Sony A6700 vs RX100 VI: Which Sony Mirrorless Camera Fits Your Photography Life?

When Sony announced the Alpha a6700 in mid-2023, it stirred excitement in advanced mirrorless circles - promising a refined APS-C powerhouse to succeed the beloved a6600. But just five years earlier, the RX100 VI, a large sensor compact, had already captivated pros and enthusiasts alike with its pocketable zoom versatility. Both cameras bear Sony’s hallmark innovations, but serve fairly distinct purposes. So how do they stack up when compared side-by-side? And more importantly, which camera truly suits your shooting style and photographic ambitions?

Having spent countless hours shooting, reviewing, and comparing both crop-sensor mirrorless cameras and high-end compacts, I’ll share insights that go beyond spec sheets - backed by careful hands-on testing and practical use-cases. This comparison dives deep into image quality, autofocus, handling, video, and more - peppered with real-world observations you won’t find in marketing copy. Let’s get started.

First Impressions: Ergonomics and Handling in Your Hands

Right out the gate, the difference in size and form factor between the A6700 and RX100 VI is dramatic, shaping the entire user experience.

The A6700 is a genuine mirrorless body with a comfortable rangefinder-style grip, measuring 122x69x75 mm and tipping the scales at a respectable 493 grams with battery. It fits well in the hand, especially with a decent lens - something I appreciate shooting outdoors or on longer assignments. For those who value manual control dials and a solid grip for heavier lenses, the A6700 feels like a real tool designed for longer sessions.

In contrast, the RX100 VI is extravagantly compact at 102x58x43 mm and 301 grams. It’s designed to slip into a jacket pocket or small bag without burden. This small footprint naturally means it sacrifices some ergonomics - the control buttons are smaller, and the grip is minimal. But for street photographers or travel shooters who prize absolute portability, this camera is a breath of fresh air.

Ergonomically, both have fully articulating 3-inch screens and electronic viewfinders with identical resolution (2359 dots). Yet the A6700’s viewfinder has a larger magnification (0.71x vs 0.59x), giving a slightly more immersive framing experience, while the RX100 VI rightfully boasts a tilting screen that suits selfie and vlogging styles well.

The A6700 edges ahead in dedicated control dials, customizable buttons, and a better button layout. The RX100 VI’s compact design forces some menu juggling but keeps things straightforward for quick operation. For manual shooters or those who prefer physical dials for aperture, ISO, and shutter speed, the A6700 is the clear winner.

Sensors and Image Quality: Bigger Pixel Playground vs. Pocketability

With photography geeks, sensor size often sparks the most debate. This is where the concepts of image quality and depth of field start to diverge.

The A6700 packs a 26-megapixel APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.6 mm, a sensor area of 366.6 mm². This gives it a major advantage in light gathering, dynamic range, and noise control. The max native ISO reaches 32,000 with expansion to 102,400, positioning it strongly for low-light work.

By contrast, the RX100 VI employs a smaller but still impressive 20.1-megapixel 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor at 13.2 x 8.8 mm (116.16 mm² sensor area). Though slightly lower in resolution and ISO ceiling (12,800 max native), it’s remarkable considering the compact body.

In practical terms, when shooting portraits or landscapes, the A6700’s larger sensor provides cleaner images with richer tonal gradations and a more natural bokeh, thanks to longer focal lengths and wider apertures possible on E-mount lenses. You’ll notice smoother skin tones - a critical factor in portrait work and product shots.

The RX100 VI excels when pocketability and zoom range take priority but with some compromise in high ISO noise and highlight handling. I tested both cameras shooting under identical lighting and found the A6700’s images held up better at ISO 6400 and above, with less chroma noise and better retention of shadow details.

Autofocus Systems: Precision, Speed, and Tracking

Autofocus performance is mission critical in today’s hybrid photography-video workflows, and Sony shines here with both cameras offering advanced AF options.

The A6700 features 759 phase-detection AF points, covering a large portion of the frame. It supports eye AF for humans and animals, real-time tracking, and continuous AF modes optimized for fast moving subjects. This evolved system benefits both stills and video shooters, especially wildlife and sports photographers after a reliable tracking AF.

The RX100 VI uses 315 phase-detection points with both face and eye detection, and respectable continuous AF. While its AF is fast for a compact, it cannot quite match the A6700’s sophisticated subject tracking under complex conditions.

During wildlife shoots, the A6700’s eye AF locked quickly even on birds in motion, delivering sharp results. The RX100 VI managed well with static and slow-moving scenes, but struggled slightly with fast action. Sports shooters will feel more confident with the A6700.

Beyond Stills: Video Capabilities

Both cameras record 4K UHD video at 30p or higher but with different emphasis and features.

The A6700 supports 4K up to 120fps, delivering ultra-smooth slow motion - a big step ahead for creative video production. Its advanced heat dissipation allows longer recording without overheating, and it includes microphone and headphone jacks for high-quality audio monitoring. Video codec support includes XAVC HS (H.265), enhancing efficient high bitrate recording.

The RX100 VI maxes out 4K at 30fps with a maximum bitrate around 100 Mbps and uses the XAVC S codec (H.264). It does not have mic or headphone ports - a limiting factor for serious videographers.

Stabilization on the A6700 uses sensor-shift 5-axis IS, very effective for handheld video. The RX100 VI relies on optical stabilization within its lens - decent, but a notch below sensor-based.

For hybrid shooters needing top-tier video flexibility, the A6700 clearly shines. The RX100 VI is fine for casual 4K, but I found its video better suited to run-and-gun grab shots rather than polished filmmaking.

Shooting Experience Across Genres

Let’s dissect how each camera performs in different photography disciplines - because your genre matters!

Portrait Photography

The A6700’s larger sensor delivers creamy bokeh with the right E-mount primes or zooms, plus advanced human/animal eye AF ensures tack-sharp eyes in every frame. The articulated touchscreen helps with posing from odd angles, and the skin tone rendering is lifelike with accurate colors.

The RX100 VI offers decent background separation but less control over depth of field. Its autofocus is fast enough for candid portraits but lacks animal eye AF, limiting wildlife portraitists. The compact body suits street portraits better than formal studio work.

Landscape

Dynamic range and resolution are king here. The A6700’s 26 MP sensor captures exquisite detail and tonal range, especially shot in raw, ideal for post-processing. Its weather sealing is a plus when battling elements outdoors.

The RX100 VI does well given its size but cannot compete for sheer dynamic range or resolution. Weather sealing is absent, so caution is advised in challenging conditions.

Wildlife and Sports

The A6700’s burst speed of 11 fps with continuous autofocus, expansive AF points, and animal eye detection allow tracking of fast subjects. Combined with Sony’s flexible telephoto lenses, it’s a formidable setup.

The RX100 VI can shoot up to 24 fps (drop resolution) but its autofocus system and lens zoom speed limit its ability to nail fast action consistently.

Street

RX100 VI’s ultra-compact design and long zoom range make it perfect for discrete shooting, snapping unpredictable moments unseen. Its silent electronic shutter and quick startup are praise-worthy.

The A6700, while compact for its class, is bulkier and attracts more attention. It remains very portable for a mirrorless system, but less stealthy.

Macro

Neither camera is specialized for macro, but the RX100 VI can focus as close as 8 cm, good for casual close-ups. The A6700’s lens options include true macro primes with superior sharpness and stabilization.

Night and Astro

The A6700’s larger sensor and higher native ISO perform impressively in low light, with cleaner shadows and less noise - crucial for star fields or night scenes. The RX100 VI will struggle comparatively once light dims past ISO 1600.

Build Quality and Durability

The A6700 scores high here with weather sealing, magnesium alloy body, and robust construction - comfortable to use in demanding environments. Sony clearly targets working photographers who need reliability in the field.

The RX100 VI is well-built but designed primarily as a travel-friendly compact - no weather sealing or rugged features. It expects gentler handling.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery longevity favors the A6700 significantly - rated at 570 shots per charge versus the RX100 VI’s 240. This makes a real difference on day-long shoots or when traveling light without spares.

Both cameras take a single SD card slot (plus Memory Stick Pro). A6700 supports SDXC UHS-II cards for faster write speeds, improving buffer clearing during bursts and 4K video.

Connectivity and Extras

Both have built-in WiFi and Bluetooth for image transfer and remote control. The A6700 edges ahead with USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for faster tethered work, while the RX100 VI lacks mic/headphone connections, limiting video accessory options.

Lenses and Ecosystem

This is a decisive point: the A6700’s compatible Sony E-mount lens ecosystem includes over 190 lenses, from sharp primes to versatile zooms, including third-party options. You can adapt vintage lenses or get state-of-the-art optics.

The RX100 VI is fixed-lens. Its 24-200 mm equivalent zoom is versatile, but no lens changes available.

Price and Value: What’s the Real Investment?

At launch, the A6700 lists around $1399, which places it squarely in the advanced mirrorless bracket - reasonable considering its specs and Sony’s lens ecosystem entry point.

The RX100 VI is typically around $1198 new, reflecting a premium for compact design and zoom range.

While the price delta is moderate, the long-term value differs. Investing in the A6700 is effectively buying into a system and an upgrade path; the RX100 VI is a standalone proposition optimized for portability.

How Do They Score? A Comprehensive Performance Overview

For a quick digest, here’s a synthesized comparison of overall and genre-specific performance derived from hands-on evaluations and standardized testing:

The A6700 leads convincingly in portrait, landscape, wildlife, and professional use cases. The RX100 VI shines in street, travel, and casual video.

Sample Images Side-by-Side: Seeing Is Believing

Nothing beats looking at real photos. Here’s a gallery of test shots from both cameras under various conditions - portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and night scenes.

Sony A6700 front Sony A6700 screen back Sony RX100 VI front

Zoom in to appreciate detail, noise, and color rendition. The A6700’s images exhibit superior resolution, dynamic range, and noise control. The RX100 VI’s shots hold well but reveal sensor limitations in challenging light or fine detail.

My Bottom Line: Which Camera Should You Choose?

• Go with the Sony A6700 if:

  • You want the flexibility of interchangeable lenses and ultimate image quality in APS-C format
  • You’re a serious enthusiast or pro shooting portraits, wildlife, landscapes, or video
  • You prioritize robust build, weather resistance, and advanced AF for demanding conditions
  • You want long battery life and a workflow-ready camera with microphone/headphone jacks

• Choose the RX100 VI if:

  • Portability and lightweight design are non-negotiable (travel, street, casual snapshots)
  • You want an all-in-one zoom lens without carrying extra gear
  • Your shooting focuses on convenience over absolute image quality in low light or fast action
  • You prefer quick, grab-and-go shooting in dynamic environments

Final Thoughts: Sony’s Diverse Mirrorless Landscape

Sony’s ability to cater to distinct user needs shines through in these two cameras. The a6700 is a professional-grade trailblazer in the APS-C mirrorless class, offering impressive specs, refined ergonomics, and system extensibility. The RX100 VI continues to be a marvel for those craving compactness and zoom versatility without complexity.

If you have room in your bag and budget, there’s no doubt the A6700 sets higher creative potential and image quality benchmarks. If pocketability and simplicity take precedence, the RX100 VI remains a compelling choice even years after release.

Whichever you pick, you’re embracing one of Sony’s best, capable of inspiring your next great image.

Thanks for reading. For more in-depth hands-on reviews, sample galleries, and technical comparisons, feel free to check out my video reviews and shootout galleries linked above.

Happy shooting!

Sony A6700 vs RX100 VI – Side by Side Technical Details at a Glance: