Sony NEX-6 displays a thoughtful design (pictures)

The NEX-6 is relatively small, but equipped with tons of features, including a big, bright EVF like the NEX-7's, Wi-Fi connectivity, a tilting display, and a hot shoe.

As on the RX1, the movie record button is off to the right side of the thumb rest. It's a strange location, but I think it's probably better than on top. Sony also saves space by having the second adjustment dial circumscribe the mode dial.

The function button can act as a Shift key to add a second set of capabilities adjustable via the top dial.

Years after acquiring Konica Minolta, Sony finally does away with the old Minolta hot shoe and adopts the industry-standard hardware. Sony's version has an additional set of contacts inside to enable it to support other accessories, such as microphones. Sony refers to this as the "Multi Interface Shoe."

Like the 5R, the NEX-6 has built-in Wi-Fi for wireless uploading and connection to mobile devices, and supports Sony's proprietary PlayMemories Camera Apps.

The NEX-6 has a tilting screen like the 5N, but it doesn't flip up for self-portraits the way the 5R's does.

It's a bit on the large side, but the new lens has optical stabilization, which is welcome. Manufacturers who use optical stabilization technologies don't always include them in the wider-angle lenses, unfortunately.

Sony joins Panasonic in offering power zooming lenses for its ILCs. Its initial offering is a 16-50mm f3.5-5.6 with optical stabilization.

Whereas Panasonic's PZ lenses have small, awkwardly placed zoom switches, Sony's has a large control that's easy to feel and operate.

You don't lose the manual adjustment ring on Sony's PZ lens the way you do with Panasonic's.