Camera Buying Guides, Comparison Guides

Sony A6700 vs A6600: Which Should You Choose?

Sony A6700 Vs A6600

The Sony A6700 represents the latest evolution of Sonyโ€™s APS-C lineup, while the A6600 stands as its predecessor. As a camera store thatโ€™s helped countless photographers navigate these choices, weโ€™ll guide you through the key differences to help you make an informed decision.

๐ŸŽฏ Quick Answer: Choose the A6700 if you need improved AI autofocus, 4K 60p video without crop, and 10-bit recording capabilities. Pick the A6600 if you want a proven performer with excellent battery life at a more affordable price point, and donโ€™t require the latest video features.

Understanding The Differences Of The A6700 & A6600 Cameras

When choosing between these cameras, youโ€™re selecting between two generations of Sonyโ€™s advanced APS-C lineup. Both feature in-body stabilization and impressive autofocus, but with notable technological advances in the newer model.

Key Differences at a Glance:

A6700:

  • 26MP newest generation sensor
  • Advanced AI-based autofocus
  • 4K 60p video (no crop)
  • 10-bit 4:2:2 video
  • Latest BIONZ XR processor
  • No recording time limits
  • Focus breathing compensation
  • Creative Look presets

A6600:

  • 24.2MP sensor
  • Real-time tracking AF
  • 4K 30p video
  • 8-bit video
  • BIONZ X processor
  • 30-minute record limit
  • Standard picture profiles
  • Traditional controls

Perfect For:

A6700 โ†’ Content creators, vloggers, hybrid shooters, advanced enthusiasts

A6600 โ†’ Photo enthusiasts, travel photographers, everyday shooters

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: While the A6700 brings significant upgrades in video features and autofocus capabilities, the A6600โ€™s excellent battery life and proven reliability still make it a capable choice for photographers prioritizing stills.

What They Share:

  • In-body image stabilization
  • Weather-sealed design
  • Real-time Eye AF
  • Vari-angle touchscreen
  • E-mount compatibility
  • Compact form factor
  • Professional features

๐Ÿ’ฌ Why Trust Us? At Campkins Cameras, weโ€™ve helped countless photographers choose between these cameras and use them in real-world situations. Our insights come from hands-on experience and direct feedback from professional photographers.

Explore our full range of Sony cameras โ†’

Core Specifications & Key Features

Sony A6700 Vs A6600

Letโ€™s examine the key specifications and their real-world impact.

Key Specifications Compared

FeatureSony A6700Sony A6600
Sensor26MP APS-C CMOS24.2MP APS-C CMOS
Image ProcessorBIONZ XRBIONZ X
ISO Range100-32000 (exp. 50-102,400)100-32000 (exp. to 102,400)
Max Video Resolution4K 60p (No crop)4K 30p (Super 35mm)
EVF Resolution2.359M-dot OLED2.359M-dot OLED
LCD Screen3.0โ€ณ Vari-angle Touch3.0โ€ณ Tilting Touch
Max Frame Rate11 fps mechanical, 13 fps electronic11 fps mechanical
BufferApprox. 50 RAWApprox. 46 RAW
Card SlotsSingle SD (UHS-II)Single SD (UHS-I)
IBISYes (5-axis)Yes (5-axis)
Battery Life450 shots (LCD)810 shots (LCD)

Understanding the Real-World Impact

Speed & Performance:

  • A6700 offers faster processing
  • Similar base shooting speeds
  • A6700 has enhanced buffer clearing
  • A6600 provides longer battery life
  • Both feature reliable tracking

Video Capabilities:

  • A6700: 4K 60p, no crop
  • A6600: 4K 30p with crop
  • A6700: 10-bit 4:2:2
  • A6600: 8-bit only
  • A6700: No record limits

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: The A6700โ€™s improved heat management and unlimited recording make it significantly more practical for video work, while the A6600โ€™s superior battery life benefits long photo sessions.

Real-World Performance Impact

High-Speed Applications:

  • Sports photography
  • Wildlife action
  • Street photography
  • Event coverage

Studio Applications:

  • Portrait photography
  • Product photography
  • Video production
  • Content creation

For more insights on camera performance, explore our guides on Sony cameras for wildlife photography and best Sony cameras for video.

Key Features & Performance

Sony A6700 Vs A6600

Letโ€™s examine these camerasโ€™ capabilities in real-world scenarios.

Video Features

A6700 Video Features:

  • 4K 60p with no crop
  • 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording
  • S-Log3 and S-Cinetone profiles
  • Focus breathing compensation
  • No recording time limits
  • Advanced heat management
  • Live streaming capabilities
  • Creative Look presets

A6600 Video Features:

  • 4K 30p with Super 35mm crop
  • 8-bit internal recording
  • S-Log2 and S-Log3 profiles
  • Standard recording options
  • 30-minute recording limit
  • Basic heat management
  • Basic streaming features
  • Standard picture profiles

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: The A6700โ€™s improved video features make it ideal for content creators and videographers, while the A6600โ€™s longer battery life benefits extended photo sessions.

Shared Professional Features

Both cameras include features valued by photographers and videographers:

  • Real-time tracking AF
  • Real-time Eye AF (human/animal)
  • In-body image stabilization
  • Customizable function buttons
  • Touch focus and tracking
  • Weather-sealed construction
  • E-mount lens compatibility

Autofocus Capabilities

A6700 Advantages:

  • Latest AI-based subject recognition
  • Enhanced human pose detection
  • Improved animal and bird Eye AF
  • Better low-light focusing
  • Advanced vehicle tracking
  • More precise eye detection
  • Enhanced subject tracking algorithms

A6600 Features:

  • Real-time tracking AF
  • Human and animal Eye AF
  • Face detection
  • Reliable subject tracking
  • -2 EV low-light sensitivity
  • 425-point phase-detection AF
  • 425-point contrast-detection AF

Real-World Performance

A6700 Excels At:

A6600 Excels At:

  • Travel photography
  • Extended photo sessions
  • Event photography
  • Basic video recording
  • All-day shooting
  • Reliable performance
  • Documentary work

Image Quality

Sony A6700 Vs A6600

Letโ€™s examine the image quality differences between these cameras.

Resolution Comparison

A6700 Resolution Benefits (26MP):

  • Higher resolution sensor
  • Improved detail rendering
  • Better cropping flexibility
  • Latest processing algorithms
  • Enhanced noise reduction
  • Better high ISO performance
  • Improved dynamic range
  • Latest color science

A6600 Resolution Features (24.2MP):

  • Proven sensor design
  • Strong detail capture
  • Good cropping potential
  • Reliable processing
  • Effective noise control
  • Solid high ISO results
  • Good dynamic range
  • Classic Sony colors

Low Light Performance

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: While both cameras handle low light well, the A6700โ€™s newer processor and improved algorithms provide cleaner high ISO images and better noise reduction in challenging light situations, particularly beneficial for wedding photographers and event shooters.

Real-World ISO Performance:

A6700 advantages:

  • Improved noise handling at high ISOs
  • Better shadow recovery
  • Enhanced color accuracy in low light
  • Cleaner images above ISO 6400
  • More usable results in challenging light

A6600 capabilities:

  • Strong noise control up to ISO 6400
  • Reliable shadow recovery
  • Consistent color reproduction
  • Good high ISO performance
  • Proven low-light capability

Practical Image Quality Applications

A6700 Excels In:

A6600 Excels In:

Build & Design

Sony A6700 Vs A6600

Control Layout

A6700 Features:

  • 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen
  • 2.359M-dot OLED EVF
  • Improved grip design
  • Enhanced customization
  • New menu system
  • Better positioned controls
  • Function buttons
  • Refined touch interface

A6600 Features:

  • 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen
  • 2.359M-dot OLED EVF
  • Traditional grip design
  • Standard customization
  • Classic menu system
  • Standard control layout
  • Custom buttons
  • Basic touch features

Weather Sealing

Both cameras feature protective sealing:

  • Dust and moisture resistant
  • Sealed buttons and dials
  • Protected card slots
  • Robust port covers
  • Magnesium alloy chassis

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: While both cameras offer professional-grade weather sealing, the A6700โ€™s improved thermal design provides better heat dissipation during extended video recording.

Physical Specifications:

Size & Weight:

  • A6700: 396g (body only)
  • A6600: 503g (body only)

Dimensions:

  • A6700: 122.9 x 69.7 x 75.3mm
  • A6600: 120.0 x 66.9 x 69.3mm

For lens recommendations, visit our guides for Sony lenses for wildlife and Sony lenses for beginners.

Who Should Choose Which Camera

Sony A6700 Vs A6600

The A6700 Photographer

Best For:

Key Advantages:

  • Latest autofocus technology
  • No recording time limits
  • Better video specs
  • Improved heat management
  • Advanced customization
  • Latest processing power

The A6600 Photographer

Best For:

  • Travel photographers
  • Event photographers
  • Photo enthusiasts
  • All-day shooters
  • Budget-conscious creators
  • Photography students

Key Advantages:

  • Exceptional battery life
  • Proven reliability
  • Better value proposition
  • Simpler menu system
  • Lighter weight
  • Comfortable grip

Photography Style Breakdown

Street Photography:

  • Recommended: Either camera
  • Why: Both offer fast AF and compact size

Video Production:

  • Recommended: A6700
  • Why: 4K 60p, no record limits, 10-bit

Travel Photography:

  • Recommended: A6600
  • Why: Superior battery life, proven reliability

Sports Photography:

  • Recommended: A6700
  • Why: Better AF, improved processing

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: Consider your complete workflow when choosing. While both cameras offer excellent image quality, the A6700โ€™s improved video features and latest AF technology may justify the investment for content creators, while the A6600โ€™s superior battery life benefits long shooting sessions.

The choice between these cameras often comes down to specific use cases โ€“ the A6700 excels in video and cutting-edge features, while the A6600 stands out for its exceptional battery life and proven reliability. Visit our guides for sports photography and portrait photography for more specific insights.

Final Verdict

Sony A6700 Vs A6600

Making Your Final Decision

Choose the A6700 if you need:

  • Latest AI autofocus
  • 4K 60p video capability
  • 10-bit video recording
  • No recording time limits
  • Vari-angle screen
  • Advanced customization
  • Latest processing power
  • Better heat management

Choose the A6600 if you want:

  • Superior battery life
  • Proven reliability
  • More affordable price
  • Simpler menu system
  • Comfortable grip
  • All-day shooting
  • Basic video features

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: Consider your complete workflow. While the A6700 offers newer technology, the A6600โ€™s exceptional battery life and proven reliability make it a compelling choice for photographers prioritizing stills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the A6700 worth upgrading from the A6600?

The upgrade is most valuable for video creators and those needing advanced AF features. For still photographers, the A6600 remains highly capable.

Which camera handles heat better?

The A6700 features significantly improved heat management, allowing for longer recording times in high-quality video modes.

Do both cameras use the same batteries?

Yes, both use the NP-FZ100 battery, though the A6600 offers superior battery life.

Can I use my existing E-mount lenses?

Yes, both cameras are fully compatible with all Sony E-mount lenses, including both APS-C and full-frame options.

Which is better for travel photography?

The A6600โ€™s exceptional battery life makes it ideal for travel, though the A6700โ€™s improved AF and video features benefit travel vloggers.

Both cameras excel in Sonyโ€™s APS-C lineup, each with distinct advantages. Your choice should align with your specific needs, whether thatโ€™s the A6700โ€™s cutting-edge features or the A6600โ€™s exceptional battery life and reliability.

Visit our store to explore both cameras in person โ†’

Buy The Sony A6700 Or The A6600

About Owen Howell

Is the third generation and the current owner who was born into the business, learning all about the new and used camera trade from his father Barry and grandfather Tom. He now has a highly qualified team who themselves are practising photographers with a combined experience of over 100 years. You can catch Owen and his team using either the live chat on the website or by emailing [email protected] or telephone 01223 368087.

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