CameraReview

Sony a6000 vs Sony a6500 — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

Sony a6000
Sony
Sony a6000
Mirrorless · 24.3 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
57
SCORE
$401.84
best of 5 retailers
Best Price →
✓ WINNER
Sony a6500
Sony
Sony a6500
Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · APS-C · 4K video
85
SCORE
$598
best of 7 retailers
Best Price →
General
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20142016
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
12/02/201406/10/2016
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 120 x 67 x 45 mm120 x 67 x 53 mm
Camera weight 344 g453 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.3 MP05024.2 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6000 x 40006000 x 4000
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
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.
15.6 x 23.515.6 x 23.5
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-CAPS-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.
11 fps04511 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 ESony E
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz XBionz 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.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
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.
256003003280000256003003280000
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.
503020010030200
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.
256003003280000512003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
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.
400080032000400080032000
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.
17903004250300
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.
ElectronicElectronic
Viewfinder dots 144000009900000235929609900000
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 HD4K
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 10803840 x 2160
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 fps30 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.
MPEG-4MPEG-4, XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0
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 LCDLCD
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.
92160011500015000009216001150001500000
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 / Pro-HG DuoSD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo
Dual memory card slots
Battery type NP-FW50NP-FW50
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
360 shots1505000350 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a6500 emerges as the winner with a score of 72/100, while the Sony a6000 scores 57/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share the same dimensions of 120 x 67mm. However, the a6500 is slightly deeper at 53mm compared to the a6000’s 45mm. The a6500 is also heavier, weighing 453g, whereas the a6000 is lighter at 344g.

The a6500’s higher score suggests a better overall performance. Launched in 2016 with a price of $1400, it is the more recent and expensive model. On the other hand, the a6000, released in 2014, has a lower launch price of $799, making it a more affordable option.

Considering the specifications and scores, the Sony a6500 is the superior camera. However, the Sony a6000 remains a viable choice for those seeking a more budget-friendly option.

Sony a6000 vs a6500 Overview and Optics

The Sony a6500 emerges as the winner in the optics comparison, with a score of 74/100, while the Sony a6000 trails behind with a score of 67/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as the 24-megapixel count, 11 frames per second shooting speed, CMOS sensor type, Bionz X processor, APS-C sensor size, and the Sony E lens mount.

The a6500’s superiority is evident in its DXOMARK sensor score of 85 compared to the a6000’s score of 82. This score difference shows that the a6500 has better image quality and color depth. Additionally, the a6500 is equipped with image stabilization, which the a6000 lacks. This feature helps reduce camera shake and results in sharper images, especially in low light conditions or when using longer focal lengths.

On the other hand, the a6000’s advantage over the a6500 is minimal, with the only notable difference being the 0.1-megapixel count advantage. However, this difference is negligible and does not significantly impact image quality.

Taking these factors into consideration, the Sony a6500 clearly outperforms the a6000 in terms of optics. Its higher DXOMARK sensor score and the presence of image stabilization make it a more reliable choice for photographers seeking better image quality and stability. The a6000, while still a good option, does not offer any significant advantages over the a6500 in this comparison. Thus, for those seeking superior optics, the Sony a6500 is the recommended choice.

Sony a6000 vs a6500 Video Performance

The Sony a6500 outperforms the Sony a6000 in video capabilities, with a video score of 77/100 compared to the a6000’s 56/100. Despite this difference, both cameras share some common specifications.

Both the Sony a6000 and a6500 lack built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the similarities end there. The a6500 surpasses the a6000 in terms of video quality, offering 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) compared to the a6000’s Full HD (1920 x 1080). This means that the a6500 can capture more detail and produce higher-quality videos. Additionally, the a6500 has a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, double that of the a6000’s 60fps. This allows the a6500 to record smoother slow-motion footage and provide more flexibility in post-production.

The Sony a6000, on the other hand, is not without its merits. Although its video capabilities are inferior to the a6500, it still offers Full HD resolution, which is sufficient for many users’ needs. Its lower video score is not a major disadvantage for those who prioritize still photography over videography.

To conclude, the Sony a6500 is the clear winner in terms of video capabilities. Its 4K resolution and higher frame rate make it a superior choice for videographers and those seeking higher quality footage. The Sony a6000, while not as advanced in this aspect, remains a solid option for users who prioritize still photography and do not require the advanced video features offered by the a6500.

Sony a6000 vs a6500 Features and Benefits

The Sony a6500 emerges as the winner in the features comparison, scoring 81/100, while the Sony a6000 lags behind at 41/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, 921600-dot screen resolution, flip screen, absence of GPS, and WIFI connectivity. However, there are also key differences that set the a6500 apart.

The a6500 surpasses the a6000 with its touchscreen capability, which allows for more intuitive control and faster navigation through menus. This feature proves to be beneficial in various shooting scenarios, such as adjusting focus points and settings on the fly. Moreover, the a6500 also boasts Bluetooth connectivity, making it easier to pair with compatible devices for remote control and image transfer.

On the other hand, the a6000 does not offer any significant advantages over the a6500 in terms of features, as it lacks both touchscreen and Bluetooth. Its lower score reflects this difference.

Taking these points into consideration, the Sony a6500 clearly outperforms the a6000 in the features department. The inclusion of a touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity enhances user experience and convenience, making it a more versatile and practical choice for photographers. Although the a6000 shares some specifications with the a6500, it falls short in offering additional benefits that could justify its preference over the a6500. Thus, the Sony a6500 stands as the better option between the two cameras in terms of features.

Sony a6000 vs a6500 Storage and Battery

The Sony a6000 and Sony a6500 tie in storage and battery with a score of 21/100. Both cameras have one memory card slot and accept SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards for storage. Neither camera offers USB charging, and they both use the NP-FW50 battery type.

The Sony a6000 has a slight advantage in battery life, providing 360 shots compared to the a6500’s 350 shots. This difference may not be significant for casual users, but it could be crucial for photographers who require extended battery life during long shooting sessions.

On the other hand, the Sony a6500 does not have any specific advantages in storage and battery compared to the a6000. Both cameras share the same storage capacities and battery type, making them equal in this aspect.

Therefore, the Sony a6000 is slightly better in terms of battery life, while both cameras are on par with each other regarding storage capabilities. Users can confidently choose either camera, knowing that their storage and battery needs will be adequately met.

Sony a6000 vs a6500 – Our Verdict

Sony a6000 vs a6500 Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a6000 or the Sony a6500: