Initial thoughts on A6700

[maltmoose]

I picked up the A6700 to see if it might be possible for it to replace both my A7IV and fuji XE3. I know theres probably a few people rolling their eyes at that but here me out.

I'm no stranger to fullframe and apsc and know the strength weaknesses etc but the often overlooked element is not found on spec sheets.

I went on holiday last month and i was torn on which camera to take and in the end took the xe3 with some small primes and decided it would be good enough and sure enough it was and was happy with that decision. I could have taken the A7IV, even though this kit is still small for what it is, it can feel a bit overkill.

Anyway, a least one of these cameras is going to be sold. Back to the A6700..

First thing is i currently dont own any sony apsc lens only full frame. Shouldnt be an issue but it was..

I tried the Samyang 45 1.8 and in AFC the lens just continually pulses in and out and cant achieve focus. It works fine in AFS and also works fine on afc on A7IV. I checked the lens firmware and its running the latest. So something to watch out for.

A6700 sits pretty much half way between the a7IV and Xe3 in weight but the size is more on the Xe3 size. The A7IV ergo is a bit better due to being bigger but this is to be expected. The A6700 is still nice to hold and use, can be used 1 handed.

I like the EVF, nice eyepoint, and hood and image similar to the A7IV. EVF is nicer to use than the Xe3. Overall i like the A6700 ergo, buttons and dials but i have a minor complaint about the on off switch. They have changed it from the A7IV, its slightly worse in that they have moved the notch you use to switch on outwards, making it less easy to find. you will get used to it but its a pointless change. Also the ridge on top of the shutter button housing is slightly more raised and doesnt feel as nice as the A7IV. Another pointless change. Changing stuff for the sake of it..

The video record button is also slightly more recessed with no ridge outside so is harder to find compared to A7IV. Pointless change. I know why they did this, it for people that moan that they accidentally press buttons. Well congratulations they just make it a bit less nice to use. Its fairly minor and you will get used to it but its there.

Ask me if i want a joystick and i will say YES, but i just use the tracking and focus and recompose and seems to work well. Not a deal breaker for me.

Overall the smaller size and weight just feels nicer hanging off your shoulder whilst walking around and doing stuff.

Only had the opportunity to take some photos yesterday evening just before sunset. So no challenging AF or image tests. Todays weather doesnt look great so not sure if ill get more picks today.

All these are jpegs straight out of camera, no edits. I've no way to edit the raws at the moment.


In the wind


Shop


3 boat sunset


another angle


waves


shoreline


beach huts

 

[Maxzoom]

Firstly I have no experience with the A7 series, with respect to your comment

... Overall i like the A6700 ergo, buttons and dials but i have a minor complaint about the on off switch. They have changed it from the A7IV, its slightly worse in that they have moved the notch you use to switch on outwards, making it less easy to find...

I am delighted with the change on my A6000 and A6500 bodies I often found the battery totally discharged because the on/off switch had been activated when putting it into the bag or while carrying in the bag. JMTC

 

[maltmoose]

Firstly I have no experience with the A7 series, with respect to your comment

... Overall i like the A6700 ergo, buttons and dials but i have a minor complaint about the on off switch. They have changed it from the A7IV, its slightly worse in that they have moved the notch you use to switch on outwards, making it less easy to find...

I am delighted with the change on my A6000 and A6500 bodies I often found the battery totally discharged because the on/off switch had been activated when putting it into the bag or while carrying in the bag. JMTC

It will make no difference, it actually pretudes more on the a6700 than the A7IV just on the opposite side..

 

[al booth]

I picked up the A6700 to see if it might be possible for it to replace both my A7IV and fuji XE3. I know theres probably a few people rolling their eyes at that but here me out.

I'm no stranger to fullframe and apsc and know the strength weaknesses etc but the often overlooked element is not found on spec sheets.

I went on holiday last month and i was torn on which camera to take and in the end took the xe3 with some small primes and decided it would be good enough and sure enough it was and was happy with that decision. I could have taken the A7IV, even though this kit is still small for what it is, it can feel a bit overkill.

Anyway, a least one of these cameras is going to be sold. Back to the A6700..

First thing is i currently dont own any sony apsc lens only full frame. Shouldnt be an issue but it was..

I tried the Samyang 45 1.8 and in AFC the lens just continually pulses in and out and cant achieve focus. It works fine in AFS and also works fine on afc on A7IV. I checked the lens firmware and its running the latest. So something to watch out for.

A6700 sits pretty much half way between the a7IV and Xe3 in weight but the size is more on the Xe3 size. The A7IV ergo is a bit better due to being bigger but this is to be expected. The A6700 is still nice to hold and use, can be used 1 handed.

I like the EVF, nice eyepoint, and hood and image similar to the A7IV. EVF is nicer to use than the Xe3. Overall i like the A6700 ergo, buttons and dials but i have a minor complaint about the on off switch. They have changed it from the A7IV, its slightly worse in that they have moved the notch you use to switch on outwards, making it less easy to find. you will get used to it but its a pointless change. Also the ridge on top of the shutter button housing is slightly more raised and doesnt feel as nice as the A7IV. Another pointless change. Changing stuff for the sake of it..

The video record button is also slightly more recessed with no ridge outside so is harder to find compared to A7IV. Pointless change. I know why they did this, it for people that moan that they accidentally press buttons. Well congratulations they just make it a bit less nice to use. Its fairly minor and you will get used to it but its there.

Ask me if i want a joystick and i will say YES, but i just use the tracking and focus and recompose and seems to work well. Not a deal breaker for me.

Overall the smaller size and weight just feels nicer hanging off your shoulder whilst walking around and doing stuff.

Only had the opportunity to take some photos yesterday evening just before sunset. So no challenging AF or image tests. Todays weather doesnt look great so not sure if ill get more picks today.

All these are jpegs straight out of camera, no edits. I've no way to edit the raws at the moment.


In the wind


Shop


3 boat sunset


another angle


waves


shoreline


beach huts

Hi, thanks very much for your post, I’ve just got mine and intend to also use with fe lenses.
Glad to see pics with 35mm 2.8 which I think that’s the one will use the most.

 

[maltmoose]

I picked up the A6700 to see if it might be possible for it to replace both my A7IV and fuji XE3. I know theres probably a few people rolling their eyes at that but here me out.

I'm no stranger to fullframe and apsc and know the strength weaknesses etc but the often overlooked element is not found on spec sheets.

I went on holiday last month and i was torn on which camera to take and in the end took the xe3 with some small primes and decided it would be good enough and sure enough it was and was happy with that decision. I could have taken the A7IV, even though this kit is still small for what it is, it can feel a bit overkill.

Anyway, a least one of these cameras is going to be sold. Back to the A6700..

First thing is i currently dont own any sony apsc lens only full frame. Shouldnt be an issue but it was..

I tried the Samyang 45 1.8 and in AFC the lens just continually pulses in and out and cant achieve focus. It works fine in AFS and also works fine on afc on A7IV. I checked the lens firmware and its running the latest. So something to watch out for.

A6700 sits pretty much half way between the a7IV and Xe3 in weight but the size is more on the Xe3 size. The A7IV ergo is a bit better due to being bigger but this is to be expected. The A6700 is still nice to hold and use, can be used 1 handed.

I like the EVF, nice eyepoint, and hood and image similar to the A7IV. EVF is nicer to use than the Xe3. Overall i like the A6700 ergo, buttons and dials but i have a minor complaint about the on off switch. They have changed it from the A7IV, its slightly worse in that they have moved the notch you use to switch on outwards, making it less easy to find. you will get used to it but its a pointless change. Also the ridge on top of the shutter button housing is slightly more raised and doesnt feel as nice as the A7IV. Another pointless change. Changing stuff for the sake of it..

The video record button is also slightly more recessed with no ridge outside so is harder to find compared to A7IV. Pointless change. I know why they did this, it for people that moan that they accidentally press buttons. Well congratulations they just make it a bit less nice to use. Its fairly minor and you will get used to it but its there.

Ask me if i want a joystick and i will say YES, but i just use the tracking and focus and recompose and seems to work well. Not a deal breaker for me.

Overall the smaller size and weight just feels nicer hanging off your shoulder whilst walking around and doing stuff.

Only had the opportunity to take some photos yesterday evening just before sunset. So no challenging AF or image tests. Todays weather doesnt look great so not sure if ill get more picks today.

All these are jpegs straight out of camera, no edits. I've no way to edit the raws at the moment.

Hi, thanks very much for your post, I’ve just got mine and intend to also use with fe lenses.
Glad to see pics with 35mm 2.8 which I think that’s the one will use the most.

Your welcome, that lens works perfectly fine.

 

[maltmoose]

I thought id try some other lenses and went for a walk in the rain..

The biggest lens i currently own is a canon 70-200 f4 L is II added to an mc11 adapter. Its a nice lens. I can confirm it works really well on the mc11. With the usual mc11 limitations. Handling was good with the a6700 grip. focus was bang on.

Here are a few more pics sooc jpegs again.

The weather was complete opposite from the day before, dull, overcast, raining.


Lilly pad in the rain




focus picked the front pony




hungry horse

I also used the sony 20 1.8g. This lens is fantastic on fullframe and equally good on apsc but offers a more normal walk about focal length of about 30mm FF equiv. Its edge to edge sharp wide open with fairly good close focus.


20 1.8g in the rain




20 1.8g terrible weather

Do full frame lenses work ok in apsc mode, of course.

 

[inlawbiker]

I tried the Samyang 45 1.8 and in AFC the lens just continually pulses in and out and cant achieve focus. It works fine in AFS and also works fine on afc on A7IV. I checked the lens firmware and its running the latest. So something to watch out for.

Thanks for the write-up it's appreciated. It's concerning to hear the Samyang isn't focusing correctly. I had a Samyang 45 on my a7C and it worked perfectly so I wonder what's going on. I liked that little lens.

All these are jpegs straight out of camera, no edits. I've no way to edit the raws at the moment.

The jpegs look very good straight out of the camera to me!

Greg

 

[maltmoose]

I tried the Samyang 45 1.8 and in AFC the lens just continually pulses in and out and cant achieve focus. It works fine in AFS and also works fine on afc on A7IV. I checked the lens firmware and its running the latest. So something to watch out for.

Thanks for the write-up it's appreciated. It's concerning to hear the Samyang isn't focusing correctly. I had a Samyang 45 on my a7C and it worked perfectly so I wonder what's going on. I liked that little lens.

Yea, i tried it again with different settings like wide, spot etc in afc mode and it just wont lock focus, it just continually pulses, its unusable in afc. works in afs, dmf just fine. works on a7iv as well.. weird.

All these are jpegs straight out of camera, no edits. I've no way to edit the raws at the moment.

The jpegs look very good straight out of the camera to me!

Thanks

Greg

 

[jhunna]

I tried the Samyang 45 1.8 and in AFC the lens just continually pulses in and out and cant achieve focus. It works fine in AFS and also works fine on afc on A7IV. I checked the lens firmware and its running the latest. So something to watch out for.

Thanks for the write-up it's appreciated. It's concerning to hear the Samyang isn't focusing correctly. I had a Samyang 45 on my a7C and it worked perfectly so I wonder what's going on. I liked that little lens.

Yea, i tried it again with different settings like wide, spot etc in afc mode and it just wont lock focus, it just continually pulses, its unusable in afc. works in afs, dmf just fine. works on a7iv as well.. weird.

I have a Samyang 24/2.8 and this happens from time to time, check/clean the contacts and remove and readd the lens for a possible solution. Also chec what version the firmware is on...

Once its right it is right, but I don't have these issues with Sony lenses.

 

[jhunna]

I picked up the A6700 to see if it might be possible for it to replace both my A7IV and fuji XE3. I know theres probably a few people rolling their eyes at that but here me out.

I'm no stranger to fullframe and apsc and know the strength weaknesses etc but the often overlooked element is not found on spec sheets.

Agreed! I often speak of living with a camera or its affect on "lifestyle" and the things that you mention that aren't on a spec sheet often keep me from buying cameras. I have had m43/apsc/FF and the real difference is between m43 and apsc vs apsc and full frame, so I completely understand what you mean when you say "people rolling their eyes".

I really do understand what you are referencing.

I went on holiday last month and i was torn on which camera to take and in the end took the xe3 with some small primes and decided it would be good enough and sure enough it was and was happy with that decision. I could have taken the A7IV, even though this kit is still small for what it is, it can feel a bit overkill.

You should really try out the 1655G for apsc. If I could only take one lens on a trip this would be it. I just came back from the beach with the a7c and the Samyang 24/2.8 and I wish I had brought just the 1655G. 10.6MP is enough, and the pictures would have looked better after PP. The 1655G is the reason I am going back to apsc. It just makes taking great pictures and video simple.

Anyway, a least one of these cameras is going to be sold. Back to the A6700..

I would sell the xe3 for now, and use the procedes to help get a Sony 15/1.4G and/or a 1655G.

First thing is i currently dont own any sony apsc lens only full frame. Shouldnt be an issue but it was..

See above.

I tried the Samyang 45 1.8 and in AFC the lens just continually pulses in and out and cant achieve focus. It works fine in AFS and also works fine on afc on A7IV. I checked the lens firmware and its running the latest. So something to watch out for.

I stick with Sony to avoid this, but sometimes venture into 3rd party and always end up back with Sony glass.

A6700 sits pretty much half way between the a7IV and Xe3 in weight but the size is more on the Xe3 size. The A7IV ergo is a bit better due to being bigger but this is to be expected. The A6700 is still nice to hold and use, can be used 1 handed.

If the xe4 had come out before the a7c, I believe I would have bought that. Actually I am kind surprised you didn't get the a7c or wait for the a7cmk2. They seem to be ideal for where you are with how you like to shoot.

I like the EVF, nice eyepoint, and hood and image similar to the A7IV. EVF is nicer to use than the Xe3. Overall i like the A6700 ergo, buttons and dials but i have a minor complaint about the on off switch. They have changed it from the A7IV, its slightly worse in that they have moved the notch you use to switch on outwards, making it less easy to find. you will get used to it but its a pointless change. Also the ridge on top of the shutter button housing is slightly more raised and doesnt feel as nice as the A7IV. Another pointless change. Changing stuff for the sake of it..

Will check this out when my a6700 shows up.

The video record button is also slightly more recessed with no ridge outside so is harder to find compared to A7IV. Pointless change. I know why they did this, it for people that moan that they accidentally press buttons. Well congratulations they just make it a bit less nice to use. Its fairly minor and you will get used to it but its there.

You could put a sticky bump on it to make it more tactile.

Ask me if i want a joystick and i will say YES, but i just use the tracking and focus and recompose and seems to work well. Not a deal breaker for me.

Agreed.

Overall the smaller size and weight just feels nicer hanging off your shoulder whilst walking around and doing stuff.

Agreed. You can make full use of the smaller lenses while enjoying some of the big glass. I think Sony has the perfect lens system.

Only had the opportunity to take some photos yesterday evening just before sunset. So no challenging AF or image tests. Todays weather doesnt look great so not sure if ill get more picks today.

All these are jpegs straight out of camera, no edits. I've no way to edit the raws at the moment.

Wonderful pictures! Love that they came straight out of camera.

 

[NorCal Jim]

On a practical level, the idea of consolidating makes sense and it simplifies questions about which camera to use.

I did very well in that department in my SLR film days but have settled into adding rather than consolidating in these mirrorless days. For example, I have long admired the retro dials of the Fuji X-Tx series and was very interested in exploring the film simulations. Also, I have been intrigued with the small XF f/2 primes equipped with aperture rings. Meanwhile, I am very happy with two other ILC systems. So, instead of moving to Fuji, I added the X-T3 and the 35mm f/2 lens (got two OIS zoom lenses for some stabilization capability). I plan to add the 23mm & 50mm f/2 lenses and probably call it done.

In this example, I am strongly driven by nostalgia for the traditional external controls (plus adding EC & IOS dials to the traditional speed dial and aperture ring). In your case, you might be more interested in function without the kind of attachments that I described. In that respect the a6700 should do very well with FF or APS-C lenses.

Good luck!

Jim

 

[maltmoose]

I picked up the A6700 to see if it might be possible for it to replace both my A7IV and fuji XE3. I know theres probably a few people rolling their eyes at that but here me out.

I'm no stranger to fullframe and apsc and know the strength weaknesses etc but the often overlooked element is not found on spec sheets.

Agreed! I often speak of living with a camera or its affect on "lifestyle" and the things that you mention that aren't on a spec sheet often keep me from buying cameras. I have had m43/apsc/FF and the real difference is between m43 and apsc vs apsc and full frame, so I completely understand what you mean when you say "people rolling their eyes".
I really do understand what you are referencing.

I went on holiday last month and i was torn on which camera to take and in the end took the xe3 with some small primes and decided it would be good enough and sure enough it was and was happy with that decision. I could have taken the A7IV, even though this kit is still small for what it is, it can feel a bit overkill.

You should really try out the 1655G for apsc. If I could only take one lens on a trip this would be it. I just came back from the beach with the a7c and the Samyang 24/2.8 and I wish I had brought just the 1655G. 10.6MP is enough, and the pictures would have looked better after PP. The 1655G is the reason I am going back to apsc. It just makes taking great pictures and video simple.

1655 looks great but i'm aiming for a smaller system, if i keep it id probably get the sigma 18-50 and a wider prime or zoom for when i need it.

Anyway, a least one of these cameras is going to be sold. Back to the A6700..

I would sell the xe3 for now, and use the procedes to help get a Sony 15/1.4G and/or a 1655G.

First thing is i currently dont own any sony apsc lens only full frame. Shouldnt be an issue but it was..

See above.

I tried the Samyang 45 1.8 and in AFC the lens just continually pulses in and out and cant achieve focus. It works fine in AFS and also works fine on afc on A7IV. I checked the lens firmware and its running the latest. So something to watch out for.

I stick with Sony to avoid this, but sometimes venture into 3rd party and always end up back with Sony glass.

A6700 sits pretty much half way between the a7IV and Xe3 in weight but the size is more on the Xe3 size. The A7IV ergo is a bit better due to being bigger but this is to be expected. The A6700 is still nice to hold and use, can be used 1 handed.

If the xe4 had come out before the a7c, I believe I would have bought that. Actually I am kind surprised you didn't get the a7c or wait for the a7cmk2. They seem to be ideal for where you are with how you like to shoot.

I had considered the yet to be released A7C but im not convinced its going to tick all my boxes.

An A7cR sounds great but could it really have all the features of a high mp fullframe and a fast a6700 in a small package. Sony NEVER gives us everything we want. And if they did the cost would be $$$$. If the a7c does turn out to be great id trade in the a7iv for it. keep or sell the a6700 depending on what it offers

I like the EVF, nice eyepoint, and hood and image similar to the A7IV. EVF is nicer to use than the Xe3. Overall i like the A6700 ergo, buttons and dials but i have a minor complaint about the on off switch. They have changed it from the A7IV, its slightly worse in that they have moved the notch you use to switch on outwards, making it less easy to find. you will get used to it but its a pointless change. Also the ridge on top of the shutter button housing is slightly more raised and doesnt feel as nice as the A7IV. Another pointless change. Changing stuff for the sake of it..

Will check this out when my a6700 shows up.

The video record button is also slightly more recessed with no ridge outside so is harder to find compared to A7IV. Pointless change. I know why they did this, it for people that moan that they accidentally press buttons. Well congratulations they just make it a bit less nice to use. Its fairly minor and you will get used to it but its there.

You could put a sticky bump on it to make it more tactile.

good call although i think id get used to it.

Ask me if i want a joystick and i will say YES, but i just use the tracking and focus and recompose and seems to work well. Not a deal breaker for me.

Agreed.

Overall the smaller size and weight just feels nicer hanging off your shoulder whilst walking around and doing stuff.

Agreed. You can make full use of the smaller lenses while enjoying some of the big glass. I think Sony has the perfect lens system.

Only had the opportunity to take some photos yesterday evening just before sunset. So no challenging AF or image tests. Todays weather doesnt look great so not sure if ill get more picks today.

All these are jpegs straight out of camera, no edits. I've no way to edit the raws at the moment.

Wonderful pictures! Love that they came straight out of camera.

Thanks

 

[Craig Gillette]

I'm considering an A6700.. I have an A6400 and A7riv. So, bigger and smaller, neither with the current menus, enhanced subject tracking, more video capabilities, etc.

A6700 sits pretty much half way between the a7IV and Xe3 in weight but the size is more on the Xe3 size. The A7IV ergo is a bit better due to being bigger but this is to be expected. The A6700 is still nice to hold and use, can be used 1 handed.

I've used the A7Riv almost exclusively since getting it. I noticed the size and weight difference right off. But having used the larger camera, I've become used to the "better 'cause bigger" in handling, controls, etc. So, picked up the A6400, re-did the dates, etc. (Yes, it's been that long) and then liked the lighter weight and size but it did feel kind of restricted with things closer together, too.

Noticing button changes, too. Would likely need to revisit some on either or both. I've become use to BBAF, I suppose it's available on the A6700 but haven't checked. The "record" buttons are moved. On the A6400, it's on the top right edge corner. Not easy to deal with and I'd bumped it at least a few times. I set the A7Riv to work off the shutter button for video. would set the A6700 that way, too, if possible.

A bit of a conundrum. I like the "smaller" for carrying but like the handling of the larger. And to get the new goodies, the A7iv which is almost fresh, is $1K more than the A6700 and the A7Rv is a whopping $3800 or so.

 

[Julian Kirkness]

Just got my A6700 this evening (with 18-135). I've only been able to take a couple of shots with it so far so have no real idea what it's performance (AF in particular) will be like but the initial shots of a few flowers in our garden:











Looks like our weather here is back to raining again tomorrow so probably won't be able to try it out much more for a few days - but quite like what I've seen so far.

My only slight disappointment is with the construction which feels a bit cheap - I had an A7 ii a few years ago and my memory is that it was much more premium feeling - but sold it due to the size of the lenses.

Really hoping for great things from the UI (which seems a big step forward) and that the AF will be a game changer.



--
Julian Kirkness

 

[Xterrapixel]

Received my new a6700 ; here are my initial thoughts after a few hours.

One gripe, the phone app changed from Imaging Edge mobile to Creators. Now I have to have 2 apps one for the a6600 and one for the a6700 kinda stupid, not sure why they created a new app and did not expand on the older app.
I use the app mainly for location info write and Date adjustment. On occasion I transfer images to my phone to post right away on Instagram.

The power switch moved / rotated to an un-natural position to turn camera on/off.
Was hoping for the same Anti-Dust function like in the A7RV where the shutter can be set to closed when camera is turned off. But this is not available in the a6700, not sure why.
Other than that AF seems faster and recognized objects better and faster. I like the touchscreen and new swivel LCD.
Overall a good upgrade but will keep the a6600 for my UW use, (switching UW housings is EXPENSIVE)

 

[Maxzoom]

Xterrapixel wrote Was hoping for the same Anti-Dust function like in the A7RV where the shutter can be set to closed when camera is turned off. But this is not available in the a6700, not sure why.

I've seen comments like this before and I'm puzzled by them. The shutter is extremely delicate, the sensor has a protective filter in front of it which can be swabbed. Why do you want to put the shutter at risk when the lens is removed?

 

[Agrz]

I received mine last week, here are my initial thought compared to my a6400 and other cameras I have used (olympus e-m5 mkIII, panasonic gx85, olympus e-m1 mkiii).

IQ :
I don't notice any image quality improvement regarding the 26mp vs 24mp sensor. Considering high ISO noise I see no difference either, but the software I use don't support the camera yet.

AF :
AF is a big improvement compared to my a6400. With the a6400, for example when taking birds pictures, I always found that AF was not very accurate and that most pictures in burst were slightly out of focus, with either sony 70-350 or tamron 150-500. With the a6700 most pictures are now in focus. I also found the a6700 much better in following and finding a subject in front of a busy background, even without subject detection or tracking. The AF system is still strongly attracted to the foreground, if you want to focus through leaves or grass for example, full time DMF is your friend.
The subject recognition is very useful, but also quite unpredictable. Sometimes it won't recognize a very obvious and big in the frame subject, sometimes it will recognize a very small and far subject in a busy environment.
What impresses me the most and I think I will use it a lot is the insect recognition. It works quite well with my tamron 150-500 which has a great minimum focus distance and reproduction ratio, it should work well with other close-to-macro capable telephoto lenses (i think of the new 70-200, the sigma 150-600, 60-600 and the sony 100-400). It works very well withe insects like bees, flies, wasps, with butterflies it struggles to find the head. I didn't try with other types of insects yet.

Buffer/memory card/burst :
It looks like there is no improvement in buffer capacity, but with a fast uhs-ii card (i have a integral ultima proX 128gb v90), the buffer is much faster to empty and the camera still shoots at a relatively high burst rate when the buffer is full (I can't quantify it but it feels faster than the mid burst rate setting). This makes the a6700 much more enjoyable to use when taking long burst. I also like the shutter sound more than the a6400 sound.

IBIS :
IBIS is a welcome addition. It is effective enough to be more comfortable using non stabilized primes like my sigma 56 F1.4, or to get a more stable viewfinder with my laowa 65mm macro, and I will probably replace my sony 18-135mm oss lens with the non stabilized sigma 18-50mm F2.8. But it is nowhere near as effective as my brother's olympus e-m5 mkIII or even my sister's panasonic gx85, especially in video with long lenses. I didn't expect sony to put great IBIS in the a6700 as it is not the brand specialty, but considering their recent improvement with the A7RV, it would have been nice to have something better than in the a6600.

Ergonomics/body :
Ergonomics is another big improvement compared to the a6400. The deeper grip is much better especially with lenses that are not very compact my viltrox 13mm F1.4. It is still a bit too short to grip with four finger my pinkie will still benefit from using the smallrig cage when it arrives. The additional front dial, is also very nice to have, as is the "photo - movie - s/q" switch. I like the articulated screen more than the a6400 tilt screen, I really can't understand how people prefer this type of screen. I am not convinced by the top button placement, I find them harder to access than the a6400's top button that are on the grip, but there is one additional button so I guess everything is not negative here. The menu button is very hard to access even with my relatively large hands, it must be a nightmare to use for people with smaller hands. IMO the a6700 is the best handling compact body camera today, very superior to the a6400, a little better than the olympus e-m5 mkIII, but still very inferior compared to bigger more tradition form factor like the olympus e-m1 mkiii

EVF :
I feel like the EVF has been a little improved. The image is a bit bigger and crisper. It seems like the thicker body allows the use of better optics here. I would say that the EVF experience is now on par or a bit superior to the olympus e-m5 mkIII, when the a6400 was a bit inferior.

Menu/customization :
Compared to the a6400, I don't think the new menu is that much of an improvement. It is certainly better looking, and more complete, but the handling of it is still clumsy when I compare it to a decade old canon 700d menu. Like for the a6400, the over abbreviated menu items are very annoying to me. Maybe it is because my menus are in french and it is better in other languages idk.
For customization it is very similar to the a6400 with a lot of option available to most button, so not a big improvement there.

Battery/IO :
Short battery life was probably my biggest complain withe the a6400 and I am glad they went for the bigger battery with the a6700, It really is a big improvement. I am pleased sony didn't cheap on the usb connection this time with a usb-c. About the lack of charger brick and cable in the box, I regret they didn't include at least a usb cable fast enough to use the new usb-webcam function at its full potential. I get some people would need a included charger brick in the box, it is not an issue for me as I have a cube 2 dual battery charger. Those "omissions" are not great overall for customer experience and I believe it probably has more positive effect on sony's financial results than on the environment.

PS : Where I think Sony cut corner compared to the competition and is not worthy of a high end camera as they say the a6700 is:

shutter/burst rate : 1/4000 s shutter speed is low-end spec, it is clear the where cheap on that, like you can't use very fast lens in bright days outside. 11 fps mechanical is on the low side compared to the competition, 15 fps would have been nice but it is compensated by a great AF hit rate. 11 fps electronic shutter very low compared to the competition, it is especially frustrating when fuji is doing more than 20fps e-shutter for years with sony sensors on lower-end products (X-S10)
buffer : most competing cameras in the same price range (ex canon r7) have a bigger buffer, they fill it as fast because their burst rate is much higher. It would have been nice to have at least a 100 raw buffer, LPDDR memory is probably not very expensive these days. For example look at the fuji x-h2 that is not that much more expensive and have a 400 file buffer on 40mp raw at 20 fps. Even the lower end x-s20 have a bigger buffer.

TL;DR :
I think it is a nice improvement in usability over the a6400 and I like it (AF, body, ergonomics, IBIS, battery life), but sony went cheap on some parts for the a6700 to truly be considered "high end" (shutter, buffer, packaging).

 

[Martin_99]

Thanks for your user preview. This is how it should be done in my opinion.

Balanced description, specially EVF section feels refreshing after countless online crying about EVF from people who probably don't even hold the camera.

I strongly suggest to purchase the newer apsc lenses for the best image quality/size ratio

 

[Martin_99]

Thank you also Agrz.

It's great to see also some review from somebody ho own A6400 as me.

I like the articulated screen more than the a6400 tilt screen, I really can't understand how people prefer this type of screen.

I would just shortly comment your screen section. I find A6400 screen really great. I had opportunity to directly compare it with Canon RP fully articulating screen. As most of my screen movements is for low shots (mostly daughter, insect, flowers), tilting make it easy one movement step in opposite of RP's two steps, which move the screen in unnatural off-axis position. Also camera feel more fragile in my hands with screen hanging on the side.

So the screen is the main reason why I'm strongly hesitating to upgrade. But as I want to stay at Sony, I will probably not have adifferent option in longterm.

 

[piticoto]

It's not quite initial thoughts from me, after around three weeks from announcement of A6700, plus some reviews and comments in the forum.

I don't like the screen that flips to the side. Then it was the doubt about noise at ISO 6400 and I still want to know more about that. In the three weeks what I like most is the AI autofocus, the revised menu and full access to the menu with the touch screen. Two more things that keep me from not getting A6700 is the price and the size getting bigger. To me even A6100 is bigger than I want, but I had one for work when it was released with 90 macro lens, then after using it for 9 months I got an A6100 for me. At least 18-135 seems balanced on A6100, but big for A5100 that I have. I would get a 5100 successor with autofocus updates and full access to the menu with touch screen. Small size camera matters to me now as it did in 2010 when I jumped to buy Nex-5.