Close-up of person holding a black digital camera, focusing on the camera's top controls and buttons in this detailed Sony a6700 review.

Sony a6700 HONEST Review: Is It a Good Travel Camera?

ByJen Posted on Updated on

Are you on the hunt for a lightweight travel camera that won’t break the bank? Look no further! In this Sony a6700 review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with this popular camera.

I’ve carried the Sony a6700 across 500 miles on the Camino de Santiago and also brought it along on my recent travels in Italy and Spain.

I love this mirrorless travel camera because it’s lightweight, great for shooting both video and photography, and it’s relatively affordable for all of its outstanding features.

We’ll go over its standout features, pros, and cons, and show you why it might be the perfect travel companion for you. 

Keep reading till the end to see some sample shots I’ve taken with it.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to purchase at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep providing you with high-quality content for free. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Too busy to read the whole article? Here’s the quick version:

#1 Pick

Sony a6700

I love the Sony a6700 for its incredible features:

  • Lightweight: At 1.1 lbs, it’s easy to bring on your travels and won’t take up too much space
  • High-Quality: Delivers stunning 4K video and sharp photos.
  • Versatile: Flip screen and live preview for easy adjustments.
  • Flexible: Interchangeable lenses for various scenes and subjects.
  • Great for vlogging and photography
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Get ready to discover if this camera fits your travel photography needs!

Sony a6700 Review: Features and Performance

Sony a6700 HONEST Review – Is it a good travel camera?

Weight

Have you ever struggled with heavy camera gear on your trips?

I totally feel you. My camera prior to getting the Sony a6700 was so heavy with the lens, that I wouldn’t even bring it on my travels.

One of the standout features of the Sony a6700 is how light it is. 

At just 1.1 lbs, this camera is perfect for travel. 

Whether you’re backpacking across the Camino de Santiago or strolling through the streets of Rome, the lightweight design makes it easy to carry without adding bulk to your pack.

This alone is one of my top favorite things about this camera!

Photo and Video Quality

The Sony a6700 shines in both photo and video quality. It can shoot 4K video at up to 120 frames per second, delivering stunningly clear and smooth footage. 

The image quality is top-notch, capturing vibrant colors and sharp details.

Plus, the microphone placement on the front of the camera ensures good audio pickup, making it a great choice for recording your travel experiences.

Flip Screen

The flip screen is a game-changer for photographers and vloggers. 

This feature allows for versatile shooting angles, whether you’re capturing a beautiful landscape or recording a vlog. 

The screen rotates to give you a clear view, making it easier to frame your shots and ensuring you’re always in the picture.

I use it to shoot my YouTube videos. It’s great for ‘talking head’ videos when I’m at my desk and talking into my camera.

Live Preview

A person holds a camera displaying an image of a small dog on the screen. In the background, a dog and a person are partially visible on a couch, likely capturing moments for their latest Sony A6700 review.

For those new to the feature, live preview on the Sony a6700 is a significant advantage. 

This allows you to see real-time adjustments as you tweak the shutter speed or f-stop before taking the shot.

I know live preview isn’t revolutionary nowadays, but I was coming from using a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, which doesn’t have a live preview screen, so it was a big deal for me.

Although the Mark IV is an outstanding camera on its own and great for shooting professional-level photography (for real, wedding photographers usually use this camera!), I’m much happier now with my Sony a6700.

This was my first time (believe it or not!) using a camera with a live preview, and it was incredibly helpful in getting the perfect shot every time.

It really simplifies the process and enhances your control over the final image.

Lens Options for the Sony a6700

APS-C Sensor

The Sony a6700 features an APS-C sensor, which brings a crop factor of 1.6x.

This effectively increases the focal length of any full-frame lens you use, making smaller or more distant subjects appear larger in the frame. 

For instance, a 50mm lens on this camera will give you the field of view of a 75mm lens. 

Now, on the other hand, you can just buy APS-C lenses, but those will only work on APS-C cameras. If you decide later to buy a full-frame camera, or if you already have one, you won’t be able to use those lenses interchangeably. 

This is something to keep in mind when selecting lenses, as it can change the way you capture your shots.

Included Kit Lens

A black Sony Alpha 6700 mirrorless camera with a lens attached, placed on a wooden surface. The camera is viewed from the top, showcasing its controls and dials, much like those highlighted in many Sony A6700 reviews.

When I bought my Sony a6700, I bought it with the 16-50mm kit lens. 

I think this lens is great to start with if you’re new to photography. It’s good for wide-angle shots at 16mm to more standard perspectives at 50mm. 

It’s a great starting point that covers most everyday shooting needs, making it easy to adapt to different scenes and subjects while traveling. And, it’s tiny and lightweight.

Interchangeable Lenses

One of the best features of the Sony a6700 is its ability to use interchangeable lenses. It opens up a world of possibilities for more control and creativity in your photography. 

Whether you want a wide-angle lens for breathtaking landscapes or a prime lens for stunning portraits, the flexibility to switch lenses means you can tailor your gear to fit your specific needs and style.

In my experience, shooting with the kit lens gets a little uninspiring after a while. When you’re looking to try something new, you know it’s time to get a new lens.

For travel photography, if you’re shooting a lot of landscapes, architecture, and exterior shots, I recommend the Sigma 16mm f/1.4. If you only buy one lens for travel, get this one!

That f/1.4 low aperture will give you a nice, beautiful, blurry background. A lot of travel photography involves shooting places and capturing scenes. That’s why a wide angle lens like the 16mm is great.

Now, you could also consider the Sony 18-105mm, which is great for travel vlogging. It’s an all-purpose, multi-focal length lens.

This versatility makes the Sony a6700 a really good investment if you’re looking to step up your travel photography game.

Pros and Cons

Close-up of person holding a black digital camera, focusing on the camera's top controls and buttons in this detailed Sony a6700 review.

Pros

  • Lightweight and Compact: The Sony a6700 is easy to carry around, making it one of the best travel cameras out there.
  • High-Quality Photo and Video Capabilities: This camera delivers stunning 4K video and sharp, vibrant photos.
  • Useful Features: Live preview and flip screen enhance your shooting experience, providing real-time adjustments and versatile angles.
  • Affordable Price: Considering its features, the Sony a6700 offers excellent value for money.

Cons

  • Raw Photo Compatibility: Currently, I’ve been having issues with Adobe Lightroom recognizing RAW files shot on my a6700. To work around this, you’ll need to shoot in both RAW and JPEG formats, or just shoot in RAW and convert to JPG in Adobe Bridge.
  • Stabilization: While the camera offers good stabilization, it’s not ideal for vlogging on the move. The GoPro Hero 11 provides better stabilization for action shots or even just walking and speaking into the camera.
  • Accessibility: When I was walking the Camino de Santiago, digging into my bag and getting my camera out was a little bit inconvenient for quick moments while hiking. However, that’s not really a con of the camera’s features; it’s more of a personal preference thing.

📸 Get the travel camera that won’t weigh down your backpack

Comparing Sony a6700 with Fujifilm X100V

When I was looking to buy a travel camera, I considered Fujifilm’s X100v. 

Primarily, I was so into it because it’s tiny and shoots amazing photos. Plus, it’s such a hot camera, that it often sells ABOVE list price.

But Sony’s a6700 stands out for a few key reasons. 

First, the a6700’s interchangeable lenses provide much more flexibility and creative control. Unlike the fixed lens on the X100V, you can switch between different lenses on the a6700 to suit various shooting scenarios when you’re out in the wild.

Additionally, the live preview feature on the Sony a6700 is a huge advantage. It allows you to see real-time adjustments, which the X100V doesn’t have.

It makes it way easier to get the perfect shot without trial and error.

Even though both cameras are similar in size and weight, in my opinion, the a6700 offers better features and capabilities, making it a stronger choice for versatile and dynamic travel photography.

FAQ About the Sony a6700

Is the Sony a6700 a professional camera?

The Sony a6700 bridges the gap between high-end consumer and lower-end professional cameras. It boasts features like 4K video recording, advanced autofocus, and interchangeable lenses, making it ideal for serious travel photographers and videographers.

But, I wouldn’t say it’s used by professionals who make their primary income off of photography. Mainly because, there’s only one SD card slot, and professionals (not always, but usually) use two just in case one fails.

What is the rival of the Sony a6700?

The Sony a6700 has several rivals. People also consider the Fujifilm X-S20 for its similar features, the ZV-E10 for vlogging, the older Sony a6600 for a slightly more budget-friendly option, and the Sony a7iii for a more advanced model.

Each of these cameras offers unique strengths depending on your photography and videography needs. I prefer the a6700 because it’s good for both video and photo.

Is A6700 entry level?

The Sony a6700 is a great travel camera for beginners, but it’s slightly above basic entry-level. While it offers excellent features, you’ll want to know how to shoot manually and remember it’s an investment to get additional lenses.

If you’re new to travel photography and videography and want a budget-friendly start, use your phone and upgrade later when the time is right!

What year did the Sony A6700 come out?

The Sony a6700 release date was August 1, 2023. I pre-ordered it in July last year, and it was delivered on August 7!

🤩 Get the BEST Travel Camera for Shooting Photos AND Videos

My Photography Shots with the Sony a6700

  • A close-up view of a modern architectural structure with a hexagonal tile pattern, forming curved shapes against a pale sky, reminiscent of photos captured with the Sony a6700—an excellent travel camera for such detailed shots.
  • Crowded street market with vendors selling various goods, including balloons and flowers, while people shop and walk around. Overhead signs and buildings are visible in the background—an ideal scene to capture with a Sony a6700 travel camera for the perfect review.
  • A detailed skeletal figurine wearing traditional, colorful Mexican attire and an ornate headdress is displayed. Captured with the Sony a6700, another similar figure is visible in the background, showcasing the camera's impressive clarity and vibrant color reproduction.
  • A ceramic statue of a roaring leopard with intricate patterns is displayed on a pedestal indoors, capturing the details perfectly for a review with the Sony a6700.
  • Outdoor cafe with empty tables and chairs set for dining along a street, perfect for some travel photography. Bottles of water and folded napkins adorn the tables, while baskets, greenery, and an awning provide charm. Capture this scene perfectly with a good travel camera like the Sony a6700.
  • A three-story brick building with a sign reading "Edifício Rio de Janeiro" above the entrance. A security guard stands by the entrance while a person, possibly reviewing their travel camera, walks toward it.

That’s a Wrap

Hands down, the Sony a6700 is an outstanding mirrorless travel camera. It offers lightweight portability, high-quality photo and video capabilities, and useful features like live preview and a flip screen. 

Its flexibility with interchangeable lenses and affordable price make it an excellent investment if you like to take photos while you travel or if you’re a travel content creator. 

While there are some minor drawbacks, such as RAW photo compatibility issues and stabilization for vlogging on the move, the overall performance and features of the a6700 outweigh these cons. I honestly just love this camera!

🤩 Get the Sony a6700 Now!

Ready to see the Sony a6700 in action? Check out my detailed video review on YouTube for more insights and footage from my travels.

Read More What to Pack Guides:

Planning a trip right now? A few of the top resources I use every time I travel:

🏨 Booking.com for great deals on hotels.

🎟️ GetYourGuide for incredible tours around the world.

🌍 Faye for extensive travel coverage so you’re protected.

📞 GigSky eSIM for staying connected in the air, on a cruise ship, or exploring.

🗣️ Babbel for brushing up on my language skills.

For 15 years, Jen has lived in Los Angeles and Palm Springs and explored up and down the California coast, from San Diego to San Francisco and beyond. In 2023, she hiked the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile, 30+ day backpacking trip across the length of Spain. Since then, Jen has been inspired to help others live life on their own terms, work remotely, learn a new language, and travel the world!