Sony Middle East and Africa released Next-generation APS-C Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera α6700 (ILCE-6700) with Simultaneous Release of Versatile Compact Shotgun Microphone ECM-M1

High-precision subject recognition by AI and the latest still image and video performance are condensed into a compact APS-C body for the first time.

Dubai, UAE — July 13, 2023 – Sony Middle East and Africa announced the release of its newest APS-C mirrorless camera, the α6700 (ILCE-6700). This new offering combines the cutting-edge 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, resulting in a Sony’s most advanced APS-C mirrorless camera to date.

Combining an APS-C back-illuminated Exmor R® CMOS image sensor boasting 26.0 effective megapixels with the speed and power of Sony’s advanced BIONZ XR® processing engine, the α6700 achieves exceptional imaging performance while maintaining a compact and lightweight design. 

The camera 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 imagery that doesn’t require colour grading, and it delivers stunning representation of human skin tones. For videographers and vloggers, Sony simultaneously releases the ECM-M1 shotgun microphone, capable of high-quality sound with eight sound pickup modes including stereo. 

 
Highly accurate subject recognition with AI 
The latest APS-C size, back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor boasts approximately 26.0 effective megapixels, paired with our advanced BIONZ XR engine for exceptional imaging performance. Standard ISO sensitivity spans 100 to 32000 for both stills and movies, allowing high-sensitivity, low-noise shooting. Enhanced colour reproduction ensures subjects like people and plants are captured with natural hues, while Creative Look features allow unique visual expressions. 

The AI processing unit is inherited from the 'α7R V,' enabling high accuracy 'Real-Time Recognition AF (autofocus).' Beyond the α6000 series' human and animal recognition, it now accurately identifies various subjects such as human, animal, bird, insect, car/train, and airplane, catering to diverse creative expressions. When paired with today's newly launched FE 70-200mm F4.0 G Macro OSS II  , it offers 105 mm to 300 mm focal lengths in 35mm full-frame equivalent, leveraging the power of telephoto zoom for high-quality shooting. Additionally, it's compatible with a broad array of E-mount lenses, and Sony’s E-mount lenses covering full-frame and Cinema Line cameras with a single mount.
 
Excellent video performance compatible with 4K120p1
Harnessing data equivalent to 6K, the α6700 outputs superior 4K video, including support for high-frame-rate recording at 4K 120fps. It features S-Log3, offering a latitude of 14+2 above, for stellar gradation. Also equipped with S-Cinetone, the α6700 offers impressive skin tone depiction and subject highlighting, technologies honed through our Cinema Line development, while its AI-driven Auto-Framing  smoothly tracks subjects, eliminating the need for manual camera movement. The body houses a Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe compatible with digital audio interfaces. Used in conjunction with our new ECM-M1 shotgun microphone, it allows for direct digital audio transmission, capturing high-quality, undegraded sound.
  
Mobility, operability, and connectivity unique to a compact and lightweight device
With a compact design (approx. 4 7/8 × 2 3/4 × 3 in. and weighing about 1 lb 1.4 oz .), the α6700 is highly portable. It claims a user-friendly, touch-operable vari-angle LCD monitor, coupled with a modern touch menu for effortless operation. Customisable front dial and a switching dial for still images, movies, and S&Q modes are also featured. It is also equipped with optical 5-axis in-body image stabilisation system with 5.0 stops  of shutter speed advantage for stills and an Active Mode  ensures stable footage.

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.

 
Environmental conscious and accessibility
Over the past 10 years, Sony has replaced approximately 379 tons  of virgin plastic with recycled plastic in digital cameras and digital video cameras. Recycled materials, including SORPLASTM , are actively used for the camera body, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing functionality. In addition, it is equipped with a Screen Reader function  that reads menus and video playback screens aloud to assist operations, supporting the creative activities of a wide variety of creators. 

Main features of shotgun microphone ECM-M1

Sony is set to launch the ECM-M1, the world's first shotgun microphone with eight dial-selectable audio recording modes . With 4 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 ideal 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 features noise reduction utilities like a noise cut filter for reducing background noise and a low-cut filter for minimising vibration and low frequency noise. These filters are implemented through digital signal processing, maximising audio quality at the recording stage and thereby reducing the need for complex post processing. It 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. 
  
Compact and lightweight, the ECM-M1 enhances mobility, empowering creators to capture high-quality audio in diverse situations. Simply clip the microphone into the Multi Interface Shoe on a compatible camera for direct power and audio connections without the need for extra cables or batteries. When connected via the Multi Interface Shoe of a compatible camera that features a built-in digital audio interface, the audio signal is directly transferred to the camera in digital form so that no degradation can occur. A simple switch also provides compatibility with a wide range of cameras using an analogue interface.

Pricing and Availability
The new α6700 and ECM-M1 will be available from July 2023 onwards . Both products will be sold at a variety of Sony's authorised dealers throughout Middle East and Africa.

A variety of exclusive stories, videos and exciting new content shot with the newest cameras and other Sony products can be found here. Sony’s Middle East and Africa photography hub details product news, competitions and an up-to-date list of Sony events in each country/region.