Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
| Brand | Sony | Sony |
| Model | a5000 | a6000 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2014 | 2014 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
07/01/2014 | 12/02/2014 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 110 x 63 x 36 mm | 120 x 67 x 45 mm |
| Camera weight | 269 g | 344 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
20 MP050 | 24.3 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
5456 x 3632 | 6000 x 4000 |
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. |
15.4 x 23.2 | 15.6 x 23.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
3.5 fps045 | 11 fps045 |
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. |
Sony E | Sony E |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Bionz X | 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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘ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. |
160003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Min 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. |
10030200 | 5030200 |
Max 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. |
160003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max 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. |
400080032000 | 400080032000 |
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. |
250300 | 1790300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘ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. |
None | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | 144000009900000 |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
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 format ⓘ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 | 1920 x 1080 |
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 fps | 60 fps |
Timelapse 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 |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✓ | ✓ |
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" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
4608001150001500000 | 9216001150001500000 |
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 ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✓ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | NP-FW50 | NP-FW50 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
420 shots1505000 | 360 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Sony a6000 emerges as the winner with a score of 57/100, compared to the Sony a5000‘s 51/100. Both these mirrorless cameras were released in 2014, with the a5000 priced at $500 and the a6000 at $799. They share similarities in camera type and release year, but the a6000 has the upper hand in terms of performance.
The Sony a6000’s higher score is due to its superior specifications, making it a better camera. It is slightly larger, measuring 120 x 67 x 45mm, and heavier at 344g, which may offer better stability and handling. However, the Sony a5000 has its advantages too. It is a more compact and lightweight option, measuring 110 x 63 x 36mm and weighing 269g, making it more portable and convenient for casual photographers.
When considering these cameras, the Sony a6000 is the better choice for those seeking higher performance, while the Sony a5000 is ideal for those prioritizing portability and budget.
The Sony a6000 outperforms the Sony a5000 in optics, scoring 67/100 compared to the a5000’s 60/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, including a CMOS sensor, Bionz X processor, APS-C sensor size, Sony E lens mount, and lack of image stabilization.
The winning camera, the Sony a6000, boasts 24.3 megapixels, enabling it to capture higher resolution images than the a5000, which has 20 megapixels. Additionally, the a6000 has a superior shooting speed of 11 frames per second, compared to the a5000’s 3.5 frames per second. This increased shooting speed allows for better action and sports photography. The a6000 also has a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor at 82, compared to the a5000’s score of 79, indicating better overall image quality.
The Sony a5000, while not as strong in optics as the a6000, still offers decent performance for its price range. It may be a more suitable choice for those who prioritize affordability and are not concerned with capturing fast-paced action or requiring the highest possible image resolution.
Considering the differences in optics performance, the Sony a6000 is the superior choice for those seeking better image quality and faster shooting speeds. However, the Sony a5000 remains a viable option for budget-conscious consumers who can accept the limitations in its optics capabilities.
The Sony a5000 emerges as the winner in terms of video capabilities with a video score of 70/100, compared to the Sony a6000’s score of 56/100. Both cameras share common specifications such as Full HD video resolution, maximum video dimensions of 1920 x 1080, and a maximum video frame rate of 60fps.
The Sony a5000’s higher video score is primarily due to its built-in time-lapse functionality. This feature allows users to create stunning time-lapse videos, which is a valuable asset for photographers who enjoy capturing the passage of time or the beauty of nature. The Sony a6000, on the other hand, lacks this built-in feature, making the a5000 a more versatile option for video enthusiasts.
While the Sony a6000 does not surpass the a5000 in video capabilities, its strengths lie in other areas such as autofocus performance and continuous shooting speed. However, for the purpose of this comparison, video capabilities are the main focus, and the a5000 takes the lead.
Considering the video capabilities of both cameras, the Sony a5000 is the better choice for users who prioritize video features, particularly time-lapse functionality. On the other hand, the Sony a6000 remains a strong contender for those who are not specifically seeking time-lapse features. The choice between these two cameras ultimately depends on the user’s priorities and preferences in terms of video capabilities.
The Sony a6000 wins the features comparison with a score of 41 out of 100, while the Sony a5000 scores 37 out of 100. Both cameras have a 3-inch screen, no touchscreen, a flip screen, no GPS, WIFI, and no Bluetooth.
The Sony a6000 is better in screen resolution, offering 921,600 dots compared to the Sony a5000’s 460,800 dots. This higher resolution provides sharper images when reviewing photos and easier menu navigation. Both cameras lack a touchscreen, which could have improved the user experience. However, they both have flip screens, allowing for flexible shooting angles and better self-portraits. Neither camera has GPS or Bluetooth, but they both have WIFI for easy photo sharing and remote control capabilities.
The Sony a5000 does not have any significant advantages over the Sony a6000 in terms of features. Both cameras share the same limitations, such as no touchscreen, GPS, or Bluetooth. The only area where the a5000 could be considered better is in its lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option for those who do not require the higher screen resolution of the a6000.
In comparing the features of the Sony a5000 and the Sony a6000, the a6000 has a clear advantage with its higher screen resolution. Both cameras share similar features and limitations, with the main difference being the a6000’s superior screen. The a5000 might appeal to budget-conscious buyers, but the a6000 offers better image reviewing and menu navigation experiences due to its higher resolution screen.
The Sony a5000 wins in the storage and battery category with a score of 24/100, while the Sony a6000 scores 21/100. Both cameras have one memory card slot and accept SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards. The a6000 also supports Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo cards, giving it a slight edge in storage compatibility.
The a5000’s battery life is superior, offering 420 shots per charge compared to the a6000’s 360 shots. Both cameras use the same NP-FW50 battery type, and neither has USB charging capabilities. The longer battery life makes the a5000 more reliable for extended shooting sessions.
Although the a6000 has a lower score in this category, its support for Pro-HG Duo cards may benefit some users who already own these cards. However, the difference in battery life and overall score favors the a5000 as the better choice for storage and battery performance.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a5000 or the Sony a6000: