Sony A6000 vs Sony Nex 6 - Image Quality, High ISO, Focus Testing, and More..

So I really went to work this past weekend comparing the new Sony A6000 vs my Nex-6, which is now the old model and in this video I compared image quality in the real world and Lab, did some focus testing, and created a cool illustration which shows both cameras off head to head ;) For photos and more detail, check out the full article on SonyAlphaLab: sonyalphalab.com/2014/06/new-sony-a6000-vs-my-nex-6-real-world-and-lab-testing/
Thanks again for watching and feel free to ask questions as always!
Jay
SonyAlphaLab Support Links:
Sony A6000 @ BHPhoto: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search/atclk/Ntt/sony+alpha+a6000/N/0/InitialSearch/yes/sts/ma/Top+Nav-Search/BI/7257/KBID/7777/DFF/d10-v1-t14
Sony A6000 @ Amazon US - www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=sony%20a6000&linkCode=as2&tag=jhvitu-20&linkId=VREBLO5WT7XSRILE
Sony A6000 @ Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&index=aps&keywords=sony%20a6000&linkCode=as2&tag=sonyalphalab-21
Sony Nex-6 @ BHPhoto: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search/atclk/Ntt/sony+nex-6/N/0/InitialSearch/yes/sts/ma/Top+Nav-Search/BI/7257/KBID/7777/DFF/d10-v1-t14
Sony Nex-6 @ Amazon US: www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=sony%20nex-6&linkCode=as2&tag=jhvitu-20&linkId=ENMNGCAZQ2MFHZF4
Sony Nex-6 @ Amazon UK
Sony 18-105mm f/4 OSS Powerzoom Lens @ BHPhoto: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1001011-REG/sony_selp18105g_18_105mm_f_4_g_lens.html/BI/7257/KBID/7777/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x460048
Sony 18-105mm f/4 OSS Powerzoom Lens @ Amazon US: www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=sony%20selp18105g&linkCode=as2&tag=jhvitu-20&linkId=HINVCYNDSM3ACBEY
Sony 18-105mm f/4 OSS Powerzoom Lens @ Amazon UK: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&index=aps&keywords=sony%20selp18105g&linkCode=as2&tag=sonyalphalab-21
Sony E-Mount 70-200mm f/4 OSS G Lens @ BHPhoto: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1029862-REG/sony_sel70200g_70_200mm_f_4_5_6_g_lens.html/BI/7257/KBID/7777/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x508421
Sony E-Mount 70-200mm f/4 OSS G Lens @ Amazon US: www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=sony%20sel70200g&linkCode=as2&tag=jhvitu-20&linkId=4IJC66DIWN7H3PCR
Sony E-Mount 70-200mm f/4 OSS G Lens @ Amazon UK: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00G9UJW36/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B00G9UJW36&linkCode=as2&tag=sonyalphalab-21

[@frcproductions9089]

i know this is a bit old but that style of comparison with the specs slowly moving and you speaking over it is really very useful defo keep doing that man

[@Jason_Hermann]

I appreciate the feedback, thank you! I like the way this style works also....

[@SneakyCaleb]

I agree

[@MsErikaAlexandra]

thank you so much for posting this comparison video! I have been indecisive for several days on which camera to purchase and your research video helped me make my decision! Thank you!! :)

[@lopatovich]

It's still hard to decide in 2018 :D Thanks for the video man

[@sibeliusjohannes2660]

Totally agree

[@gerekappo]

I'm going from an almost 10 year Canon XSi 12mp to one of those, when I can, because they are expensive here, 2020 and can't decide too =P

[@vladimirivanov6353]

Fantastic video ,great job!!! Thank you so much!

[@Retro.foxhound]

Great in-depth comparison ! Big thumbs-up 👍

[@Jason_Hermann]

Thanks ;)

[@ObelixCMM]

Great review Jay!

[@Jason_Hermann]

Thank you :)

[@fintonmainz7845]

Excellent video.

[@MrCaptainobvious9999]

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@Jason_Hermann]

Thanks for the comments ;)

[@jackmurray2446]

Were any tests conducted with the 2 cameras where both had the identical lens used?

[@satyajyotisarkar3399]

I’m about to purchase either of these. My only lenses will some existing ones from Nikon that I will use in MANUAL MODE vide a lensbaby adapter on the e-mount. So that means I will be relying on the FOCUS PEAKING more than anything. Also I prefer using the viewfinder rather than the screen. What I want to understand which is a more ideal, a more appropiate purchase for me the Nex6 or A6000 considering the viewfinder difference among the models and that the only lenses I will be using will need to focussed manually. Price not an issue, Megapixels not an issue. Kindly advise.

[@BadBoyz21]

Thanks for the comparison vid. Btw i noticed the nex6 has dropped in price, similar to the 5t both w/ kit lens. I believe both have similar specs the only thing missing is the touch screen which I guess i can use to object track. what's your opinion on those two?

[@sski66]

Thanks great informative comparison.

[@Jason_Hermann]

Thank you Tom for the comments.

[@anrn5303]

Jay: as usual quite informative video! I guess i'll hold on to my NEX6 rather than buying the new A6000; I guess now that NEX7 has been out for years now; perhaps upgrade from NEX6 to that instead of A6000? once again mahalo!

[@CanalDEWILAPI]

Very good head-to-head! Thanks :)

[@Jason_Hermann]

Thanks for the comments!

[@leo_strobist3965]

Thanks a lot!

[@smartwarden]

Great review as ususal Jay, I was actually hoping to see the differences in the menu and the controls. So basically, if I don't need that fast AF and I don't take pictures of moving subjects, then the NEX 6 would be more than fine, right ?

[@Jason_Hermann]

Valère Absolutely ;) Very sorry for the delayed reply!

[@ctrlbrk]

Can you do a video combining the A6000 with the SEL1670Z lens? This is what I have just ordered and am looking forward to what you have to say about the combo.

[@Jason_Hermann]

Sorry, but I don't have that lens anymore and will not be getting it anytime soon. You can expect very good performance from that lens though for sure. It's a great all in one for photography in particular. The 18-105mm G Powerzoom lens is great option if you want both video and photography all-in-one usage because it costs less money and has more range ;) I hope that helps,Jay

[@zzzkarlzz]

good review!!kinda bummed out coz my nex 6 is old news and its only 7months old :(

[@Jason_Hermann]

Don't be bummed Karl, I also have the Nex-6 still and it's a great camera! The latest and greatest will always come out and be tempting, but we can skip a generation or two without worry ;) Jay

[@basketcase1235]

a bit late, but good thing I've stumbled on to this vid. prices for the a6000 right now is still way above what i consider reasonable to pay for, age-wise, whereas the nex-6 can be had for peanuts. this just made me more confused between the a6000, the a5100 and the nex-6, in a good way.

[@JDogProductions]

I have the NEX 6 with the 35mm F1.8 Lens and produced pretty much all my videos with it for the last 2-3 years and thinking of upgrading. I don't know if I should upgrade to the A6000 or sell the whole thing and buy the RX10. I even wanted to get the sigma 18-35 F1.8 Lens on the NEX 6 with metabones but it looks like too much hassle. Any advice?

[@Jason_Hermann]

+JDogProductions The A6000 is a upgrade in AF performance and with the firmware update, now offers XAVC S format for video. This is a higher bit rate which means better detail and dynamic range potential. The XAVC S format requires a SDXC memory card as well. The RX10 is a great option, and also offers the XAVC S format, but the smaller sensor is not as good as A6000. If you need range like the RX10, then the E-Mount 18-105mm f/4 G Lens is a great option for video, because it has the powerzoom feature and a constant f/4 aperture. Latest info here: sonyalphalab.com/ I hope that helps, Jay

[@danielebusato6537]

Hi, great comparison! I am going to buy one of these cameras, the price (used) is almost the same. The 16 mpx sensor is better in low light condition?

[@Jason_Hermann]

Daniele Busato Thanks! The A6000 has much better auto focus performance and higher resolution sensor. Low light is almost identical believe it or not, therefore higher resolution is significantly better value overall in my opinion. I hope that helps, Jay

[@danielebusato6537]

***** Thankyou!

[@InsideGoogle]

Im a complete beginner , I have an option of buying a nex 6 for cheap . I need one for surf photography ( from land ) . Do you think it s good for that purpose ? Thanks u

[@Jason_Hermann]

yes, it will do the job well with a good lens attached. For the money the E 55-210mm lens is a great option and my reviewed it here: www.sonyalphalab.com/product-review-sony-e-mount-sel55210-55-210mm-f4-5-6-6-oss-lens-hands-on-review/

[@syedamir8462]

On 2019, which one should I get if I prioritize on budget. Will Nex 6 perform as good as A6000 in term of night and portrait photography or at least close performance ? I don't mind much on videography.

[@Jason_Hermann]

Yes, it will perform really well if the ISO value is low. At High ISO values the A6000 will perform better though due to the newer sensor.

[@syedamir8462]

Alright, thank for you recommendation. I’ve bought Nex-6 and undoubtedly, it works perfect with F1.8 50mm lens.

[@brown55061]

This review is awesome BUT if you were to use the PZ16-50 lens you'd see more issues exposed by the camera, which is what 75% or more will use since they are P&S users. Do you have anything negative to say about using the adapters to slap A-mount glass on these E-mount bodies?

[@Jason_Hermann]

+brown55061 Taking advantage of all the e-mount lenses is key to getting the most out of your camera, but I do understand what you are saying. The 16-50mm lens is not the best, but should not be held against the camera in all fairness. A-Mount lenses are great, but much larger and heavier in most cases. The focus with the LA-EA4 lens adapter will be much faster than the LA-EA3 on the A6000. This is an option and it does work as advertised based on all my testing over the years.

[@brown55061]

Great, thanks for your input Jay.

[@rjabreu89]

Hi. I'm really into a6000! Thinking of buying it next week. I went to a local store and tried it but, since I use glasses, there was an issue I found while using the electronic viewfinder. The viewfinder slides over the glasses when I move the camera and the sensor tells the camera I'm not using the viewfinder, which turns the lcd screen on and the evf off. since this distance is so short and the sensor gets tricked, this keeps happening for every small movement I make afterwards. Does anyone knows if there is a menu option to override the transition between evf and lcd based on the sensor?

[@Jason_Hermann]

Ricardo Abreu Hello and yes, the finder/ Monitor setting is normally Auto. You can force it to ether the screen or EVF in the menu. under the gear icon!Jay

[@rjabreu89]

Thank you very much ***** this is happy news for me as I didn't want to ditch this camera for an outdated canon :p thank you and keep with the great work you've been doing.

[@Jason_Hermann]

Anytime Ricardo Abreu and have a great weekend!

[@ToddBoniface]

Hey Jay, me again :P Do you think the A7 successor will use the same hybrid AF? Also, do you know when the successor to the A7/R will be released ? From what I can find there aren't meany rumors... do you think it's a good option to buy an A7R right now for a second camera (I use a Canon 5D MkIII for my main DSLR worthy work.

[@Jason_Hermann]

Todd Boniface I sure hope so, and yes I do think it will ;) Check out this article I wrote recently on the matter: www.sonyalphalab.com/2014/10/what-next-for-the-full-frame-sony-a7-series-cameras/

[@ToddBoniface]

Thanks jay. I ended up getting the a7r. So far I'm happy as can be!

[@Jason_Hermann]

Todd Boniface Awesome, that is what I own as well ;)

[@ToddBoniface]

I've made an unboxing but am sure to be doing more in depth look at the 35mm and 24-70mm CZ lenses. Along with the really right stuff L plate. :). Thanks again. Your videos helped a lot.

[@Stek40Channel]

why is it significantly better for video, I didn't understand....

[@Jason_Hermann]

Better video codec formats....

[@MasticinaAkicta]

Mmm not bad not bad at all. That A6000 really is a performer. Not that the nex-6 wasn't.. but the a6000 is better at it

[@Jason_Hermann]

Thanks and yes I agree, a little better for sure ;) Jay

[@FuzTim]

How about video quality?

[@Jason_Hermann]

The A6000 is much better than the Nex-6. Night and day difference due to the way it samples off the sensor and the BionzX processor is much faster, so more work can be done on the individual frames. The video and AF are the two best improvements over the A6000. The higher res sensor comes next for me personally. Be sure to check out the sample vidoes I have on my channel of both the Nex-6 and A6000.

[@PewLaserBeams]

the nex6 video is softer, and has much more moire and aliasing, the a6000 is really good with aliasing and moire patterns.

[@thelion9588]

Why the f*** did sony put a worse display on a6000 ?! Just look at that awful mirror reflection of the a6000's display at 0:33

[@Jason_Hermann]

+Nicu Dorux To keep the cost as low as possible and therefore, destroy the mirrorless market competition and put a hurting on the DSLR market. Sony left out on several things, but when you add those features in, the actual cost will go up a lot. Silent shutter, touchscreen, GPS, etc... I was hoping a A7000 would have come out already to fill the gap, but nothing yet.

[@tungstenwhizard4361]

You expect Sony to put every single freaking thing on the A6000 and keep it at it's (relatively) cheap price of 599.99 (body only)? It's good for what it's worth, and the display will never be as good as when the pictures make it onto your computer.

[@RJ-qr1kh]

a6000 was plastic body.