You are amazing! The A6300 has a very complex menu and you made it look like a walk in the park! Bravo! Your best review to date. You sold me on the A6300. Keep those great reviews coming!
Fantastic review, effective and informative. Not blabbering on with bad jokes or telling us how your cats day has been, not begging for likes and subscriptions, no ads. utube reviewers please take note.Thank you Maarten so many good tips here.
One of the best and detailed camera reviews that I've found for the Sony a6300. I don't quite understand why it did not appear on the 1st page in the search list. Thanks very much!
That's very kind of you to say ... but I'm worried, as I usually come up pretty high. What did you search for? If I search for "A6300" or "Sony A6300" review, I'm right at the top. I checked with TubeBuddy and they agree with that.
A great Run and Gun Review... I just upgraded from the A6000 to the A6500 it has all the features of the A6300 and more. The exhausting array of features is a bit daunting. The menus are a bit different on the A6500 but I was able to follow your lead and really appreciated getting a few of the choices narrowed down to a more manageable level. Thanks a bunch. Getting my hands on this model in Canada was difficult I pre-ordered about a month ago and every store still has them on back order.
Thanks for watching and for the kind words, always appreciated. It's nice to know I was able to be helpful. The A6500 is hard to get - Sony Canada has promised me one to review in January.
I've been cheeking all the a6300 tubes and reviews since i bought mine back in July but never found any with a professional and detailed info. so thank you very much wish you all the best.
Best long review of the a6300 for sure. good balance and hitting all the features. Owned the a6300 from day one and felt i knew all the options but you made me retry a few small things again or that i mist. Ill send people to this review if asked mostly because of its length and depth.
I very much love using the a6300 for both photos and videos when paired with good glass. I found more amazing tricks after watching this video. Thank you for such a detailed review!
I'm always staggered by the quality of your videos. You certainly deserve way more views and subscribers, excellent review! By the way: You do not share your shots on your blog or on flickr, do you? I'd love to see them enlarged!
That is very kind of you to say, thanks for commenting. Yes, you'll find the images used on flickr - the link for the album of shots used in the video is in the description or on my blog at maartech.com
***** Thanks a lot for your reply! I had actually looked at your blog beforehand but only found the social media buttons on the upper right side expecting flickr to be there - it wasn't. I think a flickr button would be a good addition to that menu :).
Thank you very much - I am deeply impressed by your complete explaination. It is a pity that you talk a little bit too fast for non native english speaking viewers, but that does not minimize my respect for your excellant work.
That's very kind of you to say, thanks. I mostly used the kit lens and the 16-70. If you go to my "maartech" flickr album for the A6300 you'll be able to see which lens was used for which shots.
+Maarten Heilbron thanks for the reply. Still torn between the A6300 and Rx10 m2. Watched your video on that one to and really appreciated how in depth it was. Now just to decide...
Do you see a big difference between the 16-50 and the 16-70? I posted a comment earlier. The 16-70mm to me seems the weak spot of the system. But maybe it is sharp enough for video. A7 with 24-70 ZA is a lot sharper than A6000 with 16-70, but with a good prime difference between the sensors in outdoor, bright sunlit images is minimal...
Thanks Maarten, absolutely amazing thorough review as always. The a6300 looks to be a seriously big step up in price compared to the a6000's price when it was first released... I might have to wait a year for the price to drop before upgrading. But then my current a6000 is still a much better camera than I am a photographer, so I'm in no rush :)
I would kindly suggest that you really look into it at Black Friday time. During Black Friday / Holiday Time (formerly known as Christmas) 2015, the a6000 was available here in the States for $399. After the new year 2016, it went back up to $549. So definitely check around Black Friday.
Just bought the A6300 with kit lens for amazing 600€ in a Black Friday deal. I am upgrading from the A6000 and thought of digging out one of your great videos, to see what I actually bought! Maybe this camera makes me try some more videography! (Especially the microphone in! Almost more important to me than 4k; I don't like the hassle of carrying around another recorder) Your tips will certainly help me how to start out with the settings! Thank you!
It's always nice to hear that I've been helpful, but even more that I'm encouraging you to try more and create more. I did also make a "video settings" video for the A6300: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-AVUS6GoL42Y.html (you could take this video over 100K plays!) - As well as some in-depth thinking about SLog: Sony A6300 Profiles, Logs and LUTs ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-g5ByPkuhuM4.html
Great overview of the camera and the controls/menus. Nice job. BTW, its called "Back BUTTON AF" not just "Back Focus" as that term is used when the lens is focusing BEHIND your desired focus point. :) Cant wait to upgrade my a6000 one day but its a steep price esp when I dont need 4k video.
Just got my a6300! Thanks for all the info you've posted. Helped out a lot with my decision. Also, just wanted to add, you got steez!!! Keep it G, playa lol. Peace ✌🏽
Hi, One major problem you forget to mention is overheating using 4K video(a major feature hence Sony charges a premium price over A6000) which is a SERIOUS problem. Other deficiencies you mentioned are pale into insignificance.
Another great review! I'm just wondering about the 'AF in focus mag'... which seems to be a great feature but won't the camera refocus when you finally press the shutter button to take the photo?
These videos are great, very well done!! I'm looking for a camera around £500 that's powerful yet perfect for traveling, has a 180 degree flip screen, It has to have great focus times and image quality. this camera is a little too much and doesent have the 180 screen but I've been looking at the Sony a5100 and Canon GX7 Mark 2. Have you used these cameras and are they worth purchasing? Which camera do you think is best for my needs? I have a Panasonic G5 with two 4/3rd lenses already, its a little too big but I'm wondering if theres any point at all in spending more money for a newer, smaller camera.
Thanks for the kind words. You'll find both reviews on my channel. I'd probably stick with the G5. Although the 6300 doesn't have a flip screen. It has an excellent remote app.
Thank you for your kind comment. The A6300's focus system is also useful for stills, but the focus engine on the A6000 certainly didn't suck. Considering the price differential, I'm sure you'll be pleased with the A6000. You'll find a review of the A6000 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hkBnze9wUQU.html as well as an A6000 to A6300 comparison ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5jaSuiRXL1s.html on my channel.
A very well done review. One of the best. I have both a6000 and a6300 and love them both. Many reviews out there are all about how "bad" this camera is and how it could be better. Subscribed to your channel :-)
+Maarten Heilbron They can be better, but for the price tag they are quite remarkable:-) Regarding battery issue I have bought a 20000mAh battery and a 2m cord. I plug my a6300 to the battery and can take picture and film all day long.
Great review! The 30 minute limit has to do with international legal issues, so Sony can market it as a photo camera, in stead of a film camera. If a camera can record over 30 mins, it automatically falls into the film camera category, and this changes some regulations. (import export etc.).
+Tony Pérez Thanks for the kind words. That may be true - I understand that there are different import duties in Europe that make this distinction. However it should have no impact on the North American version. Nor should a small tariff (after all there are many video cameras that cost substantially less) have impact on this rather expensive model, especially at the cost of valuable functionality.
You make great substantial reviews! Anyway I have the A6000, and my main gripe is that the 16-70mm Sony premium zoom is subpar. Sharp only in the center. I have A7, A7ii with 24-70mm f4 and it produces sharper, crisper images all across the frame. I find at ISO 100 / 200 the A6000's sensor keeps up with the A7, but the kit lenses really ruin the set up. I wish Sony with the A6300 would have introduced a revised 16-70mm or 16-85mm lens. A6000 / 6300 would be perfect for travel, but I would not want to shoot architecture or landscapes with the 16-70, halfway between the center and edges it really loses sharpness. I am happier with the 55-210, I also have the 16-50, the 50mm OSS is very nice so the 30mm f2.8 Sigma.It is a bit frustrating. 2 bodies and 3 primes in the bag may be solution. But a decent zoom would really be welcome.
Very kind of you to say. I certainly agree that the Sony FE lenses are superior, but I'm happy with my 16-70. Doing some shooting with the FE70-300, and it's also very good.
Great review, really in depth! :) Do you think that disappointing rolling shutter is a deal breaker for video shooters and is quality decreased when correcting it in post?
Thank you for your kind words. I have yet to notice the rolling shutte effect in regular shooting, you can see the pan is fairly extreme before it's really noticeable.
Hello and congratulations and many thanks for the best review ever made on the Sony A6300. I've got one for myself as a travel camera. I was tired to carry heavy gear with me (Full frame camera plus heavy lenses) and decided to go for the Sony also for its 4K video feature. By watching your review though, I've got quite scared about S-log2 recording. I thought I'd be using it but it seems as though it's not always the best option and in some cases it might even be worse. I will be taking videos outside at the sea (Santorini, Greece) most of the time. Could you be so kind to suggest me what would be the best video setting for this kind of use? Also, would I need to buy ND filter for outdoor video or not? Thank you again! Best regards, Claudio
I have the nicest viewers - thanks for the kind words. First, please buy an ND filter - both so that you can shoot at 1/60, and also so that you can shoot with the iris less than at its minimum (maximum?). I'm not sure what "look" you're going for, so hard to recommend. The default (profiles off) provides great images with standard TV contrast and saturated colours, but if you'd like a little more cinematic look modify/create a profile with Cine 2, Cinema (or Still) colour - and turn the saturation and detail down from 0 - and underexpose slightly. Slog2 or 3 does have a place if you're shooting outside - as the sample with the birds illustrates. If for what looks like decent exposure for the overall image overexposes highlights, then use Slog2 (or3 - which is fairly extreme) but remember that you'll have work to do when you get home. Remember that the creative styles also work for video, and they may provide (possibly with adjustment) the style that pleases you. Best to get out there and try some settings until you find something that works for you - that way you don't get home from a trip with footage you're not happy with.
You are the best Marteen! I'm a beginner photographer. I do occasionally do video and im wondering which is a better overall camera. Im stuck between the Fujifilm x-t20 and the A6300. Please help!
That's too personal a decision for me to help - they're both good cameras - choose the one you like better for price, the feel in your hand or your preference for design or brand,
This is an ultimate and very tremendous Review/Tutorial for the a6300, but unfortunately couldn't watch it to the end. The mix between Photo and Video modes made me confused and couldn't follow the steps and get benefit from it. I came from Canon DSLR side which has less menu function and more buttons and I'm sure there are many like me. Please, make one for Video Setting/Tutorial or at least make a new edit for it. Thanks
Thanks, I appreciate the kind words. Sorry about the confusion, and I agree that it's a very complex menu - but that makes the A6300 a very powerful camera. Let me think about a "Configuring the A6300 for video" video - would that suit your interest?
Well this was these easiest subscription I've ever made! Such detail and superbly presented! :) Hopefully you can help me with this one... GH4 orA6300 - more specifically, the slow motion video quality does it trump the good ol' GH4? Thanks again! Cracking vids really appreciate them! #Subbed
Thank you, that's very kind. For a couple of reasons, I'd probably take the GH4 - but not for lenses, which really has become Sony's advantage in the last year or so. For slo-mo, only the A6300 does 120fps, and I find it reasonable, although as I point out, the more you slow it down, the lower the bitrate gets, but it does start at 100Mbits. Hope this helps.
My pleasure! look forward to your next one :) Just out of interest what wud make u pick the GH4? i think your right the slo mo quality is very similar.
I recommend one that works with, or included on, your tripod. There's enough space on the bottom plate to enable me to change batteries and memory cards with the Manfrotto plate included with the 701HDV - now discontinued, but the plate is still available bhpho.to/2Hxycyr. If you need a small add-on plate, there's one on my Amazon page: www.amazon.com/shop/maartenheilbron. That's the one I use when putting the A6300 on a gimbal.
So nice to read your comments, thanks for taking the time. I'd suggest you live with a mirrorless camera for a few months before selling your Canon gear - it's a tough transition for many photographers.
Amazing breakdown of those complex menus. I finally got the A6300 on sale. The viewfinder quality is way better than the A6000, if I may add. Also weather sealed and according to what an authorized repair center told me less prone to logic board failures as the A6000 (I suspect caused by moisture). I would have loved the A6500 for IBIS and touch focus, but it was 500 USD extra
The repair for unresponsive rear buttons on the A6000 was $330 USD. I decided to sell the faulty A6000 for $275 as is / for repair. I bought a A6300 open box pristine for $620. At the end the expense would have been similar. Also the A6300 has such a better viewfinder res that makes it hard to go back to the A6000. I'd love to have the touch AF point for shoots where I photograph people and I switch from horizontal to vertical (i use flexible spot, as face recognition sometimes gets confused by other people) and IBIS, but the $500 price difference between A6300 and A6500 is steep.
The processor has a great deal of work to do to take the video from the sensor and compress it in real time to a recordable format with a relatively low data rate.
I agree it's a lot to learn, but there is a lot that's customizable to suit your specific needs which simplifies things. Many are adjustments you'd make only once.
What a wonderful review. To the point, yet detailed and charming, I must say. Thank you so much. However I do have a question. How does Sony a6300 compare with the new Fuji X T2? I have a bunch of classic Minolta glass and was wondering if it could be a good idea to use them with the Fuji with an adapter. Thanks again.
Thanks for the kind words - "charming" - I'm flattered. I've been asking the same question - I've been shooting with both for a while and am finding that a hard decision. There's a lot to like about both cameras, and both have a few shortcomings. I'm completing my X-T2 review and maybe I should do a comparison ... The lenses will work with adapters with either camera (maybe better on the Sony). They will, however, provide more aggravation than using the brand's native (or other native) lenses.
Thank you very much for your reply. I find a6300 to be a very competent camera, but I am not sure whether I should make a jump to Sony's E mount yet. In any case, I am eagerly awaiting your review of the X T2. And in the meanwhile, I am finding your channel quite intriguing. Kudos. And on a side note, you do have a charming personality.
Thank you for the review, Maaten! You mentioned that for HD, you prefer to use downsampled 4K. Exactly how are you doing the downsampling? do you mean that you are recording in 4K 24p and then importing in to your video editing software and downsampling there? Thanks in advance. It seems that lots of people don't like the HD that comes directly out of the a6300. I was hoping there would be some way to shoot in 1080p 30p / 60p and clean it up in post in stead of shooting in 4K and downsampling...
Hello photographers - love that tone and tenor. Recently purchased 6300 used, clubbed it with a commlite adaptor and ef-s kit lens. At first had a hard time focusing to the point of regretting the purchase. But then located setting for cdaf / pdaf, switched to cdaf. From then on the camera has been enjoyable. Eye AF, back button style focusing, steady shot does not work since adapted glass (has canon IS) but the face detection works. Switch to cdaf has enabled zone focusing, but overall focusing remains slow. Planning to get a basic E mount lens for general photography and rent out the big gun 150 600 when on a birding trip. For general photography, do you recommend PDAF or CDAF? I am now going thru this video in depth to learn more functions. Stay safe and blessed. Nick.
Thanks for the kind words, they're always appreciated. While I agree that the picture profile capability has a depth that even I've not been able to wrap my head around, and there are a ton of capabilities to be explored, I didn't find it that daunting to use.
The recording time of 29:59 isn't unreasonable. It's a legal requirement for it to be taxed as a stills camera. That makes it affordable. I know you are a professional and one that knows his stuff, but unreasonable here are only tax laws.
+Marcin Kościelny It is artificial and that makes it unreasonable. It is not a legal requirement, it's a choice for the European market (as I understand it). There are many camcorders that sell for less without this limit, that would be subject to the same import classification. Also, not reasonable in North America, as the firmware is different anyway. (Import duties can be reasonable but here there is no European camera industry to protect.) It is a serious and significant flaw. Why does the Panasonic GH4 not have this limit?
***** Propably because GH4 is their top of the line camera and they don't need to avoid features that would significantly add to the price. They have to somehow fit it below A7 line. But yeah, why not take off the limit in US while the firmware differs anyway.
I think there are many fine lenses, however I'm not sure what your needs are, or what you intend to photograph - that will determine the best lens. If you are looking for quality judgements for lenses, check out dxomark - I think that they do a very detailed and scientific analysis of quality, if you like that kind of thing.
A lot of these functions I´m badly missing on my VG20! I cannot understand, why Sony doesn´t put this techniques into a VG form factor, called "VG40", or so? It´s the same pity like Nex5n compared to the VG20.(No portrait/sunset mode available on th VG20, simply no nothing to alternate the image in camera). Anyway thanks for the perfect review!
The Sony A6XXX series are wonderful cameras packed full with features that enable a great photographic experience. Sadly, all the good stuff is not intuitive and Sony's manuals are woefully poor in describing them. Moreover, there are conflicts within the software where features are blocked due to a setting in another feature. Sony leaves it up to the user to figure this out. I am nowhere conversent as Maarten in using the Sony although I have had the camera for over 2 years. Although I take excellent pictures, I don't have the confidence in pivoting the camera settings quickly. I will go over this video deeply to gain the understanding I need. Why does Sony make a great camera but backs it up with murky support? I also have an iPhone 6s which is also feature packed. But my confidence is much higher with the Apple product than with Sony's. My theory on Sony's approach to support is that it is dominated by engineers. Specifically Japanese engineers who guard their feature set like a first born son. They don't want you to know. If you manage to figure out something, it is only to great chagrin to the engineers. The Japanese monitor social media boards and if something leaks out, woe befalls the engineers akin to losing face. Japanese workplaces have large rooms full of desks. After a leak, the engineering manager enters the bullpen workspace and marches to the engineer whose feature was found out. The manager takes out a sword and says to the engineer: "Do the honorable thing." The above is tongue in cheek. But it is the best theory I have to explain why it is so hard to learn the Sony 6XXX.
Thanks for your thoughts and your detailed note. I may seem to be more conversant, but it's an illusion of careful script writing, shooting and editing. I often share the exact feeling you describe (even after reading the manual and shooting the video) - a certain level of frustration because I know it can do something but I either can't find it, or I'm lost trying to remember or figure out why I'm blocked from a certain feature. More than most (they're all guilty) Sony needs to employ more usability experts and do more consumer beta testing. Thanks for allowing me to extend your rant.
I'm kind of confused I'm hearing mixed things about this camera when it comes it noise and low light performance. Some reviewers say that the camera has alot of noise even at iso 3200 but then ive seen videos of this camera especially in 4K modde and the low light performance is class leading for its price point. Who do you think when it comes to photos? are they really noisy?
Excellent work,informative and helpful.I,m enjoying this camera and you have concisely explained a few items i haven't got to yet,cheers.May be a bit expensive but if you move to the uk it,s unlikely to overheat lol.My cam runs for the allotted 29:58 or what ever it is,gets hot though.Thanx.
Thanks for for your reply Maarten.I usually use PAL 25p.My requirements for clip size will not be as rigorous as yours but i always test a new camera and my previous results still stands for one clip inside/ one outside (not continuously) at the start of June. The UK is currently going through a heatwave (wow) and sure enough ambient temp is playing a big part and i'm also finding some over heating but would suggest it's of no concern to most shooters. Test just completed one clip after the other in PAL. Screen just half an inch out at the bottom to aid viewing. 1.Outdoor,camera in full sun,4K,25p,100m,20min 21secs. File size 14.36gb. 2.Indoor,4K,25p,100m,18min 39secs. File size 12.85gb. 3.Indoor,4K,25p,60m,23min 32secs,File size 9.3gb. I,m also convinced the colours are better than the A7mII,(no test to back this up though). Cheers.
Hello i have 2 questions . Which "cheap" camera you recomend for broadcast if The a6300 Is not suficient? And, for broadcast, you recomend record in 60i? Thanks!
Hi ......i want to make horror feature film for theatrical release. in india normally film released in 2k size. ............Can i use sony a6300 for feature film shoot. Please reply
I wish I was qualified to answer this question, but sadly I have no idea what the standards and norms are for theatrical projection and release in India.
Film Release in india in 2k size ( 2048 x 871) pixel and 24 frame rate, sir...can you please give me review of sony a 6300 with black magic production camera ...."especially on sharpness and low light of 4k footage"
The A6300 does not record in this format, so you will need to reformat the size of the image in your editing software to suit. As for the other technical standards, I don't have any idea.
Everything I shoot has noticeable grain to it. I'm not using slog I'm using cine 2 with cinema color and sharpness -7 with no other changes to pp5. No matter what I try video always looks grainy in the shadows. Anyone know what I could be doing wrong? I'm not going over iso 800.
What kinds of scenes are you shooting? Cine2 may raise the black levels, but that shouldn't cause noticeable grain, nor should ISO up to 800. If there's detail in the shadows you want, I might raise the ISO - if not, try a lower ISO, as crushing the blacks slightly will make any visible noise go away.
Maarten Heilbron I have been doing a lot of stuff both in and outside most of the time I don't see it outside except for one time when I filmed my dog who was black. but when I'm inside I almost always get grainy looking footage. mostly in my blacks and shadows but still a bit of grain in the mids and highs. I kind of think it could be my Mac playing it back because when I use the focus magnifier on the camera I hardly see any. I honestly have no clue though.
this Sunday I'm going to compare to my friends a7sii and use the same settings and same playback device and see. I know his will seriously out preform mine but it's more of a test for my Mac.
It doesn't help much if at all. After updating the firmware I was shooting an interview in an office that ran longer than I expected and it shut down before 20 minutes was up, as I was recording internally and on the Shogun. Let it cool and continued only on the Shogun but it overheated again within 5 minutes. Lovely camera, terrible problem.
Hello, I plan to buy this camera for shooting music videos. That means that my shooting style is to record frequent but short clips. My main fear is overheating. Can I expect this issue with my style of shoot? If overheating does happen, how long do you have to wait before shooting with the camera again? Thnaks
For short clips - particularly if there's time to turn the camera off between shots and takes, I wouldn't worry. I've done a lot of shooting and unless it's hot (25C+) or I'm doing a lot of continuous shooting (in short or long takes) without powering down, it doesn't typically overheat. I think the main attraction here are the nearly infinite possibilities of picture profile settings, which are not found elsewhere. If that is your interest, go with the A6300. If that's not a consideration for you, have a look at the very competitive Panasonic GH4. I've made posted two videos with advice for video shooters using the A6300 - for settings: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-AVUS6GoL42Y.html for picture profiles, etc.: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-g5ByPkuhuM4.html Hope this helps.
So sorry - it depends on the ambient temperature, but typically five minutes or so. The sooner you restart, the faster the overheating icon will re-appear.
One of the many, many types of photographs one could successfully take with this camera. There are several options that enhance dark scenes - however, I'd also recommend a tripod and a nice wide angle lens.
@@Khinthanday There are many lenses from many brands that would be suitable - look for one that has a constant aperture of F2.8 for a zoom, or an even lower number for a prime. I don't have enough experience with these lenses to make a specific recommendation.
+MetricForce If that's true somewhere like Europe, it's not the case in North America. There are also many video cameras at substantially lower prices. Regardless, if A camera manufacturer wants us to take a camera seriously for video (like the GH4) it wouldn't have this limitation.
***** That is true but "There are also many video cameras at substantially lower prices" they use smaller sensors though. And most likely cheaper chips. I think it stupid that camera's are even taxed like this. Video cam, should not be based on how long it can take video but form factor
Thanks god I bought a fuji! Sony menus are a nightmare! Setting up my gf's sony compact was an unwanted hobby.. before that plasticky but expensive camera's lens stopped working.
Any and every camera's menu system can be learned and mastered. I'm not sure that Sony's - now that I've experienced it on multiple cameras is any worse than others.
+Maarten Heilbron This camera is a very capable one, like most Sonys, and the menus can be learned. Maybe it is just me, but it seems that the amount of options hidden in the menus in some cameras is dizzying and that can take away from the joy of picture taking.
Really? Obviously you've never spent more time than necessary trying to extract a card because you can't get a grip. I actually carry pliers in my back to grip the card to pull it out. The card is designed with a little grip edge and only Sony both places the grip on the inside and then places it directly against the card/battery compartment door. Just terrible usability.
