. Sony a6300 is a great camera. I highly recommend it for all the uses you detailed.
Brian, thank you so much for your rapid and precise answer!
Best, Andy
Hi Brian,
Just wanted to know if Sony a6300 is the best camera at this price range for video making or is there any other cam that can be considered for serious video making ?
At its price point, absolutely!
I’m desperately trying to understand if I can use la ea3 with screw drive lenses ( beercan line ) and have af on my d6300 or if I can use the la ea2 but with only sam ssm lenses.I had a a7ii combo some years ago to use with the 500mm f8 af reflex and some others
thanks
LA-EA3 will not provide AF with Screw Drive lenses – only aperture control. In order to get AF with screw drive lenses you need either the discontinued LA-EA2 or it’s replacement the LA-EA4 Lens Mount Adapter