Sony a6300

Manufacturer: Sony Type: camera Sensor: APS-C 24.2MP CMOS with copper wiring Resolution: 24.2MP Year introduced: 2016 Key feature: First APS-C mirrorless with 4K; 425-point phase-detect AF; compact form factor

Overview

The Sony a6300 was Sony’s first APS-C mirrorless camera capable of 4K video capture, released in early 2016. It boasted what Sony claimed was the fastest autofocus of any interchangeable lens digital camera, with 425 phase-detect AF points spread across nearly the entire frame. Sony marketed this as “4D FOCUS,” where surrounding AF points tracked subject motion in all directions. The camera shot at up to 11 fps with 8 fps continuous live view, and featured a 2.4-million-dot XGA OLED EVF with a 120 fps refresh rate (^[1]).

For 4K video, the a6300 recorded from a 20-megapixel (6K) portion of its sensor and downsampled in-body, producing exceptionally sharp footage at up to 100 Mbps. The camera was built from magnesium alloy with dust and moisture resistance, and offered S-Log 2 and 3 gamma profiles for greater post-production flexibility (^[2]).

While the a6300 generated excitement for its video specifications, EBU tester Alan Roberts found it unsuitable for broadcast use due to high levels of aliasing, rolling shutter, and noise, though it could be used for “Special Purposes” when its small size made it uniquely suited to particular shots (^[3]).

For underwater photographers, the a6300 represented an appealing combination of high performance, compact size, and aggressive pricing (around $1,000 for the body), making it accessible to both beginners and professionals seeking a capable backup or video-centric system.

Housing Availability

The a6300 received broad housing support from six manufacturers, reflecting its popularity in the underwater photography community.

• Ikelite: Announced March 2016, shipping mid-April. Featured integrated TTL circuit for direct electrical communication with compatible Ikelite DS strobes. Built with new light grey ABS-PC material, depth rated to 60m (^[4]).
• Nauticam: NA-A6300 announced April 2016, priced at $1,650. Compatible with the WWL-1 wide angle wet lens and CMC macro conversion lens. Featured cold-water shutter release trigger, vacuum monitoring system, and N120-style port lock. Depth rated to 100m (^[5]).
• Acquapazza: APSO-A6300 announced July 2016. Featured angled LCD viewing window, wide port throat for “fat” lenses like the Zeiss Touit 12mm f/2.8 and Sony FE 90mm macro, and simultaneous power zoom and manual focus with the Sony 16-50mm (^[6]).
• Sea&Sea: MDX-a6300 announced August 2016 at $1,799.95. LCD could be tilted up to 180 degrees. Compatible with both NX and ML ports, depth rated to 75m (^[7]).
• Aquatica: A6300 announced August 2016 at $1,650. Featured an innovative Digital Power Saddle with a rechargeable battery pack that plugged into the camera’s USB port, providing the equivalent of two extra batteries. Adjustable hand grip support, choice of fiber optic or hardwired strobe connections (^[8]).
• Fantasea: Housing announced for both a6500 and a6300 (^[9]).

Timeline

• 2016-02: Sony announces the a6300.
• 2016-03: Ikelite announces housing with integrated TTL (^[10]). EBU testing finds a6300 unsuitable for broadcast video (^[11]).
• 2016-04: Nauticam announces NA-A6300 housing ($1,650) (^[12]).
• 2016-07: Acquapazza announces APSO-A6300 with angled LCD window (^[13]).
• 2016-08: Sea&Sea announces MDX-a6300 ($1,799.95) (^[14]). Aquatica announces A6300 with Digital Power Saddle ($1,650) (^[15]).

References

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