Sony NEX-6: The BEST Designed NEX Camera

[@ruffmadman]

I stumbled upon this video after getting into a film camera kick. I actually own an NEX-6. For me photography is a hobby, not something professional, and I can not say enough about how I love this camera. For me, it was the perfect intro into budget manual photography using cheap Chinese manual prime lenses. It made me fall in love with photography, and some of my most favorite photos have come from it. The RAW output from this sensor is very forgiving of harsh or poor lighting and the noise from the camera actually looks quite nice and film-like. Also, if you're experiencing autofocus issues, try updating its firmware. Many owners of these cameras just don't know that the firmware can even be updated. It's worth giving it a shot as I recall the firmware also unlocks compatibility with newer Sony lenses.

[@robertmeyerson1618]

I have the a6000, the NEX-6, SONY 5N. I mostly like shooting manually with vintage film lenses. Love the quality of old glass.

[@timryan894]

I have the 5N, 6 and 7. The NEX-7 is my favorite because of the dual, side by side control wheels on the top. Best user experience for me.

[@gordo8189]

I've owned the NEX-5, 6 and 7. Of the 3, the NEX-7 is the more solidly built, having an all metal body (the other 2 are plastic). A couple of years ago I decided I'd buy a used NEX body to convert to full-spectrum for shooting IR & UV. The choice was simple - had to be the NEX-6 as the 5 has no EVF and the 7 has issues when using old manual lenses, couldn't be charged via USB and has a non-standard hot-shoe. The NEX-6 is also better in low-light. Removing the hot-mirror filter from the NEX-6's sensor is trivial, but disassembling the camera to gain access to the sensor was quite fiddly (I converted my old Canon APS-C DSLR and that was actually simpler despite having more mechanical parts). During conversion, the clip that secures the articulating screen's ribbon-cable to the main board became detached and, despite owning a microscope and fine tools for smd work, I was unable to get it going again. In the end I removed the screen altogether and now use the EVF exclusively. The camera operates fine without a screen, the reduction in weight is quite astounding and the battery lasts longer.

[@Siras_Plays]

Got myself one of these Badboys thanks to you. So far I'm in love! Thanks for your great work!

[@jasonhubbard5422]

I bought this camera as well as the Nex5r specifically to use with vintage Russian M39 lenses. They pair nicely with the body. The Industar 69 28mm F2.8 and the Jupiter 50mm F2 are auoerb with this camera.

[@СергейСуворов-н3р]

Did you use Helios lens? I think it is interesting lens for NEX camera.

[@jasonhubbard5422]

@@СергейСуворов-н3р I have one. I haven't used on the NEX 6. I have used it on my A7ii. Amazing lens. Highly recommend.

[@johnpahl6331]

I had a Nex-6 for many years and really liked it. I often paired it with the 16mm 2.8 and 35mm 1.8 primes which made a very portable set

[@kraigpruett]

Great pairing for sure!

[@LacayoDe]

Just bought a NEX-6 for 180€ with the pancake lens hope it’s worth it . Thanks for this video it made clear to me that the nex-6 is probably the best NEX .. since the 7 is always too expensive and doesn’t have a hot shoe

[@kraigpruett]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@beejayOne]

Which pancake lens did you get it with? Looking at a NEX 6 with the standard lens 18-50 for above 200€…

[@juanfernino]

I love you NEX videos! Thanks Kraig

[@SHARPEDGEDAN]

Your missing saying that it multi interface hot shoe

[@AlextheLue]

I love that you can use more affordable lenses (Sigma, Tamron, Voltrox) with these cameras!

[@kraigpruett]

Same! It really opens up the potential for creators on a budget!

[@nougatbitz]

Man I loved shooting with it. I often used the pop up flash and pointed it to the ceiling in case the pancake lens didn’t capture enough light, so handy as a feature. Only reason I sold it was the jpeg colors being off and I really do not enjoy editing photos, especially RAW files. The successor was a Fuji which delivers on the jpeg colors but shooting feels much less comfortable… they say the 6400 has better color science…

[@Pachakabbi0]

Is it good for film making?

[@pinhohugo]

The NEX-7 doesn’t feel plasticky at all, because it’s made of metal. The NEX-6 on the other hand, is made of plastic. I’ve used the NEX-7 for years.

[@evernam993m8]

Metal is overrated for premium standard, polycarbonate is better.

[@pinhohugo]

@@evernam993m8 You're missing the point, I'm not discussing which is better, plastic or metal. The author of the video said the NEX-7 feels plasticky. It doesn't. It's fully made of metal.

[@vinkel906]

currently I'm confused on which should I choose, Nex 7 or Nex 6 :/

[@pinhohugo]

@@vinkel906 I would sincerely go for the NEX-7. The metal construction and the "Tri-Navi" control dials alone are worth choosing this model.

[@hoverboverer]

@@vinkel906 What do you want to use it for? From what I gather (I've never used it), the nex 7 was a bit of an over-reach (at 24mp), struggling to not overheat when shooting video. I've never managed to get the nex-6 to overheat. On the other hand the nex 7 has a mic input (nex 6 doesn't). For photos, the difference between 16 and 24mp is pretty marginal IMO. Both have a better viewfinder than the A6000. Nex 6 (probably) has better autofocus - but if that is very important to you go for a later model (A6300 and above). Don't think you'd go wrong with either. I use the nex 6, A6300 (and A7) to shoot with film era lenses. In a lot of ways I prefer using the nex 6 not least because it is smaller and lighter than the others.

[@khanscombe619]

Awesome. How well does it play with vintage or manual focus adapted lenses? How good is focus assist (peaking) if any?

[@villemononen5303]

Cool! I'll keep my eye on NEX-6 and other later sony apc-s cameras with viewfinders. I'm still doubtful are the sony viewfinders good enough, since i've had not-so-amazing experiences with Panasonic m4/3 cameras (regarding viewfinders), maybe GX8 being an exception (out of the cheaper and more smaller bodies). But, i had the NEX-5N with the optional hotshoe viewfinder, and that was AMAZING! I doubt the NEX-6 can match that, but if it gets even close enough, i'm a happy camper! Had my gear stolen, so i'll start again. Luckily i still have my vintage manual lenses, and truth be told, i much much more often use the vintage lenses anyways, so that's good! NEX-5N + hotshoe viewfinder + vintage lens = good times for me. I haven't quite clicked with full Manual mode, instead i still use Apeture priority and like it that way. Thanks for the good video!

[@kraigpruett]

Thanks for the comment! You won't regret the NEX-6, and I quite like the viewfinder. It isn't as good as the full frame versions, but still very sold!

[@clynthadriannealbarracin6738]

Sir is the rig cage for sony A6000 can fit in the Sony nex-6?

[@geopeliaaow3768]

Hi man, It been a while I did not watch and leave comment on your channel. :)

[@TACOMANZOFFICIAL]

Did you ever make that video about how to shoot in manual mode? Looking to learn some skills and really like the way you present information. Thanks!

[@taromcbarako7210]

Thanks Kraig!

[@85balsa]

my favorite nex is the 5r, I also had the 6 and I appreciate the really fantastic viewfinder. but in terms of ergonomics I prefer the 5, which inherits a functional wheel from the 7, a very comfortable fully reclining screen. same image quality and a negligible weight. the a6000 inherits part of the body of the nex 7.

[@masana_]

I had the Nex 5r for several years and i'm still surprised when i see pictures i took with it, the quality was really good. if it was good back then, there is actually no reason not to be good in 2023, it's just not the top anymore compared to the newest products but it's ok.

[@fltwdzmnstr3906]

What kind of sd card would you recommend for the nex6?

[@Bilal_Yadgar]

For videography Can we use a gimbal for sony nex6 ? With 1.8f 50mm lens ?

[@LacayoDe]

Hey! I just bought one please make the video on how to shoot manual I will share it like crazy I really need a video that can explain me how to use my nex-6 ;(

[@kraigpruett]

I will try to put one out ASAP. Follow along for more!

[@LacayoDe]

@@kraigpruett I bought the camera because of you! Only 170€ what a good price 😎

[@leixo]

Bought one for about $180, still waiting to arrive, my mainly focus is photography and i shoot with vintage lenses, so viewfinder was a dealbreaker, i kinda want to keep my 5n but i'll see if i will still used it

[@kraigpruett]

You’ll love it

[@kshitijgajbhiye6034]

where did you buy it from?

[@leixo]

@@kshitijgajbhiye6034 i bought from an nacional app here in Brazil, OLX, but people usually buy on eBay

[@JKH-f8d]

Hey Kraig, can you do the best settings for the NEX 6? Thanks

[@toomanyhobbies400]

I wanted a 2nd Sony body to compliment my A6000 for vacation shooting, so I didn't have to change lenses in a windy, sand + saltwater environment. I found an NEX-6 on KEH, and I love it. The EV is a nice bonus.

[@hoverboverer]

How do the EVFs compare (in usage)?

[@toomanyhobbies400]

The EVF is great, the same size and resolution as the A6000. My brothers A6500 not as good. Easy to use with glasses too.@@hoverboverer

[@skari346]

i’ll be honest the Nex 6, every time i’m taking a photo, i do macro, the image looks shite in the display but in the view finder, it looks miles better, and i always feel terrible abt my photography on the display, haha

[@_thethys_9174]

Yeah the LCD screen is shit lmao

[@vidh7117]

Can you please provide the name of Korean sale sites you mention regularly. Thanks

[@lilmike1946]

How do you pick up audio on this camera?

[@Mikeasythegod]

This camera is SLEPT ON!!! GET ONE GUYS i used to have one and miss is dearly

[@kraigpruett]

I agree! 100% slept on. The OG A6000.

[@hikmatamin8337]

Thanks for the review. I had bought this in 2013 and used it a few times before the kit lens broke. Since, I have not used it but wanted to ask 1) should I invest in a lens for this camera, and if yes, 2) what lens would you recommend for it, especially for taking kids photos and portraits?

[@tristanwh9466]

The 16-50 kit lens is pretty cheap ($100 ish second hand) and it's really all I use. If you're taking photos of friends and family it's really as sharp as you'll ever need, loses some sharpness around the edge but Im not printing my photos out to put on a bilboard so it doesn't matter. The biggest draw is the size, with pretty much any other E mount lens it's too big and clunky to put in my pocket so the kit lens gets the most use. The sigma 30mm f1.4 or the viltrox 27mm are good if you have a bigger budget and are really serious about image quality but again not pocketable

[@KoelAnderson]

Strange how the NEX6 was released a year after the NEX7 lol

[@kraigpruett]

Super weird. Which is partly the reason why some aspects are better than the NEX7.

[@Nufrifin]

wow thanks for the video before watching it I did not even consider the possibility that nex-6 had 1024x768 viewfinder and that sony has downgraded it for a6000

[@kraigpruett]

Yeah quite crazy how good of a viewfinder is in the NEX-6.

[@michaelbell75]

Just picked up one of these on Ebay tonight for $185, which was cheaper than most the 5r options for some reason. Great condition with 11k on the shutter. I really liked the 5r I had briefly last year. Looking forward to getting this, the larger body, grip and an EVF is a nice upgrade. Also picked up a Sigma 30 f/1.4 that I had used with the 5r with some great results. There is just something about the colors with the 5r/6 that Sony got right, similar to the 6400 which I liked. FAR better than the colors from the a7 and a7II and IMO, better than the colors from the newer A series. I got rid of the a7IV because I didnt like the colors much. Great video, which lens are you using here?

[@kraigpruett]

Love it. This lens was the 20mm f/1.8 from Sony!

[@michaelbell75]

@@kraigpruett By the way, how do I turn off the pre focus? The way it continually hunts for focus when not pressing the shutter is annoying AF. I dont remember the 5r doing this. Thanks

[@Theo_cracy]

Hey! I got my nex 6 from my dad, but it hasn't got any lenses. I've got something like 100-300 bucks to buy them. But dad says not to buy any kit lenses, cuz they re too fragile. What should i get then?

[@antonioantifora6105]

Sigma 30mm f1.4 or Sony 50mm f1.8 or even the 18-105 f4

[@Lord3K]

I have been using Nex6 and SEL1670Z since 2013, after 10 years I would like to upgrade Body. I use it for family and portrait photography (up to 1k images per year). I'm thinking of upgrading to an A6300 or A6100, I need fast autofocus and eye tracking, I mostly shoot on "Auto". Which upgrade do you recommend?

[@Youdoyou12345]

Which one did you get? I am trying to find something for the same purpose.

[@Lord3K]

@@Youdoyou12345 I get a6500 used, like new(800 shots) at ebay for 550€

[@deepaki5574]

Can you please share the link for any good NEX camera with lens - i would like to get it for as little as possible and upgrade later if i really feel like I am making use of it fully. I keep watching your videos hoping i could find one of these at the price point you mention but no luck so far.

[@3_hb0]

well the camera is amazing and also so affordable but the problem is that Sony lenses are way too expensive

[@kraigpruett]

It is a really great camera. But also, there are many affordable Sony lenses. Especially from 3rd party sellers like Sigma, Tamron, Rokinon, etc.

[@hoverboverer]

@@kraigpruett Or any number of cheap legacy lenses if you don't mind manual focus.

[@dwiyanugroho]

does Nex 6 support external microphone ?

[@kraigpruett]

No it does not

[@dwiyanugroho]

@@kraigpruett thanks dude, yesterday I just trade my Canon M10 to Canon M, because I need low budget mirrorless that support external microphone

[@michaelcrump949]

Can you expect to get the image quality showcased here with the kit lens

[@KeeasiaEnt]

Can you please recommend setting for vlogging on the Sony nex 5t

[@kraigpruett]

I would set it to creative style "Portrait". Minus your contrast by 3, leave your saturation as is, and minus sharpening by 1-2. Then I would shoot in 1080P and 24p (or 60p for slow motion), and shoot in manual video exposure. You would want your shutter speed to be 1/50, ISO as low as possible, and aperture as low as possible.

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

Sony A7 is getting quite close to the price of these, heck it's barely more expensive than A6000 now. It's just Sony A7s are mostly workhorse camera so they are often in worse condition than hobbyist camera like NEX6/A6000.

[@Riptide1884]

Thanks for the info. I have an old Leica M3 inherited from my dad that I love, but dealing with film is a pain especially without space, time, and money for a darkroom, so I thought this would work for me. $300 for the camera with the 18-55 zoom lens seemed reasonable, and I may try out an adaptor for attaching my 50mm and my 135mm lenses from the Leica.

[@liamriley9816]

The NEX-7 wasn’t plasticky, a good portion of it was metal unlike the NEX-6. What made the NEX-6 feel robust was the matte textured finish. Both the NEX-5N and NEX-7 had substantially more metal in their construction whereas the NEX-6 was almost entirely engineering plastic, a precursor to the polycarbonate shells of the A6xx cameras.

[@ffrh05]

I am having an NEX6 should I upgrade it to 6700 please?

[@VRChance]

Do you need newer autofocus? 4k? slightly better color science? probably not. But other than that and better UI that's all your getting.

[@demiancejas4413]

Great 🎉

[@kraigpruett]

Thanks fam!

[@bastv2417]

For a complete beginner, would you choose this or an a5100? I've been binging your content this past week, I love it!

[@TheFightQueen]

As a previous owner of an A5100 and now a proud owner of an A6000 and a ZV-E10 I’d say it entirely depends on what you are using the camera for. If photography is your main goal then the A6000 is the one to go for due to the mode dial and viewfinder. If video is the main priority then the ZV-E10 is the one to get thanks to the S&Q mode and 4k video capabilities. If you are looking for a decent all round hybrid shooter that can do everything well and comes at a cheaper price then the other two then it’s the A5100 all the way. All 3 cameras have the same sensor so it really is all down to personal preference and which features are most important to you as the end user. I hope this helps!

[@bastv2417]

@@TheFightQueen Wow, thank you so much for that comprehensive response! I really appreciate it! After reading this and watching a few reviews I think I'm going to go with the A5100. I'm mainly going to use it for taking photos of some of my own work and maybe film a few clips of my processes. Thanks again, I really do appreciate it.

[@elchemyst]

fantastico

[@royhobbs785]

Why not buy the a6000?

[@hoverboverer]

Nex 6: Better viewfinder. Doesn't overheat. For the price difference, the A6300 is a better buy than the a6000 IMO.

[@Shuttterbugg]

Ya its going for 350 without lens now..people are crazy

[@Яна-к5ь9з]

❤

[@chhaiyaampharika9919]

I found one for $205 here in Japan, but it just fine. It is the cheapest one I found. Still on the way...

[@kraigpruett]

You’ll love the camera!

[@stampydragon2739]

The nex 6 is the best excluding the nex7

[@leixo]

I think the nex 6 is better than the nex 7

[@stampydragon2739]

@@leixo in most areas this is true but the 7 has better AF and a slightly better view finder

[@leixo]

@@stampydragon2739 the nex 7 has no phase AF and only has 25 focus point, the nex 6 has 99 with Phase AF, the nex 7 is 2 years older than the nex 6 the Software is better, but the 7 has 24mp, and greater battery life, for me they are almost the same camera, i didn't found any nex 7 under $200 but i bought a nex 6 for $180 so i think for money wise go with the cheaper (if you don't mind lower mp, 1 dial and no mic jack)

[@hoverboverer]

@@stampydragon2739 Have you found that by comparing them?

[@user-bu6nq1ve6m]

nex 6 for 170$ or a6000 for 380$ bouta same condition

[@kraigpruett]

Either way you can’t miss

[@user-bu6nq1ve6m]

​@@kraigpruettthanks for reply i got nex 6 and better lens, not disapointed with iq and low light performance isnt so big of a problem with wider aperture lens

[@Ozkar2023]

The Nex 7 was the best designed

[@kraigpruett]

It was not, the NEX 7 was released in 2011. Several NEX cameras were released after the NEX 7, even though they were lower model numbers.

[@Ozkar2023]

@@kraigpruett like ? Which one

[@giovannirebagliati9877]

No, nex6 was released after nex7; but nex 7 had been the only "professional" or semi-professional Nex.