Sony a6500 vs a6600 Comparison
Sony a6500
Sony a6600
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | a6500 | a6600 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2016 | 2019 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | October 06, 2016 | August 28, 2019 | |
Camera Type | |||
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a6600 outperforms the Sony a6500 with a score of 75/100 compared to the latter’s 72/100. Both cameras share similarities as they are mirrorless and have the same dimensions of 120 x 67mm. However, the a6600 is slightly thicker at 69mm and heavier at 503g.
The a6600 offers better value with a lower launch price of $1200 compared to the a6500’s $1400. Its higher score also indicates that it provides improved features and performance. On the other hand, the a6500 is lighter at 453g, which could make it more portable for some users.
Taking all factors into account, the Sony a6600 stands out as the better option due to its enhanced performance and more accessible price point. However, the Sony a6500 may still appeal to those who prioritize a lighter camera.
Sony a6500 vs a6600 Overview and Optics
The Sony a6600 emerges as the winner in optics with a score of 76/100, while the Sony a6500 trails closely with a score of 74/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including 24.2 megapixels, an 11fps shooting speed, a CMOS sensor type, a Bionz X processor, an APS-C sensor size, a Sony E lens mount, and built-in image stabilization.
The Sony a6600’s superiority lies primarily in its overall optics score. Although both cameras have the same megapixel count and shooting speed, the Sony a6600 outperforms the a6500 by a slim margin. This indicates that the a6600 delivers slightly better image quality, which can be crucial for professional photographers and enthusiasts alike.
On the other hand, the Sony a6500 does have one advantage over the a6600, which is its higher DXOMARK score for the sensor at 85, compared to the a6600’s score of 82. This means that the a6500’s sensor performs better in terms of dynamic range, color depth, and low-light performance. However, this advantage is not enough to overshadow the a6600’s overall better optics performance.
In comparing the Sony a6500 and a6600, it is clear that the a6600 has a slight edge in terms of optics performance. While both cameras share many specifications, the a6600’s higher overall optics score makes it the better choice for those seeking superior image quality. However, the a6500’s higher DXOMARK sensor score should not be overlooked, as it may be more suitable for photographers who prioritize dynamic range and low-light performance. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on individual preferences and priorities.
Optics
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.2 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. | 15.6 x 23.5 mm | 15.6 x 23.5 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | |||
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. | |||
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 | 50 | |
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 | 102,400 | |
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 | 50 | |
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 | 102400 | |
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 |
Sony a6500 vs a6600 Video Performance
The Sony a6600 outperforms the Sony a6500 in terms of video capabilities, with a video score of 91/100 compared to the a6500’s score of 77/100. Both cameras share some common video specifications, including a maximum video resolution of 4K and maximum video dimensions of 3840 x 2160.
However, the a6600 surpasses the a6500 in several aspects. One significant advantage of the a6600 is its built-in time-lapse functionality, which is absent in the a6500. This feature allows users to create stunning time-lapse videos without needing additional software or accessories. Additionally, the a6600 has a maximum video frame rate of 100fps, which, although lower than the a6500’s 120fps, still provides smooth and high-quality footage.
On the other hand, the Sony a6500 excels in its maximum video frame rate of 120fps. This higher frame rate can be useful for capturing fast action scenes or creating slow-motion videos. However, this advantage is not enough to outweigh the benefits offered by the a6600’s other superior features.
Taking into account the differences in video capabilities, it is evident that the Sony a6600 is the better choice for videographers. Its built-in time-lapse functionality and overall higher video score make it a more versatile and powerful camera for capturing high-quality video content. While the a6500’s higher frame rate is a plus, it does not compensate for the a6600’s additional features and better overall performance.
Video
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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. | |||
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. | 30 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, XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0 | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S |
Sony a6500 vs a6600 Features and Benefits
The Sony a6500 and Sony a6600 both have a feature score of 81 out of 100, making them equal in terms of their overall feature set. They share many specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, screen resolution of 921,600 dots, touchscreen capability, flip screen, and lack of GPS. Both cameras also have WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity.
Despite having the same feature score, there are certain aspects where one camera outperforms the other. The Sony a6600 is superior in terms of its autofocus system, battery life, and ergonomics. These improvements make the a6600 a more reliable and convenient option for photographers and videographers who require a camera with advanced performance capabilities.
On the other hand, the Sony a6500 has a slightly smaller and lighter body, which can be advantageous for those who prioritize portability and ease of use. However, this advantage does not outweigh the benefits offered by the a6600, as the latter camera’s improved autofocus and battery life are crucial for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
Taking these factors into account, it is evident that the Sony a6600 offers more value and functionality to users. Its advanced autofocus system, longer battery life, and improved ergonomics make it a superior choice for those seeking a reliable camera with a robust feature set. The Sony a6500, while still a strong contender, falls short in these crucial areas, making the a6600 the preferred option for photographers and videographers alike.
Features
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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 | 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 | |||
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. | |||
Sony a6500 vs a6600 Storage and Battery
The Sony a6600 outperforms the Sony a6500 in storage and battery, scoring 48/100 compared to the a6500’s 21/100. Both cameras share similarities in storage, having a single memory card slot and accepting SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards.
The a6600’s superior performance is due to its impressive battery life and charging capabilities. With 810 shots per charge, the a6600 nearly doubles the a6500’s 350-shot battery life. Additionally, the a6600 uses the NP-FZ100 battery, while the a6500 relies on the NP-FW50 battery. The a6600 also offers USB charging, a feature the a6500 lacks.
The a6500 does not have any advantages in storage and battery compared to the a6600. Its lower score reflects its lesser battery life and absence of USB charging.
Considering these factors, the Sony a6600 is the clear winner in storage and battery, making it a more reliable and convenient choice for extended shooting sessions and on-the-go photographers.
Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots | |||
Battery Type | NP-FW50 | NP-FZ100 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 350 shots | 810 shots | |
USB Charging |
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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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.' | 24.5 bits | 23.8 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.' | 13.7 EVs | 13.4 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' | 1405 | 1497 |
Scores
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Sony a6600
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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 |
Alternatives to the Sony a6500 and a6600
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a6500 or the Sony a6600:
User Scores
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B&H photo video |
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