Sony A6700 - Sony's Most Advanced APS-C Camera
Sony Launches ILCE-6700 and Multi-functional Compact Shotgun Microphone ECM-M1
Precise subject recognition using AI and the highest digital photography features, for the first time in a compact APS-C body
July 12, 2023 - Sony announces the launch of its latest APS-C mirrorless camera - "ILCE-6700". The new offering combines revolutionary photo and video technologies from the latest full-frame Alpha™ camera models and professional Cinema Line cameras with the compact and lightweight design of the α6xxx series, to create Sony's best APS-C mirrorless camera yet. Thanks to an Exmor R® CMOS APS-C sensor with back-illumination and an impressive 26.0 effective megapixels, combined with Sony's fast and powerful BIONZ XR® processor, the "ILCE-6700" achieves exceptional image quality while maintaining a compact and lightweight design.
The camera supports high-resolution 4K video recording at up to 120fpsi, 14+ stopsii of dynamic range for capturing details even in challenging conditions and low light, and the S-Cinetone™ profile, used in Sony's professional Cinema Line series models, for detailed footage that does not require color processing and impressive human skin tone reproduction.
For all videographers and vloggers, Sony also announced the "ECM-M1" - a shotgun microphone that can capture high-quality audio thanks to eight different sound capture modes, including stereo.
"With the new ILCE-6700, Sony remains true to its commitment to provide creators worldwide with more opportunities, regardless of their level, by providing them with the necessary state-of-the-art tools to pursue their creative impulses and continue to grow. Our vision does not remain static; Sony will continue to expand its APS-C series to meet the individual needs of different creators and support all production activities in digital photography," said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging Solutions, Sony Europe.
Precise subject recognition using AI
The latest back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS APS-C sensor offers an impressive close to 26.0 effective megapixels, which in combination with the high technologies of the BIONZ XR processor guarantee exceptional image quality. Standard ISO sensitivity from 100 to 32000 for both photos and video clips, which allows capturing footage with low noise levels even at high sensitivity. Improved color capture for guaranteed realistic reproduction of people and plants with natural tones, in addition to Creative Look functionalities for unique visual expressiveness in images.
The AI processor from α7R V has been used, which allows AF (autofocus) with real-time recognition with high precision. As an extension of the α6000 series' capabilities for recognizing humans and animals, now multiple subjects such as humans, animals, birds, insects, cars/trains and airplanes can be accurately recognized for diverse creative expressions. When used with the new SEL70200G2iii lens released today, the camera offers a 105 mm to 300 mm focal length in full-frame 35mm equivalent, so you can take advantage of telephotography capabilities for high-quality photos. In addition, the camera is compatible with a wide range of E-mount lenses.
Excellent video features and 4K120pi compatibility
With the ability to handle data equivalent to 6K, the ILCE-6700 produces high-quality 4K video and supports recording at high frame rates up to 4K 120fps. The camera offers S-Log3 with 14+ stopsii of dynamic range for incredible gradation. Thanks to S-Cinetone, the ILCE-6700 also delivers impressive skin tone reproduction, emphasizing the subject - technologies perfected in the development process of the Cinema Line series, and the AI-based Auto-Framingiv technology provides smooth subject tracking without the need for manual camera movement. The body features a Multi Interface (MI) shoe, compatible with various digital audio interfaces. In combination with the new ECM-M1 shotgun microphone, it allows direct audio signal transmission and high-quality sound capture without loss.
Portability, functionality and easy connectivity that only a compact and lightweight camera can offer
Thanks to its compact design (approx. 12cm × 7cm × 8cm. and weighing around 493g.v), the ILCE-6700 is extremely portable. It uses a convenient, rotating LCD touch screen, which combines with a modern touchscreen menu for effortless control. Added to this are customizable scroll wheels for controlling various settings for photos, video clips, and S&Q modes. The camera is equipped with built-in 5-axis optical image stabilization with 5.0 stopsvi of shutter speed compensation for photos and Active Modevii for stable shots.
In terms of connectivity, the camera now supports the Creators' Appviii for easy uploading of video clips and photos to cloud services. Sony plans to release a new version of "Camera Remote SDK" in July 2023, which will allow remote operation and changes to camera settings.
Environmental and accessibility considerations
Over the past 10 years, Sony has replaced approximately 379 tonsix of new plastic with recycled plastic for the production of its digital cameras. Recycled materials, including SORPLASTMx, are actively used for the camera body, which reduces environmental impact without compromising functionality. In addition, a Screen Reader functionxi is available, which reads menus and video playback screens, facilitating operation and supporting the work of a wide range of content creators.
Shotgun Microphone "ECM-M1"
The ECM-M1 is the world's first shotgun microphone with eight different recording modes, selectable via a control dialxii. Thanks to its 4 capsules and unique directional technologies and digital processing, the microphone offers various modes, including stereo. In Ultra-directional mode, it captures desired sounds in front of the camera (within a 30-degree angle), while effectively suppressing other sounds and continuously adapting to ambient sounds. This mode is ideal for interviews and self-recording when the subject is always in front of the microphone.
The new microphone mode control dial with a locking mechanism ensures easy and reliable switching between individual recording modes. The ECM-M1 uses noise reduction technologies such as an ambient noise filter, which reduces background noise, and a low-cut filter, which minimizes unwanted vibrations and low-frequency sounds. These filters are applied through digital signal processing and maximize audio quality at the recording stage, reducing the need for complex post-production processing. The microphone also supports 4-channel recording (only with compatible cameras), allowing reliable sound recording in Omnidirectional mode on channels 3 and 4, while channels 1 and 2 are directed to your selected direction. Compact and lightweight, the ECM-M1 provides greater mobility and allows content creators to record high-quality audio in a wide variety of situations. Simply connect the microphone to the Multi Interface shoe of a compatible body for audio connection and direct power without the need for additional cables or batteries. When connected via the Multi Interface shoe of a compatible camera that offers a built-in digital audio interface, the audio signal is transferred directly to the camera in digital format to avoid loss of quality. With just one switch, you have the option to connect to a wide range of cameras with an analog interface.
Price and Availability
The new ILCE-6700 will be available from August '23 at prices starting from 3,399 BGN.
The ECM-M1 will be available from August '23 at prices starting from 799 BGN.
A product video for the ILCE-6700 and ECM-M1 can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfrqZ6_HCAk
i QFHD (3840×2160). Crop of approximately 38% of the viewing angle.
ii When shooting with S-Log3. Internal Sony measurement.
iii For more information about the FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS Ⅱ, please refer to the press release of July 12, 2023.
iv Valid for video mode only. The viewing angle is slightly narrowed as a crop from a 4K resolution image is used.
v Weight includes battery and memory card.
vi Conforms to CIPA standards, vertical and horizontal shift with FE 50 mm F1.2 GM lens used, long exposure and noise reduction off.
vii In Active Mode, the shooting angle is slightly narrowed.
viii You can check availability by region for various services and applications from the URL below: Creators’ App: https://www.sony.net/cca , Creators’ Cloud: https://www.sony.net/cc/ Download the app from Google Play and App Store. The availability of certain network services, content, operating systems, and software, which are subject to additional terms, may be subject to change or interruption or may require payment of fees, registration, and provision of credit card data.
ix According to a Sony study. Recycled materials were used for the product body and accessories from April 2012 to March 2022.
xiv SORPLAS™ may not have been used for certain parts depending on the manufacturing date.
xi Supported languages vary depending on the sales region.
xii As of the press release date, July 2023. Sony study. As a camera microphone.
