Photographing FUN again.

1. Preliminary
2. What would (not) this review
3. My photographic history
4. purchase decision / criteria
5. Operation, photographs, kit lens
6. supplementary purchases / Accessories
7. Compared to NEX7 (in bullet points)
8. Criticism
9. supplement (small digression on the subject sensor contamination / cleaning)
10. After a year ... (04/08/2014)
11. Conclusion
12. Final

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1. Preliminary
There are many very good reviews on Amazon for NEX-6, which make the different perspectives for viewing this camera significantly. In particular, I would draw attention to the very interesting and insightful discussions in the comments of individual reviews and recommend to read this. Most reviews mentioned and the discussions have helped me in my personal buying decision and, many thought-provoking and research on mirrorless system cameras.

2. What would (not) this review
Since the product description from Amazon, in various reviews or supplement on the part of the manufacturer will be called all technical specifications, I want this one not list again. Next I did not continue for certain discussions. (For example: Topic image sensor format MFT = Micro Four Thirds "versus APS-C or DSLR versus mirrorless system cameras) The decision for or against a particular system has at the end of each meeting itself and of many, often very different, made out aspects.
Based on my own personal perspective, the following review should nevertheless (I hope) to be informative and helpful in deciding whether this camera for you may come into question.

3. My photographic history
For years, until the early 2000s, I photographed a hobby with an analog SLR (internships MTL5) and three lenses. According to big and heavy was the equipment. I like to experiment also in black and white or with highly sensitive films. For certain outdoor activities I had brought a small, lightweight analog compact camera as a substitute. With the advent of digital photography, I was far from being convinced by the new technology and its possibilities. For several years I photographed then little or no with the SLR. Only in 2006, I bought my first digital compact camera and slowly made friends with the art. But what I did not like from the very beginning, were the image quality, image noise in low light conditions and the lack of influence and limitations with respect to certain set-up parameters.

4. purchase decision / criteria
Since 3 years determined occupied me the realization that I really wanted a change. The suffering, the need for (technically) better photos and own research culminated in 2012 in the NEX7 Sony. Only - with this model my asking price was significantly exceeded - if you then consider that in addition to the actual camera a few supplementary purchases (bag, memory card, possibly a secondary objective etc.) are needed. With the advent of NEX6 (partial vs. new, improved features NEX7 but also contrast missing features;. However, priced below the NEX7) I opted for the NEX-6 in the kit with the lens SEL-P1650mm.

In summary, my goals were, from prehistoric times and my needs and requirements out, so the following:
- Possible small and light equipment
- Image Quality
- APS-C sensor (after much weighing vs. MFT.)
- A camera for all activities
- Benefits in low-light area
- Option: fully manually adjustable, full-automatic mode, and various intermediate modes
- Neutral, functional design (no retro)
-. Price Range including the supplementary purchases / accessories (see below) a maximum of approx. 900
I want to stress that my main focus was as small and light and image quality on the points.

5. Operation, photographs, kit lens
Upon delivery of the supplied original battery still had a residual charge state of approximately 15%. In addition, I had also the same one of the previously procured replacement batteries (see accessories) summoned. So I could get going, try and taste the same. I was initially excited and am after several weeks of use still.
Be able to make the options a variety of settings impressed (and initially overwhelmed at the same time). After several attempts, it has, however, prepared his priority settings quickly and a routine sets in. For me it is actually getting two crucial points: I have time or do not have time to take a picture (because the Fotografierei is just not annoy or disturb even at family outings). I have so little time, I put uncontrollably on the automatic mode iAuto and the great thing here too I have several (soon to be implemented) influence, BSW. on the point spread design can enhance the defocusing of backgrounds. I have much time to take pictures, "willow" I at the wide range of settings
I did not think, what joy it can make to photograph finally by a really good and sharp viewfinder (OLED) and manual focus. Meanwhile, almost all photos arise using the viewfinder. Initially irritated me the light "flickering" of the viewfinder, but could be corrected by the correction means diopter adjustment dial.
The camera is by its overall ergonomics and in particular through the thick (and slightly rubberized) a handle, very comfortable to hold and can be operated intuitively. All dials and buttons appear in the right place and after some time you can almost "blind" to make the settings. Overall, the surface feel of the camera feels very valuable.

Of course, my frequent criticism was known about the menus. Preventive I then prefer loaded here before buying the detailed operating instructions as PDF from the net and flew over (I would like to recommend the way). That's not really helpful on the one hand quite useful but on the other hand, if you turn the camera holds in hands (as in the mass of information hitherto much is long forgotten).
The criticisms about the menus, I see as justified: for example, many influences mix in photos and quality, even in the actual settings to the camera (Setup), then similar settings with color / image. Tips to many (before) settings I got myself in a forum (system camera forum here the way for other manufacturers and systems: Panasonic, Fuji, Samsung, etc.)
In summary: you can take the camera both worlds live fast uncomplicated photos or filigree battle for the optimal setting.
And the ultimate: the quality of the photos from the technical aspect, makes me very happy.

Kit lens SEL-P1650
The photographic results, the sharpness performance and handling make me satisfied overall. In contrast to the very compact design in the off state, one must know that immediately after turning on the camera lens, a movable part, quasi in the farm size, moves out. This makes the mobile part out and the mechanics a bit "shaky" impression (easy to move). Next (just barely) noticeable traces of Lead In / Out are after a few weeks on the movable lens part visible.
The lens is not this endpoint and optimality in the development objective, it is clear just by the ("wobbly") mechanism. But I think that a good compromise has been found on the basis of the main aspects such as image quality, price and compactness. For the demands of a professional on the lens of his second camera, it will not meet under certain circumstances.
In my view, and in particular if one takes into consideration the small fee, it is overall a good (all-round) kit lens, which can be used for many occasions and gives good results.
Complementing I have gained a second, slightly stronger light, lens for certain occasions (Sigma 30mm F2.8 fixed focal length EX, old version), which I like to use for family celebrations or portraits.

WLAN / Apps
The expandability of the camera apps via PlayMemories I am not convinced. I consider this a purely marketing aspect. One would be able to integrate the few apps that there is a charge or free load, also well within the firmware.
The trouble-free representation of recorded images of the NEX over WLAN / DLNA in the domestic Panasonic LED TV on the other hand I find it very useful and helpful.

6. supplementary purchases / Accessories
I count here simply times on my supplementary purchases for NEX-6. Starting with the second lens, an external charger + spare batteries up to the screen protector. All listed products are compatible with the NEX-6, fit or function on or with it. Please see my reviews there. The supplement purchases cost at the time of purchase in total approx. 390:

- Sigma lens, 30mm fixed focal length f2.8 EX (old version); > Now sold, this new:
- Macro Lens Sony SEL-30M35 F3.5 / 30mm
- Bag Hama-Seattle, Gr.90, navy, internal dimensions B: 7cm, H: 12cm, D: 6.5cm
- External battery charger plus 2x spare battery
- Real glass display protection
- SD Card: SanDisk Extreme 32GB Class10
- SD card (Apple) -Lightning Adapter
- Housing and Objektivrückdeckelset for Sony NEX models
- Mini Tripod Cullmann magnesite Copter
- Giotto's Rocket - airblower

7. Compared to NEX7 (not exhaustive)
- NEX-6: 16 MP; NEX-7: 24 MP
- NEX-6: phase AF yes; NEX-7: AF phase NO (AF = Auto Focus)
- NEX-6 wireless yes / expandability via Apps yes; NEX-7: No Wi-Fi / no expandability
- NEX-6: no external battery charger (charger); NEX-7: included external charger
-. Deviant operating concept regarding dials (I personally like when NEX6 better)
- Slightly different design and material of the housing
- New multi-interface accessory shoe (flash) on the NEX-6
- Kitobjektiv: NEX-6> SEL-P1650; NEX-7> SEL-1855
- NEX-6 and NEX-7: both no touchscreen
- Price difference ... ;-) in the simple kit version currently 250

8. Criticism
- The (actual) confusing menus.
- Lack of grave goods, which I would actually require as standard, such as housing / and rear lens cover, external charger or a spare battery (battery life is relatively short, so here is a replacement almost duty).
- Supplement on apps superfluous (see above), and this should be integrated at the same price
- Improvement in kit lens, which looks a bit shaky (see above).
- The point tiny particles / contamination on the sensor is a bigger issue than in other camera due to design classes at the mirrorless system cameras.

9. Supplement (Digression on sensor contamination / cleaning, 07/28/2013)
After a few weeks of use, and about 1,500 trips me befell the middle of the holiday happens to the discovery that as the photos "points" were, which do not belong there ... Lots of light (summer) and a lot more sky (above the Bergen) made the phenomenon from panel 11 (mind you, even in automatic mode) significantly.
I had previously heard about the problem of "dirt / dust / tiny particles on the sensor at mirrorless system cameras" and had hoped that it will not overtake me already (at least not to this extent as I had to realize now).

After the first visual inspection (even on vacation) without aids (magnifying glass) was directly on the sensor first nothing to see. The 3x consecutively completed integrated cleaning function of the camera (using ultrasound) yielded no improvement. (Note: Battery should be well filled The procedure an enormous amount of "juice"..)

I avoided in the wake settings with F-numbers> 11, but was annoyed when the automatic back panel 11 or chose higher. The whole thing bothered me: I took pictures of white walls with extremely high f-number to see the full extent: distributed several circular dots of the same size over the entire photo. By the way the points are at the appropriate aperture value (thanks to Live View) also seen in the viewfinder. The uniform size of the points made me now to think of a production error.

After the holidays back home, I made the visual inspection on the sensor with an illuminated magnifier and simple now but saw several tiny particles (pollen dust ?,?) Spread over the sensor. Now I was about knowledge rather calm (because no production error of the camera), but it opened up new demand for information on: how do you get the sensor for now clean again. Vast amounts of information and different instructions can be found on the net (for example also in the System Camera Forum.): "Airblower", "Q-tip with isopropanol or methanol", "swaps" in sensor size (crop factor 1.6), etc .; From all this one has (except perhaps a Q-tip) of course nothing in the house). My findings in finding the net were: an extremely sensitive issue, because it ultimately relates to the main component of a camera, wet or dry cleaning as main principles; Cleaning on their own or through a specialty store (usually> 50) ....
Hmmmm what now: return camera or enter into specialty store? With the necessary courage, I took a Q-tip to the rights and an illuminated magnifying glass in his left hand and stroked a trial basis with the Q-tip on the glass cover of the sensor (you need to know: the actual sensor is through a glass cover (low-pass or infrared -Sperrfilter) protected). The biggest "problem point" was immediately disappeared or been absorbed by Q-Tip. Only ... through the magnifying glass you could see the whole fibers in the Q-tip and I was afraid that I might bring these fibers to the sensor and thus make everything worse. I interrupted the first cleaning (was glad that the small particles were removed at all) and then ordered a bellows (airblower of Giotto) and a special brush (Speckgrabber of Kinetronics). Once the goods are delivered, I sat cleaning continues (when using the AirBlowers: camera with the sensor downwards and targeted post with the Speckgrabber) and so got the sensor clean. Of course, it remains entirely up to, but I see in, yoy. wet cleaning, less invasive Dry cleaning following advantage: targeted removal of really problematic small particles versus a complete cleaning the wet process (possible residues such as streaks, etc.). If they do a wet cleaning should be necessary, I would in any case on methanol (in some pharmacies) recourse.

What remains of insights and questions from the experienced:
- Personally, I am on the subject (now) relatively relaxed and have developed my strategy for cleaning.
- As a user, you are provided with the issue completely on their (no official indications from the manufacturer). I do not know how many cameras have dropped so or user fret here cleaning in a shop to have to pay dearly. Consider: Probably a camera could be so not sell if Sony would recommend having prophylactic expensive clean the camera sensor of a specialty store every six months. On the other hand it is also clear that Sony will officially probably be no cleaning recommendations (actions for damages in case of possible damage to the sensor by the cleaning). Sony recommends namely in addition to the use of the internal cleaning function only the (non-contact) sensor cleaning by bellows.
- When traveling, I would probably take in the future the cleaning standard equipment: small magnifier (illuminated), airblower, cleaning tool (Speckgrabber)
- Every buyer of a mirrorless system camera should deal even before the acquisition of the topic possible sensor pollution and its cleaning.
Would like to know if the problem numerically equally occurs in mirrorless system cameras of the competition -.

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10. After a year ... (04/08/2014)
Even after just over a year, I'm still very happy with the camera. It is due to their size in almost every company there and makes very good photos. The Sigma 30mm lens I sold because rarely use. But I bought the Sony Macro Lens (listed above under item 6), which I use more frequently. After the appearance of the Sony Alpha 6000 I have considered briefly whether I should go ... - just, why should I change when my camera for my needs but delivers perfect results and I've gotten used to operation and handling. I think the camera is still accompany me for a while.

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11. Conclusion
- The camera takes very nice photos. Point.
- A camera for the most diverse requirements in a successful combination of performance, flexibility and compactness.
- Safe for the "climbers" from the compact class, a positive "quantum leap"; for the "transfer passengers" from the DSLR class a possible alternative; for Photography "beginners" possibly overtaxing what functions and possibilities of the camera concerned.
- The design is from my point of view very well done. Neutral, simple and functional.
- A comfortable operating concept - which dials, buttons, customization options are concerned. In addition, however, some menus are not set up plausible.
- The subject is one in mirrorless cameras, due to design more frequent sensor contamination should be the prospective aware before buying.
- When the "financial planning" before purchasing the camera, the possible supplementary purchases.

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12. Finally,
And what I most importantly, by the camera I have rediscovered my love for photography.
Photographing makes their joy, whether fast images from the hip in automatic mode (which is good: even here yet influence on composition, keyword defocusing) or in manual mode somewhat more complex supported by such auxiliary functions as BSW. Focus peaking (edge ​​enhancement).

Despite the amount of text I hope that my aforementioned Hope - the review and my personal perspective is perhaps for one or another informative and helpful - was fulfilled.