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Sony Alpha a6500 Mirrorless Digital Camera w/ 2.95" LCD (Body Only)
Compatible Mountings | E-mount |
Aspect Ratio | Unknown |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Supported File Format | JPEG; RAW |
Image Stabilization | Sensor-shift |
Optical Zoom | 1 x |
Maximum Aperture | 5.6 f |
Metering Description | Center-Weighted Average, Multi-Zone, Spot |
Brand | Sony |
Model Name | Sony Alpha A6500 |
About this item
- 24.2MP APS-C Exmor sensor w/ advanced processing up to ISO 51.200
- Wide 425 phase detection AF points, Fast 0.05 sec. AF acquisition
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization steadies every lens. Silent Shooting. Noise Reduction :Long exposure NR: On/Off, available at shutter speeds longer than 1 sec., High ISO NR: Normal/Low/Off
- 11fps continuous shooting to 269 frames at 24.2MP w/ AE/AF tracking
- 4K movie w/ 2.4x oversampling4, full pixel readout, no pixel binning
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Price | $645.00$645.00 | $1,398.00$1,398.00 | $769.95$769.95 | $944.95$944.95 | -17% $1,498.00$1,498.00 List: $1,799.99 | $1,059.95$1,059.95 |
Delivery | Get it Jun 6 - 7 | Get it as soon as Monday, May 20 | — | — | Get it as soon as Sunday, May 19 | Get it as soon as Tomorrow, May 14 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Picture quality | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.7 |
Auto focus | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.7 |
Image stabilization | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.5 |
Battery life | 3.8 | — | 4.1 | 3.7 | 4.7 | 3.7 |
Quality of material | 4.2 | — | 4.6 | 4.5 | — | 4.5 |
Sold By | Chumdog LLC | Focus Camera LLC | Fast Ship Direct | Fast Ship Direct | Amazon.com | Electronics Basket |
display type | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
display size | 2.95 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches |
lens type | Zoom | — | Interchangeable | — | Zoom | standard-zoom |
zoom type | Automatic | — | Optical | Digital Zoom | optical | Optical Zoom |
shooting modes | Single shooting, Continuous shooting (Hi+/Hi/Mid/Lo selectable), Self-timer, Self-timer (Cont.), Bracketing (Cont., Single, White Balance, DRO) | Movie | Bulb Mode,Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority | Single shooting, Continuous shooting (Hi+/Hi/Mid/Lo selectable), Self-timer, Self-timer (Cont.), Bracketing (Cont., Single, White Balance, DRO) | AUTO (iAuto), Programmed AE (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter-speed priority (S), Manual (M), Movie modes | Single shooting, Continuous shooting (Hi+/Hi/Mid/Lo selectable), Self-timer, Self-timer (Cont.), Bracketing (Cont., Single, White Balance, DRO) |
connectivity tech | NFC, HDMI, USB | Wi-Fi | NFC, HDMI, USB | HDMI, USB | NFC, HDMI | HDMI, USB |
What's in the box
From the manufacturer
Sony α6500 Mirrorless Interchangeable-lens Camera
24.2 MP Exmor CMOS sensor with world’s fastest AF speed1 (0.05 sec.) and highest number of phase detection AF points2 (425). In-camera 5-axis optical image stabilization for every lens and enhanced AF features including intuitive and immediate touchscreen AF operation. 4K movie recording3 and pro video features including 2.4x oversampling4 with full pixel readout and no pixel binning, S-Log3/S-Log2, S-Gamut and gamma assist and more.
Features
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24.2MP of imaging innovationThe newly developed 24.2 MP (approx. effective) APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor features copper wiring and enhanced circuit processing that reduces the depth of the wiring layer to boost light collection efficiency. In conjunction with the BIONZ X image processor and new front-end LSI, it significantly minimizes noise throughout a wide sensitivity range of ISO 100-512005. Additionally, the front end LSI and highly conductive copper in the circuitry, accelerates readout speed to support high speed shooting with minimal lag, 4K movie recording3 with full pixel readout without pixel binning, Full HD 120fps shooting and 14-bit RAW output for still images. |
4D FOCUS w/ world’s fastest autofocus1 with world’s most2 AF pointsThe α6500’s unrivaled 4D FOCUS system boasts the world’s fastest autofocus (AF) acquisition time1 that can lock focus on a subject in as little as 0.05 seconds. It also has the world’s highest number of focal plane phase detection AF points2 - an incredible 425 - that are densely positioned over 84% of the image area. Moreover, the α6500 can capture full resolution 24.2MP images at up to 11 frames per second with continuous autofocus and exposure tracking. The α6500 takes full advantage of its enhanced fast hybrid AF for movies in both HD and 4K3. |
Touch AF for stills/video with touchpad operation when using EVFThe new touchscreen operation vastly enhances focus capabilities for intuitive and immediate focus response. Simply select a focus point anywhere on the LCD for fast and accurate AF response. When using the electronic viewfinder, simply shift focus points by using the LCD as a touchpad and dragging your finger to the desired subject point. Touching the LCD screen during movie recording allows for smooth focus point shifts. |
Features
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4K movie recording3 and pro video featuresThe α6500 offers internal 4K recording3 in Super 35mm format with full pixel readout, no pixel binning and 2.4x oversampling4 for the ultimate movie quality. By collecting 20 megapixels (6K equivalent) of information from the full width of the sensor, which is approximately 2.4x as many pixels as 4K, the α6300 then oversamples the information to produce high quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth. Additional professional video features include; S-Gamut3/S-Log3 and Gamma Display Assist, the ability to record Full HD at 120 fps for 4x or 5x slow motion HD video7, both a mic jack and XLR compatibility via the MI shoe, enhanced Zebra functionality, focus peaking, picture profile settings, as well as Time Code / User Bit, clean HDMI output and much more. |
First 5-axis in-body image stabilization in an E-mount cameraFor the first time, the 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization system is used in an APS-C E-mount camera while maintaining a compact lightweight body. It accurately compensates for blur caused by camera shake – for up to 5-stops12 - from five different directions: vertical, horizontal, pitch, yaw and roll. This means that any lens attached to the α6500 will benefit from images stabilization, whether the lens has its own image stabilization or not. The 5-axis image stabilizing system excels during video recording and even compensates for blur caused by the photographer walking or running. You can even monitor the stabilizing effects of camera shake compensation in the viewfinder or LCD screen while shooting by pressing the shutter button halfway or magnifying the image, and while shooting movies by entering movie mode. |
Ultra-fast OLED w/ EVF benefits and optical viewfinder immediacyThe 2.36 million-dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder has the ability to deliver continuous live shooting at up to 8 fps with AF/AE tracking - making it easy to track fast moving subjects - thanks to overall improvements in the EVF algorithm. This offers photographers a shooting experience with the immediacy of an optical viewfinder, while still offering all of the benefits of an electronic viewfinder including a live preview of exposure, white balance and several other camera settings. This continuous live view shooting can be set in 3 stages to match a variety of subjects: 8 fps, 6 fps and 4 fps. |
Features & Notes
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Professional rugged body and durable shutter mechanismDesigned for solid reliability and steady handling, the α6500's compact body is built to withstand the rigors of shooting in the field, thanks to an internal structure of the strong and rigid magnesium alloy body. Sealing around the main buttons, dials, ports and doors are dust and moisture resistant9 with a double-layered structure that enhances sealing effectiveness at all camera body openings including the media compartment and terminal area. The highly durable and reliable shutter unit has been proven to endure approximately 200,000 shutter releases10 which ensure long-lasting shooting performance that takes into consideration the high-speed continuous shooting capabilities up to 11fps and the large number of photos shot by enthusiasts. |
Compatibility with wide-ranging mountable lensesHybrid AF and 5-axis image stabilization lets you enjoy unparalleled handheld shooting freedom with more of your favorite mountable lenses. The short flange-back distance in the E-mount α6500 extends compatibility with a range of Sony A-mount lenses11 and other lenses. Note: When using a third-party mount adaptor, performance, functionality and operation are not guaranteed and Sony will take no responsibility if a malfunction occurs. |
Recommended Accessories & FootnotesRecommended Accessories: Battery NPFW50. Charger BCTRW. Flash HVLF43M. Microphone ECMGZ1M, ECMXYST1M. Screen protector PCKLM17. Jacket case LCSEBG. Case LCSU21. Footnotes: 1 Among interchangeable-lens digital cameras equipped with an APS-C image sensor as of October 2016, based on Sony research, measured using CIPA-compliant guidelines, and internal measurement method with an E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS lens mounted, Pre-AF off and viewfinder in use. 2 Among digital cameras as of October 2016, based on Sony research. 3 SDHC/SDXC memory card of Class 10 or higher is required for movie recording in XAVC S format. UHS-I (U3) SDHC/SDXC card is required for 100Mbps recording. Movie recording is possible for approximately 29 minutes. 4 In 24p recording. Approx. 1.6 times in 30p recording. 5 Standard ISO range: 100-25600 for stills and movies. Expandable up to ISO 51200 for stills only. 6 With 'Hi+' continuous shooting mode and 'Fine' image quality. 7 Sound cannot be recorded during S&Q. SDHC/SDXC memory card of Class 10 or higher is required. Full HD up to 50 Mbps; 60x quick motion/5x slow in NTSC and 50x quick motion/4x slow in PAL. 8 Requires pairing with compatible Anroid or iOS mobile devices running the free PlayMemories Mobile app. For GPS pairing, Android 5.0 or later and compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 or later. iPhone/iPad: iPhone 4S or later/iPad 3rd generation or later is required. 9 Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof 10 With the electronic front curtain shutter, under internal test conditions of Sony. 11 A-mount lenses with SSM or SAM only. Users can choose phase-detection AF or contrast-detection AF in AF System menu. 'Phase-detection AF' is not available during movie shooting. AF-C in AF System menu is available only with 'Contrast-detection AF' selected, but no motion tracking is performed during continuous shooting (Hi+, Hi, Mid). 12 Based on CIPA standard. Pitch/yaw shake only. With Sonnar T FE 55mm F1.8 ZA lens mounted. Long exposure NR off. 13 When Anti-flicker Shoot.is ON. Flicker detection at 100 Hz or 120 Hz only. Continuous shooting speed may decrease. Does not function during bulb exposure or movie recording. |
Compatible Models
SEL2470GM/SEL1635GM/SELP18105G/SEL24105G/SEL85F18/SEL35F18/SEL70200GM/SEL50F18F/SEL100400GM/SEL55F18Z/SEL50F18/B/SEL2470Z/SEL70300G/SEL85F14GM/SEL1018/SEL18135/SEL1635Z/SEL70200G/SEL28F20/SEL90M28G/SEL1224G/SEL24F14GM/SEL24240/SEL35F14Z/SEL35F28Z/SEL135F18GM/SEL55210/SEL55210/B/SEL50F14Z/SEL1655G/SEL70350G/SEL35F18F/SEL200600G/SEL600F40GM
BC-QM1/BC-TRW/NP-FW50/HVL-F20M/HVL-F32M/HVL-F43M/HVL-F45RM/HVL-F60M/HVL-F60RM/HVL-LE1/HVL-LEIR1/ECM-AW4/ECM-CG60/ECM-GZ1M/ECM-W1M/ECM-XYST1M/XLR-K1M/XLR-K2M/XLR-K3M/RM-SPR1/RM-VPR1/VCT-MP1/VCT-VPR1/LCS-BBF/LCS-BP2/LCS-BP3/LCS-EBG/LCS-SC21/LCS-SC8/LCS-U11/LCS-U21/LCS-U30/ADP-MAA/ALC-B1EM/AC-PW20/HVL-MT24AM/HVL-RL1/AC-UD11
Depending on the model, the operation may be restricted or additional accessory products may be required. Please refer the manufacture site for details.
SEL-P18105G | SEL1670Z | SEL-P18110G | SEL-1018 | SEL-70200G | SEL-70300G | |
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Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars
2,368
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4.1 out of 5 stars
142
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3.0 out of 5 stars
1
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4.6 out of 5 stars
314
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4.4 out of 5 stars
263
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4.5 out of 5 stars
457
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Price | $548.00$548.00 | $798.00$798.00 | $3,648.00$3,648.00 | $898.00$898.00 | $1,098.00$1,098.00 | $1,173.00$1,173.00 |
E mount Lens | E PZ 18–105 mm F4 G OSS | Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70 mm F4 ZA OSS | E PZ 18–110 mm F4 G OSS | E 10–18 mm F4 OSS | FE 70-200 mm F4 G OSS | FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS |
NP-FW50 | BC-TRW | ECM-XYST1M | ECM-AW4 | RM-TDSLR2 | HVL-F45RM | |
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Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars
1,652
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4.8 out of 5 stars
1,075
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4.3 out of 5 stars
640
|
3.9 out of 5 stars
206
|
4.4 out of 5 stars
1,833
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4.4 out of 5 stars
115
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Price | $53.95$53.95 | $48.00$48.00 | $138.00$138.00 | $178.00$178.00 | $28.00$28.00 | $398.99$398.99 |
Accessory Type | Battery | Battery charger | Microphone | Microphone | Remote Commander | Flash |
Product name | W-series Rechargeable Battery Pack | Travel charger for W-series battery | Stereo Mic For Multi-Interface Shoe | Wireless Microphone | Wireless Remote Commander | External Flash with Wireless Radio Control |
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Product information
Auto Focus Technology | Hybrid |
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Aspect Ratio | Unknown |
Display Resolution Maximum | 921600 |
Photo Sensor Size | APS-C |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Effective Still Resolution | 24.2 MP |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 25 MP |
White balance settings | Auto, Flash torch |
Self Timer Duration | 10 seconds |
JPEG quality level | Basic, Fine, Normal |
Camera Flash | Hotshoe |
Image Stabilization | Sensor-shift |
Flash Modes Description | Fill-in, High-speed sync, Off, Rear curtain sync, Red-eye reduction, Slow sync |
Flash Sync Speed | 1/160 Second |
Supported Image Format | JPEG |
Video Capture Format | 4k |
Video Capture Resolution | 4K UHD 2160p |
Video Output Interface | HDMI |
Batteries Required? | Yes |
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Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
Are Batteries Included | Yes |
Rechargeable Battery Included | No |
Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
Battery Description | NP-FW50 |
Battery Weight | 42 Grams |
Target Gender | Unisex |
Connectivity Technology | USB, HDMI, NFC |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 11 fps |
Controller Type | Remote |
Wireless Communication Technology | BuiltIn; 802.11b/g/n + NFC |
Flash Memory Type | Memory Stick;SDXC;Micro SD; |
Memory Slots Available | 1 |
Special Feature | Face Detection |
Skill Level | Professional |
Shock Resistant | FALSE |
Form Factor | Compact |
Hardware Interface | AV Port |
Audio Recording | Yes |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Lens Type | Zoom |
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Optical Zoom | 1 x |
Digital Zoom | 4 x |
Maximum Aperture | 5.6 f |
Zoom Type | Automatic |
Compatible Mountings | E-mount |
Focus Type | Auto Focus |
Expanded ISO Maximum | 51200 |
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Min Shutter Speed | 1/16000 seconds |
Exposure Control Type | AUTO (iAuto/Superior Auto), Programmed AE (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter-speed priority (S), Manual (M), Movie / Sl&Q Motion (Programmed AE (P) / Aperture priority (A) /Shutter-speed priority (S) / Manual (M) ), Sweep Panorama, Scene Selection |
Metering Description | Center-Weighted Average, Multi-Zone, Spot |
Shooting Modes | Single shooting, Continuous shooting (Hi+/Hi/Mid/Lo selectable), Self-timer, Self-timer (Cont.), Bracketing (Cont., Single, White Balance, DRO) |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.70x |
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Viewfinder Type | Electronic |
Screen Size | 2.95 Inches |
Display Type | LCD |
Display Fixture Type | Tilting |
Mfg Warranty Description Labor | 1 Year |
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Manufacturer Warranty Description Parts | 1 Year |
Model Name | Sony Alpha A6500 |
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Brand | Sony |
Model Number | ILCE-6500/B |
Customer Reviews |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #118,230 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #240 in Mirrorless Cameras |
ASIN | B01M586Y9R |
Number of Items | 1 |
Color | Black |
Guide Number | 6 meters |
Included Components | Shoulder Strap, Micro USB Cable, Eyepiece Cup, Body Cap, Accessory Shoe Cap, Battery NP-FW50, AC Adaptor |
Lower Temperature Rating | 32 Degrees Fahrenheit |
Upper Temperature Rating | 104 Degrees Fahrenheit |
Age Range (Description) | Adult |
Processor Description | bionz x |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 15.7 x 2.8 x 2.13 inches |
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Item Weight | 0.91 Pounds |
Product Description
24.2 MP Exmor CMOS sensor with world’s fastest AF speed (0.05 sec.) and highest number of phase detection AF points (425). In-camera 5-axis optical image stabilization for every lens and enhanced AF features including intuitive and immediate touchscreen AF operation. 4K movie recording and pro video features including 2.4x oversampling with full pixel readout and no pixel binning, S-Log3/S-Log2, S-Gamut and gamma assist and more. Flash control - Built-in flash
Read about our customers' top-rated cameras and lenses on our review pages: Compact System Cameras, Lenses
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the image quality, image stabilization, and burst speed of the digital camera. For example, they mention it produces impressive stills and stunning 4K footage. Some appreciate the ease of use, saying the buttons and controls feel refreshing and intuitive. They also like the autofocus, and portability. That said, opinions are mixed on value and performance.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are impressed with the image quality of the digital camera. They say it produces high-quality 4K video and great stills. They also appreciate the beautifully saturated images with excellent dynamic range. Overall, customers describe the camera as wonderful, good for every day photography, and better for video.
"...It’s so good, bright and clear that I’d much rather check my photos on there, but a higher resolution and sharper LCD screen would be beneficial for..." Read more
"...Overall this is a wonderful camera. It punches way above its weight in image quality, ease of use, portability, and general fun factor...." Read more
"...2. With focus peaking and now IBIS, best-in-class for adapting both modern (Canon, Sony Alpha) and legacy lenses, IBIS also is invaluable for any..." Read more
"...Focusing speed, high ISO performance, 4k video quality, overall image quality, etc...." Read more
Customers find the digital camera to be a great option for those looking for a compact camera. They appreciate the lightweight design and the ability to use all NEX 7 lenses. They also mention that it has a lot of tech in a small body.
"...It’s shaping out to be one of the best compact cameras I’ve ever owned and while it has ticked all the major specs I need in order to be the..." Read more
"...It punches way above its weight in image quality, ease of use, portability, and general fun factor...." Read more
"...5. Streamlined rangefinder style. Lighter and more compact than competitors...." Read more
"...It's so lightweight and low profile that I can fit it in my coat pocket if I need to (obviously depending on the lens attached)...." Read more
Customers like the burst speed of the camera. They mention that the AF is ultra-fast and super reliable, and that they can review shots quickly with less lag. They appreciate the updated buffer speed, slightly better ergonomics, and addition of the phase detection points. They also mention that it performs much better in speed and photo quality than the a6000. Some say that the camera works very well and allows them to keep their shutter speed and ISO far lower than they could. However, some customers have reported issues with the battery life.
"...35 does diminish the stealth factor, the lens is a beast, but it's plenty fast, and plenty sharp...." Read more
"...4. Huge buffer plus 11 fps burst mode.. Combined with AF capabilities, great for sport and action photography.5...." Read more
"...For my needs, the IBIS alone was worth the upgrade. The updated buffer speed, slightly better ergonomics, and addition of the touch screen were..." Read more
"...The stabilization in this camera works very well and allows me to keep my shutter speed and ISO far lower than I could with my A6300 for lower..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the autofocus of the camera. They mention that it has excellent autofocus with 425 phase detection. They also appreciate the quick autofocus and say that it is surprisingly good for video. They appreciate the improved focusing, increased buffer, and the IBIS. They say that the focus tracking in video is terrific and a close second to Canon's dual pixel tech.
"...a little “x” icon on the screen that if you press it, it brings the focus back to center...." Read more
"...2. With focus peaking and now IBIS, best-in-class for adapting both modern (Canon, Sony Alpha) and legacy lenses, IBIS also is invaluable for any..." Read more
"...Focusing speed, high ISO performance, 4k video quality, overall image quality, etc...." Read more
"...The focus tracking in video is terrific, and a close second to canon's dual pixel tech...." Read more
Customers like the ease of use of the digital camera. They say it's intuitive, easy to handle, and great for beginners. They also say the buttons and controls feel refreshing and intuitive. Some mention that the camera has a medium level learning curve, making it easy to grab videos off the SD card and edit via iMovie. It's also good for an advanced hobbyist and backup camera for a professional.
"...This makes it easier for me to grab videos off the SD card and edit via iMovie (see, total video amateur)...." Read more
"...It punches way above its weight in image quality, ease of use, portability, and general fun factor...." Read more
"...clips on by sliding it down and into place (secured). A bigger shutter button, has a nice feel to it. An additional custom button on..." Read more
"...experience, this to be an excellent little camera that's good for an advanced hobbyist, backup camera for a professional, or a travel camera...." Read more
Customers like the image stabilization in the camera. They say the built-in stabilization works very well and allows them to keep their shutter speed and ISO far. They also say the 5 axis in-body stabilization is fantastic and makes for great stabilized video. Customers also mention that the mount feels much more secure and tight.
"...I also noticed that the mount feels much more secure and tight. The click between the mount and lens feels so much more solid now...." Read more
"...- IBIS - The in-body stabilization is very good, and much needed update from the a6300...." Read more
"...with the 35mm f1.8 for the excellent low light capability, the internal stabilization, and the beautiful bokeh effect...." Read more
"...I honestly believe that the bigger buffer, in-body image stabilization and touch focus (mainly for video) and the deeper grip make this camera much..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the digital camera. Some mention that it performs great in both situations, produces excellent results, and works well on a smart phone. Others say that while shooting outside it is virtually unusable in this mode, has poor battery life, and is not as useful as you would hope.
"...end of the day - these are nit-picks vs. gripes, the camera does so many things so well, I can look past the shortcomings...." Read more
"...using it equally for photography and video work, and it performs great in both situations...." Read more
"...Eye Autofocus is so impressive. It even works on inanimate objects with human looking eyes (like dolls)...." Read more
"...While shooting outside it is virtually unusable in this mode.- Battery life is poor. This camera burns through batteries extremely quickly...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the value of the camera. Some find it a good buy for the price, while others say it's overpriced and disappointing in 2016.
"...’s subtle updates that really lend itself to this camera feeling more premium and well-crafted.Image Quality:..." Read more
"...As the most advanced of the 6000 series the 6500 is worth the investment." Read more
"...glass, Otherwise you may be disappointed with the skimpy and over-priced / under-valued selection of native emount aps-c lenses...." Read more
"...stabilizer is the feature I was missing in the a6300, and worth the price of admission...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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journal.hellomikee.com/sony-a6500-review
While the a6500 is very much similar in all aspects of the a6300, there are some subtle as well as not so subtle differences that make this camera worth a higher price point. Does it replace the a6300? For some photographers like myself, yes it does because I have specific needs for a camera like this, while for others, the a6300 is more than enough camera for them.
For me, this is an almost perfect APS-C camera that I could rely on not only for work assignments, but also as an ultimate travel camera for picture perfect landscapes, portraits and stabilized video clips.
Build and Camera Controls:
The build quality on the a6500 has some subtle differences, the first being a slightly larger grip. With the addition of IBIS, it makes sense that the camera needed a little more surface area, which also resulted in a slightly heavier camera overall. The added size of the grip actually feels awesome and I prefer it over the previous series. While still small and compact, the a6500 feels more durable.
The dials also feel more robust and secure. The on and off switch is much more stiff, which I like as the a6300 and a6000 would sometimes accidentally switch on when being placed in a bag. The top dials also have a little more firmness to them. My favorite update is to the back dial. I was constantly accidentally changing settings on my previous cameras because the dial was so flimsy. On the a6500, it’s much more firm and you actually have to apply a bit of pressure to start turning, which is nice.
I also noticed that the mount feels much more secure and tight. The click between the mount and lens feels so much more solid now. It’s subtle updates that really lend itself to this camera feeling more premium and well-crafted.
Image Quality:
At the time of writing this, Adobe has yet to release a camera raw update so I’m unable to work on raw files, but I’m still amazed at how much detail I can pull out of a jpeg from this camera.
Sony sensors are the best and this is no exception. It has the same sensor as the a6300 so files from either are probably indistinguishable.
My favorite aspect about the quality of images this camera produces deals with the amount of dynamic range available in post process. You can push and pull so much out of the shadows and highlights of these raw files without loosing any quality or producing and sort of banding or weird artifacts.
This and the a6300 are the first APC-S cameras that I feel can stand up to FF cameras. In fact, when editing alongside a7R II files, it’s hard to tell which file I’m working on. The only time I can really see a difference is when I’m shooting a prime wide open and really getting that FF shallow depth of field or when I’m pushing the ISOs really hard. Even then, I sometimes guess wrong.
Video Quality:
I can’t speak too much about video quality because all I really know how to do is hit the red record button, so this is coming from a super novice, but the video quality I’m getting during my travels look awesome. What I love most about taking video is the continuous focus works really good.
It’s probably the best I’ve used on a ICL camera.
I also like that you can shoot in .mp4 format now with this which I couldn’t with the a6000 (.mp4 was only for 720p). This makes it easier for me to grab videos off the SD card and edit via iMovie (see, total video amateur).
As far as rolling shutter goes, it seems to exhibit the same characteristics as the a6300 so I don’t see any improvements there.
User Interface:
Another change, which I’m assuming will be passed down to previous models via firmware update, deals with the User Interface and the reordering and redesigning of the tabs in the camera menus. Like I’ve said before, I never really had issues with Sony menus. With all the customization they offer within their custom buttons and the function menu, I rarely have to dive into the menu structure itself.
I’m much more concerned with the speed of these menus and the overall speed of navigating around the camera and that’s where the a6500 excels. It’s quick and does what it needs to do.
IBIS:
The main reason I upgraded to this camera is for IBIS. Personally, I feel it’s an absolute must for a travel camera. Aside from the photo benefits of having a stabilized camera, which means every lens you have will be stabilized allowing you to shoot at slower shutter speeds, all my video clips will also have some form of stabilization. This is so important for my travel videos. And the fact I have it in such a small compact body is quite amazing. Most lenses will have 5-axis image stabilization while manual lenses will only benefit from 3-axis. If your lens currently has IS, it will use a combination of both resulting in 5-axis.
Touch Focus:
IBIS was already enough for me to upgrade but then I didn’t realize how cool touch to focus is. This is a feature that really took me by surprise. I love that I could just tap anywhere on the screen to change my focal point. There’s also a little “x” icon on the screen that if you press it, it brings the focus back to center. This is super helpful as I found it annoying trying to get the focus point perfectly back to center on my own.
Another annoyance, which many have already mentioned, is that there is a lag when you are dragging your finger across the screen. For me, I don’t see a need to do that while looking at the LCD screen. It’s all about tap and go. But it is annoying considering this is a premium product. How much more would it have cost to get a really good touch screen on this camera? With all the technology we have with smart screens, there’s just no excuse to put outdated tech into this camera.
With that said, where I do see dragging useful (and the only option) is when looking through the EVF, you’re able to use your thumb to drag around the focus point (when looking through the EVF, tap to focus won’t work). I love this feature. While there is still a slight lag, it’s not nearly as annoying as seeing the focus point follow your finger. Instead, it feels more like a track pad for your thumb. You can also set this to work on the full screen or half the screen (it’s set to the right half by default).
I’ve only been playing with this for a few hours so I’ll need to test it out in the field to really get a grasp of touch focus and if it’s better than a dedicated joystick or not, but so far, it’s already a much welcomed option/addition.
But that’s as far as it goes with the touch screen. Tap and drag to focus is all we get. No zooming or swiping. Another cop out in my opinion.
I’ve applied a screen protector and it does not seem to affect touch focus.
New Metering Modes:
There are two new metering modes available on the a6500. The first is Highlight, where exposure metering is focused on the brightest area of the frame. The second is Entire Screen Average. This maintains an average metering for the entire image.
I’ll need to do more testing on these. I’m wondering if Highlight would work well when shooting a white wedding dress. As far as Entire Screen Average, I’m wondering really what the main difference is with that mode vs Evaluative Metering.
Wish List:
There has not been any updates to the LCD screen resolution. I think the EVF is one of the best out there but I was hoping that the LCD screen would get a higher resolution. It’s not bad but it’s not great. It doesn’t bother me so much because I use the EVF about 90% of the time, even when checking focus and playback. It’s so good, bright and clear that I’d much rather check my photos on there, but a higher resolution and sharper LCD screen would be beneficial for those times I’m tilting the screen to get lower and higher vantage point shots or sharing photo playback with others.
Speaking of LCD screens, it would also be useful if the screen popped out towards the left side for filming. I know a lot of vloggers would appreciate that and because I’m getting more into video, it’s something I’d like in the future.
We’re still missing a front control dial that would sit nicely under the shutter button, similar to the a7 cameras. This is a great dial for controlling your aperture.
Conclusion:
I’ve only had this camera for a few days so my review may be pre-mature. But at the same time, a lot of this camera shares very similar, if not exact, attributes as the a6300 so I feel I have a pretty good grasp of it. I loved the previous models so I know I’ll love this camera, especially since a lot of what I felt was lacking in the a6300 has been addressed in the a6500.
It’s shaping out to be one of the best compact cameras I’ve ever owned and while it has ticked all the major specs I need in order to be the ultimate travel camera, its also the ultimate companion to the a7R II.
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2016
journal.hellomikee.com/sony-a6500-review
While the a6500 is very much similar in all aspects of the a6300, there are some subtle as well as not so subtle differences that make this camera worth a higher price point. Does it replace the a6300? For some photographers like myself, yes it does because I have specific needs for a camera like this, while for others, the a6300 is more than enough camera for them.
For me, this is an almost perfect APS-C camera that I could rely on not only for work assignments, but also as an ultimate travel camera for picture perfect landscapes, portraits and stabilized video clips.
Build and Camera Controls:
The build quality on the a6500 has some subtle differences, the first being a slightly larger grip. With the addition of IBIS, it makes sense that the camera needed a little more surface area, which also resulted in a slightly heavier camera overall. The added size of the grip actually feels awesome and I prefer it over the previous series. While still small and compact, the a6500 feels more durable.
The dials also feel more robust and secure. The on and off switch is much more stiff, which I like as the a6300 and a6000 would sometimes accidentally switch on when being placed in a bag. The top dials also have a little more firmness to them. My favorite update is to the back dial. I was constantly accidentally changing settings on my previous cameras because the dial was so flimsy. On the a6500, it’s much more firm and you actually have to apply a bit of pressure to start turning, which is nice.
I also noticed that the mount feels much more secure and tight. The click between the mount and lens feels so much more solid now. It’s subtle updates that really lend itself to this camera feeling more premium and well-crafted.
Image Quality:
At the time of writing this, Adobe has yet to release a camera raw update so I’m unable to work on raw files, but I’m still amazed at how much detail I can pull out of a jpeg from this camera.
Sony sensors are the best and this is no exception. It has the same sensor as the a6300 so files from either are probably indistinguishable.
My favorite aspect about the quality of images this camera produces deals with the amount of dynamic range available in post process. You can push and pull so much out of the shadows and highlights of these raw files without loosing any quality or producing and sort of banding or weird artifacts.
This and the a6300 are the first APC-S cameras that I feel can stand up to FF cameras. In fact, when editing alongside a7R II files, it’s hard to tell which file I’m working on. The only time I can really see a difference is when I’m shooting a prime wide open and really getting that FF shallow depth of field or when I’m pushing the ISOs really hard. Even then, I sometimes guess wrong.
Video Quality:
I can’t speak too much about video quality because all I really know how to do is hit the red record button, so this is coming from a super novice, but the video quality I’m getting during my travels look awesome. What I love most about taking video is the continuous focus works really good.
It’s probably the best I’ve used on a ICL camera.
I also like that you can shoot in .mp4 format now with this which I couldn’t with the a6000 (.mp4 was only for 720p). This makes it easier for me to grab videos off the SD card and edit via iMovie (see, total video amateur).
As far as rolling shutter goes, it seems to exhibit the same characteristics as the a6300 so I don’t see any improvements there.
User Interface:
Another change, which I’m assuming will be passed down to previous models via firmware update, deals with the User Interface and the reordering and redesigning of the tabs in the camera menus. Like I’ve said before, I never really had issues with Sony menus. With all the customization they offer within their custom buttons and the function menu, I rarely have to dive into the menu structure itself.
I’m much more concerned with the speed of these menus and the overall speed of navigating around the camera and that’s where the a6500 excels. It’s quick and does what it needs to do.
IBIS:
The main reason I upgraded to this camera is for IBIS. Personally, I feel it’s an absolute must for a travel camera. Aside from the photo benefits of having a stabilized camera, which means every lens you have will be stabilized allowing you to shoot at slower shutter speeds, all my video clips will also have some form of stabilization. This is so important for my travel videos. And the fact I have it in such a small compact body is quite amazing. Most lenses will have 5-axis image stabilization while manual lenses will only benefit from 3-axis. If your lens currently has IS, it will use a combination of both resulting in 5-axis.
Touch Focus:
IBIS was already enough for me to upgrade but then I didn’t realize how cool touch to focus is. This is a feature that really took me by surprise. I love that I could just tap anywhere on the screen to change my focal point. There’s also a little “x” icon on the screen that if you press it, it brings the focus back to center. This is super helpful as I found it annoying trying to get the focus point perfectly back to center on my own.
Another annoyance, which many have already mentioned, is that there is a lag when you are dragging your finger across the screen. For me, I don’t see a need to do that while looking at the LCD screen. It’s all about tap and go. But it is annoying considering this is a premium product. How much more would it have cost to get a really good touch screen on this camera? With all the technology we have with smart screens, there’s just no excuse to put outdated tech into this camera.
With that said, where I do see dragging useful (and the only option) is when looking through the EVF, you’re able to use your thumb to drag around the focus point (when looking through the EVF, tap to focus won’t work). I love this feature. While there is still a slight lag, it’s not nearly as annoying as seeing the focus point follow your finger. Instead, it feels more like a track pad for your thumb. You can also set this to work on the full screen or half the screen (it’s set to the right half by default).
I’ve only been playing with this for a few hours so I’ll need to test it out in the field to really get a grasp of touch focus and if it’s better than a dedicated joystick or not, but so far, it’s already a much welcomed option/addition.
But that’s as far as it goes with the touch screen. Tap and drag to focus is all we get. No zooming or swiping. Another cop out in my opinion.
I’ve applied a screen protector and it does not seem to affect touch focus.
New Metering Modes:
There are two new metering modes available on the a6500. The first is Highlight, where exposure metering is focused on the brightest area of the frame. The second is Entire Screen Average. This maintains an average metering for the entire image.
I’ll need to do more testing on these. I’m wondering if Highlight would work well when shooting a white wedding dress. As far as Entire Screen Average, I’m wondering really what the main difference is with that mode vs Evaluative Metering.
Wish List:
There has not been any updates to the LCD screen resolution. I think the EVF is one of the best out there but I was hoping that the LCD screen would get a higher resolution. It’s not bad but it’s not great. It doesn’t bother me so much because I use the EVF about 90% of the time, even when checking focus and playback. It’s so good, bright and clear that I’d much rather check my photos on there, but a higher resolution and sharper LCD screen would be beneficial for those times I’m tilting the screen to get lower and higher vantage point shots or sharing photo playback with others.
Speaking of LCD screens, it would also be useful if the screen popped out towards the left side for filming. I know a lot of vloggers would appreciate that and because I’m getting more into video, it’s something I’d like in the future.
We’re still missing a front control dial that would sit nicely under the shutter button, similar to the a7 cameras. This is a great dial for controlling your aperture.
Conclusion:
I’ve only had this camera for a few days so my review may be pre-mature. But at the same time, a lot of this camera shares very similar, if not exact, attributes as the a6300 so I feel I have a pretty good grasp of it. I loved the previous models so I know I’ll love this camera, especially since a lot of what I felt was lacking in the a6300 has been addressed in the a6500.
It’s shaping out to be one of the best compact cameras I’ve ever owned and while it has ticked all the major specs I need in order to be the ultimate travel camera, its also the ultimate companion to the a7R II.
Most of the time I pair the A6500 with the E mount 90mm macro. I like this set up as it is a close as I can get with my old set up of the 100mm with the A77. It gives me an effective 135 mm macro which is nice, but not quite as nice as the old set up that gave me 150mm. But I do gain the silent shutter and IBIS which more than makes up for the slightly shorter lens. In shooting both macro mode and in more "normal" conditions I have found it to be a solid performer.
I have shot with the Zeiss super-wide native lens and have found it to be not as wide as I liked. That 50% crop does get in the way when the shooting gets tight. It's here that one remembers that a 35mm is the "normal" focal length, not 50mm. I have yet to pair it with the 35mm 1.4 for street photography, but I can say paired with that lens it's a very good general purpose shooter. The fast 35 does diminish the stealth factor, the lens is a beast, but it's plenty fast, and plenty sharp. I have found this set up to be much faster than the 90mm, which has a propensity to hunt near its 1:1 limit.
A word of two about the silent shutter, it works as advertised. The shutter is absolutely silent. I've tried it exactly once so can give no honest reports about rolling shutter. I can say even with the shutter in normal mode this camera is much quieter than the A7ii which sounds like a small explosion next to its more petite cousin. I do not fathom how a camera that does not suffer from mirror slap still manages to be so noisy when taking a shot, but the A7ii manages it. I will say that the A6500 does sound much like it's much older relative the A77, its a softer, higher pitch click that they both make.
On the subject of ergonomics, it is Marmite, that much is true. You love it, or you hate it, no middle ground. For a guy i have rather smallish hands. My fingers go on forever though and that me a Large in glove, go figure. I have never had issues with how the a6500 fits in my hands. My long fingers wrap around it comfortably. With the a7ii I do use the battery grip, but this is more a function of the pathetic life span that the FP40s have on tap than anything else.
Unfortunately, this camera does use those self-same FP40, which are good for maybe 240 shots on a really good day. I've manage to get much less on the a7ii mind you, so carry extras to be on the safe side. I've never managed to kill a battery on the a6500 but that is no indication as the a6500 is my specialty camera and the A7ii is my workhorse. I've often killed at least one FP40 and sometimes have succeeded in running the second into the yellow zone on the A7ii. One more time, bring extras.
If the batteries have not been much to write home about, a really great improvement on the a6500 is the total overhaul of the menu system. In my review of the A7ii I ranted about the general awfulness of that camera's menu. Even after long acquaintance, it's still a bed of pain. I have read that Sony is about to unleash the A7iii on an unwary public, I hope that camera has the a6500 menu system. It's a quantum leap from the a7ii. It's still a bit confusing, but the color scheme and the organization is leaps and bounds above the A7ii. Sony has listened to the b*tching, moaning, groaning, and general whining and responded to it. The menu system no longer gets in your way the way it did in the past.
Some small nits to pick. At nearly $1,300 I think Sony could have at least thrown in some more physical controls, like the Two-wheel adjustment scheme of A7 series. It does have IBIS which the a6300 lacks and the touch screen. But the touch screen is no never mind for me and I would gladly ditch it for the options the two wheel controls give me. I'm not very impressed by the onboard flash either, on a $1,300 machine it's actually a bit tacky. I'm willing to forgive such fripperies on a $600 A6000 but not on a camera costing twice as much. It's there, it's OK but I would rather it not be there as there is precious little real estate on the camera as it is and a tiny flash is a waste of that real estate. I would rather just carry a nice small speedlight and be done with it. That way I'm not draining that single FP40 any more than I have to. The other nit I have is the fit of the SD card into the slot offered by the camera. It's a bit tight in there, and not much fun to engage. Having both battery and SD under the same door can be frustrating as I have managed to drop the battery while fiddling with the SD card insertion. I understand this was the sacrifice needed to keep the camera small, and I am willing to live with it, but it does cause issues from time to time.
Overall this is a wonderful camera. It punches way above its weight in image quality, ease of use, portability, and general fun factor. It's compact size makes carrying it about a joy, not a chore. The only camera that can really match it in the ease of use department are the Cybershots that use the 1in sensor. But those are point and shoots that have smaller sensors and fixed lenses. It's bigger brother is no match because it really does need a battery grip to achieve any kind of functionality, that kills the A7ii portability and fun factor. As far as the FP40 goes, the a6000 series are probably the best cameras for this underpowered battery. If you carry a second battery for the a6500 it should be all good, but best to get a third to be sure. With this body you get to use the full panoply of Sony and independent lenses. Often Independents will only make lenses for the APSC bodies and not the Full Frame. And no matte what lens you buy you do get the IBIS feature, which is worth about 3 stops of exposure. That opens up a whole world of hand-held images that is not available on a non-IBIS camera. Not a bad deal for the extra semolinas if you own a lot of non-native glass or older Minolta glass. As the most advanced of the 6000 series the 6500 is worth the investment.
Top reviews from other countries
Seller: Proaudiovideo
Things I like:
the autofocus
the video recording capabilities from 4k to 1080p at 120fps
the picture profiles such as slog2 that will be useful at times for landscapes
the touch screen for focusing
the in body stabilization system
the electronic viewfinder
and much more
Cons
at the moment the only thing I dislike is the fact the screen isn't fully articulating
Reviewed in Canada on December 26, 2016
Things I like:
the autofocus
the video recording capabilities from 4k to 1080p at 120fps
the picture profiles such as slog2 that will be useful at times for landscapes
the touch screen for focusing
the in body stabilization system
the electronic viewfinder
and much more
Cons
at the moment the only thing I dislike is the fact the screen isn't fully articulating
This will be a good additional to the equipment line up.