Sony a6500
Sony · Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · APS-C · 4K video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | a6500 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2016 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | October 6, 2016 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 120 x 67 x 53 mm |
| Camera weight | 453 g |
Optics74/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Sony a6500 receives a score of 72/100, showcasing its strong performance in the mirrorless camera category. Measuring 120 x 67 x 53mm and weighing 453g (1.00lbs), the a6500 holds up well in today’s market, offering a compact and lightweight design for photographers. Sony a6500 Overview and OpticsThe optics of the Sony a6500 receive a score of 74/100. With 24.2 megapixels, an 11 fps shooting speed, and a CMOS sensor, this camera offers strong performance. The Bionz X processor and DXOMARK score of 85 for the sensor further support its quality. The APS-C sensor size, Sony E lens mount, and image stabilization make it versatile and reliable. Comparing these specifications to other cameras in today’s market, the Sony a6500 holds its own. The 24.2-megapixel resolution and 11 fps shooting speed allow for sharp, high-quality images and fast action capture. The image stabilization feature ensures steady shots in various conditions. The Sony E lens mount provides compatibility with a wide range of lenses, enhancing the camera’s adaptability. The Sony a6500 delivers solid performance in the realm of optics, making it a competitive choice for photographers. Its specifications and features cater to diverse needs and environments, ensuring a reliable and versatile camera option. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6000 x 4000 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | 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 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-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 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 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | 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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 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 |
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 |
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 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 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 |
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 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  Yes |
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 |
| Viewfinder dots | 235929609900000 |
Video77/100 | |
About the VideoThe Sony a6500 boasts a video score of 77/100, reflecting its strong performance in this category. Its maximum video resolution is 4K, with dimensions of 3840 x 2160, ensuring crisp and detailed footage. Additionally, the camera supports a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, allowing for smooth and impressive slow-motion effects. However, the a6500 lacks built-in time-lapse functionality, which might disappoint some users. Despite this shortcoming, the camera’s video capabilities remain competitive in today’s market, offering high-quality footage and versatility. Taking these factors into account, the Sony a6500 proves to be a reliable choice for enthusiasts and professionals seeking excellent video performance. Its high video score reflects the camera’s ability to deliver outstanding results in various shooting situations. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K |
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 |
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 |
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. | No |
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 |
Features81/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Sony a6500 receives a feature score of 81/100, showcasing its strong capabilities in various aspects. The camera is equipped with a 3-inch touchscreen, offering a screen resolution of 921,600 dots. This high-resolution display, combined with the flip screen feature, allows for convenient and efficient usage. In terms of connectivity, the a6500 comes with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, making it easy to transfer files and control the camera remotely. However, it lacks a GPS function, which may limit its appeal to some users who require location tracking for their photography needs. When compared to other cameras in today’s market, the Sony a6500 holds its ground with its impressive features. While the absence of GPS might be a drawback for certain users, the camera’s overall performance and versatile functionality make it a solid choice for photography enthusiasts. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  Yes |
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. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  Yes |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 9216001150001500000 |
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. |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |  Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  Yes |
Storage & Battery21/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe storage and battery of the Sony a6500 receive a score of 21/100. The camera has a single memory card slot, compatible with SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards. In today’s market, multiple card slots are preferred for added storage and backup options. The battery life offers 350 shots per charge, using an NP-FW50 battery. This battery life falls short compared to competitors with extended shooting capabilities. Furthermore, the a6500 lacks USB charging, limiting the convenience of recharging on-the-go. The storage and battery aspects of the Sony a6500 are underwhelming and may not meet the needs of demanding photographers. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | 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 |
| USB charging | No |