Underwater evaluation of the Sony a6100 camera model
The Sony a6100, the latest addition to Sony's APS-C mirrorless camera line, is now available for purchase. This budget-friendly model offers a host of upgrades and features that make it an attractive option for underwater photographers.
Key Upgrades and Features
Improved Autofocus
The Sony a6100 has been updated with Sony's top of the line autofocus system, offering real-time AF tracking and Animal Eye AF, making it more versatile for capturing moving subjects underwater.
4K Video Capabilities
One of the most significant improvements in the Sony a6100 is its video capabilities. It can shoot 4K video at 30fps, with full-pixel readout and no pixel binning, providing high-quality footage for underwater vlogging or detailed marine life footage.
Additional Features
The Sony a6100 also boasts a tilting touchscreen, a built-in intervalometer, and a 380 shot battery life, making it a convenient and efficient choice for underwater photography.
Underwater Photography Considerations
Both the Sony a6100 and the a6000 require an external housing to protect them from water. However, the Sony a6100's improved autofocus, 4K video capabilities, and additional features like a touchscreen interface make it a better choice for capturing dynamic underwater scenes.
Specifications
- Sensor: 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor
- ISO Range: Native ISO range of 100-32000
- Autofocus: Contrast-phase detect hybrid AF system with 425 phase detection AF points and an equal number of contrast detect AF points
- Video: 4K @ 30fps video, 1080p @ 120fps
- Dimensions: 4.75" X 2.75" X 2.375"
- Weight: 396 grams
- Price: U.S. MSRP for the Sony a6100 is $750
For underwater photographers, the Sony a6100 is a unique option due to its excellent APS-C mirrorless option and affordable price point. A wide range of housing options for the a6100 will be available from major underwater housing manufacturers.
However, it's important to note that the Sony a6100 does not have 5-axis in-body image-stabilization and lacks picture profiles. Its menu system can be a little clunky, but the benefits of its advanced autofocus, 4K video capabilities, and additional features like a touchscreen interface make it a compelling choice for underwater photography.
- The Sony a6100, known for its improved autofocus system, offers real-time AF tracking and Animal Eye AF, making it a versatile choice for capturing moving subjects underwater.
- One of the notable improvements in the Sony a6100 is its 4K video capabilities, allowing for 4K video at 30fps with full-pixel readout and no pixel binning.
- The Sony a6100's additional features include a tilting touchscreen, a built-in intervalometer, and a battery life of 380 shots, making it a convenient and efficient option for underwater photography.
- For underwater photography, both the Sony a6100 and a6000 models require an external housing for protection, but the Sony a6100's enhanced autofocus, 4K video capabilities, and touchscreen interface make it a better choice for capturing dynamic underwater scenes.
- Additionally, a wide range of housing options for the Sony a6100 will be available from major underwater housing manufacturers.
- To capture stunning underwater photos with the Sony a6100, consider using gadgets like strobes and guide for effective illumination and improved color accuracy underwater, particularly considering the lack of 5-axis in-body image-stabilization and picture profiles in this compact mirrorless camera.
