What a camera! This is precisely what you will think after purchasing this beautiful piece of invention by Sony. It has several powerful features that most cameras lack.
Sony has exceeded its capacity of continuously updating and improving its mirrorless cameras with an APS-C sensor. One sample of this is the Sony A6500, which arrives to improve, even more, if possible, on its previous version, the A6300. This is not just a quick update to integrate minor improvements.
Especially sports photographers will love it as it offers a buffer depth that is much more generous than other cameras. It is also equipped with a new hybrid image stabilization system and an extremely beneficial touchscreen display functionality.
The Japanese manufacturer Sony has strived to provide this camera with incredible features.
Sony wants to complete its range of high-quality cameras by bringing a severe, powerful, fast camera; after you try it, you will see that this equipment is above the rest. Very close, by the way, to the A7 series, if it weren’t for the size of the sensor.
Do not be fooled; despite its small size, it is a great professional camera. Sony has known how to fight to innovate and take a step ahead of the competition, and this camera is one of its best examples.
Here is an in-depth review of the Sony A6500 for all those who wish to make a profitable and worthy investment!
Table of Contents
Sony a6500 Review
A6500 from Sony is not just any mirrorless camera. You call the most versatile, stable, and fast camera, which is well-suited for any occasion. It is excellent in both photo capturing and video recording realms.
We start by talking about its design; as you can see, it maintains the essence of what this series of cameras is, inheriting its essence from the old NEX, especially in the weight, which barely reaches 453 grams.
Sony has continued to implement changes in its products, from modern controls, location changes, and minor tweaks to improve and optimize its ergonomics.
With this camera, we observe that Sony’s search is still ongoing but still not concluded. Some options do not finish making it a camera as intuitive as it should be or as comfortable as expected.
It is equipped with a 24.2MP Exmore CMOS sensor complemented by the BIONZ X image processor, which leads to phenomenal image quality and minimal noise. The combination of sensor and processor also avails 4D FOCUS.
The controls can be a little difficult to handle; first, it collides with the attempt of a more convincing and consistent design to make it easier for users. Another example of this is the screen that is now touching.
To achieve that comfort, you need a much simpler and more intuitive interface, which is much easier to operate. It requires a lot of patience for those who have not used a Sony before.
Despite the last part, this camera works correctly. The interface presented is the most logical option for a compact camera, operating many parameters by handling the menus on the screen. After you get used to the screen, it will be easy.
The expandable sensitivity range to ISO 51200, accompanied by accelerated readout speeds for internal 4K30, produces accurate results every time, even in low light with more extensive color and tonal scale.
The main and most important thing to name in this camera is the stabilized sensor in five axes. These features are very effective in photos, since it allows us to stabilize up to four real steps in non-stabilized lenses, so, that way, you will take that perfect picture all the time.
With these features, Sony can add more stabilization even to those old manual lenses. And when using the camera in the video, it allows us to record with the camera in hand and obtain smooth results.
It also sports Full HD 1080p120 video recording and full pixel readout that benefits videographers. The inclusion of Slow & Quick Motion mode permits the recording of Full HD video using various frame rates.
Sony has been dedicated and strongly committed to offering quality videos, and with this camera, we can achieve it. To record the video in 4K, the camera captures the entire image in 6k from the sensor without skipping pixels (the normal practice of other companies), giving us a more detailed and rich image.
Stills shooters also appreciate it due to its apt processing speed as it enables continuous shooting, together with 14-bit raw file output.
To finish with the design of the A6500, it should be noted that the new control wheel of the camera. It is located on the right of the screen, does not end up being completely comfortable since it does not possess a locking system. So you have to be very careful because you can cause accidental mode changes, ruining the possibility of taking pictures.
It also consists of a Peaking MF function, which allows manual focus control leading to sharper focus and refined accuracy.
This A6500 follows the same pattern as its predecessors and exceeds it. This camera has 425 phased autofocus points, which added to the 169 contrast points in focus, make this camera a great tool to get sharp images and not lose any time.
Its 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization reduces the camera shake encountered during the shooting of stills and videos.
And yes, it defends itself very well in sports and action environments. This turns out to be a great option, which is perfectly valid for all those who want to take sports pictures and still want a small and light camera.
The utilization of an extensive-coverage 425 point phase-detection system and 169-area contrast detection system produces a quick and precise focusing performance. This enables users to use confidently any lens for critical imaging.
It manages to surprise by its good effects in this regard, either using the “wide area” of focus or the flexible point.
It also surprises its excellent speed and recording quality, with a buffer left over to not be afraid of firing continuous bursts. Of course, always using fast cards as required by a camera like this, but the delay is almost non-existent.
It also includes a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, which leads to bright and clear eye-level viewing. Its EVF features a 120 fps mode enabling smoother tracking of fast-moving subjects.
With this camera, we can make several continuous bursts and still be able to go instantly to view the shots obtained almost without delay. This is thanks to the powerful processor that this camera has, one of the most advanced in this field.
It also boasts a rear 3.0″ 921.6k-dot LCD touchscreen monitor, which comprises of a tilting design so that you can benefit from shooting at any angle. Be it very high or shallow working angles.
By Fortunate, the Sony A6500 camera has a great level of customization in terms of controls to be adjusted to suit each taste and type of environment and improve handling agility.
Now we have the possibility of manually managing the focus through the screen, which adds an advantage in terms of comfort in many situations, even so, it is possible to improve the camera further, and you can also progress in terms of response speed according to the user.
The touchscreen is designed in such a way that it allows intuitive touch-to-focus control.
Complementing all the other features is its robust body made of magnesium alloy that is weather-sealed to protect it from dust and moisture, allowing it to work in harsh environments.
It has a compact profile, which makes it comfortable and easy to use. Additionally, there is built-in Wi-Fi with NFC that allows syncing it with compatible phones, permitting intuitive wireless remote control, and letting you share your images online without any time lag.
Sony a6500 specifications:
- Lens Mount: Sony E-Mount
- Camera Format: APS-C (1.5x Crop Factor)
- Pixels Actual: 25 Megapixel
- Max Resolution: 24 MP: 6000 x 4000
- Aspect Ratio: 3:2, 16:9
- Sensor Type and Size: CMOS, 23.5 x 15.6 mm
- File Formats Still Images: JPEG, RAW
- Movies: AVCHD 2.0, MP4, XAVC S
- Dust Reduction System: Yes
- Memory Card Type: SD SDHC SDXC
- Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Way
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Video Clip Length: max 29 Minutes 59 Seconds
- Focus Type: Auto & Manual Focus
- Display Screen: 3″ Rear Screen Tilting LCD Touchscreen
- Screen Coverage: 100%
- ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100 to 25600
- Shutter Type: Electronic & Mechanical
- Speed: 30 to 1/4000 Second
- Built-in Flash: Yes
- Dedicated Flash System: TTL
- Battery: NP-FW50 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
- Dimension: 4.7 x 2.6 x 2.1
- Weight: 15.98 oz., 453 g
What’s in the box?
- 1 x Sony Alpha a6500 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body
- 1 x Rechargeable Battery NP-FW50
- 1 x AC-UUD12 AC Adapter
- 1 x Shoulder Strap
- 1 x Body Cap
- 1 x Accessory Shoe Cap
- 1 x Eyepiece Cup
- 1 x Micro USB Cable
- 1 x Sony 1 Year Warranty
Pros:
- Extensive video options.
- Comfortable to use
- Premium body enabling good controls
- A hybrid image stabilization system
- Lightning-quick burst capture
- Very deep buffers
- 4K video capture
Cons:
- Dim LCD
- Noticeable rolling shutter
- Lacks a headphone port
- Pricey
- Lagging touch-pad function;
- Mediocre battery life
Conclusion
Concluding it, Sony A6500 <- Affiliate Link 🙂 remains a top-tier mirrorless model known to humans. The features complement each other perfectly and make it one worth the price. I believe there is nothing you will dislike.
The Sony A6500 turns out to be a camera that does not disappoint, despite the time that passes. This was and still is one of the key Sony products on the market.
This is a light, sealed camera with a touch screen, including an excellent quality viewfinder. Another thing important to highlight is the excellent behavior in difficult situations, whether they are events with a lot of movement or areas with little light, making this camera mirrorless an ideal life partner.
With 24MP stills, image stabilization and touchscreen capability provide all the reasons for enthusiasts to dig deeper in their pockets.
The design is improvable, in addition to which its interface continues to evolve. However, it is still somewhat confusing for those who have not used Sony equipment before. We can perceive this in terms of buttons and their settings that can be somewhat difficult at first.
In conclusion, Sony has managed to improve the A6500 and, thus, be able to offer a compelling, very complete, fast camera that is a very serious bet in its range.
Once you purchase, do let us know your opinion. Your feedback will be highly appreciated.
