Sony a6100 Underwater: Initial Thoughts
September 18th, 2019
The Sony a6100 is the new budget model in Sony’s popular APS-C sensor mirrorless line of camera. Its announcement is just another in an already prolific year for Sony which featured the release of the Sony a6400, Sony a7R IV, Sony RX100 VII, and the Sony a6600. While the camera is really only an upgrade to the Sony a6000 and performs below recent models like the Sony a6400 and a6600, it is a very viable option for anyone looking for a cropped sensor mirrorless camera on a budget. If you are already invested in another camera in the Sony a6000 line, then this camera might not be worth the switch. However, if you’re looking for a capable mid-range mirrorless camera at a low price point, this might just be the best option out there!
The additional features available in the camera are sure to be welcomed by underwater photographers. Sony has a reputation for outdoing other companies by introducing new technologies and anchoring them into every subsequent model – whereas Canon or Nikon might drop features in their mid or low range cameras.
U.S. MSRP Sony a6100: $750
Jump to Section:
Sony a6100 Specs | Sony a6100 vs Sony a6000 | Key Features
a6100 for Underwater Photo and Video | Best Lenses | Underwater Housings
Purchase the Sony A6100 Camera, Housing, and Packages at Bluewater Photo:
Ikelite Sony a6100 Underwater Housing
Fantasea Sony a6100 Underwater Housing
Sony a6100 Camera Specifications
• 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor
• 0.02 second autofocus acquisition – contrast-phase detect hybrid AF system
• 425 phase detection AF points and an equal number of contrast detect AF points
• Real time AF tracking, including Animal Eye AF
• Native ISO Range of 100-32000
• 1/160 sec sync speed with flash
• 380 shot battery life
• 1.0 cm electronic viewfinder (limited underwater application)
• 4K @30fps video, 1080p @ 120fps
• No picture profiles
• No 5 axis in-body image-stabilization
• Supports E-Mount lenses
• 4.75” X 2.75” X 2.375”
• Weight: 396 grams
Key Upgrades from the Sony a6000
• Processing: Sony a6100 sensor has a front-end LSI chip for better processing and a new BIONZ X processor
• Sony a6100 outputs in 14-bit RAW
• Sony a6100 has a slightly expanded ISO range (ISO 100-32000, up from ISO 100-25600)
• Updated AF system: 425 contrast and 425 phase detect AF points. Real time AF tracking, animal eye AF
• Faster focus acquisition
• Massive video upgrade from Sony a6000: The a6100 can now shoot 4K @30p whereas the a6000 could only shoot 1080p @ 60 fps
• Touch LCD
• Built-in intervalometer
Sony a6100 Vs Sony a6000
The Sony a6600 has been a viable camera for the last five years, and even with these updates remains so today. However, the a6100 is certainly the better option. The largest differences between the two cameras is the processing power, video system, and AF system. The a6100 is equipped with a front-end LSI chip and a BIONZ X processor for quicker processing.
Like the Sony a6400, the a6100 has been updated with Sony’s top of the line autofocus system. In addition to the large increase in the number of contrast detect AF points, the a6600 features updated AF tracking, including animal eye AF.
Video on the a6100 has been modernized shooting the 4K @ 30p video standard that is now ubiquitous today. Unfortunately, the a6100 does not offer any Log picture profiles which are used by video shooters for capturing better dynamic range. This could be a deal breaker for underwater videographers who want to color grade their footage.
Sony a6600 Key Features
Body and Build
The Sony a6100 is built very similar to other cameras in the a6000 line. The body is solid, compact, and weather-sealed for moisture and dust, adding an extra layer of protection underwater. The menu system is going to be a little clunky as a Sony menu, but not something that takes too much learning to get used to.
Image Quality
As with other cameras in the a6000 line, the image quality on this camera is excellent. An aps-c sensor is going to yield more detail than popular and smaller four-thirds sensor mirrorless cameras. It’s a great alternative if you don’t want to invest in full frame, but perhaps this camera is getting a little to close to the price of the Sony a7III.
Because the ISO range was expanded from the A6000, we are hoping low light performance and dynamic range will be improved from an already great system. But only our underwater tests will be able to confirm this.
Auto Focus and Autofocus Tracking
The Sony a6100’s autofocus is one of the best topside AF systems in the world, but Sony cameras often perform differently underwater. One of the most notable improvements from the Sony a6000 is the improved AF tracking including the exciting new animal eye AF. One of the often followed “rules” of underwater photography is to have your subject’s eyes in focus. Theoretically, AF tracking should make keeping the eyes in focus and easy endeavor – even with moving subjects. When we tried this on the a6400 we had successful results, but the camera didn’t always identify an eye. That being said, we were able to save some shots by using the function – especially with macro shots.
Sony a6100 Best Lenses
Macro
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Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens (SEL90M28G): This lens offers 1:1 magnification and is the go-to macro lens for Sony shooters.
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Sony 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens (SEL50M28): A great choice for all Sony APS-C sensors, offering a wider field of view for larger macro subjects and fish portraits.
Standard / Mid-Range
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Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens (SELP1650): A compact, light kit lens with a versatile focal range for u/w photo and video on the a6400. Minimum focus distance of 25cm.
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Sony Vario Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens (SEL2470Z): Higher quality, although larger mid-range zoom lens. Minimum focus distance of 40cm - best used for pool, fish portrait or behavior shots.
Wide-Angle
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Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS Lens (SEL1018): First-choice wide-angle lens for underwater shooters with the APS-C sensor a6400.
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Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens (SEL1635Z): A high-quality wide-angle lens designed for Sony full-frame bodies.
- Sony 28mm F2 FE (with Nauticam WACP and Nauticam WWL-1) - An affordable, fast prime lens with a versatile focal length for underwater photography.
Fisheye
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Sony E 16mm f/2.8 plus Sony Fisheye Conversion Lens vII: This is a nice, wide fisheye setup for APS-C sensors like the a6400. The fisheye converter also works with the Sony E 20mm F2.8 lens.
Recommended Topside Sony Lenses
While we love to dive with Sony lenses, they perform to the same high standard on dry land too. If you're considering adding to your topside kit bag, look through the options below.
Telephoto
- Sony 600mm F4 FE GM OSS - Ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects from a distance. This top-of-the-line telephoto lens is everything you'd expect from a flagship product.
- Sony 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 FE GM OSS - The 200-600mm focal range is very versatile and can be used in a variety of situations.
Wide-Angle
- Sony 12-24mm F4 FE Wide-Angle - A high-quality wide-angle zoom that's perfect for landscapes, interiors and other times when the goal is to get as much in the frame as possible.
Sony a6100 Underwater Housings
A wide range of housing options for the a6100 will be available from most major underwater housing manufacturers. We anticipate housings from Ikelite, Fantasea, Nauticam, and more!
Sony a6400 Sample Underwater Images
The Sony a6400 camera is the closest to the Sony a6100 that we've tested. In fact, the image quality on the Sony a6100 should be about the same. Until underwater housings come out for the Sony a6100, check out these sample image from the a6400.
Conclusions
The Sony a6000 camera line has always been a unique option for underwater photographers in that it offers an excellent aps-c mirrorless option with housings from many manufacturers at a low price point. For photographers looking for pro and semi-pro image quality at an affordable price, this is the line of cameras most underwater photographers look at. The a6100 is certainly what underwater photographers are looking for when considering their budget, unlike the more expensive Sony a6600. The Sony a6100 is certainly a nice upgrade to the Sony a6000 featuring one of the world’s top autofocus systems, beautiful dynamic range, and 24.2 MP of APS-C level detail.
Purchase the Sony A6100 Camera, Housing, and Packages at Bluewater Photo:
Ikelite Sony a6100 Underwater Housing
Fantasea Sony a6100 Underwater Housing
