Sony a6700 Review

The Sony a6700 is the flagship of Sony's APS-C mirrorless line, a compact hybrid built to shoot both stills and video to a high standard. It pairs a 26-megapixel sensor with an AI-powered autofocus system borrowed from Sony's pricier full-frame cameras, 5-axis in-body stabilisation and 4K 120p video, all in a body that costs around £1,329. Independent laboratory testing rates it an excellent all-rounder, and especially strong for travel photography.

The 26-megapixel APS-C sensor is the heart of the camera, and the test rated its image quality excellent for the format — plenty of detail and pleasing colour straight out of the camera. Just as valuable is the 5-axis in-body image stabilisation, which the test praised for letting you shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds without blur. That combination means sharp results in dim light and on the move, without always reaching for a tripod — a genuine advantage for travel and everyday shooting.

Autofocus is where the a6700 pulls ahead of its price class. The test called the AI-driven system fantastic, tracking moving subjects reliably even in busy, cluttered scenes — exactly what you want for children, pets, sport or street photography. It recognises and locks onto people, animals and vehicles, keeping them sharp as they move through the frame. For anyone stepping up from a phone or an older camera, this alone transforms the hit rate on tricky shots.

The a6700 is well made and sensibly designed. The test found it compact and lightweight yet comfortable to hold, with a weather-sealed body that shrugs off rain and dust — reassuring for shooting outdoors. Battery life is long for a mirrorless camera of this size, comfortably covering a full day of sightseeing or an event on a single charge. A vari-angle touchscreen flips out and around, which suits both awkward-angle stills and shooting yourself for video.

As a hybrid, the a6700 is a capable video camera too. It records detailed 4K footage, including high-frame-rate 4K 120p for slow motion, and the same excellent autofocus keeps subjects sharp while filming. Paired with the flip-out screen and in-body stabilisation, it makes a strong vlogging and content-creation tool, which is why it features in our best vlogging cameras guide. Those who want a simpler, cheaper vlogging-first option should look at the Sony ZV-E10 II.

One limitation keeps the score honest. The test flagged the a6700's viewfinder as not the most comfortable to use — it is smaller and less immersive than those on some rivals, which eye-level shooters will notice, though anyone who mostly composes on the rear screen will barely care. It is the only real weak point in an otherwise rounded package.

The Sony a6700 is one of the best APS-C cameras you can buy, and a natural rival to the Fujifilm X-T5, which counters with more resolution and retro dial-led handling, and the Nikon Z50 II and Canon EOS R50, which undercut it on price. Where the a6700 wins is its class-leading autofocus and video specification, making it the most flexible hybrid of the group. Buyers weighing a jump to full-frame should also read our best full-frame cameras under £1,500 guide. Check the price on Amazon

The Sony a6700 is a superb do-everything APS-C camera: excellent image quality, class-leading autofocus, effective stabilisation and serious 4K video, all in a compact, weather-sealed body with strong battery life. The cramped viewfinder is the only meaningful compromise, and an easy one to live with if you shoot mostly on the screen. For travel, hybrid shooting and content creation alike, it is one of the most capable cameras at its price.

This review is based on independent laboratory testing rather than our own hands-on trial.