Is the Sony a6000 still good for filmmaking? The Sony a6000 is an excellent choice for filmmakers, especially for those who are just starting out. It features fast autofocus, zebra, LOG footage, focus peaking, and a Full HD at 60 fps capability.

Its 24 MP APS-C sensor provides plenty of detail and decent low-light performance. This small mirrorless camera is also great for amateurs in the world of filmmaking since it has a wide range of features that can be utilized for various situations.

Sony a6000 key features for filmmaking

• 24.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• Hybrid AF system with 25 contrast-detect and 179 phase-detect points
• Focus tracking
• 3-inch tilting LCD with 921,600 dots
• OLED electronic viewfinder with 1.44M dots
• Diffraction correction, area-specific noise reduction, and detail reproduction technology
• Full HD video recording at 1080/60p and 24p
• Wi-Fi
  

The Sony a6000 has a wide range of frame rates, allowing you to record at 24 and 60frames per second, all in full HD. Its 24fps slower frame rate is great for slow-motion scenes.

Plus, the camera has a low-pass filter feature that helps remove moiré patterns and minimize the appearance of aliasing in video footage.

What Lens to Buy for the Sony a6000 for Filmmaking

In the past, we only have limited choices for filmmaking, especially for achieving that cinematic look. Nowadays, there are lots of options for us to choose from and we can create the look we want with our own hands.

If you have a budget in mind, it’s best to stick with lenses under $500. They will get the job done while still being affordable enough that they won’t break your bank. Here are some lenses that are worth considering:

1. Rokinon 35mm F1.4 AS UMC Wide Angle Cine Lens

This lens is a great option for filmmakers who are looking to create cinematic-style films with their Sony a6000.

It’s a wide-angle lens that can be used with both full-frame and APS-C cameras and it has an aperture of F1.4, which is nice and bright so you can shoot in low light situations without losing too much quality.

It is a manual focus lens which is very useful for filmmakers because you can easily control the focus of your shots.

The feature that we really like about the Rokinon 35mm F1.4 is the declick aperture ring, which makes it easy to adjust the f-stop on the fly without making any unwanted noises.

2. Sony SELP18105G E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS

This zoom lens for Sony is great for general filmmaking. It’s very versatile and the zoom range is great for wide shots and establishing shots.

Its aperture is also fast enough to shoot in low light situations and it also allows you to shoot cinematic shots with shallow depth-of-field. The bokeh it produces is also creamy and pleasant.

The lens is not too expensive either, making it a great choice for beginners and amateurs alike who want to experiment with different focal lengths and styles before investing in higher-end gear.

3. SIRUI 50mm F1.8 1.33X Anamorphic APS-C Lens

The Sirui 50mm F1.8 1.33X Anamorphic APS-C Lens is a great choice if you want to experiment with the anamorphic look without having to spend too much money on it.

It’s not as expensive as compared with other anamorphic lenses on the market but it still produces high-quality cinematic shots. Its bokeh is oval and looks creamy as well.

Check out our other articles about Sony a6000

Drawbacks

Now, there are three things that can turn you off from the Sony a6000. First, it doesn’t have a mic input for better audio recording. It has a built-in mic, but it will pick up a lot of unwanted noise and the sound quality is not that great.

If you want to improve the sound quality of your videos, then you need to get an external mic such as the Sony ECMXYST1M Stereo Microphone.

Unfortunately, the Sony a6000 is a bit limited when it comes to audio options for filmmaking.

Another drawback is the lack of 4K video recording and lastly, because it is a small camera, it can suffer from overheating issues.

The former is not a deal breaker since many people don’t need a 4K resolution for their work. But the latter issue can be quite significant because it affects your shooting experience.

But given its age and its affordable price tag today, it is still one of the best options out there for making films or videos.

And also remember this, because it is really important, a great film, whether a short or music video is more reliant on its story, lighting and sound, actors, and editing more than the camera itself.

If you incorporate all of these in your films and videos, you will still be able to make a great film even if you are using an old and affordable camera. The most important thing is that you have passion for what you do and not just the tools.

FAQ

Can the Sony a6000 record 4K?

No, but it can record 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second. For some, this quality may be enough to satisfy their needs.

However, if you’re looking for a camera that can record 4K video you should consider getting the newer Sony a6500 as it can shoot UHD 4K videos and Full HD at 120fps.

How long can you film with a Sony a6000?

The Sony a6000 has a recording limit of 30 mins. Also keep in mind that if it reaches a total of 2GB of file size, it will automatically stop recording. Although, you can hack it using a software to record much longer than 30 mins.

Does Sony a6000 shoot 120fps?

No, the camera’s highest frame rate is 60fps. The Sony a6000 only offers Full HD/1080P at 60fps which is a good starting point for most filmmakers.

How do I shoot cinematic videos on a Sony a6000?

The Sony a6000 is cinematic enough to shoot any type of scenes. Here are quick settings to get you started:

1. Set the file format to XAVC S

2. Picture profile to Neutral, -3, -1, -1 (Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness)

3. Set the framerate according to your needs

4. Shutter speed around 125

5. Set to auto iso between 100 – 3200

6. Focus mode – Manual or Continous AF

7. White balance – Auto

8. Aperture – depends on the scene

Now, with these settings, you can get a decent starting point. For a more cinematic look, you can color grade or edit it according to your liking and consider using a cinematic or anamorphic lens.

Conclusion

Sony a6000 is still a great camera today for still photography, video, and filmmaking. I know a lot of pros use it for weddings, film shorts, and even sports.