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Canon EOS M5 vs Sony a6500 Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Canon EOS M5

canon eos m5 camera image
60%

Sony a6500

sony a6500
Winner!
72%
Canon EOS M5
vs
Sony a6500
Price
Brand
Canon
Sony
Model
EOS M5
a6500
Released
2016
2016
Announcement Date
September 15, 2016
October 06, 2016
Camera Type
Mirrorless
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Sony a6500 outperforms the Canon EOS M5 with a score of 72/100 compared to the Canon’s 60/100. Both cameras are mirrorless, released in 2016, and have similar sizes and weights. The Canon EOS M5 measures 116 x 89 x 61mm and weighs 427g, while the Sony a6500 is slightly larger at 120 x 67 x 53mm and heavier at 453g.

The Sony a6500 is better in terms of performance, earning a higher score. However, the Canon EOS M5 has a lower launch price of $980 compared to the Sony a6500’s $1400, making it more affordable. Although the Sony a6500 has a higher score, the Canon EOS M5 might be a suitable option if budget is a concern.

Canon EOS M5 vs Sony a6500 Overview and Optics

The Sony a6500 emerges as the winner in the optics department with a score of 74/100, while the Canon EOS M5 trails behind with a score of 64/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as 24.2 megapixels, CMOS sensor type, and an APS-C sensor size. However, the Sony a6500 outshines the Canon EOS M5 in certain aspects, making it the superior choice in terms of optics.

The Sony a6500 boasts a higher shooting speed of 11 compared to the Canon EOS M5’s 9, which allows for better performance in capturing fast-moving subjects. Additionally, the Sony a6500 has a higher DXOMARK score of 85 for its sensor, while the Canon EOS M5 scores 77, signifying better overall image quality. The image stabilization feature in the Sony a6500 is another advantage, as it reduces camera shake for sharper images, a feature the Canon EOS M5 lacks.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS M5 has a different lens mount, the Canon EF-M, compared to the Sony a6500’s Sony E mount. This difference does not necessarily make one camera better than the other, but it may affect the choice of lenses available to the user.

In terms of optics, the Sony a6500 is the clear winner due to its higher shooting speed, better sensor performance, and the presence of image stabilization. The Canon EOS M5, while sharing some common specs, falls short in these crucial areas. The choice of lens mount may be a deciding factor for some users, but the overall optics performance of the Sony a6500 is superior to that of the Canon EOS M5.

Optics
Optics
64%
74%
Megapixels
24.2 MP
24.2 MP
Image Resolution
6000 x 4000 px
6000 x 4000 px
Sensor Type
CMOS
CMOS
Sensor Size
14.9 x 22.3 mm
15.6 x 23.5 mm
Sensor Format
APS-C
APS-C
Frame Rate
9 fps
11 fps
Lens Mount
Canon EF-M
Sony E
Image Processor
Digic 7
Bionz X
Aspect Ratio
3:2
3:2
Minimum ISO (Native)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Native)
25,600
25,600
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
25600
51200
Minimum Shutter Speed
30 s
30 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
1/ 4000 s
1/ 4000 s
Autofocus Points
49
425
In-body Stabilization
Viewfinder Type
Electronic
Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution
2,360,000 dots
2,359,296 dots

Canon EOS M5 vs Sony a6500 Video Performance

The Sony a6500 outperforms the Canon EOS M5 in video capabilities, scoring 77/100 compared to the M5’s 70/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as having built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the Sony a6500 surpasses the Canon EOS M5 in various aspects, making it the superior choice for videography.

The Sony a6500 has a higher maximum video resolution, offering 4K (3840 x 2160) compared to the Canon EOS M5’s Full HD (1920 x 1080). This results in crisper, more detailed footage with the a6500. Additionally, the Sony a6500 has a higher maximum video frame rate of 120fps, while the Canon EOS M5’s maximum is only 60fps. The a6500’s higher frame rate enables smoother slow-motion footage and better overall video quality.

Despite its lower score, the Canon EOS M5 does have one advantage over the Sony a6500: built-in time-lapse functionality. This feature allows users to create time-lapse videos directly in-camera, without the need for additional software or accessories. The Sony a6500, on the other hand, lacks this convenient feature.

Considering the video capabilities of both cameras, the Sony a6500 is the superior choice due to its higher video resolution and frame rate. The Canon EOS M5, while not as impressive in terms of video quality, does offer the convenience of built-in time-lapse functionality. Therefore, users who prioritize video quality should opt for the Sony a6500, while those who value ease of use for time-lapse creation may prefer the Canon EOS M5.

Video
Video
70%
77%
Video
Max Video Resolution
Full HD
4K
Max Video Dimensions
1920 x 1080 px
3840 x 2160 px
Max Video Frame Rate
60 p
30 p
Time-Lapse Built In
Video File Format
MP4
MPEG-4, XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0

Canon EOS M5 vs Sony a6500 Features and Benefits

The Sony a6500 emerges as the winner in the features comparison, scoring 81/100, while the Canon EOS M5 scores 61/100. Both cameras share some specifications, such as a touchscreen, flip screen, WIFI connectivity, and the absence of GPS.

The Sony a6500 outperforms the Canon EOS M5 in terms of screen size and resolution, boasting a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 921,600 dots. Additionally, the a6500 has Bluetooth connectivity, which the EOS M5 lacks. This advantage allows for seamless connection with other devices and enhances the overall user experience.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS M5 has a slightly larger screen size of 3.2 inches but with a significantly higher resolution of 1,620,000 dots. This results in a sharper and clearer display, making it easier for users to review images and navigate menus. However, this advantage does not compensate for the lower overall feature score and lack of Bluetooth connectivity.

Taking these factors into account, the Sony a6500 stands out as the better camera in terms of features. Its higher score reflects its superior specifications, such as the inclusion of Bluetooth and a higher resolution screen. While the Canon EOS M5 has a larger screen size, it falls short in other aspects, making the Sony a6500 the clear choice for those prioritizing advanced features in their camera selection.

Features
Features
61%
81%
Built-in Flash
External Flash
GPS
Weather Sealing
Screen Type
LCD
LCD
Touch Screen
Screen Size
3.2"
3"
Screen Resolution
1,620,000 dots
921,600 dots
Flip Screen
Live View
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth

Canon EOS M5 vs Sony a6500 Storage and Battery

The Sony a6500 outperforms the Canon EOS M5 in storage and battery, scoring 21/100 compared to the M5’s 16/100. Both cameras have one memory card slot and accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. However, the a6500 also accepts Memory Stick Pro Duo cards, providing more storage flexibility.

The Sony a6500 has a longer battery life, offering 350 shots per charge, while the Canon EOS M5 only delivers 295 shots. Both cameras use different battery types, with the a6500 using an NP-FW50 battery and the M5 using an LP-E17 battery. Neither camera supports USB charging.

Despite the Canon EOS M5’s lower score, it does not have any significant advantages in storage and battery over the Sony a6500. The a6500’s higher score reflects its better battery life and additional memory card compatibility. As a result, the Sony a6500 is the superior choice for storage and battery capabilities.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
16%
21%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
LP-E17
NP-FW50
Battery Life
295 shots
350 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
77%
85%
Portrait (Color Depth)
23.4 bits
24.5 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
12.4 EVs
13.7 EVs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
1262
1405
Scores
Main Features
N/A
88%
Extra Features
N/A
84%
Construction and Durability
N/A
87%
Handling and Ergonomics
N/A
80%
Value for Money
N/A
85%
Total Score
N/A
85%

Canon EOS M5 vs Sony a6500 – Our Verdict

Canon EOS M5 vs Sony a6500 Comparison image.

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