Sony a6500 vs a7 II Comparison
Sony a6500
Sony a7 II
Price | |||
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | a6500 | a7 II | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2016 | 2014 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | October 06, 2016 | November 20, 2014 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a6500 takes the lead with a score of 72/100, while the Sony a7 II trails behind with a score of 69/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were launched at relatively high prices, with the a6500 at $1400 and the a7 II at $1600. The cameras share similar dimensions, but the a6500 is notably lighter, weighing 453g compared to the a7 II’s 599g.
The Sony a6500’s higher score indicates its better overall performance, and its lighter weight makes it more portable. On the other hand, the Sony a7 II, though slightly heavier, has its own strengths and may still be a good choice for some users. Considering the specifications and scores, both cameras offer great features, but the a6500 stands out as the better option.
Sony a6500 vs a7 II Overview and Optics
The Sony a7 II comes out ahead in optics with a score of 78/100, compared to the Sony a6500’s score of 74/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, including 24.2 megapixels, CMOS sensor type, Bionz X processor, Sony E lens mount, and image stabilization.
The Sony a7 II’s higher score is due to its superior sensor. With a DXOMARK score of 90, the a7 II’s full-frame sensor outperforms the a6500’s APS-C sensor, which has a DXOMARK score of 85. The full-frame sensor in the a7 II allows for better low-light performance and increased dynamic range, resulting in higher quality images.
Additionally, the Sony a7 II has a slower shooting speed at 5 frames per second (fps), while the Sony a6500 boasts a faster 11 fps. This faster shooting speed makes the a6500 more suitable for action photography and capturing fast-moving subjects.
Despite the a7 II’s higher score in optics, the a6500 has its advantages. The a6500’s smaller sensor size makes it a more compact and lightweight option, which can be beneficial for those who value portability. However, this smaller sensor size may not provide the same image quality as the a7 II’s full-frame sensor.
To sum up, the Sony a7 II is the better choice for photographers who prioritize image quality, due to its superior full-frame sensor. On the other hand, the Sony a6500 offers a faster shooting speed and a more compact design, making it a suitable option for action photography and those who value portability.
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Optics
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Sony a6500
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Sony a7 II
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.2 MP | 24.3 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 | 23.9 x 35.8 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |  Full Frame | |
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 | 5 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 | 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 | 51,200 | |
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 | 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/ 8000 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 | 117 | |
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 | 2,359,000 dots |
Sony a6500 vs a7 II Video Performance
The Sony a6500 outperforms the Sony a7 II in video capabilities, scoring 77 out of 100 points compared to the a7 II’s 56 points. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as lacking built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the a6500 has superior features that contribute to its higher score.
The Sony a6500 boasts a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 3840 x 2160, providing a crisp and detailed image. On the other hand, the a7 II only offers Full HD resolution, with dimensions of 1920 x 1080, which is considerably lower in quality. Furthermore, the a6500 has a higher maximum video frame rate of 120fps, allowing for smoother motion capture and slow-motion effects. The a7 II’s frame rate is limited to 60fps, which is adequate but not as impressive as the a6500’s capabilities.
Despite its lower score, the Sony a7 II still has some advantages in certain situations. For example, if a user prioritizes a compact and lightweight camera, the a7 II may be a better choice. Additionally, its Full HD resolution might be sufficient for those who do not require ultra-high-definition video.
Taking these factors into account, the Sony a6500 clearly offers superior video performance, making it the preferable choice for videographers and content creators seeking high-quality footage. The a7 II, while not as impressive in this aspect, still has its merits and may be suitable for users with different priorities or budget constraints.
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Video
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Sony a6500
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Sony a7 II
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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 |  Full HD | |
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 | 1920 x 1080 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 | 60 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 | XAVC S |
Sony a6500 vs a7 II Features and Benefits
The Sony a6500 comes out as the winner with a feature score of 81/100, while the Sony a7 II trails behind with a score of 57/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as having a 3-inch screen size, flip screen functionality, no GPS, and WIFI capabilities.
The a6500 surpasses the a7 II in several aspects. It has a touchscreen, making it more user-friendly and allowing for quicker adjustments. Additionally, the a6500 features Bluetooth connectivity, providing more versatility in transferring files and remote control options.
On the other hand, the a7 II has a higher screen resolution of 1,230,000 dots compared to the a6500’s 921,600 dots. This results in a sharper display and better image quality when reviewing photos and videos on the camera screen. However, the lack of a touchscreen and Bluetooth capabilities put the a7 II at a disadvantage compared to the a6500.
Taking these points into consideration, the Sony a6500 outperforms the a7 II in terms of features. Its touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity provide a more convenient user experience, contributing to its higher score. The a7 II, while having a higher screen resolution, falls short due to missing features that are present in the a6500.
Therefore, the Sony a6500 is the better choice for those looking for a camera with more advanced features and better usability. The Sony a7 II may still be suitable for those prioritizing a sharper screen display, but its lower feature score reflects its limitations compared to the a6500.
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Features
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Sony a6500
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Sony a7 II
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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 |  3" | 3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 921,600 dots | 1,230,000 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 a7 II Storage and Battery
The Sony a6500 and Sony a7 II are close matches in storage and battery. Both cameras have a single memory card slot and support SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. They also accept Memory Stick Pro Duo cards, with the a7 II additionally supporting Memory Stick Duo and Pro-HG Duo cards. The battery life of both cameras lasts for 350 shots, using the NP-FW50 battery type.
The a7 II has an advantage in memory card compatibility, accepting more types of Memory Stick cards. However, the a6500 does not have any distinct advantages in storage and battery.
Ultimately, the storage and battery capabilities of both cameras are quite similar, with the a7 II slightly ahead due to its broader memory card support.
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Storage and Battery
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Sony a7 II
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | |
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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. | 350 shots | 350 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Sony a6500
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Sony a7 II
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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 | 24.9 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 | 13.6 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 | 2449 |
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Scores
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Sony a6500
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Sony a7 II
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Alternatives to the Sony a6500 and a7 II
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 a7 II:
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User Scores
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Sony a6500
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Sony a7 II
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B&H photo video |
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