Sony a6500
Sony

a6500

$1,399~
MSRP (prices vary)
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Released: December 2, 2016
APS-C
Sensor
24.2MP
Resolution
4K
Max Video
IBIS
11fps
Burst
425
AF Points

Who the Sony a6500 is for

The Sony a6500 is a 24.2MP APS-C mirrorless camera, a versatile all-rounder.

  • A 24MP APS-C flagship of its generation, the first a6000-series body with in-body stabilization.
  • Up to 11 fps shooting, a touchscreen and weather resistance for enthusiasts.
  • Oversampled 4K/30p video in a compact, capable hybrid body.

Best for

  • Travel and the outdoors — in-body stabilisation plus weather sealing.

Keep in mind

  • Single card slot — no in-camera backup, which matters for critical paid jobs.
  • Video is capped at 29 minutes per clip.

How the Sony a6500 compares to other Sony E APS-C cameras

Every figure below is measured against the 10 Sony E APS-C cameras in the catalogue, so you can see where this camera actually sits rather than reading its spec sheet in isolation.

SpecThis cameraWhere it lands
Weight453g (16.0 oz)4th heaviest of 10
Price (MSRP)$1,399joint 4th most expensive of 10
Resolution24.2MPjoint 5th highest of 10
4K frame rate30pjoint 4th fastest of 9

What APS-C means in practice

An APS-C sensor at 24.2MP sits between full-frame and Micro Four Thirds. Lenses frame about 1.5× tighter than the same focal length on full-frame, which works in your favour for reach and against you for wide-angle coverage. The smaller image circle is what lets APS-C bodies and lenses come in lighter than their full-frame equivalents.

Video, stabilisation and weather sealing

4K tops out at 30p, which covers standard delivery but leaves no room for slowing footage down. A log profile is available, which trades a flat-looking file for latitude in post.

In-body stabilisation steadies any lens mounted on it, including primes with no stabilisation of their own. The body is weather-sealed.

Full Specifications

Imaging

Sensor TypeCMOS
Sensor SizeAPS-C
Image ProcessorBIONZ X
Effective Resolution24.2 MP
Lens MountSony E

Exposure Control

ISO Range (Native)100 – 25600
ISO Range (Extended)50 – 51200
Mechanical Shutter1/4000
Electronic Shutter1/8000
Flash Sync Speed1/160
Built-in FlashYes

Still Image Capture

Continuous Shooting11 fps

Video Capture

Max Resolution4K
8K Recording
4K RecordingUp to 30p
1080p RecordingUp to 120p
10-bit InternalNo
Recording Limit29 min
Log ProfilesS-Log3 / HLG
Built-in MicMono
Headphone JackNo
Mic InputYes
HDMI OutputMicro (Type D)

Focus

Phase Detect Points425
Contrast Detect Points
Low Light AF-2 EV
Eye AFYes
Animal AFYes
Vehicle AFNo

Viewfinder

EVF TypeOLED
EVF Resolution2.36M dots
EVF Magnification0.71x

Monitor

LCD Size3"
LCD Resolution0.92M dots
LCD TypeTilting
Touch ScreenYes

Interface

Wi-FiWi-Fi 5
Bluetoothv4.2
USBMicro USB 2.0
Memory Card Slots1x SD UHS-I
GPSNo

General

Price (MSRP)$1,399
Body MaterialMagnesium Alloy
Dimensions120×66.9×53.3 mm
Weight453g (16.0 oz)
Weather SealedYes
In-Body StabilizationYes
Battery Life (EVF)310 shots
Battery Life (LCD)400 shots
Battery TypeNP-FW50

Upgrade Guides

Is the Sony a6600 worth upgrading to?Is the Sony a6700 worth upgrading to?

Find Lenses for the Sony a6500

Browse Sony E-mount lenses filtered for the Sony a6500 specifically.

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