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High ISO Photo Examples Shot with a Sony a6500

Here's a selection of photos that I've shot at high ISOs with the Sony a6500 to give a sensor of how useful its high ISO settings are in real-world shooting.

Sony a6500 High ISO sample images collage

Categories: Mirrorless Cameras, Sample Images
Tags: Sony, Sony a6500 Mirrorless Camera
Last updated about 7 months ago // Originally published about 2 years ago

Sony’s sensors are among the best in the best in the business. And while they put their best sensors in their flagship full-frame (and more expensive) cameras like the a7r iii and a7 iii, the sensors in the models further down the list, like the a6500, are pretty darn good too.

The Sony a6500 has an APS-C sized CMOS sensor that produces a 24.2 megapixels. The data from the sensor is then run through a BIONZ X image processor. It has an ISO range from 100 through 51200, but of that, 100 to 25600 is the normal range. Beyond that, you’re into the extended range that exceeds the hardware’s limits but where software takes over to boost things further. That range includes three steps: ISO 32000, 40000, and 51200.

Once you step into the extended range, things start to go downhill quickly. You can expect much more noise, much courser images, deteriorating color rendition, a narrower dynamic range, and generally harsher images. So for everyday shooting, it’s typically best to stick to the standard ISO range. But it’s nice to have the option to turn things up to 11 on a case by case basis if you really need the extra light sensitivity to make the difference between getting the shot or not (or if you’re shooting for black and white, which is more forgiving of these aspects).

About These Examples

Below are some high-ISO examples I’ve shot with the a6500. I’ve tried to include a range of different types of tones and lighting and detail.

All of these images were originally shot in RAW, so they’re not directly out of the camera. Like most cameras these days, the a6500 does have in-camera noise reduction. In this case, there are two types: long-exposure noise reduction and high ISO noise reduction. Those settings don’t affect RAW files, but they are applied to the JPG previews that are embedded in the RAW files. To get around that, all of these image below have been regenerated directly from the RAW data. If you want the best of both worlds and aren’t being skimpy on space on your SD card, you can have the camera save both the RAW and a JPG version simultaneously.

The RAW files were processed in Lightroom. I haven’t applied any extra noise reduction to these files.

More Examples at High ISOs

I’ve included the ISO used in the caption of each image, and you can click on a photo to open a full-size version for a closer look.

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 3200

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 12800

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 6400

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 6400

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 6400. Normally, I wouldn’t shoot this kind of brightly-lit daylight exterior at such a high ISO, but it’s useful to show the color shifts. In this one, you can see a slight green tint overall.

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 16000

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 12800. Another example that I wouldn’t, under normal conditions, shoot at such a high ISO, but you can see the green color shift again.

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 12800. The main entrance hall of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC.

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 12800

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 12800

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 12800

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 6400

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 12800

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 3200. This LED light display is an installation at Washington DC’s National Gallery of Art. It’s titled Multiverse and is by American artist Leo Villareal. It also makes a useful and unusual test shot, and it’s one I shoot often with different cameras.

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 12800

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 6400. The Science Museum in London.

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 3200

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 12800

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 6400. Tower Bridge in London.

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 40000

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 3200

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 12800

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 12800

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 3200. The Imperial War Museum in London.

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 6400

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 3200

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 6400

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 3200

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 51200

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 51200

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 51200. The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. 

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 25600

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 12800

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 12800

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 32000

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 51200

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 6400

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 3200

04 3 678x452 - High ISO Photo Examples Shot with a Sony a6500

ISO 12800

Side by Side

Here are a few short sequences of the same subject at different ISOs so that you can compare them side by side.

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 8000

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 10000

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 12800

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 16000

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 20000

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 25600

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 32000

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 40000

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 51200

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 6400

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 8000

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 16000

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 32000

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 40000

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 16000

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 32000

Sony a6500 High ISO Sample Image

ISO 51200

ISO Auto Min SS on the Sony a6500

Auto ISO is one of my favorite features of digital cameras. Back in the day, you had to choose an ISO, make sure you had the right film on hand, and then stick with that for the whole roll. And the ISO was basically a fixed part of the exposure triangle, at least until the end of the roll.1

With digital cameras, you can use a different ISO image to image. And with the advent of auto ISO, which is common on most new cameras, the camera’s own computer algorithm uses ISO as a completely fluid side of the exposure triangle, adjusting it automatically on the fly.

With the a6500, you have the option of using the Auto ISO on the standard setting. That’s a good default and is widely useful in many situations. It gives a good combination of minimum shutter speed and low ISO. But you can tweak it further, first with options for faster priority or slower priority, which are relative to the standard setting in 1 EV increments. But you can also set a specific shutter speed floor that the camera will try not to go below for stepping up the ISO. That’s especially helpful if you’re shooting moving subjects and need to favor faster shutter speeds. Same goes for reducing the risk of camera shake, something I run into in cold environments or when shooting from moving platforms like boats or trains. The a6500 has the option of setting that floor all the way up to 1/4000 sec or as slow as 30 seconds.

But one thing worth noting is that the Auto ISO won’t step into the extended range. For those higher ISO settings you’ll need to specify the ISO manually.

Where to Find the Sony a6500

You can find the Sony a6500 sold in a range of different bundles, from just the body to kits with lenses and other accessories. You can find them at Amazon and B&H Photo.

Popular Accessories for the Sony a6500

Here are some popular accessories for the a6500.

Powerextra Battery (4-Pack) and Charger for Sony NP-FW50 and Sony Alpha...
Powerextra Battery (4-Pack) and Charger for Sony NP-FW50 and Sony Alpha...
  • Battery Type: Li-ion / Voltage:7.4V / Capacity:1500mAh
  • Replacement Sony NP-FW50 Li-ion Rechargeable Battery for Sony Alpha a6500, Alpha a6300, Alpha a6000,...
Check Price at Amazon
Neewer Pro Camera Battery Grip for Sony A6500 Mirrorless Camera, Equipped...
Neewer Pro Camera Battery Grip for Sony A6500 Mirrorless Camera, Equipped...
  • The LCD 2.4GHz wireless remote control battery grip is tailored for Sony A6500 mirrorless digital camera;...
  • Power Source: Work with 1 or 2 pieces NP-FW50 Li-ion battery; Provides more battery capacity for your...
Check Price at Amazon
SMALLRIG Cage for Sony Alpha A6300 A6500/ILCE 6500 4K Digital Mirrorless...
SMALLRIG Cage for Sony Alpha A6300 A6500/ILCE 6500 4K Digital Mirrorless...
  • 【UPDATED VERSION】Customized cage is exclusively designed for Sony A6500 A6300. The cage leaves the...
  • 【PERFECT PROTECTION】Secure tightly via the 1/4’’ screw on the bottom and M2.5 screw on the side,...
Check Price at Amazon
Sony FDR-AX33 High Grade Multi-Coated, Multi-Threaded, 3 Piece Lens Filter...
Sony FDR-AX33 High Grade Multi-Coated, Multi-Threaded, 3 Piece Lens Filter...
  • UV filter (ultraviolet) for protection against dust, dirt, scratches, fingerprints and the sun's...
  • Circular Polarizing Filter. Used to increase color saturation, like darkening blue skies so that white...
Check Price at Amazon
Zhiyun Crane-M2 [Official] Handheld 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer
Zhiyun Crane-M2 [Official] Handheld 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer
  • 【All in One】 Get daily shooting occasions covered: using compact camera, light mirrorless camera,...
  • 【Compact Design】 Unique locking pin and latch design to prevent the axis from swinging. Retreat, lock...
Check Price at Amazon

  1. Yes, it’s technically possible to change up ISOs between shots in film, and even go back and forth loading partial rolls of film, but neither of those are really practical for most shooters most of the time. ↩

Images and product information from Amazon PA-API were last updated on 2021-01-16 at 04:59. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

By David Coleman
Instagram: @havecamerawilltraveldc

Last updated on July 2, 2020

Categories: Mirrorless Cameras, Sample Images
Tags: Sony, Sony a6500 Mirrorless Camera

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News & Deals

With the holidays fast approaching, there’s some great deals on photography gear and services available. I’ve put together a roundup of Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2020 Photography Deals. It’s a running list as new deals are announced, so be sure to check back.

Canon announces new EOS Rebel T8i DSLR. Canon has announced their new T8i DSLR. 24MP APS-C cropped CMOS sensor, 4K24 video, and updated image processing and detection systems. It’s available for preorder from B&H Photo.

New Firmware for the Ricoh GR III. Ricoh has release firmware v1.31 for the GR III. Release notes are: “Corrected — When shooting with the multiple exposure, in rare cases the live view may not display correctly. Improved stability for general performance.” You can download it here.

New Canon 1D X Mark III Pro DSLR Announced. Canon has announced their new flagship model of pro DSLR, the 1D X Mark III. They’re sticking with a 20.1MP CMOS sensor, but it’s a new and improved version and boasts an incredible native ISO range of ISO 100 to ISO 102400 and an extended range that goes up to a jaw-dropping ISO 819200. With revamped autofocus, a new image processor, and all sorts of other bells and whistles, it’s no wonder that Canon is billing it as “The Ultimate EOS.”

New Manfrotto Pro Rugged Memory Cards. Manfrotto, an Italian probably best known for their tripods and studio accessories, has launched a new Pro Rugged range of high-end SD, microSD, and CompactFlash cards. While they don’t have a huge selection of sizes and speeds, the cards are aiming for very fast cards that can put up with rugged demands. For instance, they claim that their V90 rated SD cards can withstand three times the force (20kg / 45 lbs) of a regular SD card. I’ve ordered some to run through my speed tests.

New Sony Alpha a7 firmware released. A firmware update for the Sony a7R IV now lets you control external Sony flashes from the camera’s own menu system. Up to 15 flashes in five groups can be controlled via the camera. It also applies to the a7R III and a7 III.

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I take photos. I travel. I do it for a living. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between.

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