Solid burst performance; Fast AF in most situations; Good higher-ISO performance; Great image quality;

No in-body OIS; 'Entry level' manual controls;

The Sony A6300 experience, as with many of its A series interchangeable-lens camera (ILC) models, feels like soaring through the sky one minute only to smack into a window the next. It flies with a beefed-up autofocus system, excellent 4K video (with supporting features) and improved low-light photo quality over the A6000's already great images. Combined with the usual advantages of an ILC -- smaller body and lenses, better photo preview and more streamlined video shooting -- there's a lot to appeal to enthusiasts who might otherwise buy a fast general-purpose dSLR.

A respectable update to its very popular A6000 mirrorless interchangeable-camera model, the Sony A6300 remains great but also retains some of the drawbacks of its predecessor.

The Sony A6300 delivers class-leading photo and video quality, plus good performance and features for shooting action.

Myriad small annoyances mar the experience and it has the trademark poor battery life of Sony's A series. Plus it really could use in-body image stabilization.

The A6300 demonstrates why Sony continues to dominate in the mirrorless camera market

Superb 24.2MP stills; Super-fast autofocus system; 4K and slow-motion video; Terrific performance with premium lenses

No touchscreen; Kit lens could be better; No advanced image stabilization

The a6300 is a tremendously capable camera, whether you're looking to shoot stills or video. Getting the best out of the camera requires a bit of work on the user's part but its sheer capability makes this worthwhile.

Yes, its makers claim the A6300 is the fastest camera on the planet when it comes to autofocus, with its hybrid system and processor engine allowing it to lock onto subjects in just 0.05 seconds. I can't attest to that number myself (sorry, I just can't count that quickly!

Released roughly two years after the popular α6000 model (which we reviewed in August 2014, Sony's α6300 introduces a new sensor with 425 phase-detection AF points embedded in its surface, a significant improvement on the 179 AF points in the α6000's sensor.

Lightweight; handy

Was expecting pictures with more depth and sharpness

Sony waited more than four years between the release of its flagship APS-C Alpha NEX-7 and its replacement, the Alpha 6300 ($999.99, body only). The new model doesn't offer a boost in resolution, but it enhances the excellent autofocus system found in the midrange Alpha 6000 and also adds a...

Quick autofocus; 11.1fps burst shooting; 4K video capture; Crisp EVF; Tilting rear display; Strong high ISO performance; Built-in flash; Wi-Fi with NFC; Weather-sealed body

Omits touch-screen support; Lacks in-body stabilization; Dense menu system; Some apps must be purchased; Doesn't include external charger

Though you might not be a fan of labeling yourself, it might be a good exercise when you need to decide between the new Sony a6300 and the older and cheaper a6000. If you consider yourself a really "serious" photographer who wants the absolute, best quality, the better low-light performance and...

Stellar photo quality; Razor-sharp 4K movies; Extremely quick autofocus; Fast; continuous shooting; with good motion tracking; Excellent high-res OLED viewfinder; Reassuringly solid alloy body; External mic jack

Confusing menu system; So-so; nontouch-screen LCD; Steep price; compared to the similar a6000 model; Smaller lens selection than for DSLR competitors from Canon and Nikon

At a glance: Replacing the Sony Alpha 6000 was never going to be easy. Released in February 2014, the A6000 has become one of Sony's best-selling cameras, admired by reviewers and photographers alike.