Sony NEX-6 Review: Is This Used Mirrorless Camera Still Worth Buying?
PublishedIf you buy through an affiliate link in this article, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The quick verdict
The Sony NEX-6 is a compact, capable used mirrorless camera that I liked for photography and some video work. Its viewfinder, controls and interchangeable lenses make it appealing for a beginner, but the lack of a standard microphone jack and a forward-facing screen make it a less convenient video camera.
Browse used Sony NEX cameras at KEH. This search includes multiple models and accessories, so check the listing for the NEX-6 and what's included.
Watch my NEX-6 first impressions and video test.
Sony NEX-6 specifications
| Feature | Sony NEX-6 |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 16.1-megapixel APS-C |
| Lens mount | Sony E-mount |
| Still photos | RAW and JPEG; up to 10 fps in speed-priority continuous mode |
| Video | Full HD AVCHD, up to 60p on NTSC models or 50p on PAL models |
| Screen and viewfinder | Tilting 3-inch LCD and built-in electronic viewfinder |
| Flash | Built-in flash and multi-interface shoe |
| Audio | Built-in stereo microphones; no standard 3.5mm mic input |
Sony's specifications distinguish the 10 fps speed-priority mode from ordinary continuous shooting. Frame-rate availability varies by regional model and recording format. Sony's manual lists the NTSC and PAL movie modes.
What the NEX-6 is like for photography
In my first impressions, the NEX-6 felt familiar to me as someone who knew the a6000. I liked the features it offered in a small body, and I thought it was a strong choice for learning photography at the used price I saw when I filmed the video.
The built-in electronic viewfinder and physical controls are useful if you prefer bringing the camera to your eye or adjusting settings directly. Its E-mount also lets you choose a lens for your subject instead of being stuck with one built-in lens.
Low light: what my ISO test showed
In the test shown in my video, the image looked clean to me through ISO 400. I began to see noticeable noise around ISO 800, and the higher settings looked increasingly rough. By ISO 6400, I found the image very muddy.
That's my judgment of that particular test, not a universal cutoff. Lighting, exposure, output size and your tolerance for noise all matter. Watch the video to see the examples and decide what you'd accept.
Is the Sony NEX-6 good for video?
It records Full HD and can capture 60p footage on the NTSC model I discussed, which gives you room for slow motion on a slower timeline. It won't record 4K, and the screen tilts but doesn't face forward, making it harder to monitor yourself.
The absence of a standard 3.5mm microphone jack was a major reason I found it harder to recommend for video. The camera has built-in microphones and a multi-interface shoe; check the exact compatible shoe microphone if you want to use one. A shoe by itself is not a standard mic input. Recording audio separately is another option, with the extra step of syncing it.
In my video test, the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 setup I used didn't autofocus after recording started, so I had to set focus beforehand. That is a result from that specific setup, not proof that every third-party lens behaves the same way. Check the exact lens, adapter and firmware combination if video autofocus matters to you.
Sony NEX-6 vs a6000
When I filmed in 2020, I liked how much the NEX-6 reminded me of the a6000 and preferred the cheaper NEX-6 for many beginners at the prices I saw. I mentioned that the savings might pay for a small lens. That recommendation depended on the price difference at the time, so compare current used listings before choosing.
The a6000 has a higher-resolution 24.3-megapixel sensor compared with the NEX-6's 16.1 megapixels. They aren't identical otherwise: autofocus and HDMI behavior also differ. For streaming, see my a6000 clean HDMI guide rather than assuming the NEX-6 has the same output.
What to check before buying used
In 2020, I described the NEX-6 as selling for around $180 on eBay. That was a historical estimate, not a current price. When I checked KEH's NEX search on October 30, 2026, a NEX-6 body was listed at $278 to $347 depending on condition. Listings and stock change, and a body-only price does not include a lens.
Compare the total cost of a body, lens, battery, charger and memory card with other used cameras. Inspect the sensor, screen, dials and mount, check the seller's condition description and return policy, and make sure the listing is for a NEX-6 rather than another NEX model.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Sony NEX-6 shoot 4K?
No. Its highest video resolution is Full HD. AVCHD frame-rate options depend on the regional model.
Does the NEX-6 have a microphone input?
It has no standard 3.5mm mic jack. It has built-in stereo microphones, and compatible multi-interface shoe microphones are a separate option.
Does the Sony NEX-6 have a viewfinder?
Yes. It has a built-in electronic viewfinder as well as a tilting rear screen.
Is the Sony NEX-6 a good beginner camera?
It can be a good used option for learning photography if the price and condition make sense. Budget for a lens and accessories, and consider a newer model if you need a front-facing screen or a standard mic input.
Keep reading
Watch more camera reviews on FoxTailWhipz.