The Fastest Autofocus Camera in the World

Maybe It’s just me, but I can’t help but snicker at how much the Nikon vs. Canon DSLR Camera wars of the past and the mirror less vs. DSLR debates of the present are mirroring (no pun intended) the messy, impassioned, yet undoubtedly entertaining presidential race this year.

I dare you not to see the parallels in the tale of two old establishment figures duking it out for supremacy only to be shaken up by the “outsider” audaciously offering people a bold, new alternative.

Cool Autofocus Camera in the World

Freaky, right? And just like a certain reality TV star/real estate mogul is changing the face of American politics, so too is the mirror less camera making DSLR purists clutch their pearls (or their camera straps, anyway). It has reached a point where even an online retailer has asked the almost unthinkable: “Should you ditch your DSLR?”

Well, it seems that Sony is eagerly throwing more fuel into the fiery debate, as it introduced the latest addition to its award-winning lineup of mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras in February 2016—the Sony ?6300.

The Sony ?6300 is said to have the world’s fastest autofocus (focusing on a subject in as quick as 0.05 seconds), the best 4K image capture in any consumer digital camera, a renovated 24.2MP APS-C sensor, as well as a new processor to up the ante on the mirrorless camera market.

The Sony ?6300 replaces the Sony ?6000, the best-selling mirrorless camera of all time.

Check out these key specs:

● Unrivalled 4D FOCUS™ system (which can focus on a subject in as little as 0.05 seconds).
● Sony E-Mount (lens mount).
● 24.2MP APS-C sensor (23.5 x 15.6 mm).
● 425 phase detection AF points densely positioned over the entire image area.
● ISO range of 100-51,200.
● 11 fps burst mode.
● Focus tracking and accuracy similar for both E and A lenses via adapter.
● 2.4 million dot OLED viewfinder.
● 3”, 921k dot resolution flip-out LCD monitor.
● Continuous 8 fps Live View display.
● 4K video.
● Wi-Fi, NFC compatible.
● Fully functional with Sony’s Play Memories Mobile app (available for Android and iOS platforms).
● Upgraded dust and moisture resistance.
● New shutter release button and mode dial with improved operability and grip.

Neal Manowitz, Vice President of Digital Imaging at Sony Electronics explains, “The α6300 is yet another example of the dominant innovation that Sony continues to bring to the industry, especially from the mirrorless space.

With this new model, we’ve combined the world’s fastest and most extensive AF system with a superb image sensor and many of our most advanced imaging and video technologies, creating a package that can far exceed the performance of any DSLR in its class. This camera connects you with the action like never before.”

Sensor and Processor

Although the ?6300’s 24MP resolution is essentially the same as the ?6000’s, the former’s sensor is newly developed and works in tandem with the new BionZ X image processing engine. The ?6300 also has an expanded ISO range of 100-51,200.

The ?6300 contains copper wiring, which is good for improving light collection efficiency and readout speed. Plus, an upgraded image processing algorithm optimizes the sensor’s abilities, resulting in low noise even when shooting at mid- to high-ISO sensitivity settings.

World’s Fastest Autofocus

Aside from having the world’s fastest autofocus, the ?6300’s High-density Tracking AF technology positions 425 phase detection AF points over nearly the entire viewing field—a whopping jump from the 179 focal points offered by its predecessor, the ?6000.

Now, the camera can focus more accurately throughout a wide area—even on small and fast-moving objects that other cameras fail to detect. This also means significantly improved tracking ability on highly dynamic action shots such as when photographing a football game.

The ?6300’s High-density Tracking AF technology, meanwhile, is particularly powerful when used with the high-speed 11 fps continuous shooting or the new 8 fps continuous live-view mode, which provides 100% accurate framing for fast-moving subjects on the LCD screen viewfinder.

This advancement in mirrorless AF is an exciting breakthrough that brings mirrorless cameras even closer to matching the last remaining strongholds of DSLRs.

Lens Compatibility

The Sony ?6300 should work with most of Sony’s lenses with the use of an adapter, including the E- and A-mount lenses. The Sony ?6300 also accommodates Sony’s new G Master lenses, which were unveiled on the same day as the ?6300. The G Master lenses are the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM, and the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS.

Sony’s G Master lenses feature cutting-edge lens design technology with a particular focus on enhanced bokeh. When using the G Master lenses on the ?6300, photographers are assured sharp images with reduced noise, color fidelity, and accurate subject focus.

Check out some sample images below:

Image Source: Flickr/Stan Horaczek

For more exclusive features, helpful tips, and sample photographs shot with the new ?6300 camera, you may visit Sony’s new official community site created specifically to showcase the Sony ? brand.

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Liz Pekler is a travel photographer with almost 10 years of experience in the field. When she is not out exploring the world, she likes to share her knowledge about photography and travel through writing for blogs. 🙂

The Fastest Autofocus Camera in the World: A Tipping Point for Mirrorless Cameras?