Sony a6000
Sony · Mirrorless · 24.3 MP · APS-C · Full HD video

Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | a6000 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2014 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | February 12, 2014 |
| Camera type | |
| Camera size | 120 x 67 x 45 mm |
| Camera weight | 344 g |
Optics67/100 | |
About This SectionThe Sony a6000 receives a score of 57/100 for its general specifications. With dimensions of 120 x 67 x 45mm and a weight of 344g (0.76lbs), the a6000 is compact and lightweight. Although these specs may seem outdated in today’s market, the camera still provides reliable performance for photography enthusiasts. The camera’s design and capabilities have earned it a respectable score, making it a decent option for those seeking quality on a budget. Sony a6000 Overview and OpticsThe Sony a6000 receives a 67/100 score in the optics department. With 24.3 megapixels and an 11 fps shooting speed, the camera captures sharp, high-quality images. Its CMOS sensor, Bionz X processor, and 82 DXOMARK sensor score contribute to its overall performance, while the APS-C sensor size offers a good balance between image quality and compactness. The Sony E lens mount provides compatibility with a wide range of E-mount lenses. However, the lack of image stabilization might be a limitation for some users. The camera maintains a 3:2 aspect ratio for its images, which is a standard format for most photographers. When comparing the Sony a6000 to other cameras in today’s market, it still holds up well in terms of image quality and versatility. However, the absence of image stabilization and the camera’s age may make it less appealing to some photographers. Nonetheless, the a6000 remains a reliable option for those seeking a compact, high-performance camera. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.3 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6000 x 4000 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15.6 x 23.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 11 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony E |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz X |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. | |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 256003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 5030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 1790300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | No |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 144000009900000 |
Video56/100 | |
About This SectionThe Sony a6000 scores 56/100 in video capabilities. This camera offers a Full HD maximum video resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, providing high-definition footage. The maximum video frame rate is 60fps, ensuring smooth motion in recorded video. However, the camera lacks built-in time-lapse functionality, which is a desired feature among many users. Considering today’s market, Full HD resolution is no longer the highest standard, as 4K resolution becomes increasingly popular. The absence of 4K video recording limits the Sony a6000’s competitiveness against other cameras in its category. While the Sony a6000’s video capabilities are suitable for casual users, it may not meet the demands of professionals or enthusiasts seeking higher resolutions and more advanced features. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. | No |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4 |
Features41/100 | |
About This SectionThe Sony a6000 has a feature score of 41 out of 100. This score is based on various specifications like screen size, resolution, and connectivity options. The camera comes with a 3-inch flip screen, which allows for flexible shooting angles. However, the screen resolution is only 921,600 dots, which is lower compared to newer models in the market. The camera does not have a touchscreen, which is a significant disadvantage for users who prefer touch-based controls. In addition, the a6000 lacks GPS and Bluetooth functionality, limiting its connectivity options. Despite this, the camera does offer Wi-Fi support for wireless image transfer and remote control. Considering these features, the Sony a6000’s specifications may not be the most competitive in today’s market. Nevertheless, the camera still holds its own for users who prioritize performance over cutting-edge features. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. | |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 9216001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. | |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. | |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery21/100 | |
About This SectionThe Sony a6000 receives a storage and battery score of 21/100. This camera has a single memory card slot, which accepts both SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards. In today’s market, having only one memory card slot might be a drawback for some users who prefer multiple slots for backup and organization purposes. The battery life of the Sony a6000 is relatively short, providing 360 shots per charge with its NP-FW50 battery. This battery life is lower than many of its competitors in the market. Additionally, the camera lacks USB charging capabilities, which could cause inconvenience for users who wish to charge their camera on-the-go. Taking these factors into account, the storage and battery performance of the Sony a6000 may not meet the expectations of some users in today’s market. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | NP-FW50 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 360 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |