Sony NEX-6L/B Mirrorless Digital Camera Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Sony NEX-6L/B is a compact interchangeable-lens digital camera designed for advanced photography. It features a large APS-C image sensor, fast hybrid autofocus, and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, offering performance comparable to larger DSLR cameras. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your camera.

Figure 1: Sony NEX-6L/B Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm Power Zoom Lens. This image shows the compact black camera body with the attached 16-50mm power zoom lens.

2. Key Features

• 16.1 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor: Delivers high resolution, high sensitivity, and detailed images.
• 10 Frames Per Second Continuous Shooting: Captures fast-moving subjects with precision.
• Fast Hybrid AF: Combines phase detection for quick response and contrast detection for precision, ensuring optimal autofocus in various scenes.
• ISO 100-25600: Provides excellent low-light performance.
• 1080/60p Full HD Video: Records high-definition movies in AVCHD or MP4 formats.
• 3.0-inch Articulated LCD: Offers 921,000 dots for clear viewing and flexible shooting angles.
• Built-in 2,359,000-dot XGA Tru-Finder™ OLED Viewfinder: Provides a bright, high-resolution electronic viewfinder for real-time adjustments.
• Raw and Raw + JPEG Shooting: Offers flexibility for post-processing.
• Built-in Flash with Multi-Interface Shoe: Provides integrated lighting and expands compatibility with accessories.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: Enables direct transfer of photos to smartphones/tablets and access to PlayMemories Camera Apps™.
• E-mount Lens Compatibility: Supports a wide selection of Sony E-mount lenses.

3. Setup

3.1 Battery Installation and Charging

The camera uses a rechargeable NP-FW50 Lithium-Ion battery. To install, open the battery compartment cover located at the bottom of the camera. Insert the battery according to the polarity indicators. Close the cover securely. Recharge the battery using the supplied USB cable and AC adapter, or via a PC connection.

3.2 Memory Card Insertion

The camera supports Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ and SD/SDHC media (Class 4 or higher recommended). Open the memory card slot cover, insert the card with the correct orientation until it clicks into place, and then close the cover.

3.3 Lens Attachment and Detachment

To attach a lens, align the white index mark on the lens barrel with the white index mark on the camera body, then rotate the lens clockwise until it clicks. To detach, press the lens release button on the camera body and rotate the lens counter-clockwise.

4. Operating the Camera

4.1 Basic Shooting Modes

Use the mode dial on top of the camera to select various shooting modes, including:

• Auto: Camera automatically adjusts settings for optimal results.
• Program Auto (P): Camera sets exposure, but you can adjust other settings.
• Shutter Priority (S): You set the shutter speed, camera adjusts aperture.
• Aperture Priority (A): You set the aperture, camera adjusts shutter speed.
• Manual (M): You control both shutter speed and aperture.
• Scene Selection (SCN): Choose from predefined scenes (e.g., Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene).
• Movie Mode: For recording videos.

4.2 Flash Usage

The NEX-6L/B features a built-in pop-up flash. Press the flash release button to deploy it. The Multi-Interface Shoe allows for external flash units to be attached for more advanced lighting control.

4.3 Viewfinder and LCD Screen

The camera features both an XGA Tru-Finder™ OLED electronic viewfinder and a 3.0-inch articulated LCD screen. The LCD screen can be tilted for flexible shooting from various angles. The viewfinder provides a clear, high-resolution view of your scene, with real-time display of camera adjustments.

4.4 Focusing

• Fast Hybrid AF: Automatically selects between phase detection and contrast detection for quick and precise focusing.
• Peaking AF Display: Aids manual focusing by highlighting in-focus edges in your chosen color (white, red, or yellow).
• Manual Focus Assist: Magnifies the viewfinder image when the focus ring is touched, for precise manual adjustments with E-mount lenses.
• Enhanced Tracking Focus: Continuously tracks user-designated subjects, including improved face-detection tracking.
• Face Detection Technology: Automatically detects up to eight faces and adjusts focus, exposure, white balance, and flash.
• Smile Shutter™ Technology: Captures a photo automatically when a smile is detected.

4.5 Image Settings and Effects

• Picture Effect Mode: Offers 7 types (11 variations) including Posterization, Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color, High-key, High Contrast Monochrome, and Toy Camera.
• 6-image Layering: Combines multiple images for improved low-light performance (Hand-held Twilight) or blur reduction (Anti-Motion Blur).
• Auto Portrait Framing: Automatically crops and saves an optimally framed portrait.
• Clear Image Zoom: Digitally magnifies the effective focal length up to 2x with minimal degradation.
• Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO): Improves results in backlit scenes and recovers shadow details.
• Auto HDR: Combines multiple exposures to capture more scene contrast.
• Sweep Panorama™ Technology: Captures expansive landscapes by sweeping the camera.
• Photo Creativity Touch Interface: Simplifies creative adjustments like Background Defocus, Brightness, Color, and Vividness.

4.6 Video Recording

Record Full HD 1920x1080 movies at 60p, 60i, or 24p. AVCHD™ codec provides high picture quality, while MP4 codec offers smaller files for web uploads. Recording is limited to 29-minute segments.

4.7 Connectivity

• Wi-Fi® Sharing: Transfer photos directly to smartphones and tablets using the PlayMemories Mobile™ app.
• PlayMemories Camera Apps™: Download new camera functions as needed (requires Sony Entertainment Network account).
• PhotoTV HD Compatibility: Optimizes display on compatible BRAVIA® televisions.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Anti-Dust Technology

The camera incorporates an advanced ultrasonic system to effectively shake dust off the image sensor surface, preventing blemishes in your pictures.

5.2 Convenient USB Charging

The camera battery can be recharged via USB by connecting the bundled USB cable to an AC outlet or a PC.

6. Specifications

7. Troubleshooting

For common issues, refer to the camera's on-screen help or the full digital manual available on the Sony support website. Ensure batteries are charged, memory cards are correctly inserted and formatted, and lenses are securely attached. If issues persist, contact Sony customer support.

8. Warranty and Support

This product comes with a full 90-day parts and labor warranty. For warranty claims or technical support, please refer to the contact information provided in your product packaging or visit the official Sony support website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty validation.

Legal Disclaimer: SERIAL #0623408, FULL 14 DAY SATISFACTION GUARANTEE, FULL 90 DAY PARTS AND LABOR WARRANTY.

9. What's in the Box

• Sony NEX-6L/B Camera Body
• 16-50mm Power Zoom Lens
• Lithium Metal Battery (NP-FW50)
• AC Charger (BC-VW1)
• USB Cable
• Shoulder Strap
• Body Cap
• Lens Cap
• Instruction Manual

10. Suggested Accessories

• Just-fit case for NEX-6 digital camera (LCS-ELC6/B)
• System Soft Carrying Case (LCS-SL10)
• External Flash/Video Light (HVL-F60M)
• E-mount to A-mount Lens Adaptor (LA-EA2)
• InfoLithium® battery for E-mount cameras (NP-FW50)
• AC Charger for NP-FW50 battery (BC-VW1)