Sony Alpha NEX-6 First Impressions Review

Focus

Just like the new NEX-5R, the NEX-6 will take advantage of a combination phase detection plus contrast detection autofocus system. Technology like this is extremely rare in the mirrorless market, and represents a significant competitive advantage for the NEX series. If the 5R's focus system is transferred spec for spec, then the NEX-6 will have 29 contrast detection areas and no less than 99 phase detection areas.

In practice, we're sorry to report AF didn't seem noticeably faster than the average mirrorless camera. This could've been due to some less-than-ideal lighting, so we'll need some additional time with the camera to be sure.

ISO

Sony says they'll be using an identical 16.1 megapixel sensor for the NEX-6 as they are for the 5R, so ISO options are the same too. The camera will max out at 25,600, with no word yet on extended options.

Image Stabilization

Other Controls

"PlayMemories" Apps

The NEX-6 will support installable apps, which can be downloaded via WiFi from Sony’s servers. This service will be known as “PlayMemories,” and will be a closed platform, with apps developed by Sony. Some of the apps already in the works are called Picture Effect +, Bracket Pro, Multi Frame NR, Photo Retouch, Smart Remote, and Direct Upload (to Facebook, at first, with more destinations to come). Sony representatives confirmed the NEX-6 will have enough internal memory to store all the listed apps at once.