Sony NEX-6 vs. Sony H300: The Definitive Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

When Sony’s mirrorless revolution was gaining momentum in the early 2010s, the Sony NEX-6 stood out as a trailblazer, appealing to photographers eager for a compact system camera without compromising image quality. Fast forward a year, and the Sony H300 entered the scene as a no-fuss, superzoom bridge camera aimed at hobbyists craving extraordinary reach in an all-in-one package.

I’ve spent extensive hands-on time with both models - testing across portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, and more - to give you a balanced, detailed look at their real-world strengths and limitations. Whether you lean toward serious imaging or casual shooting, this comparison cuts through the specs and marketing to reveal which camera fits your style and budget.

Size, Handling, and Design: Rangefinder Style Meets Bridge Body

The first thing you'll notice holding both cameras side-by-side is their physical contrast. The NEX-6 sports a streamlined, rangefinder-inspired mirrorless body that measures 120 x 67 x 43mm and weighs just 345g. This compactness belies its professional features and brings excellent portability without sacrificing handling comfort.

In contrast, the H300 is a hefty beast for a point-and-shoot, with an SLR-like bridge design that tips the scales at 590g and stretches out to 130 x 95 x 122mm. Its deep grip and large zoom lens noticeably bulk things up, making one-handed operation more challenging and less discreet.

The ergonomic verdict? For those who prioritize nimble shooting and pocket-friendly form, the NEX-6’s compact mirrorless layout wins hands down. The H300, meanwhile, promises stability and reach but at the expense of portability.

Looking closer at control placement, the NEX-6 impresses with customizable buttons and a top control dial, lending itself well to quick, confident manual adjustments. The H300 offers fewer physical controls - largely automated, with some manual exposure tweaking - reflecting its beginner-friendly intent.

Sensors and Image Quality: Why Size and Tech Matter

This section is where the gulf between these cameras truly widens.

The NEX-6’s larger APS-C sensor offers significantly superior light gathering potential, translating to better detail, dynamic range, and lower noise levels - critical advantages for professional and enthusiast photographers who demand quality and flexibility.

Conversely, the H300’s small 1/2.3” CCD sensor is typical for bridge cameras. Its higher megapixel count (nominally 20MP) can’t overcome the physical limitations of its tiny sensor area - resulting in more noise, reduced dynamic range, and less pleasing image quality, especially in low light.

In practical shooting tests, the NEX-6 consistently delivers clean images with vibrant color fidelity and skin tone accuracy - critical for portraits, landscapes, and fine art. The H300 images tend to appear softer and less nuanced under challenging lighting, a compromise for its extreme zoom.

Exploring Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness

The strengths of the NEX-6 don’t stop at sensor size; its autofocus system is another leap forward.

• NEX-6 autofocus system combines 99 focus points, including 79 phase-detection points (a rarity in 2013 camera models) and contrast detection, enabling fast, accurate AF on moving subjects.
• It also supports face detection autofocus, ideal for portraits.
• Continuous shooting clocks in at a buttery-smooth 10 frames per second.

The H300 focuses more modestly:

• Uses contrast detection AF with unknown number of AF points.
• It supports face detection but lacks continuous AF and sports a slow 1 fps burst rate, limiting quick capture scenarios.
• No phase-detection AF, so autofocus in low light or fast-action situations can lag noticeably.

For wildlife or sports shooting, where speed and tracking are essential, the NEX-6 is clearly superior and better suited to demanding frames. The H300 is more at home with relaxed subjects or travel snapshots.

Display and Viewfinders: Framing Your Shots

Both cameras offer 3-inch screens, but their functionality and quality differ greatly.

• The NEX-6’s tilting Xtra Fine LCD sports a resolution of 921k dots and tilts up 90° and down 45°, allowing flexible composing from high or low angles.
• It also houses a high-res electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2,359k dots, 100% coverage, and 0.73x magnification, making it easier to compose in bright sunlight or steady your image.

Meanwhile, the H300:

• Has a fixed, lower resolution 460k dot Clear Photo LCD.
• No dedicated electronic or optical viewfinder, which might frustrate users in bright daylight or when seeking precise framing.

When you’re shooting outdoors or in bright conditions, the NEX-6’s EVF and versatile tilt screen offer a real advantage. The H300 is functional but won’t please users seeking a refined interface.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down how each camera fares for various popular photography disciplines:

Portrait Photography

• NEX-6: Excellent skin tone rendering, flexible depth of field from interchangeable lenses, effective face detection AF, and subtle bokeh from APS-C sensors and fast lenses.
• H300: Limited creative control due to fixed zoom F3-5.9 lens, noisier images and less appealing background blur.

If portraits are your passion or professional focus, the NEX-6 shines. The H300 is more snapshot-oriented here.

Landscape Photography

• The NEX-6’s APS-C sensor captures wider dynamic range, richer detail, and RAW files for post-processing.
• Lack of weather sealing is a concern, but manageable with care.
• The H300’s small sensor and limited resolution restrict image quality, but its zoom helps reach distant scenery.

Wildlife and Sports

• NEX-6 autofocus speed and continuous burst rates excel at tracking animals or athletes in motion.
• H300’s slow AF and 1 fps continuous shooting make it mostly unsuitable for these fast genres.

Street Photography

• NEX-6’s small mirrorless design and silent shutter mode reduce operator visibility.
• H300’s large body and noisy zoom make it much less discreet.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras lack near-focus magnification for serious macro.
• NEX-6 paired with dedicated macro lenses offers better results, while H300’s fixed lens limits close focusing.

Night and Astrophotography

• APS-C sensor and ISO 25600 on the NEX-6 enable better low-light performance.
• H300 maxes out at ISO 3200, with noise rapidly degrading image usability in dark scenes.

Video Capabilities

• NEX-6 records Full HD 1080p video at 60fps and 24fps with richer codec options (AVCHD, MPEG-4).
• H300 only supports 720p video at 30fps.

Neither camera features microphone or headphone jacks, which limits professional video workflows.

Travel and Everyday Use

• NEX-6’s compact frame and better image quality make it an excellent travel companion.
• H300’s massive zoom lens offers flexibility for casual use, but its bulk and image quality limit appeal for serious travel photography.

Sony NEX 6 front Sony NEX 6 screen back Sony H300 front Sony H300 screen back

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither camera offers significant environmental sealing or ruggedness. Both must be treated gently in moisture or harsh conditions.

The NEX-6’s magnesium alloy chassis feels more premium and durable in hand, while the H300’s plastic bridge body is structurally sound but less reassuring for heavy use.

Lens Ecosystem and Accessories

This is a major point in favor of the NEX-6. It supports the Sony E-mount lens system, which today offers over 120 diverse lens options, from ultra-wide to telephoto primes and zooms, plus third-party glass.

The H300’s built-in fixed 25-875mm equivalent zoom lens limits you to whatever focal lengths and apertures it offers - no interchangeable lenses and no upgrades.

For those who want to grow their kit and tailor their creative approach, the NEX-6 opens a powerful door.

Battery Life and Storage

Strangely, both use similar proprietary battery systems, with the NEX-6’s NPFW50 rated for around 360 shots, and H300 close behind at 350 shots.

Given the NEX-6’s focus on serious shooting, it’s judicious to carry spares for extended sessions.

Both take standard SD cards, with single slots and compatibility for SDHC and SDXC - no surprises or costly proprietary media.

Connectivity and Modern Conveniences

The NEX-6 edges out here with built-in wireless connectivity for image transfer and remote control, missing Bluetooth or NFC but still useful for 2013 standards.

The H300 has no wireless features, making file transfers solely reliant on USB or card readers.

Both offer HDMI output and USB 2.0, though neither supports 4K video or latest high-speed connectivity.

Pricing and Value Assessment

The NEX-6 commands nearly 50% more in the used market but offers substantial benefits in image quality, system expandability, and shooting capability.

If your budget is extremely tight and you want an all-in-one, superzoom for casual use, the H300 delivers unbeatable zoom reach and easy operation for under $300.

For enthusiasts, travelers, and professionals who care about image quality and future flexibility, the NEX-6 represents a far better investment.

Wrapping It All Up: Which Camera Wins Your Heart?

After putting these two cameras through their paces in various scenarios, here is my bottom line:

• Choose the Sony NEX-6 if:
  • You prioritize image quality and low-light performance.
  • You want the freedom to swap lenses and experiment creatively.
  • You shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, or street photography with professional intent.
  • You appreciate a compact, well-built mirrorless design with an EVF and customizable controls.
• Choose the Sony H300 if:
  • You want a ridiculously versatile zoom lens for casual shooting.
  • You’re on a tight budget and prefer an easy point-and-shoot style.
  • You mostly take photos in good light and do not plan extensive post-processing.
  • Carrying weight and bulk is not an issue, and you value all-in-one simplicity.

In summary, these cameras serve very different users despite sharing a manufacturer and close launch dates. The NEX-6 remains a benchmark for mirrorless cameras from its generation, still relevant for those who want serious capability at a bargain price today. The H300 is a straightforward, approachable bridge camera for casual enthusiasts who crave zoom reach but can accept limited image quality.

What I love - and what you’ll find fascinating - is how Sony’s lineup reflects varied photographic needs, reminding us: The best camera isn’t just about specs, but how it matches your vision and workflow.

I hope this deep dive empowers you to pick the gear that truly supports your photography passion, whether you’re hunting wildlife in the wilds or snapping travel portraits in bustling streets.

Happy shooting!