The Sony A6600 was discontinued primarily due to parts shortages, leading Sony to cease taking new orders for the camera. This strategic decision was communicated to dealers, impacting not only the A6600 but also other models in Sony's lineup.
The Reason Behind the Discontinuation
Sony stopped accepting orders for the APS-C A6600 because of an inability to source necessary components. This issue specifically refers to a broader problem of supply chain disruptions that affected many industries, including camera manufacturing, in recent years. The company informed its dealers that due to these constraints, production would effectively halt as they could no longer fulfill new orders.
Affected Models
The parts shortages did not exclusively impact the A6600. Another notable camera affected by the same issue was the Sony A7c. While the A6600 is an APS-C camera, the A7c is a full-frame camera (featuring a 24x36mm sensor) designed in a compact form factor similar to the A6xxx series, essentially serving as an interchangeable-lens version of the fixed-lens RX1. Both cameras faced the same challenge in component availability.
Here's a quick overview of the affected models:
| Model Name | Sensor Type | Primary Reason for Discontinuation |
|---|---|---|
| Sony A6600 | APS-C | Parts Shortages |
| Sony A7c | Full-Frame | Parts Shortages |
What This Means for Consumers
For photographers who owned or intended to purchase an A6600, its discontinuation means that new units are no longer being manufactured or sold directly by Sony. Availability in the market is now limited to existing stock from retailers or the used camera market. This often leads to increased demand for alternative models or second-hand units.
The decision to discontinue a popular model like the A6600 highlights the significant impact that global supply chain issues can have on even well-established electronics manufacturers.
