Sony has announced two new products: the a6700 APS-C 26-megapixel camera, and the FE 70-200mm f4 Macro G OSS II lens. Both will be available from August, with the camera a6700 SRP set at $2499, and the FE 70-200mm f4 at SRP $2899.
Here is the press release:
Sony Releases Next-generation APS-C Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera α6700 and Expands the Range of Shooting Possibilities with the introduction of the FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II Lens™
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – 12 July 2023 – Today, Sony Electronics announces the release of
its newest APS-C mirrorless camera, the α6700 (ILCE-6700). This new offering combines the
cutting-edge still image and video capabilities found in the latest full-frame Alpha™ and
Cinema Line series with the compact and lightweight design of the α6000 series, resulting in
a Sony’s most advanced APS-C mirrorless camera to date.
Additionally, Sony introduces the telephoto zoom lens FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II
(product name SEL70200G2) that covers focal lengths from 70mm to 200mm with an F4
maximum aperture, compatible with 35mm full-frame α™ (Alpha™) E-mount series.
Alpha 6700
Combining an APS-C back-illuminated Exmor R® CMOS image sensor boasting 26.0 effective
megapixels with the speed and power of Sony’s advanced BIONZ XR® processing engine,
the α6700 achieves exceptional imaging performance while maintaining a compact and
lightweight design.
The camera supports high-resolution 4K video recording at up to 120fps1, a wide latitude of 14+ stops2 for capturing details in harsh or under-lit conditions and features the S-Cinetone™ picture profile found in Sony’s professional Cinema Line for refined movie imagery that doesn’t require colour grading, and it delivers stunning representation of human skin tones. For videographers and vloggers, Sony simultaneously releases the ECM-M1 shotgun microphone, capable of high-quality sound with eight sound pickup modes including stereo.
Highly accurate subject recognition with AI
The latest APS-C size, back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor boasts approximately 26.0 effective megapixels, paired with our advanced BIONZ XR engine for exceptional imaging performance. Standard ISO sensitivity spans 100 to 32000 for both stills and movies, allowing high-sensitivity, low-noise shooting. Enhanced colour reproduction ensures subjects like people and plants are captured with natural hues, while Creative Look features allow unique visual expressions.
The AI processing unit is inherited from the “α7R V,” enabling high accuracy “Real-Time Recognition AF (autofocus).” Beyond the α6000 series’ human and animal recognition, it now accurately identifies various subjects such as human, animal, bird, insect, car/train, and airplane, catering to diverse creative expressions. When paired with today’s newly launched FE 70-200mm F4.0 G Macro OSS II 3, it offers 105 mm to 300 mm focal lengths in 35mm full-frame equivalent, leveraging the power of telephoto zoom for high-quality shooting.
Excellent video performance compatible with 4K120p1
Harnessing data equivalent to 6K, the α6700 outputs superior 4K video, including support for high-frame-rate recording at 4K 120fps. It features S-Log3, offering a latitude of 14+2 above, for stellar gradation. Also equipped with S-Cinetone, the α6700 offers impressive skin tone depiction and subject highlighting, technologies honed through our Cinema Line development, while its AI-driven Auto-Framing4 smoothly tracks subjects, eliminating the need for manual camera movement. The body houses a Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe compatible with digital audio interfaces. Used in conjunction with our new ECM-M1 shotgun microphone, it allows for direct digital audio transmission, capturing high-quality, undegraded sound.
Mobility, operability, and connectivity unique to a compact and lightweight device
With a compact design (approx. 4 7/8 × 2 3/4 × 3 in. and weighing about 1 lb 1.4 oz5.), the α6700 is highly portable. It claims a user-friendly, touch-operable vari-angle LCD monitor, coupled with a modern touch menu for effortless operation. Customisable front dial and a switching dial for still images, movies, and S&Q modes are also featured. It is also equipped with optical 5-axis in-body image stabilisation system with 5.0 stops 6 of shutter speed advantage for stills and an Active Mode7 ensures stable footage.
In terms of connectivity, the camera now supports the Creators’ App8 for seamless uploads of videos and still images to cloud services. Sony also plans to roll out a new version of the “Camera Remote SDK” in July 2023, allowing remote operation and setting adjustments.
Environmental conscious and accessibility
Over the past 10 years, Sony has replaced approximately 379 tons9 of virgin plastic with recycled plastic in digital cameras and digital video cameras. Recycled materials, including SORPLASTM10, are actively used for the camera body, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing functionality. In addition, it is equipped with a Screen Reader function11 that reads menus and video playback screens aloud to assist operations, supporting the creative activities of a wide variety of creators.
FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II
The FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II is a compact, lightweight telephoto zoom lens that can be used in a wide range of situations. Not only does the FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II contain superb high-speed and high-performance AF that are unique to G lenses, this is the world’s first1 zoom lens to offer half macro capability throughout the zoom range, with a maximum magnification of 0.5x 12 throughout. In addition, with a teleconverter (sold separately13), super-telephoto shooting up to 400mm and life-size 1:1 magnification macro shooting throughout the entire zoom range is possible14.
This launch marks Sony’s 50th full-frame E-mount lens15. Since the very first lens Sony has remained committed to supporting the creative activities of photographers and videographers by bringing together the latest technologies and expanding the E-mount lineup that covers both full-frame and APS-C size formats.
With a total length of 149mm and a weight of approximately 794g (excluding tripod mount), the FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II is zoom lens can be used for a wide range of purposes, including sports scenes, landscapes, wild birds, and even macro photography.
Shooting from 70mm to 200mm, the lens also enables the world’s first1 half-macro shooting2, with a maximum magnification of 0.5x throughout the zoom range. The advanced aspherical lenses contribute to uniformly excellent corner-to-corner resolution and contrast. In addition, ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass suppresses chromatic aberration.
It also supports a high-performance teleconverter16 (sold separately3). With a super-telephoto of up to 400 mm (equivalent to 600 mm when using with an APS-C camera)4, you can capture distant subjects in a larger size, along with beautiful bokeh. When the SEL20TC is attached, it is possible to take macro shots at up to 1:1 over the entire zoom range.
Fast autofocus and excellent video recording performance
Sony’s unique XD (extreme dynamic) linear motor increases the autofocus speed by up to 20%17. Tracking performance for moving objects has also improved approximately twice as much compared to the previous model7, so it continues to track the target subject with high accuracy. Whilst focus tracking performance during zooming has also been greatly improved18. When paired with the flagship α1 body, it is possible to shoot high-speed bursts at up to 30 frames per second.
In addition, a new MODE319 setting of SteadyShot has been added that optimises the camera
shake correction algorithm, emphasising framing stability when shooting moving subjects. By
combining with a compatible camera body, you can more effectively compensate for camera
shake and shoot stable movies.
Intuitive operability and high reliability for safe use in harsh shooting environment
The FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II provides intuitive and secure operability that supports the photographers and videographers. In addition to a focus range limiter and a full-time DMF switch that instantly switches from AF to MF (manual focus), the detachable tripod mount included in the box provides a sense of stability during super-telephoto and macro shooting.
In addition, the front lens element features a fluorine coating, which makes it easy to remove fingerprints, dust, oil, and other contaminants from the lens surface. The dust and moisture resistant design provides extra reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions 20 and expands the freedom of shooting.
ECM-M1 Microphone
Sony is set to launch the ECM-M1, the world’s first shotgun microphone with eight dialselectable audio recording modes21. With 4 microphone capsules and unique beamforming and advanced digital processing technology, it offers varied modes including stereo. Its ultradirectional mode captures targeted sound from the front (within a 30-degree width) and at the same time effectively suppresses other sounds, dynamically adapting to ambient sound in the surroundings. This mode is ideal for interviews and selfie-oriented scenarios where the subject is always in front of the microphone.
A newly added mode dial with a locking mechanism ensures easy, secure switching of sound
pickup modes. The ECM-M1 features noise reduction utilities like a noise cut filter for reducing
background noise and a low-cut filter for minimising vibration and low frequency noise. These
filters are implemented through digital signal processing, maximising audio quality at the
recording stage and thereby reducing the need for complex post processing. It also supports
4-channel recording (compatible cameras only), allowing safety recording in omnidirectional
mode on channels 3 and 4, while channels 1 and 2 focus on selected directivity.
Price and Availability
The Alpha 6700 will be available in Australia from August 2023
SRP: $2,499.00 AUD
The FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II will be available in Australia from early August 2023
SRP: $2,899.00 AUD
The ECM-M1 will be available in Australia from mid-August 2023
SRP: $499.00 AUD
Footnotes:
1 QFHD (3840×2160). About 38% of the angle of view is cropped.
2 When shooting S-Log3. Sony internal measurement.
3 For details on the FE 70-200mm F4.0 G Macro OSS II, please see the press release announced on July 12.
4 Valid only in video mode. The angle of view is narrowed because it is cropped from a 4K resolution image.
5 Weight includes battery and memory card.
6 CIPA standard compliant, Pitch/Yaw direction, with FE 50 mm F1.2 GM attached, long exposure noise
reduction off.
7 In Active Mode, the shooting angle of view is slightly narrower.
8 Check regional availability of services and applications via the URL below: Creators’ App:
https://www.sony.net/cca , Creators’ Cloud: https://www.sony.net/cc/ Download app at Google Play and the App Store. Network services, content, and operating system and software subject to terms and conditions and may be changed, interrupted or discontinued at any time and may require fees, registration and credit card information.
9 According to Sony research. Recycled materials used for product body and accessories from April 2012 to March 2022.
10 SORPLAS™ may not be used for the parts used depending on the production period.
11 Supported languages differ depending on the sales region.
12 When using a 35mm Full-frame sensor camera. In the case of using an APS-C sensor camera, 0.75x equivalent magnification throughout the zoom range in the 35mm format.
13 1.4x Teleconverter Lens “SEL14TC” and 2.0x Teleconverter Lens “SEL20TC”
14 With “SEL20TC”
15 As of July 2023 product announcement.
16 Maximum aperture with the 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters is F5.6 and F8, respectively.
17 Compared to SEL70200G, Sony’s test conditions
18 Compared to SEL70200G, when shooting stills, Sony’s test conditions.
19 A software update may be required. See Sony’s support page on the web for camera compatibility info.
20 Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof.
21 As of the July 2023 press release. Sony research. As a camera microphone.
13 Exact timing and pricing will depend on individual country.
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