Almost a year ago we talked about the Sony Alpha A6300, a true mirrorless beast with 4K recording and a very attractive price. During May we presented the Sony Alpha A6400, which added improvements aimed at vlogging. Today, the Japanese giant is preparing several launches, and I think it's very appropriate to review the virtues of the Sony Alpha A6500, with first-class image and 4K video quality, a great autofocus, and a solid combination of burst and buffer to capture sports and other action moments.
After having covered the realm of DSLR cameras in very good company, the mirrorless offering calls us back. We're seeing a lot of movement in that format, especially from Sony, and that's interesting not only because of its new products, but also because of the price adjustments that existing models will receive.
A great candidate to watch closely is the Sony Alpha A6500, for now the 'big sister' of this series. At first glance there don't seem to be major differences between the A6500 and the A6300. In fact, a precise comparison of specs confirms that the essential features are identical, but if its price drops in the coming months, it will definitely be a good idea to buy it as a kit, or alternatively, just the body.
Sony Alpha A6500: Camera, Action
Announced originally in October 2016, the Sony Alpha A6500 has an APS-C CMOS sensor with 24.2 effective megapixels, backed by the Bionz X image processor. Its ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 25,600 with a boost beyond 51,200, while shutter speed goes from 1/4000 to 30 seconds. The main screen measures 3 inches with a resolution of 921,600 dots, supports touch, and is tiltable in two directions (90 degrees up, 45 down). On the electronic viewfinder side, we find an OLED solution with 2.35 million dots and 100 percent coverage.
The autofocus system on the A6300 came to us as one of the best on the market, so the Japanese giant decided to apply a 'hands-off' policy, repeating its exact configuration on the Sony Alpha A6500. That means the mirrorless has a hybrid system with 425 phase-detection points and 169 contrast-detection points.
In total, the autofocus modes number seven, with several secondary functions (for example, face detection), and beyond its apparent complexity, the results are very good when paired with the right lens. Regarding the burst, the maximum rate on the Sony Alpha A6500 is 11 FPS, with live view active at 8 FPS, and a spectacular buffer: 100 images in JPEG+RAW, or 233-301 JPEG images, depending on the selected quality.
One very positive aspect of the A6300 is its interface, with just two dials and a button on the top. The Sony Alpha A6500 follows a similar strategy, but now we have two customizable buttons C1 and C2 next to the mode dial, while the old C2 on the A6300 is the new C3 on the A6500. Ease of use and flexibility are two things we'll always agree with (unless they compromise other aspects of the mirrorless, of course), and it would be a serious mistake to forget the aforementioned touch support (which the A6300 doesn't have).
The mode dial options repeat like a memory lesson: Full Auto, Programmed Auto 'P', Aperture Priority 'A', Shutter Priority 'S', Manual 'M', Video, Panorama, and Scene Mode 'SCN'. Any other extra data you need about the operation of the Sony Alpha A6500 can be found in the Spanish section of the basic PDF, or consult the online help guide.
When it comes to recording video, the Sony Alpha A6500 offers 4Kp30 and 4Kp25/24, in all cases at 100 megabits per second. However, these modes have some differences in operation. 4Kp25 and p24 use the full sensor width, ensuring superior image quality, but require more attention in terms of stability due to the famous rolling shutter. Now, if you shoot 4Kp30, the rolling shutter effect won't be as pronounced, though its 'price' is the acquisition of video applying a crop on the sensor. All this is irrelevant if you stick to the great 1080p60 (or p120 if you want a bit of slow motion), but if you buy the A6500, you're going to shoot in 4K. The standard limit is 20 minutes, with an override option if you think you can continue.
Accessories for the Sony Alpha A6500
The body of the Sony Alpha A6500 has a price of 1,150 euros at the time of writing. If we consider that this obliges us to add a lens, the mirrorless isn't very competitive, but don't forget what I said at the beginning: There's movement in Sony's line-up, and it's likely to translate into a price reduction for existing models, including the A6500. It just takes a little patience... and affordable accessories.
Batteries and Power
The Sony Alpha A6500 specs indicate a total of 350 shots per full charge of its NP-FW50 battery. That represents a slight step back compared to previous models, but it's not a terrible condition, so to speak. With a compatible Gloxy NP-FW50 module and a 2-in-1 hybrid charger from the same company (product code "DI884,VDTS-4604-CH-VDTS-145"), any power limitation will be eliminated at the root, and the investment doesn't exceed 50 euros.
Tripods and Supports
The Sony Alpha A6500 includes stabilization in its body, an advantage that many users will appreciate. That said, stabilization isn't infallible, and any type of support will be a good ally in your sessions. When looking for a tripod for the Sony Alpha A6500, all arrows point to our local benchmark, the Gloxy GX-T6662A. Solid and lightweight construction, 1.6 meters maximum height, 10 kilograms load limit, and an almost unbeatable price define its specs. Prefer a more compact alternative? Don't worry, the Clampod Takeway T2 won't let you down. It weighs just 200 grams, resists 40 kilograms, and grips onto anything.
Backpacks and Bags
A classic, and a new one. Transport and storage options for the Sony Alpha A6500 are abundant, of good quality, and very affordable. At the same time, the camera helps with its weather sealing, but we should never let our guard down. Our first choice is the Gloxy Pro AW backpack, recommended on several occasions thanks to its padded and modifiable interior, its tripod support, and the included waterproof cover. Our second suggestion is the brand-new Genesis Gear Orion, in which you can store camera, lens, flash, and a tablet. Plus, it looks great in green...
Flashes
Every photographer does everything possible to avoid such a situation, but sooner or later, available light will betray you. Sometimes you just need a little extra illumination, and that's where the Meike MK-320 comes in, light, compact, and very affordable. On the other side, you'll have all the firepower you can imagine with the Godox V1, a flash that eats its competitors raw, at a fraction of the cost.
Lenses
If you manage to get the Sony Alpha A6500 in a kit at a good price, then don't hesitate. However, if we must highlight two lenses, one is the Samyang 16mm wide-angle, and the other is a versatile official Sony 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6. They cost less than 700 euros together, and if your commitment to the E mount is long-term, it's worth the investment. Otherwise, don't hesitate to explore adapters. There's a very interesting combination waiting out there...
Checkered flag... for now. The Sony Alpha A6500 requires us to take a passive stance. Its price isn't the best at this moment, but once the Japanese giant updates its mirrorless line, the magic number should start to fall. The reward is a combination of excellent images and video, with robust autofocus and broad accessory compatibility. Good luck!
