One of the most popular aps-c mirrorless cameras, the Sony A6000 is officially discontinued. It seems that you can still buy one, at least until the stock will be cleared out. But although the camera is discontinued, its low price and its popularity make it a good starter - beginner camera.
This guide is mainly for the Sony A6000 but you can apply the same tips and settings to other and even modern Sony cameras because the basic principles remain the same. For example, the Sony A6300 etc.
Sony A6000 has a tilt screen
Modes
Superior Auto: The camera will choose the best settings for you. It is the best mode if you are a beginner or if you are in a hurry and you must shoot a photo fast without much thinking. It is also a good choice for low light shooting. Intelligent auto is a similar mode but superior mode is simply... superior!
Aperture Priority or A: Allows you to control the depth of field by adjusting the aperture. The higher the f-stop the deeper, richer and more expansive will be the depth of field. If you choose a smaller f-stop your main item will be in focus but the background will become blurry. For example, when i want to shoot a landscape i usually choose an f-stop between F/11 and F/13 or even F/16. If i want to shoot a portrait, i choose a lower number. For example F/2 - F/2.8.
Tip: Don't take your lenses to the max in f-stop, say F/18 or F/22 because your image will become more soft with less details.
Shutter Priority or S: This mode allows you to adjust the shutter speed. It is usually used for fast moving subjects or for long exposures. If you choose a fast shutter speed you can freeze that fast moving subject. If you choose a lower speed you will blur the action. The camera will adjust the aperture accordingly.
Tip: For long exposures use a sturdy tripod or try to keep the camera as steady as possible.
Manual Mode: Manual mode will allow you to take full control. You can adjust everything. Usually i use this mode during night shots (Astrophotography, star trails, light trails etc).
Tip: The more you shoot and the more you will use Aperture priority, shutter priority and the manual mode.
Sweep Panorama: This mode exists in most smartphones too. The camera stitches individual photos as you are sweeping the camera (for example from left to right) to create an ultra wide photo.
Tip: You have to be really patient with steady hands when shooting Panoramas.
Sony A6000 Focusing Methods and Tips - When and Why
To access the focusing modes you can use the Menu or simply press the FN button.
AF-S Single Shot AF: Use Single - Shot AF when you shoot a stationary subject. For example, landscapes. When the camera achieve to focus then the focus point is locked. If you want to focus again you must release the shutter button and refocus again.
Tip: I usually combine single shot AF with Focus Area Flexible Spot.
AF C - Auto-Focus Continuous: Use this focusing method when you are shooting action and fast moving subjects. As long as you held the shutter button halfway down the camera keeps focusing.
Tip: I combine AF C with Focus Area Wide or Center. I also set the Driving Mode to Continuous Shooting. There are many chances that most of your shots will be out of focus, so it is better to take as many pictures as you possibly can. Yes, Sony A6000 does not have the perfect auto-focus mechanism.
MF or Manual Focus: You adjust the focus manually. For example, when you use Vintage lenses with an adapter.
Tip: You can achieve stunningly sharp images using MF Assist, Focus Magnifier and Peaking level. Focus Magnifier is way more accurate though, so i use Peaking Level mainly for videos or when i am in a hurry.
DMF: Combines Manual Focus and Autofocus. I do not use it.
AF-A Automatic AF: The camera takes control and decides to switch between single shot autofocus and continuous AF. I do not use it but you can always try it because it may suit you.
Focusing tip for all cameras - From DSLR's to Mirroless: Locate the back - button focus and use it instead of half pressing the shutter button. This way the autofocus function will be taken from the shutter release button so that you can assign it to any other physical button of your choice. I assigned it to the AEL button.
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