Sony a6000 → Sony a6100
Is the upgrade worth it? Every change on the spec sheet, and an honest read on who should bother.
The bottom line
The Sony a6100 is the direct successor to your Sony a6000, released 5 years later. Across the full spec sheet it improves 9 items and steps back on 3. The changes that matter most: 4K video arrives; subject-detection AF is added; 10-bit internal recording is added. The Sony a6100 lists at $849 (the Sony a6000 launched at $649, and older bodies typically sell for well under launch price on the used market). If several of the gains below map to how you shoot, this is a substantial step up; if none do, your current body keeps doing everything it does today.
Upgrade to the Sony a6100 if…
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings 10-bit internal colour and Log for gradable footage.
- ✓You photograph moving subjects — it adds AF subject detection for animals that the other body lacks.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -3 EV gives it the edge after dark.
Stick with the Sony a6000 if…
- •You shoot video seriously — it brings no per-clip recording limit (vs a 29-min cap).
- •You're budget-conscious — it launched at $649, about $200 less, freeing money for lenses.
- •None of the headline changes map to what you actually shoot — the camera you own doesn't get worse when a successor launches.
What changed (20 items)
↑ 9 improved · ↓ 3 stepped back · → changed without a clear better/worse
| Spec | Sony a6000 | Sony a6100 |
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| ↓Effective Resolution | 24.3 MP | 24.2 MP |
| Exposure Control | ||
| →ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 25600 | 100 – 32000 |
| →ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 25600 | 50 – 51200 |
| →Electronic Shutter | 1/4000 | 1/8000 |
| Video Capture | ||
| →Max Resolution | 1080p | 4K |
| ↑1080p Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 120p |
| ↑10-bit Internal | No | Yes |
| →Recording Limit | No limit | 29 min |
| →Built-in Mic | Mono | Stereo |
| ↑Mic Input | No | Yes |
| Focus | ||
| ↑Phase Detect Points | 179 | 425 |
| ↑Low Light AF | 0 EV | -3 EV |
| ↑Animal AF | No | Yes |
| Monitor | ||
| ↑Touch Screen | No | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| →Bluetooth | v4.0 | v4.2 |
| General | ||
| ↓Price (MSRP) | $649 | $849 |
| →Dimensions | 120×66.9×45.1 mm | 120×66.9×59.4 mm |
| ↓Weight | 344g (12.1 oz) | 396g (14.0 oz) |
| ↑Battery Life (EVF) | 360 shots | 420 shots |
| ↑Battery Life (LCD) | 360 shots | 470 shots |
What stayed the same (26 items)
Everything below is identical on both bodies — if these are what you buy a camera for, the Sony a6000 already has them.
Ready to buy?
Sony a6000 (keep or buy used)
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Sony a6100
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Frequently asked
Is it worth upgrading from the Sony a6000 to the Sony a6100?
The Sony a6100 is the direct successor to your Sony a6000, released 5 years later. Across the full spec sheet it improves 9 items and steps back on 3. The changes that matter most: 4K video arrives; subject-detection AF is added; 10-bit internal recording is added. The Sony a6100 lists at $849 (the Sony a6000 launched at $649, and older bodies typically sell for well under launch price on the used market). If several of the gains below map to how you shoot, this is a substantial step up; if none do, your current body keeps doing everything it does today.
What are the biggest improvements of the Sony a6100 over the Sony a6000?
Across the spec sheet the Sony a6100 improves 9 items. The most significant: it brings 10-bit internal colour and Log for gradable footage. it adds AF subject detection for animals that the other body lacks. AF that focuses down to -3 EV gives it the edge after dark.
What does the Sony a6000 still do just as well as the Sony a6100?
26 spec items are identical between the two, including sensor type (CMOS), sensor size (APS-C), image processor (BIONZ X), lens mount (Sony E), mechanical shutter (1/4000), flash sync speed (1/160). If those cover your needs, the older body remains fully capable.
Does the Sony a6100 give anything up compared to the Sony a6000?
Yes — 3 items on the spec sheet move the other way: effective resolution (24.3 MP → 24.2 MP), price (msrp) ($649 → $849), weight (344g (12.1 oz) → 396g (14.0 oz)).