Canon EOS M50 vs Sony a6500 Comparison
Canon EOS M50
Sony a6500
Price | |||
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Brand | Canon | Sony | |
Model | EOS M50 | a6500 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2018 | 2016 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | February 26, 2018 | October 06, 2016 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a6500 outshines the Canon EOS M50 with a score of 72/100, a 13-point lead over the M50’s 59/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were released in 2016 and 2018, respectively. The a6500 is slightly larger at 120 x 67 x 53mm and heavier at 453g, compared to the M50’s 116 x 88 x 59mm and 390g. The launch price of the a6500 was $1400, while the M50 debuted at $779.
The a6500’s higher score reflects its superior performance and features. Despite being an older model, it offers better image quality and more advanced settings for professional photographers. However, the M50 does have some advantages, such as its lighter weight and lower price, making it an attractive option for beginners or those on a budget.
Considering their strengths and weaknesses, the Sony a6500 is the better choice for experienced photographers, while the Canon EOS M50 is suitable for newcomers or those looking for a more affordable option.
Canon EOS M50 vs Sony a6500 Overview and Optics
The Sony a6500 triumphs over the Canon EOS M50 in optics, scoring 74 out of 100, while the Canon EOS M50 scores 59. Both cameras share certain specifications, such as 24-megapixel resolution, CMOS sensor type, and APS-C sensor size. However, the Sony a6500 outperforms the Canon EOS M50 in several aspects.
The Sony a6500 has a slightly higher shooting speed at 11 frames per second, compared to the Canon EOS M50’s 10 frames per second. The a6500 also has a superior DXOMARK sensor score of 85, while the EOS M50 scores 58. Furthermore, the Sony a6500 features image stabilization, which the Canon EOS M50 lacks. These factors contribute to the a6500’s better performance in optics.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS M50 has the advantage of the Digic 8 processor, which is newer than the Sony a6500’s Bionz X processor. This may result in improved processing capabilities for the EOS M50. However, this advantage does not outweigh the benefits offered by the Sony a6500 in terms of optics.
Both cameras have their respective lens mounts – the Canon EOS M50 uses the Canon EF-M mount, while the Sony a6500 uses the Sony E mount. This means that users can choose lenses compatible with their preferred camera brand.
The Sony a6500 emerges as the clear winner in optics due to its higher score, faster shooting speed, better sensor score, and the presence of image stabilization. Although the Canon EOS M50 has a newer processor, it falls short in comparison to the a6500’s superior optical capabilities.
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Optics
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Canon EOS M50
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Sony a6500
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24 MP | 24.2 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. | 10 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 8 | 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 | 100 | |
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. | 51200 | 51200 | |
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. | 143 | 425 | |
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 | 2,359,296 dots |
Canon EOS M50 vs Sony a6500 Video Performance
The Canon EOS M50 outperforms the Sony a6500 in terms of video capabilities, with a video score of 91/100 compared to the Sony a6500’s 77/100. Both cameras share common specifications, such as a maximum video resolution of 4K and maximum video dimensions of 3840 x 2160. Additionally, both cameras can reach a maximum video frame rate of 120fps.
The Canon EOS M50 excels in its video capabilities due to its built-in time-lapse functionality. This feature allows users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software. This advantage sets the Canon EOS M50 apart from the Sony a6500, which does not have built-in time-lapse functionality.
On the other hand, the Sony a6500 does not have any specific advantages over the Canon EOS M50 in terms of video capabilities, as both cameras share the same maximum video resolution, dimensions, and frame rate. The lower video score of the Sony a6500 is due to its lack of built-in time-lapse functionality, which the Canon EOS M50 possesses.
Taking these factors into account, the Canon EOS M50 proves to be a superior choice for video capabilities compared to the Sony a6500. The built-in time-lapse functionality significantly contributes to the Canon EOS M50’s higher video score, making it a better camera for those interested in creating time-lapse videos. The Sony a6500, while still a quality camera, does not offer any additional advantages in video capabilities and falls short in comparison to the Canon EOS M50.
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Video
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Canon EOS M50
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Sony a6500
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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. |  4K | 4K | |
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. | 3840 x 2160 px | 3840 x 2160 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. | 120 p | 30 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. | MPEG-4 | MPEG-4, XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0 |
Canon EOS M50 vs Sony a6500 Features and Benefits
The Sony a6500 outperforms the Canon EOS M50 in features with a score of 81/100 compared to the M50’s 70/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, touchscreen capabilities, flip screens, and the absence of GPS. They also both offer WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Sony a6500 has a better feature score primarily due to its screen resolution of 921,600 dots, which is higher than the Canon EOS M50’s 1,040,000 dots. This higher resolution provides a clearer and more detailed image preview and playback experience for the user. Additionally, the Sony a6500 offers more advanced autofocus features, which enable faster and more accurate subject tracking in various shooting scenarios.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS M50 does have some advantages despite its lower feature score. The M50’s user interface is more intuitive and user-friendly, making it an ideal choice for beginners or those who prefer a simpler camera operation. Furthermore, the M50’s color reproduction is known to be more accurate and pleasing to the eye, which can be a significant factor for photographers who prioritize color accuracy in their images.
Taking these factors into consideration, the Sony a6500 is the better camera for those who value a higher screen resolution and advanced autofocus capabilities. In contrast, the Canon EOS M50 is a suitable choice for photographers who prefer a more user-friendly interface and accurate color reproduction. Each camera has its strengths, and the ideal choice ultimately depends on the individual’s preferences and priorities.
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Features
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Canon EOS M50
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Sony a6500
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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 | TFT 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" | 3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,040,000 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 M50 vs Sony a6500 Storage and Battery
The Sony a6500 outperforms the Canon EOS M50 in storage and battery, scoring 21 points compared to the M50’s 13 points. Both cameras have one memory card slot and are compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. However, the a6500 also accepts Memory Stick Pro Duo cards, providing more storage options.
The Sony a6500 offers a longer battery life of 350 shots, compared to the Canon EOS M50’s 235 shots. Both cameras use different battery types: the a6500 uses the NP-FW50, while the M50 uses the LP-E12. Neither camera supports USB charging.
While the Canon EOS M50 has a lower score in storage and battery, it is still a reliable option for photographers who do not require extended battery life or additional memory card compatibility. The Sony a6500, on the other hand, is the better choice for those needing longer battery life and more storage options.
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Storage and Battery
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Canon EOS M50
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Sony a6500
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | LP-E12 | NP-FW50 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 235 shots | 350 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Canon EOS M50
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Sony a6500
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | N/A | ||
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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.' | N/A | 24.5 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.' | N/A | 13.7 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' | N/A | 1405 |
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Scores
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Canon EOS M50
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Sony a6500
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Main Features | N/A | ||
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Extra Features | N/A | ||
Construction and Durability | N/A | ||
Handling and Ergonomics | N/A | ||
Value for Money | N/A | ||
Total Score | N/A |
Canon EOS M50 vs Sony a6500 – 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 M50 or the Sony a6500:
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User Scores
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Canon EOS M50
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Sony a6500
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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