The Sony a6000 is a great camera for beginners. It has a lot of features that make it easy to use, but it’s not so feature-rich that you’ll get overwhelmed.
It’s also lightweight and compact, which makes it an excellent choice for people who want something they can take with them wherever they go.
And even by today’s standard, the Sony a6000 is still considered one of the best affordable cameras for beginners.
It comes with an APS-C sensor and 24.3 MP resolution that captures clear images with vibrant colors and sharp details.
Sony a6000 Quick Specs:
Lens Mount: Sony E-Mount
Camera Format: APS-C (1.5x Crop Factor)
Pixels : Effective: 24.3 Megapixel
Max Resolution: 24MP: 6000 x 4000
Sensor Type / Size: CMOS, 23.5 x 15.6mm
ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100-25600
Wi-Fi Capable: Yes
Burst Rate
Up to 11 fps
Up to 6 fps
Up to 2.5 fps
Dimensions (WxHxD)
4.7 x 2.6 x 1.8″ (120.0 x 67.0 x 45.0mm)
Weight
12.13 oz (344g) with battery and memory card
Autofocus Points
Phase Detection: 179
Contrast Detection: 25
Why the Sony a6000 is great for beginners?
The Sony a6000 is a mirrorless camera, which means that instead of using mirrors as DSLRs do, it uses an electronic sensor and advanced processor to capture images.
This makes it much smaller than DSLRs, so it’s easier to carry around when you’re traveling or just want to take some photos at home.
Its hybrid autofocus system is suitable for all kinds of photography like portraiture, sports photography, wildlife, weddings, and even filmmaking. Now about its sensor, it uses what’s called an APS-C format sensor.
This means that it has a smaller surface area than full-frame cameras, so it can’t capture as much light and produce images with less detail.
However, this is actually great news for beginners because it means you won’t have to worry about expensive lenses or accessories in the meantime—you can just use the kit lens that comes with the Sony a6000 and get started right away!
But even with a smaller APS-C sensor, the Sony a6000 has a 24MP resolution and it is actually good for most people. The photos it produces are still high-quality and detailed and the colors are accurate too.
Plus, they can be used for printing or even for a large canvas.
I know a lot of pros and advanced photographers who use this camera for their work. It is simply a great camera for beginners or experts alike!
And because of its smaller appearance, it doesn’t look intimidating to you and to your subjects. It has automatic and scene modes that allow you to focus on taking photos instead of worrying about settings and other technical aspects.
The built-in Wi-Fi capability is really useful for transferring your photos to your phone immediately. So you can share your photos instantly on social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook.
Next, the Sony a6000 features an electronic viewfinder (EVF) that makes it easier to see the frame in bright sunlight or when you’re wearing sunglasses.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and compact design | Smaller APS-C sensor compared to full-frame cameras, limiting low-light performance and depth of field |
| Easy to use with features for beginners | Limited lens options for the APS-C format, but kit lens included |
| Affordable, making it a great entry-level | Discontinued by Sony, but still available through online retailers |
| Mirrorless design for portability | May require additional lenses for more advanced photography |
| 24.3 MP resolution for high-quality images | Limited touchscreen functionality on the LCD display |
| Hybrid autofocus system for versatile use | Limited 3-inch tilting LCD display may not fully articulate for certain shooting angles |
| Built-in Wi-Fi for easy photo transfer | Limited to 1080p video recording, lacking 4K capability |
| Electronic viewfinder for bright conditions | Limited customization options in terms of physical controls |
| Tilting LCD display for flexible shooting | May not be suitable for professional photographers with more advanced needs |
| Wide range of compatible accessories | No in-body image stabilization, relying on lens stabilization (not all lenses have this feature) |
| Limited weather sealing, may not be suitable for use in challenging environmental conditions |
The EVF also allows you to see what the photo will look like before taking it, which is really convenient and it avoids or lessens chomping.
Its tilting 3-inch LCD display is useful outdoors and allows you to shoot from different angles without having to adjust the camera position.
If you’re looking for an affordable camera that produces high-quality images, then the Sony a6000 should be one of your top choices!
What Can Beginners Expect with the Sony a6000?
For novices, starting off with the Sony a6000 may be a wonderful adventure. This is why:
- Capturing Moments with Clarity: The Sony a6000’s 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor provides the groundwork for high-quality photos. You should anticipate your images as a novice to have brilliant colors and fine details. Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or ordinary settings, the camera’s resolution is more than suitable for generating crisp and detailed photographs.
- Versatile Autofocus for a Variety of Situations: The Sony a6000’s hybrid autofocus mechanism is one of its distinguishing advantages for novices. This technology guarantees that your camera can focus on objects in a variety of scenarios swiftly and precisely. Whether you’re capturing people, sporting events, animals, or experimenting with filmmaking, the autofocus mechanism ensures that you don’t miss a beat.
- User-Friendly Operation: The Sony a6000’s user-friendly design caters to individuals who are just starting out in photography. Beginners may concentrate on framing images and letting the camera handle technical aspects using automatic and scene settings. The camera’s tiny and lightweight design assures that it will not seem overpowering, enabling you to easily explore and experiment with your new passion.
- The a6000 is more than simply an entry-level camera; it’s an economical route to superb photography. Even though Sony has discontinued it, its availability on internet sites such as Amazon makes it an appealing option for individuals on a tight budget. The camera’s low price allows novices to invest in extra lenses and accessories that will help them improve their photographic talents.
- Immediate Sharing with Built-in Wi-Fi: The built-in Wi-Fi capabilities is a game changer for novices who want to share their works on social networking sites. You may easily upload your images to your smartphone and share them on Instagram, Facebook, and other networks. This function not only improves connection but also fosters a feeling of camaraderie among photographers.
- Visualizing the Shot with the EVF and LCD: The Sony a6000’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) assists novices in composing pictures in strong sunlight or when wearing sunglasses. This capability, in conjunction with the tilting 3-inch LCD display, enables you to see and record photographs from various perspectives without having to continually change the camera position. This adaptability allows novices to explore their creativity from a variety of viewpoints.
- Building Skills with Kit Lenses and Beyond: While the kit lens is a good place to start, novices may progressively increase their skill set by experimenting with other lenses. The recommended lenses, such as the Sigma 56 F/1.4 for portraiture and the Sony E 55-210mm for wildlife, allow you to experiment with various focal lengths and apertures. This approach helps novices to explore their own preferences and style while progressively expanding their arsenal.
Finally, newcomers entering the world of photography with the Sony a6000 may expect a rewarding experience. The camera’s combination of low cost, user-friendly features, and the flexibility to expand with additional lenses makes it a perfect companion for individuals taking their initial steps in capturing the beauty of the world through a lens. The Sony a6000 will prove to be a trusted companion on your photography adventure as you explore and learn.
Lenses for Beginners
We all know that the Sony a6000’s kit lens is a decent lens for any beginners. But it’s missing critical features to make your images more dynamic and beautiful like longer reach, a constant aperture, a fast aperture shallower depth-of-field, and better build quality.
Here are some lenses that I guarantee will make your images more beautiful and improve your photography skills overall.
1. Sigma 56 F/1.4 DC DN Contemporary
This is indeed the best portrait APS-C lens for your Sony a6000. It’s a great lens to use for portrait photography and even street photography. It has a constant fast aperture of F/1.4, which allows you to shoot images with a shallow depth-of-field, resulting in beautifully blurred backgrounds.
It’s sharp, has creamy bokeh, and produces pleasing skin tones that are suitable for shooting portraits. Most importantly, it is affordable too! If you’re into shooting portraits, the Sigma 56 F/1.4 is a must-have lens.
2. Sony E 35 F/1.8
Sony’s very own 35 F/1.8 is also a great choice to add to your arsenal. It has a 50mm equivalent, which makes it a standard focal length that suits most situations.
The autofocus is reasonably fast in decent lighting. It is one of our favorite lenses when we’re doing street photography because of how compact and fast it is on the streets.
It is also lightweight and sturdy, making it easy to carry around with you. It produces sharp images with minimal distortion or chromatic aberration.
If you’re looking for a small, fast standard prime that can produce superb results, the Sony E 35 F/1.8 is the one for you!
3. Sony SELP18105G E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS
This is a superb high-grade zoom lens from Sony that offers a wide range of focal lengths in one convenient package. It has an equivalent focal length of 27-158mm, making it great for shooting landscapes or portraits.
The lens also has fast autofocus and produces sharp images with minimal distortion or chromatic aberration.
It is a great lens for filmmaking and especially for travel because of its flexibility and lightweight design. It can be used for just about any type of photography and is an excellent value for the price.
Although it is not an affordable lens per se, it is a great value when you consider the versatility it offers.
4. Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 Lens
If you’re into shooting sports, birds in flight, or wildlife, you should consider the Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 Lens. It’s a popular lens that is highly rated by beginners and amateur photographers. As a matter of fact, this lens belongs in our best wildlife lenses for Sony a6000 list.
It’s a great value for the price, especially if you are just starting out. The Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 Lens has optical image stabilization, making it easier to shoot handheld and allowing you to stabilize your lens even further which is important for freezing the action.
Accessories
Here are a few accessories that can help you make the most out of your Sony camera.
Camera Bag
If you’re looking for a stylish yet functional bag, I recommend the Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II Backpack. It has plenty of room for all your gear, including a laptop up to 15 inches in size! It’s also comfortable and comes with lots of pockets so you can keep everything organized.
Extra batteries
If you’re planning on taking lots of pictures with your new camera, then it’s recommended that you invest in extra batteries so that you can always have one ready at hand.
Tripod & Monopod
Using a tripod will help you take stable photos without having to rely on just holding the camera still by hand. They are pretty useful for long-exposure shots as well as any time you want to keep your hands free.
Please read our article if you’re looking for a tripod for your Sony a6000 or Sony A7 Series camera.
If you’re planning on doing a lot of traveling, then it’s recommended that you invest in a monopod instead. They are much more compact than tripods and can be easily carried around with you wherever you go!
Quick-release camera straps
This allows you to quickly remove your camera from the straps and start shooting without having to waste time putting it back together. It also makes it easier to switch between different cameras without having to worry about losing anything in the process.
FAQ
Is Sony A6000 worth buying in 2024?
Short answer: YES. Long answer: YESSSSSSSSSS. It’s compact and lightweight, with a 24 MP APS-C sensor that’s capable of capturing high-quality images with good color quality. The camera has been discontinued by Sony, but it’s still available on Amazon and other online retailers.
If you’re looking for a small, affordable camera that can take great pictures, then this might be the right choice for you.
You’ll need to buy some additional lenses if you want full control over your image quality, but they’re not too expensive and they’ll make a huge difference in your photos.
Why are my Sony a6000 pictures blurry?
Make sure the shutter speed is fast enough. A slower shutter speed will cause blurriness in photos taken indoors or during nighttime hours—so if this happens to you, try increasing your shutter speed until it’s fast enough for those conditions.
Use a shutter speed of around 1/100 when taking stationary subjects, and 1/200 when taking action shots. If you’re shooting at night, try increasing your ISO until it reaches around 1600 or 3200 before adjusting the shutter speed again.
Make sure your camera lens is clean.
If you’ve recently been using your camera in dusty or sandy conditions (or if you’ve been taking pictures outside in general), it’s possible that dirt has gotten on your camera lens and is causing blurriness in your pictures.
This can be remedied by cleaning the lens off with a microfiber cloth or another type of cloth that is safe for use around electronics.
How much should I pay for a Sony a6000?
You can find a used Sony a6000 online for around $350-$450( body only), and expect to pay around $450-$500 when it comes with a Sony 16-50 kit lens.
Today, the camera is really affordable and that leaves plenty of room in your budget for getting fast prime or zoom lenses or accessories like external flashes if desired!
Conclusion
The Sony a6000 is a great first camera for anyone interested in photography. It’s small, lightweight, and easy to use, making it perfect for beginners just starting out.
Emma Lucy is the Founder & CEO of Emma Lucy Photography. She has over a decade of experience shooting weddings and other intimate events. She also tests the latest digital camera bodies, lenses, analog cameras, and other gear from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and other camera brands. She is From London and currently lives in the United States of America, where she spends most of her time as a self-employed professional photographer and writer.