I’ve been a freelance photographer since 1989 and have mostly specialized in sports photography. There are many rules about where you can be and many limitations put on photographers trying to cover sporting events. The use of remote cameras is an essential part of any sports shooter’s kit. The trouble is that you often have to put them in harms way where they can get hit by the ball.

For basketball remote work, there is no smaller target than a Sony α6000. Just slightly larger than a pack of cigarettes, it presents a very low profile and footprint so often players and coaches don’t even see it. The α6000/α6300 is ideal to stash inside of the goals at hockey, lacrosse, and soccer, and is easy to place for hoops. The smaller size actually allows for more variety in where you can place them as the camera with lens is often 1/2 the size of the DSLR counterparts.

There are other advantages too. Since the APS-C sensor is smaller than the full-frame cameras, your area of focus is deeper so you have a greater likelihood of catching the action as a much larger area of focus is possible. With the coming α6300 just a month away, it will present new options for low light settings to still get quality results and will make an even better camera for remotes.

The α6000 in this shot was fired by radio remote from the opposite end of the court. I have a push-button remote trigger that is taped to my long lens as I look downcourt. This allows me to watch the play unfold and then decide to use my right hand index finger to shoot the camera I’m holding, or press the thumb on my left hand to fire the remote. This allows me to never get blocked by refs or other players in the important moments of any game.

Since the α6000 is such an inexpensive camera, it’s easy to wire up more than one for remote duty. Even the α3000 is a great fit for use as a remote camera.