Sony Alpha a6500

SONY a6500: full review

Launched a few months after its sister a6300, Sony a 6500 is different from previous models, it’s not only a sequel with some additions. Especially the video department has really improved, making Sony a6500 a very attractive mirrorless to early-days video makers.

Ergonomics and design of the camera body

Thanks to the APS-C sensor, smaller than in Full Frames, the size of Sony a6500 is quite contained, typical feature of all mirrorless cameras that lately is threatening the long-built solidity of reflex. The camera body of Sony a6500 is 120 mm long, 66.9 tall and 53.3 mm deep. In other words, the perfect volume for any occasion. Then there’s the weight, 453 grams including memory card and battery.

Compared to a6300, the ergonomics of Sony a6500 has much improved, thanks to a better projection of the grip. Sure, such a small camera body doesn’t give you the solidity feeling of some reflex cameras, but the magnesium alloy gives you the right sense of stability anyway.

On the top, Sony a6500 has the shutter button surrounded by the on/off switch, on the grip. There are also the programs and multifunction rings, the customizable buttons (C1 e C2), and finally the flash and the hot shoe.

Frontally, Sony a6500 shows the traditional simplicity of its previous model, with the focus sign and the bayonet.

The back side of a6500 shows the 3 inches display: compared to a6300 we have a touch screen, very appreciated but unfortunately adjustable only up/down and not laterally. Over the display, on the left, is placed the viewfinder. On the opposite side, there’s the settings button. To the right of the display, several customizable buttons.

Usb port for recharge, HDMI and microphone jack outputs are on the side.

Technical features of Sony a6500

No news about the sensor – 24.2 mp CMOS Exmor – but good news from BIONZ X processor, equipped with a new capture chip that gives better performance at high ISO, less noise, very capacious buffering and 11 frames per second burst mode. Thanks to these new elements, Sony a6500 is now a very fast mirrorless in image recording and focus.

Nothing new about the already excellent Autofocus present in the 6300 version: the mix of 425 phase detection points with 169 contrast detection points is a trump card for a quick and fast AF. It’s the so-called 4D system, based also on the time needed to capture the image. Wide, fast and stable: what more can we ask for an Autofocus? In addition, the “Eyes” function detects the eyes of a moving subject, hooking them to focus.

The 2.6 million dots viewfinder is the same of the a6300 model, while the 3 inches display has evolved into touch screen (for focus but not for settings). The touch pad function lets you scroll to the point of Autofocus you desire, keeping on looking into the viewfinder.

Taking pictures with Sony a6500

First of all, the image quality has definitely improved compared to a6300. The dynamic range is wider, for more realistic and less saturated colors. Also high ISO are better, as well as the capacity of buffering.

The focus is the flagship of Sony a6500, you can feel it as soon as you try it: fast and precise, it makes the most troubling scene easy, like sports or wildlife. Let’s not forget the contained weight and size: if you love street photography, you’ll appreciate these features not only for the manageability but also for the discretion during the most interesting scenes.

As for the weak points, it must be said that the position of the slot for memory card is integrated in the battery compartment and that the battery lasts a little more than 300 shots. It is a very common problem among mirrorless cameras, because the viewfinder, as well as the LCD display, affects the power of the battery.

The settings menu is also a weakness: despite the negative feedback by the users, partly heard by the manufacturer, it is still quite complex and still far from intuitive.

Good news from connectivity, though: WiFi, QR Code and NFC provide connection to tablet or smartphone, through Sony PlayMemories Mobile app. The remote control of a6500, finally, is possible through the smartphone.

Video recording

As I said earlier, the video department of Sony a6500 has made improvements compared to a6300. So, we’re not in front of a camera designed mainly for images. To give you an idea, here are the technical features of videos:

3840×2160 4k Ultra HD up to 30p in 100 MBPS Super 35mm format

Full HD at 120p for slow motion

Ultra HD is quite remarkable for its category, considering that video recording has improved thanks to the 5 axis stabilization system. The hybrid Autofocus, then, guarantees speed and precision and perfect focus.

The only flaw is the lack of earphone plug, fundamental to listen to the audio while recording.