The Sony a6300 - A Perfect Adventure Camera

I made the switch to mirrorless cameras nearly 5 years ago now, just after the original Sony A7 was released. I was captivated by the small form factor, great sensor, and the promise that Sony would continue to develop their mirrorless system. Years later, the Sony A7R II  is my primary workhorse, but the Sony a6300 has found its place in my arsenal as my go-to camera for fast, light, and more trying conditions -- as well as a secondary camera on more involved shoots. It's a fantastic lightweight adventure-snapping machine.

Starting around $749, the feature set is hard to beat. A 24.2 MP APS-C sensor, 4k video recording, and incredibly fast auto focus with 425 phase-detection points (which basically means it can focus REALLY fast).

Sometimes, you just want to shave a *little bit* more weight, and the a6300's small form-factor (it easily fits in my jacket pocket with a fixed lens, or the kit 16-55mm) makes it super easy to bring on adventures like climbing, whitewater rafting, and skiing. Pair that with 4k video, a fast shutter, and a fantastic (for a crop) sensor, and you're ready to go.

Rafting on the Matanuska River, Alaska

Skiing

In the winter I spend much of my time backcountry skiing. While I occasionally bring my a7rii, most often I've got my a6300 and a 16-55mm, 24mm, or 35mm fixed in my pocket. Especially on longer tours, not having the extra of the a7rii on my shoulder strap makes a difference. And with it in my pocket, it doesn't impede climbing steep couloirs...or throw off my balance while skiing down. Some people might say "Well why not just keep it in your backpack?" -- but you'd be surprised how much more often you shoot, and the situations you catch just by having your camera more accessible. It's a pain to take off your backpack, grab the camera, shoot, and put it back in.

I mostly use it for backcountry skiing and touring, but works great in your pocket at the resort as well!

Skiing in Banff, Canada.

Heading up a couloir in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Action shot at Berthoud Pass, Colorado

Travel

The a6300 is also perfect for travel. It takes up practically no space, and I've used it in a variety of situations. Whether I'm on a hike, shooting around a city, or on an alpine climb, I'm consistently impressed. It's size lends itself particularly well to street photography. Just throw a 50mm fixed on there and you're good to go. Because it's smaller, it also draws far less attention than larger DSLR's or even Sony's full-frame cameras. With the 4k video, I've been able to both shoot fun travel videos and take photos without compromising on quality.

Near San Gil, Colombia

Exploring Machu Picchu, Peru

Sunrise at 17,000 ft on our way up Antisana, Colombia.

Shooting from the side of a cliff in La Mojarra, Colombia.

Learn more about the a6300 and Sony's other mirrorless cameras on their website.