Key Features
Oct 06 2016
Announced
24 megapixels
Resolution
| Brand | Sony |
| Sensor Type | APS-C |
| Sensor | CMOS |
| Weight | 453g |
| MSRP | $1400USD |
Other similar cameras
Sony Alpha a6300
Released Feb 03 2016 | 24MP resolution
Sony Alpha a6400
Released Jan 15 2019 | 24MP resolution
Sony Alpha a6600
Released Aug 28 2019 | 24MP resolution
Overview of the Alpha a6500
If you're looking for a high-quality mirrorless camera, the Sony Alpha a6500 is one of the top models on the market. With its advanced features and lightning-fast autofocus, it's a camera that's perfect for photography enthusiasts. Whether you're capturing wildlife in motion or taking stunning portraits, this camera delivers incredible performance in every situation. In this review, we'll dive into the specs and features of the Sony Alpha a6500 to help you decide if it's the right camera for you. So sit back, relax, and let's delve into the world of photography with the Sony Alpha a6500!
Sony Alpha a6500 Pros and Cons
Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Sony Alpha a6500 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!
Pros
Cons
Build and Construction
Body and dimensions
Sony Alpha a6500
| Weather sealed | |
| Dimensions | 120 x 67 x 53mm |
| Weight | 453g |
| Thickness | 53mm |
Weather Sealing
The Sony Alpha a6500 camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the Alpha a6500 is an excellent choice.
Design and Handling
Main design features
| View Finder | Electronic |
| Screen Type | Tilting |
| Screen Resolution | 922k dots |
| Body type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Suitable for:
| Photography | Above Avg. |
| Videography | Above Avg. |
| Travel | Above Avg. |
LCD Screen
This camera has a tilting 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 922k dots. This makes the Sony Alpha a6500 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.
Viewfinder
Alpha a6500 includes a electronic viewfinder with 2,359k dots of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.7x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.
Image Quality
Sony Alpha a6500 has a 24MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 24 pixels. Sony Alpha a6500 has a native ISO range of 100 - 25600 which can be boosted to null - 51200. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.
Key Features
Oct 06 2016
Announced
100 - 25600
ISO Range
| Sensor | APS-C |
| Extended ISO | null - 51200 |
| Max resolution | 6000 x 4000 pixels |
DXO Sensor Scores
Overall
85 / 102
Color Depth
24.5 / 26.5
Dynamic Range
13.7 / 14.8
Low Light ISO
1405 / 4505
DXO mark sensor scores
The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Sony Alpha a6500 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Alpha a6500 is above average
Crop Factor
Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.
Size comparison
Crop factor calculator
Crop factor
1.5x
Full frame equivalent
36mm
This camera: APS-C
24mm
Connectivity, storage, battery
| Storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC + Memory Stick Pro Duo |
| Battery Life | 350 shots |
| Battery Model | NP-FW50 |
| HDMI | |
| USD | |
| Wireless Connectivity |
Storage
The Sony Alpha a6500 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC + Memory Stick Pro Duo with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.
Battery
The Sony Alpha a6500 uses the NP-FW50 model of battery pack. This is rated for 350 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.
Photography Features
Flash
The Sony Alpha a6500 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.
Shutter
The Sony Alpha a6500 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.
With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.
Autofocus
The Sony Alpha a6500 includes two autofocus (AF) systems: contrast detection and phase detection, with 425 number of focus points.
While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.
Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.
On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.
FAQ
The Sony Alpha a6500 features a CMOS sensor
Yes the Alpha a6500 does have weather sealing.
The Sony Alpha a6500 was announced on Oct 06 2016
Yes the Alpha a6500 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.
The Alpha a6500 has a native ISO range of 100-25600, which can be expanded to ISO null-51200 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.
Similar Camera Reviews
Sony Alpha a6300: The Ultimate Camera for High-Quality Photography
If you are searching for a high-quality camera that can deliver exceptional performance, then the Sony Alpha a6300 is an excellent option to consider. This camera is one of the best in its class, thanks to its advanced features and capabilities that make it ideal for professional photographers.
Unleash Your Creativity with the Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera
The Sony Alpha a6400 is a powerful mirrorless camera that is perfect for content creators, vloggers, and photographers alike. It boasts a range of features that will help you take your creativity to the next level, including a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, 4K video recording, and high-speed autofocus. In this blog, we’ll explore the capabilities of the Sony Alpha a6400 and provide tips for using it to capture stunning photos and videos.
Exploring the Power and Versatility of the Sony Alpha a6600 Camera
The Sony Alpha a6600 camera is a powerful and versatile tool that is highly popular among professional photographers and videographers. It features advanced autofocus technology, superb image quality, and excellent video capabilities, among other features. In this blog, we will dive into the key features and specifications of the Sony Alpha a6600 camera and explore its unique advantages.