Sony A6600 review - detailed, hands-on, not sponsored

A detailed, hands-on review of the Sony A6600, describing everything you need to know about this camera.
RELATED VIDEOS
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Part Two • Sony A6600 review - de...
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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0:33 sample images
1:10 overview
2:17 body - details and handling
4:11 setup for shooting
5:36 G series 70-350mm lens
6:51 customization options
9:18 manual exposure settings
10:36 ISO samples, AutoISO setting options
11:47 P, A, S modes and full auto
12:22 scene modes
12:42 colour science and white balance
#NOTSPONSORED
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I have not received compensation in exchange for posting this review.
If you would like to support me, members of this channel receive additional perks:
/ @maartenheilbron
Or support me directly via PayPal
www.paypal.me/...
While I do appreciate your support, no content will ever be behind a paywall.
AFFILIATE LINKS
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I will receive a small commission if you purchase:
Sony A6600 body Only bhpho.to/2PxUVia
Sony 70-350 lens bhpho.to/2E5GE6Z
Maartech’s video production essentials:
www.bhphotovid...
www.amazon.com...
FLICKR
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Flickr images with EXIF
www.flickr.com...
CREDITS
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Host and Producer: Maarten Heilbron
Music: Stuff by Otis McDonald from the KZbin music library.
ABOUT ME
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I do read and respond to all comments, which are moderated. If you leave a relevant question or civil comment without links (which are filtered by youtube) it will be posted, I will reply.
Spend more time with me:
WEBSITE/BLOG: maartech.com
CONTACT: maartendotheilbronatgmaildotcom
DISCLOSURE
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The Sony A6600 and the G series 70-350mm lens were on loan, and returned after the review.
I am not sponsored or compensated by any manufacturer, I have not accepted payment to review this or any product. Even if a product was provided at no cost to me, I don’t allow the provider to review the script or video prior to posting.
I am compensated by Google Adwords, who place videos before and after my videos. I receive a small commission from B&H and Amazon if you purchase using the affiliate links.
Please do not allow this to influence your purchase decision. Should you wish to support me, please use the links above.
I encourage you to visit and support your local photo/video retailer.

[@SawTomorrow]

I'm 2 minutes in and I love your pacing and voice! Great job! :)

[@MaartenHeilbron]

That's very kind of you to say. Thanks for commenting.

[@zh123456]

30-11-2022 I bought the A6600 with the 70-350mm. She is a very good camera giving me ISO 50 just like my Sony A7iii. Thank you for this video / review. Good luck and Strong health sir.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for taking the time to post your kind words.

[@hectoremilio1]

Great review, Maarten. I appreciate the honesty. Greetings from Honduras!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for the kind words, please say hello to all my friends in Honduras!

[@mrcoolweb8001]

You've done it again a perfect great review. the price in the Uk is high so will check the price in Holland often cheaper than the UK this could be a good carry around replacement for my old canon 7d mk2 as I think all my lenses will fit.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for the kind words. Note that you will need an adapter and can’t expect the focus and some other performance you would have with native emount lenses.

[@pankist]

I am convinced. Thank you, sir!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Always nice to know I've been able to help.

[@kbruff2010]

Excellent review. The SONY apps were poorly understood by the "pro" community. I will hold onto my a6500. Fine video.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

That's likely a good plan. Thanks for the kind words.

[@skakdosmer]

"Is the Sony 6600 a camera for you?" No. But I enjoyed the review anyway. So thank you.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Always a pleasure to read your comments, thanks for the kind words.

[@genghis2510]

Lau Bjerno The question should have been “Is the Sony a6600 for ME? But not “you”. I’m a Nikon guy using a used a6300 with only a 20mm pancake lens attached to it. And for sometime now it’s my small get and go camera I can hand hold for initial test and preview shoots. I may not have it yet but I think it’s larger grip and bigger high capacity battery are plus factors. Maybe after some months or year when the hype and price settles down I’ll scour eBay or Amazon for used ones.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

@@genghis2510 Saying "Is the A6600 for me" at the start of a video seems very unfriendly. I like to include my audience. Thanks for adding your thoughts and plans.

[@upontheword632]

Your reviews are pro level indeed. Do you plan to do one on Panny G9? I'm looking at a great hybrid camera but with pro video-cine features.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

I've been asking Panasonic Canada for a G9 for the last six months with no success. I'll ask one more time in January.

[@Ghostmanriding]

Thanks for this great review Maarten. I'm looking to buy an a6600.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

I appreciate the kind words, always nice to know my content is helpful.

[@youknowwho9247]

How does this channel only have 90k subscribers?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Isn’t 90K an excellent number?

[@graphguy]

@@MaartenHeilbron I think so! that is 90,000 people who think Maarten does a fantastic job in educating, ...and entertaining us! That is about 89,995 more people thank think as much about me!

[@michaels8597]

It's because it's not the usual brainless,misleading trash,like 'i switched','*** is dead,'and it's not a comparison video about other brands...THIS IS HOW YOU REVIEW AND DO A TUTORIAL..

[@IMDABROWN]

@@MaartenHeilbron 90k is a good number but I’m sure the meaning was you should have more.

[@sandrasdcuocsongcanada9415]

Made it 90,001 is better eh!?

[@terrymcgynnis]

Mr.Dependable once again delivers a fine review. Thanks Maarten.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks, it was kind of you to comment.

[@momchilyordanov8190]

I like the way you structure your reviews. Cannot think of an aspect I wanna know about, that is not covered. As for the camera - not my thing. If I'm buying Sony, I'll get either 6400 which is cheaper and will get me exactly the same stills and video, or a7III which is pricier, but will give me better images and full use of best lenses for the brand. This one is in no man's land for me.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks, it's very kind of you to say, and I appreciate that. Yes, between the features and the price, it's hard to place. It's so much easier when there are fewer cameras.

[@OurSocksDraws]

Love your instructions and pace - your voice is also makes it a lot more easier to follow through. Thank you!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

A pleasure to read your kind words, thanks for commenting.

[@madphotographer762]

The only issue with this model is the Price...... If I'm going to spend that $ i would just buy an A73..! Great review Dad.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for your kind words, appreciated

[@mrcoolwebsworld]

Checked Holland for a price london 90 min and amsterdam 50 min from where I live and the a7 III Full-frame Mirrorless Camera (Body + 28-70mm Zoom Lens) is £290 cheaper thats 500 cad so now a6600 or a7 3 looks like im going to spend some time reading your great reviews over and over.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks, I appreciate the views.

[@winstonllamas5163]

I didn't think the A6600 was a big change from the A6400 (which I have), at least for the price. Once I handled one, though, the grip sold me. I missed the IBIS from my A6500 and was looking forward to this camera. At $1398, the price was too high. At the sale price of $1198, it was much more reasonably priced, but still a little high. Then Best Buy had an open box camera for $1030. That is a good deal. I am still debating which one to keep (haven't quite had the nerve to open the open box), but I am really tempted now. I do a lot of macro photography and while the 90mm FE is great, I like using my old Minolta lenses as well (100mm macro). IBIS is very helpful for macro photography - even with the 90mm FE, I can get an additional .5 to 1 stop more when using that lens with a Sony body with IBIS. I have a feeling I will have an A6400 for sale soon, but the box remains unopened. Thank you for your review.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for sharing those personal experience details. And thanks for your kind words.

[@genghis2510]

Winston Llamas I’m a Nikon guy and I’ve been using a used a6300 with only a 20mm pancake lens attached to it as my small get and go small camera I can hand hold for initial test and preview shoots. I also do lot of travel and the a6300 ends up as the camera I used more often. I may not have it yet but I can say the a6600 larger grip and higher capacity battery they say are similar to Sony high end camera batteries are my plus factors for replacing my aging a6300.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

@@genghis2510 Thanks for adding your thoughts. Not yet thinking about replacing my A6300, I use it regularly.

[@bri3fcas3]

Sony needs to move out the on off switch and put a front dial there.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Or something like that.

[@skeeveskeeve]

the "no meter when adjusting ISO" thing is SUPER annoying.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

100% agrement there

[@rayzzingthebar]

Your reviews on cameras makes me wanna buy each one. Super dope videos! Keep it up

[@MaartenHeilbron]

That's not good. Watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6LRiKOirL52qqM

[@rayzzingthebar]

Maarten Heilbron so out of the ones in this video which would you say is good for street photography?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

@@rayzzingthebar Depending on your lens, the A6600 is a good street camera because of its small size. My personal choice would be the Fujifilm X-E3 kzbin.info/www/bejne/maeTe4iqqZuaa6c

[@Shnigi]

Is silent shooting available in full auto mode? In a6500 it is not.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

That's something I missed, and have returned the camera so can't test it. If it is an exclusion, it's certainly not the only limitation in full auto, which I would suggest only for camera-phones. Is it not possible to shoot in P (program mode, which automates both shutter and aperture) instead of full auto? Silent is available with that setting.

[@d30gaijin]

Thank you so much for you very well thought out review of the A6600. I am new to Sony. I came from the A6100 and only. made the switch after buying the 70-350 G zoom and worried about the A6100’s plastic body support of such a long lens. I had a catastrophe with an Olympus 4/3rds plastic body and a Contax 100-300 lens. Lens survived just fine but the Oly body was destroyed. But having no lens mount on either lens gave me pause to consider the added strength of the A6600 magnesium body. All in all I appreciate your excellent review of the A6600. Don

[@d30gaijin]

Tore the plastic mounted tripod mount right out of the camera body.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for your kind words. Sorry to hear about your troubles, but it seems that result was not entirely unpredictable.

[@genghis2510]

d30gaijin Common sense. Any camera mount on non-metal or metal body can’t support large and heavy lens if you only hold the body and leave the giant heavy lens solely hanging to it when shooting.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

@@genghis2510 Sadly, there is nothing common about common sense.

[@genghis2510]

Maarten Heilbron it’s common sense among us when two components are attached either you hold one that’s heavier and leave the lighter one hanging or hold both. Same principle with camera and lens. The tripod mount on a 600mm lens is on the lens and quite opposite on pancake lens.

[@googlefriend7685]

Will you be reviewing the Canon 90D?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

I had asked to borrow the review unit, but this doesn't seem very likely.

[@argentum3919]

With Sony cameras I find skin tone to have a green tint, it's not always obvious but overall Sony cannot compete with Nikon and canon on skin tone. Can I adjust in creative styles to be more like Nikon and cannon on skin tone?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

While that perception may have been valid in the past, in recent years Sony has made changes to the default profile, tending to a more Nikon-like colour profile. In my judgement since 2020 they are more similar than different. However, as you suggest, Sony cameras have many adjustable parameters in white balance and colour profiles (Creative Looks) to make adjustments to create one that suits your preference. If you add the adjustments possible using the Picture Profiles, no manufacturer can compete with the range of possible adjustments.

[@argentum3919]

@@MaartenHeilbron thanks very much.

[@pf4773]

2 years later after my comment below', I love this camera! It is a solid, outstanding machine coupled for travel with two zoom lenses I cannot recommend enough...the Sony 18 to 135mm and the Sony 70 to 350mm. This body plus those two lenses are all you need for traveling. I am waiting til, hopefully, the next model of the A6600 comes out hopefully in June-July, 2023

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for posting your follow up notes - appreciated!

[@andrealewis7849]

I wanna buy at the great price but I have large hands....

[@MaartenHeilbron]

I wish I could help - this is not a camera for small hands. Have a look at the Fujifilm X-H1, and excellent model for the large-handed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYSzYWSljp12odU

[@andrealewis7849]

@@MaartenHeilbron I've decided on the xt4 with accessories 😙

[@pf4773]

I have this camera. I bought the A6600 after really loving the A6000 for about 3-4 years. I took the A6000 all over the world, dropped it a few times, and it is still working. With the 6600 I have the following lenses I'll be using for travel: Sony 70-350mm Sony 18-135mm, Sigma 30mm, plus one wide angle. I also will bring a TOUGH camera for more rugged and water uses. I hate the menu system in this camera! I'm a mac computer person and this camera's menu system is straight out of Windows.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for commenting. Agreed. Windows or worse. kzbin.info/www/bejne/poG2epR_o5agr9U

[@dieterpaterek3720]

I really like your reviews, the best on KZbin. I own an A9II and I am making nearly only pictures about nature objects. Now I am looking for a second camera.. The A7R 4 looks good but I thought in nature fontography you nearly always have to crop. In the 7R4 this means 26Mp.Since the AF of the 6600 is also good in tracking an the sensor is 24MP. I think the 6600 looks like a smal mini 7R4.is that the right thinking ? thans very much

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for the kind words. Yes, that's a reasonable thought.

[@Stevesmith-yw7cr]

Will the next version finally have an operational touch screen? Please?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

If this is an important feature to you, then maybe you should look at other manufacturers.

[@firegardn77]

Did I miss it? Any info about HLG and the dynamic range compared to SLOG and profile off?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

As I don't have an HLG display, I can't determine that. It is for displays that support HLG, otherwise it defaults to REC 709.

[@phillalonde1509]

Thank You once again a Great review quick and detailed.... Not an easy task.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

And as always, thanks for the kind words - and you're right, cameras are increasingly challenging. There's a lot to cover.

[@daabomb114]

What they got rid of the panorama mode what why? I have the Sony a6000 still.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Yes, well, I suppose you can always create one the traditional way. May provide better results anyway. Still, not sure why it was removed.

[@mmitchell6509]

Is the Sony 6600 a good night camera for stills?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Yes, I thought that was demonstrated in the video

[@mmitchell6509]

Maarten Heilbron Yes I did see it in the video but I didn’t see any stills at night.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

@@mmitchell6509 The high ISO flowers were taken in a dark room at night.

[@mmitchell6509]

Maarten Heilbron Thank you!!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

@@mmitchell6509 You can check out the images at www.flickr.com/photos/maartech/albums/72157712146319198

[@jebeq2007]

10:02 Fn= Fun. And I have been calling it the Function button this whole time. I love it! From now on it will be the Fun button :)

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks, it was actually a suggestion from a viewer. Originally I called it the fnuh key.

[@graphguy]

I love my 6300, EXCEPT for one aspect that I could kick down the drain.... OVERHEATING on video's at less than 30 minutes. And I have other complaints, but they are manageable... nevertheless, for me, overheating is a fatal flow warranting upgrading.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Have you upgraded the firmware? Are you using the high setting?

[@graphguy]

Maarten Heilbron I have v 2.01 - believe that is most current. If I shoot xavc s 4K 30p 100M I do not get more than 25 minutes before it is hot as a potato and shuts down.

[@AlmightyUniden]

@@graphguy Is there a battery grip option or a dummybattery AC adapter option? Back when I had a 5Dmark3 (even with the old T2i) and shot long video interviews, I would often get overheating. Using a dummyAC battery fixed it for me! Worth a look!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

@@graphguy Understood.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

@@AlmightyUniden Thanks for this suggestion, I have not tried that.

[@RickMentore]

Fantastic Job MH. I love the demo images.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks, always nice to read your kind words and see your avatar among the comments.

[@kbruff2010]

04-06-20 Firstly thank you.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Always my pleasure.

[@balathegreatexplorer8783]

Have you done canon 90d.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Not yet. Canon has not yet made their loaner available to me.

[@raredreamfootage]

I've been waiting for your review!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

I was going as fast as I could, thanks for your patience.

[@alialsardar1060]

best aps c cmera

[@MaartenHeilbron]

You might also consider the Fujifilm X-T30, and if you don't mind a slightly larger size, the X-T3, which has greatly superior video capability.

[@michaels8597]

great content..

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for your kind words.

[@websitesthatneedanem]

Wish more camera reviews were this good!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Yes, me too.

[@martinsbackupemail9861]

😄👍

[@sandrasdcuocsongcanada9415]

Sony is good camera but overheating . Thanks again for info.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

I'm pretty sure the chance of overheating is less than previous models - in fact, since the A6400, it's been much better.

[@Princeton_James]

Did an hr with the a6400 no issues whatsoever. Got this one also but haven't recorded for an hour yet.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

@@Princeton_James Thanks for sharing the detail, both seem to be able to go over an hour at normal temperature.

[@kbruff2010]

08/28/2020 Thank you for this video.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Always nice to read that my videos are appreciated.

[@kbruff2010]

@@MaartenHeilbron I may invest in this model, do you have any insight bas to why the panorama feature was removed?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

@@kbruff2010 Because photographers who are at this level will prefer to take a set of photos and assemble the panorama in a photo editing program creating a higher quality result.

[@kbruff2010]

@@MaartenHeilbron the a6500 has a great panorama mode - I used recently. It is odd that this camera is a few features above the a6500 but a few nice features have been removed.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

​@@kbruff2010 I have no insight into Sony's thinking on this issue.

[@pupperemeritus9189]

The king of camera reviews is back

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Where have I been?

[@pupperemeritus9189]

@@MaartenHeilbron it's KZbin's fault. I didn't see last week's video in my subscription box :)

[@pupperemeritus9189]

@@MaartenHeilbron I'm your biggest fan from india :)

[@MaartenHeilbron]

@@pupperemeritus9189 Biggest? How tall are you? Please do say hello to all my friends in India.

[@pupperemeritus9189]

@@MaartenHeilbron I'm just 5'9" but I'm also 106kg so there's that. Yes i will. My dad's a fan of you as well.

[@genghis2510]

I click but seldom watch the video. I’m more interested on the comments. Except for trolls that can easily be spotted most comments outright speak truthfully based on their usage experience.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for participating. Why don't you watch the video? Is there some improvement that you might suggest?

[@BrianVillegas67]

This video may be labeled, "Not Sponsored", but sure it sounds like a company video.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Oh? I thought there were several things about this camera that displeased me and that I indicated should be fixed?

[@DavidMoyers]

Love mine. Nice move up from my Sony RX100II which helps with the menus. My only complaint--Micro-USB gives me gas! But, I understand if they paid the USB tax the camera would have jumped another $100-$200 and in a bad position in relation to competition and full frame siblings.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

I don't think that the license would amount to that much, it certainly doesn't seem to raise the prices of the competition, and it's not as if this is a bargain camera.

[@mansingh1178]

menu system is complete mess.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

I think that exaggerating the issue does not help make your case. There are some specific issues that could be improved, but considering the wide range and complexity of the capabilities offered, the menu, while challenging, creates lots of opportunity for creativity and functionality. Here's my detailed take: kzbin.info/www/bejne/poG2epR_o5agr9U

[@mmallay]

Merry Christmas from Texas!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Merry Christmas from Toronto - please pass my wishes along to all my friends in Texas who are celebrating. Or Happy Hanukah, if that's appropriate.

[@mmallay]

@@MaartenHeilbron Thank you. You are the best. Always look forward you great tutorials and Insight. Google "San Marcos River in San Marcos, Tx. You would enjoy Canoeing here. The water is Crystal clear..👍

[@MaartenHeilbron]

@@mmallay Thanks for the invite. Looks lovely but very busy!

[@rayjenkins2754]

Looks like a horrendously ponderous menu system that is unassisted by an integrated touch screen. A certain element of masochism is required.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Yes, but the results!!!

[@rayjenkins2754]

@@MaartenHeilbron Part of the results is ' wanting ' to grab the camera in the 1st place. I started with an a6000 - & your wright, nice sharp images but I found myself leaving it it in Auto mode in order to avoid the menu sys & started looking for something more ' user friendly '. I found this in the Panasonic FZ2500 - which is just fun to use. I will shortly be adding the G9. For me, If It's not easy / fun to use it will get under - used. I enjoy your presentations.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

@@rayjenkins2754 It is sometimes fun to work with the manual, the camera and the menu to discover what it has to offer. However, I do agree, that the Panasonic menu system, both in design and configuration is better.

[@ChrisParayno]

Nope but thanks

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Always happy to help.

[@thebrunoserge]

who films at 30 fps? Eww

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Those who understand that the majority of screens used by the majority of viewers refresh at 30 frames.

[@thebrunoserge]

@@MaartenHeilbron Are there any playback issues playing 24 fps footage in a screen refreshing at 30? Answer: Not really

[@MaartenHeilbron]

​@@thebrunoserge No, not if you aren't perceptive to the interpolated frames. Unless you know that your production is going to be viewed at 24 frames, using 24 is an uninformed and pretentious conceit.

[@thebrunoserge]

@@MaartenHeilbron Using your logic, the *majority of viewers is not going be perceptive to any interpolation - but the majority will perceive the pleasant motion blur of 24 fps, even in a 30/60/120 refresh rate screen

[@MaartenHeilbron]

@@thebrunoserge Aha - now I see the full extent of your lack of understanding. Motion blur is related to the shutter duration, not the frame rate. "Pleasant motion blur" is indeed important and is perceived at shutter durations in the 1/50 to 1/60 range - and that setting can be applied to any frame rate.