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Sony a6400 vs Sony a6500
Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Sony a6400

Sony A6400 mirrorless camera image
78%

Sony a6500

Sony A6500
Winner!
84%
Sony a6400
vs
Sony a6500
Price
Brand
Sony
Sony
Model
a6400
a6500
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2019
2016
Announcement Date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
January 15, 2019
October 06, 2016
Camera Type
Mirrorless
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight

Sony a6400 vs a6500 Specs

The Sony a6400 and a6500 are popular and competent mirrorless cameras, but which one is better? The a6500 is the older model, but it performs better on specs alone. It’s also significantly more expensive, so it may not be the best choice for everyone. We compare the specs of the two cameras to help you decide if the extra features are worth the extra money.

Image
84%
Sony a6500
Experience the latest in camera technology with this advanced mirrorless camera, boasting improved autofocus and 4K video recording capabilities.
Badge

As you may have guessed from the names, these models are closely related. They have much of the same hardware and features.

The Sony a6500 was released in November 2016. It is part of Sony’s a6000 series, which are mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras that are designed for photographers and videographers. They offer features such as fast autofocus, 4K video recording, and a wide range of lenses. The a6600 replaced the a6500 in 2019 and is the most advanced of the bunch. The a6500 has a 24.2 megapixel APS-C sensor, a 3-inch LCD touchscreen, and a 5-axis in-body image stabilization system.

Both the Sony a6400 and a6500 have a 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor and a BIONZ X processor. They also have a 425-point autofocus system, 11fps burst shooting, 4K video recording at 30/24fps, and a 5-axis image stabilization system. The Sony a6400 has the added feature of built-in time-lapse.

So, is the Sony a6400 or Sony a6500 the one for you? Ultimately, the best camera for you is the one that serves your needs best. Although the a6500 is our top choice, the a6400 may still be a good choice for those who want a decent mirrorless camera without breaking the bank. Read on for the full Sony a6400 vs a6500 specs comparison:

Optics
Optics
72%
80%
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.2 MP
24.2 MP
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.
15.6 x 23.5 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.
11 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.
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
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.
32,000
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.
102400
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.
425
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
2,359,296 dots
2,359,296 dots
Video
Video
91%
56%
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.
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.
XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4
XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4
Features
Features
67%
67%
Built-in 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 Resolution
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
921,600 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.
Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
29%
44%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo (UHS-I compatible)
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro 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.
410 shots
350 shots
USB Charging

Sony a6400 vs a6500 Alternatives

Still not ready to make a decision? Check out these popular camera comparisons for inspiration:

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Canon EOS R7 vs 90D

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Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 vs DC-GH6

DXO Mark Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
DXOMARK overall sensor score.
83%
85%
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.'
24 bits
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.'
13.6 EVs
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'
1431
1405
Scores
Main Features
92%
88%
Extra Features
80%
84%
Construction and Durability
93%
87%
Handling and Ergonomics
87%
80%
Value for Money
85%
85%
Total Score
87%
85%
User Scores
B&H photo video
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