Sony debuts APS-C α6700, 70-200MM F4 lens

Sony Electronics announced the newest APS-C mirrorless camera, the α6700. This camera combines the still image and video capabilities found in the latest full-frame Alpha and Cinema Line series with the compact and lightweight design of the α6000 series, the company says. The α6700 camera body only will be available for an MSRP $1,399.99 USD or $1,899.99 CAN.

Combining an APS-C back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor boasting 26 effective megapixels with the speed and power of Sony’s advanced BIONZ XR processing engine, the α6700 supports high-resolution 4K video recording at up to 120fps, a wide latitude of 14+ stops for capturing details in harsh or under-lit conditions and features the S-Cinetone picture profile found in Sony’s professional Cinema Line for refined movie images. For videographers and vloggers, Sony simultaneously released the ECM-M1 shotgun microphone.

“With the release of the α6700, Sony continues its commitment to elevate the abilities of creators everywhere and at every level by empowering them with state-of-the-art tools that enable their creativity to relentlessly move forward,” says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “Sony will continue to expand its APS-C line-up to cater to and support image production activities of a diverse array of creators.”

The latest APS-C size, back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor boasts approximately 26 effective megapixels, paired with our advanced BIONZ XR engine for exceptional imaging performance, the company said. Standard ISO sensitivity spans 100 to 32000 for both stills and movies, allowing high-sensitivity, low-noise shooting. Enhanced color reproduction ensures subjects like people and plants are captured with natural hues, while Creative Look features allow unique visual expressions.

In terms of connectivity, the camera now supports the Creators’ App for seamless uploads of videos and still images to cloud services. Sony also plans to roll out a new version of the “Camera Remote SDK” in July 2023, allowing remote operation and setting adjustments.

Shotgun microphone ECM-M1

The ECM-M1 is the world’s first shotgun microphone with eight dial-selectable audio recording models, the company said. With four microphone capsules and unique beamforming and advanced digital processing technology, it offers varied modes including stereo. Its ultra-directional mode captures targeted sound from the front (within a 30-degree width) and at the same time effectively suppresses other sounds, dynamically adapting to ambient sound in the surroundings. This mode is for interviews and selfie-oriented scenarios where the subject is always in front of the microphone.

A newly added mode dial with a locking mechanism ensures easy, secure switching of sound pickup modes. The ECM-M1 also supports 4-channel recording (compatible cameras only), allowing safety recording in omnidirectional mode on channels 3 and 4, while channels 1 and 2 focus on selected directivity.

Sony FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II

Sony Electronics also debuted FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II telephoto lens (product name SEL70200G2) that covers focal lengths from 70 mm to 200 mm with an F4 maximum aperture, compatible with 35 mm full-frame E-mount series and any camera with an E-mount. This launch marks Sony’s 50^th full-frame E-mount lens.

The FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II is a compact, lightweight telephoto zoom lens that can be used in a wide range of situations. Sony claims the FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II is the world’s first zoom lens to offer half macro capability throughout the zoom range, with a maximum magnification of 0.5x throughout. In addition, with a teleconverter (sold separately), super-telephoto shooting up to 400 mm and life-size 1:1 macro shooting throughout the entire zoom range is possible.

With a total length of 149 mm and a weight of approximately 1.7 lb (excluding the tripod mount), the FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II is a zoom lens that can be used for a wide range of purposes, including sports scenes, landscapes, wildlife, and even macro photography.

The new FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II  is available for pre-order, for MSRP $1,699.99 USD and $2,299.99 CAD.