Canon EOS M5 vs Sony a6000 Comparison
Canon EOS M5
Sony a6000
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Brand | Canon | Sony | |
Model | EOS M5 | a6000 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2016 | 2014 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | September 15, 2016 | February 12, 2014 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Canon EOS M5 emerges as the winner with a score of 60/100, while the Sony a6000 trails slightly behind at 57/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were launched in 2016 and 2014, respectively. They share similar specifications, including camera size and weight. However, the EOS M5 has a slightly larger body, measuring 116 x 89 x 61mm and weighing 427g. On the other hand, the a6000 is smaller and lighter, with dimensions of 120 x 67 x 45mm and a weight of 344g.
The EOS M5’s higher score indicates its superior performance, and its launch price of $980 reflects this. Conversely, the a6000’s lower score and launch price of $799 suggest that it may not offer the same level of quality as the EOS M5. However, its smaller size and lighter weight make it more portable and convenient for some users.
Taking these factors into account, the Canon EOS M5 is the better choice for those seeking higher performance and quality, while the Sony a6000 may be more suitable for users prioritizing portability and affordability.
Canon EOS M5 vs Sony a6000 Overview and Optics
The Sony a6000 wins the optics comparison with a score of 67/100, while the Canon EOS M5 scores 64/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, such as 24-megapixel CMOS sensors, APS-C sensor size, and a lack of image stabilization. They also have different lens mounts, with the Canon EOS M5 using the Canon EF-M mount and the Sony a6000 using the Sony E mount.
The Sony a6000 outperforms the Canon EOS M5 in a few areas. It has a slightly higher megapixel count at 24.3 compared to the M5’s 24.2. The a6000 also boasts a faster shooting speed of 11 frames per second (fps) versus the M5’s 9 fps. Additionally, the Sony a6000 has a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 82, indicating better overall image quality.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS M5 has some advantages over the Sony a6000. Its Digic 7 processor is newer and more advanced than the a6000’s Bionz X processor. This could result in better image processing and faster performance.
In comparing the optics of the Canon EOS M5 and the Sony a6000, the Sony a6000 is the winner due to its higher score, faster shooting speed, and better sensor performance. However, the Canon EOS M5 still offers a strong contender with its advanced processor and comparable specifications. Both cameras provide high-quality optics, and the choice between them will ultimately depend on the user’s specific needs and preferences.
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Optics
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Canon EOS M5
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Sony a6000
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.2 MP | 24.3 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6000 x 4000 px | 6000 x 4000 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 14.9 x 22.3 mm | 15.6 x 23.5 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C | APS-C | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 9 fps | 11 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Canon EF-M | Sony E | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Digic 7 | Bionz X | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 25,600 | 25,600 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 100 | 50 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 25600 | 25600 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 4000 s | 1/ 4000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 49 | 179 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   | | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 2,360,000 dots | 1,440,000 dots |
Canon EOS M5 vs Sony a6000 Video Performance
The Canon EOS M5 outperforms the Sony a6000 in video capabilities, scoring 70/100 compared to the Sony a6000’s 56/100. Both cameras share some key specifications, such as Full HD video resolution (1920 x 1080) and a maximum video frame rate of 60fps. However, there are differences that result in the higher score for the Canon EOS M5.
The Canon EOS M5’s advantage lies in its built-in time-lapse functionality, which the Sony a6000 lacks. This feature allows users to easily create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software, making it a more versatile option for videography enthusiasts.
The Sony a6000, on the other hand, does not offer any distinct advantages in video capabilities over the Canon EOS M5. It shares the same video resolution and frame rate, but falls short due to the absence of built-in time-lapse functionality. This makes the Canon EOS M5 the superior choice in terms of video performance.
In comparing the Canon EOS M5 and Sony a6000, it becomes clear that the former offers better video capabilities. The built-in time-lapse functionality gives the Canon EOS M5 an edge, making it a more appealing choice for those looking to capture video alongside their photography. While the Sony a6000 does not offer any unique advantages in this area, it still provides adequate video performance for those who prioritize other features in their camera selection.
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Video
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Canon EOS M5
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Sony a6000
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |   | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD | Full HD | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1920 x 1080 px | 1920 x 1080 px | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 60 p | 60 p | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  | | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MP4 | MPEG-4 |
Canon EOS M5 vs Sony a6000 Features and Benefits
The Canon EOS M5 outperforms the Sony a6000 in terms of features, scoring 61 out of 100, while the Sony a6000 scores a 41. Both cameras share some specifications, such as the absence of GPS and the presence of Wi-Fi and a flip screen. However, the Canon EOS M5 excels in certain aspects, making it the superior choice in terms of features.
The Canon EOS M5 boasts a larger screen size of 3.2 inches, compared to the Sony a6000’s 3-inch screen. The screen resolution of the EOS M5 is also significantly higher at 1,620,000 dots, providing a clearer and more detailed display than the a6000’s 921,600 dots. Another advantage of the EOS M5 is its touchscreen, which the Sony a6000 lacks. This feature allows for easier navigation and control of settings.
Despite its lower feature score, the Sony a6000 does not have any notable advantages over the Canon EOS M5 in terms of features. Both cameras lack GPS and Bluetooth, and their Wi-Fi capabilities are equal.
Taking these factors into account, the Canon EOS M5 proves to be the better camera in terms of features, offering a larger and higher-resolution screen along with a touchscreen for user convenience. The Sony a6000, on the other hand, does not provide any significant advantages over the EOS M5 in this aspect. As such, the Canon EOS M5 is the clear winner in this comparison.
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Features
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Canon EOS M5
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Sony a6000
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | LCD | LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3.2" |  3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,620,000 dots | 921,600 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Canon EOS M5 vs Sony a6000 Storage and Battery
The Sony a6000 outperforms the Canon EOS M5 in storage and battery, scoring 21 points compared to the M5’s 16 points. Both cameras have one memory card slot and accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. However, the Sony a6000 also supports Memory Stick Pro Duo and Pro-HG Duo cards, giving it an edge in storage options.
The Sony a6000 also boasts a longer battery life, providing 360 shots per charge, while the Canon EOS M5 lasts for 295 shots. Both cameras use different battery types, with the a6000 using the NP-FW50 and the M5 using the LP-E17. Neither camera has USB charging capabilities.
In terms of storage and battery, the Sony a6000 is the superior choice due to its additional memory card compatibility and longer battery life. The Canon EOS M5 falls short in this category, but still offers adequate storage and battery life for casual use. Ultimately, the Sony a6000’s advantages make it the better option for those prioritizing storage and battery performance.
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Storage and Battery
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Canon EOS M5
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Sony a6000
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | LP-E17 | NP-FW50 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 295 shots | 360 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Canon EOS M5
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Sony a6000
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 23.4 bits | 24.1 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 12.4 EVs | 13.1 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 1262 | 1347 |
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Scores
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Canon EOS M5
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Sony a6000
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Canon EOS M5 vs Sony a6000 – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS M5 or the Sony a6000:
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User Scores
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Canon EOS M5
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Sony a6000
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B&H photo video |
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