We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
Using Sony’s Alpha a6500, a6300, or a6000 Mirrorless Cameras with the black Sea & Sea MDX-a6300 Underwater Housing, you can capture the beauty of marine life at depths of up to 250 feet. The attachment of alternative external strobes through cables is made possible by the presence of two fiber-optic cable interfaces.
Almost all camera features may be accessed with the use of mechanical controls.
The housing is made of a corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy that has been carefully machined for long-lasting performance. Sony’s 10-18mm, 16mm f/2.8, and 16-50mm lenses are all compatible with the ML Flat Port 33, which is included with the camera but not necessary for use with the 30mm f/3.5 Macro or 16-50mm lenses.
The ML Dome Port is compatible with Sony’s 10-18mm lens and the 16mm f/2.8 lens. See the System Chart for the most up-to-date information on system compatibility. Additionally, an optional leak sensor may be placed to notify you in the case of a breach in the watertight barrier, which is extremely improbable.
Specifications of the construction
Rating for water depth: 250′
An optional leak sensor may be fitted to notify you as soon as a break in the watertight seal occurs, which is quite unusual.
A Leak Sentinel vacuum system is also offered as an option to ensure that the system is waterproof.
Even though the weight is nearly the same as that of the MDX-a6000 housing, redesigning essential components and improved accuracy in machining have enabled adjustments in underwater buoyancy to provide superior balance on the sea surface.
Corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy is used in its construction.
Front and rear zinc anodes, which erode in saltwater to protect sensitive components of the housing from corroding, are installed on the vessel.
Installation on an optional tray, tripod, or monopod is made possible by three 1/4″-20 threaded mounts on the bottom of the unit.
On the top, there is a cold shoe/accessory shoe attachment for connecting the lighting arm.
Connection to and use of a strobe light
The inclusion of two fiber-optic cable connections allows for the connecting of optional external strobes through cables.
Additionally, an optional N-type, 2-pin sync connection is supported for connecting strobes via sync cables.
It is compatible with the YS series strobes made by Sea & Sea, including the YS-01, YS-02, YS-03, YS-110a, and YS-D1.
Controls, handling, and operation are all covered.
Virtually all camera features may be accessed by the use of mechanical pushbuttons, dials/knobs, and a lever.
The control dial can be accessed and controlled with your thumb with relative ease.
Even while wearing gloves, the large mode dial is simple to operate with the thumb and fingers.
The movie recording button is situated just beneath the right-hand dial, and the surrounding region has been hollowed down to prevent inadvertent pressing..
The LCD monitor of the camera may be adjusted up to 10 degrees for easy viewing.
In low-light situations, the use of luminous buttons makes it easier to see and distinguish between commands.
Improve the balance and handling of your SA8 by attaching the optional SA8 Tray and Grips.
In addition, grips serve as connection places for alternative lighting arms.
Even additional lighting choices are available with the optional SA8 Ball Base for Accessory Shoe.
ML is optional. When the tray and grips are not being utilized, the usage of a hand strap is advised in order to maintain a secure grasp on the housing with one hand.
When you are not using the tray or handles, two ergonomic thumb rests on the back of the chair will assist you keep a strong grasp.
A system with Lens Ports
Ships that do not have the necessary lens port
Accommodates a variety of interchangeable ports for use with various lenses
Compatible with Sony’s 30mm f/3.5 Macro or 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 lenses, as well as the ML Dome Port for Sony’s 10-18mm, 16mm f/2.8, or 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 lenses, as well as the ML Flat Port 33.
For complete and up-to-date information, please visit the System Chart linked above.
It is possible to activate the port lock from outside the housing.
The lens release button allows for quick and simple lens adjustments between dives.
Sony a6300 Specs
MSRP | $1000/£1000/€1250 (body only), $1150/£1100/€1400 (w/16-50mm lens) |
---|---|
Body type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Max resolution | 6000 x 4000 |
Other resolutions | 3:2 (4240 x 2832, 3008 x 2000), 16:9 (6000 x 3376, 4240 x 2400, 3008 x 1688) |
Image ratio w:h | 3:2, 16:9 |
Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
Sensor photodetectors | 25 megapixels |
Sensor size | APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
Sensor type | CMOS |
Processor | BIONZ X |
ISO | Auto, 100-25600, expandable to 51200 |
Boosted ISO (maximum) | 51200 |
White balance presets | 10 |
Custom white balance | Yes |
Image stabilization | No |
Uncompressed format | RAW |
JPEG quality levels | Extra fine, fine, normal |
Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousFace DetectionLive View |
Digital zoom | Yes (2x-8x) |
Manual focus | Yes |
Number of focus points | 425 |
Lens mount | Sony E |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5× |
Articulated LCD | Tilting |
Screen size | 3″ |
Screen dots | 921,600 |
Touch screen | No |
Screen type | TFT LCD |
Live view | Yes |
Viewfinder type | Electronic |
Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
Viewfinder magnification | 1.07× (0.71× 35mm equiv.) |
Viewfinder resolution | 2,359,296 |
Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
Aperture priority | Yes |
Shutter priority | Yes |
Manual exposure mode | Yes |
Subject/scene modes | Yes |
Built-in flash | Yes |
Flash range | 6.00 m (at ISO 100) |
External flash | Yes |
Flash modes | Flash off, Autoflash, Fill-flash, Rear Sync., Slow Sync., Red-eye reduction, Hi-speed sync, Wireless |
Continuous drive | 11.0 fps |
Self-timer | Yes |
Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedSpot |
Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
AE Bracketing | ±5 (3, 5 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps) |
WB Bracketing | Yes |
Resolutions | 4K (3840 x 2160 @ 30p/24p), 1920 x 1080 (120p, 60p, 60i, 30p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (24p) |
Format | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S, H.264 |
Videography notes | Supports X-AVC S up to 100 Mbps, AVCHD to 28Mbps |
Microphone | Stereo |
Speaker | Mono |
Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
HDMI | Yes (micro-HDMI) |
Microphone port | Yes |
Headphone port | No |
Wireless | Built-In |
Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n with NFC |
Remote control | Yes (via smartphone) |
Environmentally sealed | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack |
Battery description | NP-FW50 lithium-ion battery & charger |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 400 |
Weight (inc. batteries) | 404 g (0.89 lb / 14.25 oz) |
Dimensions | 120 x 67 x 49 mm (4.72 x 2.64 x 1.93″) |
Orientation sensor | Yes |
Timelapse recording | Yes (downloadable app) |
GPS | None |