Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
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✓ WINNER
 85
SCORE
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 63
SCORE
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|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Sony | Sony |
| Model | a6500 | a7 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2016 | 2013 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
06/10/2016 | 16/10/2013 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 120 x 67 x 53 mm | 127 x 94 x 48 mm |
| Camera weight | 453 g | 474 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
24.2 MP050 | 24 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
6000 x 4000 | 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. |
15.6 x 23.5 | 23.9 x 35.8 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
APS-C | Full Frame |
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 fps045 | 5 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 FE |
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. |
256003003280000 | 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 | 10030200 |
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. |
512003003280000 | 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 | 800080032000 |
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. |
4250300 | 1170300 |
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. |
Electronic | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 235929609900000 | 235900009900000 |
| 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. |
4K | 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. |
3840 x 2160 | 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. |
30 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. |
MPEG-4, XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0 | AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4 |
| 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. |
9216001150001500000 | 12300001150001500000 |
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. |
350 shots1505000 | 340 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Sony a6500 outperforms the Sony a7 with a score of 72/100, compared to the a7’s 63/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share a similar launch price range, with the a6500 at $1400 and the a7 at $1700. The a6500 has a smaller and lighter body, measuring 120 x 67 x 53mm and weighing 453g, while the a7 measures 127 x 94 x 48mm and weighs 474g.
The a6500’s higher score reflects its improved performance and features. Its compact size and lighter weight make it more portable and convenient for photographers. On the other hand, the Sony a7, despite its lower score, was a strong contender in 2013 when it was released, and it still offers quality performance at a slightly higher price.
Taking into account their respective scores, release years, and specifications, the Sony a6500 is the better choice for photographers seeking a more advanced and portable camera. However, the Sony a7 remains a viable option for those who prioritize affordability and are not concerned about the latest advancements.
The Sony a6500 comes out on top in our optics comparison with a score of 74/100, while the Sony a7 trails just behind with a score of 70/100. Both cameras share a number of specifications, such as a CMOS sensor type, Bionz X processor, and the Sony E lens mount. However, there are significant differences that set the a6500 apart as the winner in this category.
The Sony a6500 has 24.2 megapixels, a slightly higher resolution compared to the a7’s 24 megapixels. Furthermore, the a6500 has a superior shooting speed of 11 frames per second, more than double the 5 frames per second offered by the a7. The a6500 also has a built-in image stabilization feature, which is absent in the a7. This allows for sharper images, especially in low light or when using longer lenses.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 does have certain advantages over the a6500. The a7 boasts a full-frame sensor, which generally provides better image quality, especially in low light situations. The a7 also has a higher DXOMARK score for the sensor at 90, compared to the a6500’s score of 85. However, these advantages are not enough to surpass the overall performance and features of the a6500.
Taking into account the shared features and differences between these two cameras, it is clear that the Sony a6500 is the better choice in terms of optics. Its higher resolution, faster shooting speed, and image stabilization make it a more versatile and capable camera, while the Sony a7’s advantages do not provide enough of an edge to overcome these benefits.
The Sony a6500 outperforms the Sony a7 in terms of video capabilities, scoring 77 out of 100 compared to the a7’s score of 56. Both cameras share some common video features, such as the lack of built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the a6500 has clear advantages that contribute to its higher score.
One significant advantage of the Sony a6500 is its maximum video resolution of 4K (3840 x 2160), while the Sony a7 only offers Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. This higher resolution allows the a6500 to capture more detailed and sharper video footage, which is particularly useful for professional videography or large-screen display.
Another notable difference between the two cameras is their maximum video frame rate. The Sony a6500 can record at up to 120fps, whereas the Sony a7 is limited to 60fps. This higher frame rate in the a6500 enables smoother slow-motion playback and better motion capture, which is essential for sports or action videography.
Despite these advantages, the Sony a7 still has its merits in video recording. The camera’s lower score does not necessarily mean it is a poor choice for video recording. The Full HD resolution and 60fps frame rate are sufficient for casual videography and general use. Additionally, the lower resolution may be beneficial for users who require smaller file sizes or faster processing times.
Taking all these factors into account, it is clear that the Sony a6500 is the superior camera for video recording, offering higher resolution and frame rate capabilities. However, the Sony a7 remains a viable option for those who do not require the utmost video quality and performance.
The Sony a6500 triumphs over the Sony a7 with a feature score of 81/100 compared to the latter’s 57/100. Both cameras share common specifications such as a 3-inch screen size, flip screen, lack of GPS, and WiFi connectivity. However, the a6500 outperforms the a7 in certain aspects, while the a7 has its own advantages as well.
The Sony a6500’s superiority is evident in its touchscreen feature and Bluetooth connectivity. The presence of a touchscreen allows for more intuitive and efficient control of the camera’s settings. Additionally, Bluetooth connectivity provides seamless pairing with compatible devices, making it easier to transfer files and remotely control the camera.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 boasts a higher screen resolution of 1,230,000 dots, compared to the a6500’s 921,600 dots. This results in a sharper and more detailed display, which can be beneficial for accurate framing and reviewing of images.
Despite the a7’s advantage in screen resolution, the a6500’s higher feature score, touchscreen, and Bluetooth capabilities make it a more versatile and user-friendly camera. Conversely, the a7’s higher screen resolution may attract photographers who prioritize image quality on the camera’s display. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the individual’s preferences and priorities, as both cameras have their strengths and weaknesses.
The Sony a6500 and the Sony a7 both score 21/100 in storage and battery, showing no difference in their overall performance in this aspect. They share common specifications, including one memory card slot, compatibility with SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards, and using the NP-FW50 battery type. Neither camera offers USB charging.
However, the Sony a6500 has a slight advantage with a battery life of 350 shots, compared to the Sony a7’s 340 shots. This difference may not be significant for casual users, but for those who need extended shooting times, the a6500 is the better option.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 accepts Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo cards, providing users with more storage options. This can be beneficial for photographers who already own these card types or require faster write speeds.
Considering the storage and battery aspects, both cameras have their advantages. The Sony a6500 offers a marginally longer battery life, while the Sony a7 provides additional memory card compatibility. The choice depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences.
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:
