Sony A6600 vs A6700 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Sony A6700 & Sony A6600 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Sony A6700 rather than the Sony A6600.

Why Do I Recommend The Sony A6700?

  • The Sony A6700 has the BIONZ XR image processor for faster overall performance, improved autofocus calculations, and more responsive camera operation during continuous shooting and video recording, while the Sony A6600 uses the older BIONZ X processor.
  • Sony A6700 features a 26-megapixel backside-illuminated APS-C sensor to deliver better light gathering efficiency, improved detail retention, and more consistent dynamic range, whereas the Sony A6600 uses a 24.2-megapixel standard APS-C sensor.
  • It supports AI-based subject recognition for humans, animals, birds, insects, and vehicles to maintain more accurate focus tracking across complex scenes, while the Sony A6600 supports limited subject detection mainly for humans and animals.
  • The Sony A6700 supports 4K video recording up to 120 frames per second for smooth slow-motion footage and advanced cinematic workflows, while the Sony A6600 records 4K video at up to 30 frames per second.
  • Sony A6700 includes internal 10-bit 4:2:2 video recording to allow greater flexibility in color grading and reduced banding in post-production, whereas the Sony A6600 records 8-bit video internally.
  • It comes with a fully articulating vari-angle touchscreen for easier self-recording, vertical video, and flexible shooting angles, while the Sony A6600 uses a tilt-only rear display.
  • The Sony A6700 features UHS-II SD card support to enable faster write speeds and more reliable high-bitrate video recording, whereas the Sony A6600 uses UHS-I SD card support only.
  • Sony A6700 includes a front control dial and a dedicated stills/movie/S&Q mode dial for quicker manual adjustments and improved shooting workflow, while the Sony A6600 uses a simpler control layout without these dedicated controls.

Maybe the Sony A6600 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Sony A6700. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureSony A6700Sony A6600
Sensor Resolution26.0 MP24.2 MP
Sensor TypeAPS-C BSI CMOSAPS-C CMOS
Image ProcessorBIONZ XRBIONZ X
Autofocus Points759 phase-detect425 phase-detect
AF Coverage~93% frame~84% frame
AI Subject RecognitionHumans, animals, birds, insects, vehiclesHumans, animals
Video Max Resolution4K 120p4K 30p
Video Oversampling6K to 4KNone
Internal Color Depth10-bit 4:2:28-bit 4:2:0
Picture ProfilesS-Log3, S-CinetoneS-Log2, S-Log3
Active StabilizationActive + Standard IBISStandard IBIS
LCD ArticulationFully vari-angleTilting
LCD Resolution1.03M dots0.92M dots
Viewfinder Resolution2.36M dots2.36M dots
Front Control DialYesNo
Mode DialDedicated Stills / Movie / S&QSingle mode dial
Electronic Shutter1/8000s1/4000s
Memory Card SupportSD UHS-IISD UHS-I
Card Slot PositionSide accessBattery compartment
USB PortUSB-CMicro-USB
USB SpeedUSB 3.2USB 2.0
Live Streaming / WebcamNative USB streamingLimited support
Body Weight (with battery)~493 g~503 g
PriceCheck Sony A6700 PriceCheck Sony A6600 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Sony E-mount: Both cameras use Sony’s E-mount, allowing compatibility with a wide range of APS-C and full-frame E-mount lenses. This ensures flexibility for photographers upgrading bodies without replacing lenses.
  • APS-C Sensor Format: Each model uses an APS-C sensor, balancing image quality, depth-of-field control, and portability. This sensor size is well suited for travel, wildlife, and everyday photography.
  • 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilization: Both cameras include 5-axis IBIS to reduce blur from camera shake. This is especially useful for handheld shooting in low light and when using longer focal lengths.
  • Maximum Mechanical Shutter Speed: The shared 1/4000s mechanical shutter allows freezing fast-moving subjects in bright conditions. This is important for sports, wildlife, and action photography.
  • Continuous Shooting Speed: Both cameras shoot at up to 11 frames per second, making them capable of capturing fast action sequences. This helps photographers select the best moment from a burst of images.
  • OLED Electronic Viewfinder: Each camera features an OLED EVF, providing clear, high-contrast previews. This allows accurate framing and exposure evaluation even in bright outdoor environments.
  • EVF Resolution: With the same 2.36-million-dot resolution, both viewfinders deliver similar clarity and detail. Users can expect a consistent viewing experience across both models.
  • Touchscreen Operation: Both models support touchscreen input for focus selection and menu interaction. This improves usability, especially for quick adjustments and video work.
  • 3.0-inch LCD Display: The identical screen size ensures similar composition and playback experiences. It provides enough space for reviewing images and navigating settings comfortably.
  • Wireless Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi allows wireless image transfer and remote camera control on both cameras. This is useful for quick sharing and mobile workflows.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: Bluetooth enables constant low-power pairing with smart devices. This supports location data transfer and seamless reconnection.
  • RAW Image Capture: Both cameras support RAW files, giving photographers maximum flexibility in post-processing. This is essential for advanced color correction and exposure adjustments.
  • JPEG Image Capture: JPEG support on both models allows ready-to-share images straight out of the camera. This is convenient for users who prefer minimal editing.
  • Weather-Sealed Body: Each camera includes weather sealing to resist dust and moisture. This increases reliability when shooting outdoors in challenging conditions.
  • NP-FZ100 Battery: Both models use the same high-capacity NP-FZ100 battery. This makes battery sharing easy for users with multiple Sony bodies.
  • USB Charging: USB charging is supported on both cameras, enabling convenient power replenishment from power banks or laptops. This is especially useful for travel and long shoots.
  • Microphone Input: A 3.5 mm microphone jack is present on both models for external audio recording. This improves sound quality for video creators.
  • Headphone Monitoring via USB: Both cameras support audio monitoring through USB accessories. This allows users to check audio levels during video recording.
  • Micro HDMI Output: Each camera uses a micro HDMI port for external monitors or recorders. This supports more advanced video setups.
  • Silent Shooting Mode: Silent shooting is available on both models using the electronic shutter. This is ideal for events, wildlife, or quiet environments where discretion matters.

Common Features

FeatureSony A6700Sony A6600
Lens MountSony E-mountSony E-mount
Sensor FormatAPS-CAPS-C
In-Body Stabilization5-axis IBIS5-axis IBIS
Max Mechanical Shutter1/4000s1/4000s
Continuous Shooting11 fps11 fps
Viewfinder TypeOLED EVFOLED EVF
Viewfinder Resolution2.36M dots2.36M dots
Touchscreen SupportYesYes
LCD Size3.0-inch3.0-inch
Wi-FiYesYes
BluetoothYesYes
RAW SupportYesYes
JPEG SupportYesYes
Weather SealingYesYes
Battery TypeNP-FZ100NP-FZ100
USB ChargingYesYes
Microphone Input3.5 mm3.5 mm
Headphone OutputVia USBVia USB
HDMI OutputMicro HDMIMicro HDMI
Silent ShootingYesYes
Price Check Sony A6700 Price
Check Sony A6600 Price

FAQ

Is the Sony A6700 a direct replacement for the Sony A6600?
Yes, the Sony A6700 is positioned as the successor to the Sony A6600, bringing a newer sensor design, updated processor, and expanded video and autofocus capabilities while keeping the same APS-C E-mount concept.

Do the Sony A6700 and Sony A6600 use the same lenses?
Both cameras use the Sony E-mount, which means all APS-C E-mount lenses are fully compatible on both bodies, and full-frame E-mount lenses can also be used with an APS-C crop.

Is image quality similar between the Sony A6700 and Sony A6600 for photography?
Image quality is broadly similar in normal shooting conditions, as both use APS-C sensors, but the Sony A6700 benefits from a newer sensor and processor that improve detail handling, dynamic range consistency, and autofocus accuracy.

Do both cameras have in-body image stabilization?
Yes, both models feature 5-axis in-body image stabilization, allowing sharper handheld photos and smoother handheld video when using unstabilized lenses.

Which camera has better autofocus performance overall?
The Sony A6700 has more advanced autofocus due to its AI-based subject recognition and higher number of focus points, while the Sony A6600 relies on an older but still capable phase-detect system.

Are both cameras suitable for action and wildlife photography?
Yes, both cameras can shoot at up to 11 frames per second and use fast phase-detect autofocus, making them suitable for action and wildlife, though the Sony A6700 tracks subjects more reliably.

Can both cameras record 4K video?
Yes, both cameras record 4K video, but the Sony A6700 supports higher frame rates and more advanced video formats compared to the Sony A6600.

Do the Sony A6700 and Sony A6600 support external microphones?
Both cameras include a 3.5 mm microphone input, allowing the use of external microphones for improved audio quality during video recording.

Is the viewfinder experience the same on both cameras?
Both cameras use a 2.36-million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, so clarity, size, and general viewing experience are very similar between the two.

Do both models support wireless connectivity?
Yes, both the Sony A6700 and Sony A6600 include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling wireless image transfer, remote control, and smartphone connectivity.

Is battery compatibility the same between the two cameras?
Both cameras use the NP-FZ100 battery, making it easy for existing Sony users to share batteries between bodies and accessories.

Which camera is better for video creators?
The Sony A6700 is better suited for video creators due to its higher frame rates, 10-bit internal recording, advanced stabilization modes, and fully articulating screen.

Are the bodies weather-sealed?
Yes, both cameras feature weather-resistant construction designed to handle light dust and moisture during outdoor shooting.

Is the Sony A6600 still a good choice today?
The Sony A6600 remains a solid choice for photographers who prioritize stills, battery life, and a simpler shooting experience without advanced video requirements.

Which camera is more future-proof?
The Sony A6700 is more future-proof thanks to its newer processor, updated autofocus algorithms, modern video features, and longer expected firmware support.