Quick reference guide for Sony APS-C mirrorless bodies
| Model | Release Date | Rough Price (Body) | Video Max | IBIS | Battery Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a6000 | Feb 2014 | ~$400 (Used) | 1080p | No | NP-FW50 (~360 shots) |
| a6300 | Feb 2016 | ~$600 (Used) | 4K 30p | No | NP-FW50 (~400 shots) |
| a6500 | Oct 2016 | ~$700 (Used) | 4K 30p | Yes | NP-FW50 (~350 shots) |
| a6400 | Jan 2019 | ~$900 | 4K 30p | No | NP-FW50 (~410 shots) |
| a6100 | Aug 2019 | ~$750 | 4K 30p | No | NP-FW50 (~420 shots) |
| a6600 | Aug 2019 | ~$1,400 | 4K 30p | Yes | NP-FZ100 (~810 shots) |
| a6700 | July 2023 | ~$1,400 | 4K 120p (10-bit) | Yes | NP-FZ100 (~570 shots) |
The oldest and cheapest. Still takes excellent 24MP photos, but its autofocus shows its age. No 4K video, no touchscreen, and the screen only tilts slightly. Best for extreme budgets focusing strictly on photography.
The a6300 introduced 4K video and weather sealing. The a6500 is basically an a6300 that adds IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) and a much larger buffer for burst photography. Both are largely superseded by newer models but can be found cheap used.
This generation brought a massive leap in autofocus (Real-Time Tracking and Eye-AF) and a screen that flips 180° up for vlogging.
The a6600 takes the amazing autofocus of the a6400 and adds two crucial features: IBIS, and the massive NP-FZ100 battery from Sony's full-frame cameras (which roughly doubles battery life). It lacks a built-in flash, however.
The modern powerhouse. It features a new 26MP BSI sensor, a dedicated AI-chip for recognizing subjects (humans, animals, birds, cars, bugs), and professional 10-bit 4K video up to 120fps. It is also the first a6XXX camera to feature a fully articulating (flip-out to the side) screen and a new, much easier menu system.