The Sony a6500 is at the premium end of Sony’s cropped sensor Alpha range of interchangeable lens mirrorless cameras. There are also full-frame cameras in the Alpha range—cameras like the a1, a7, and a9 cameras—and those models are even higher-end than the cropped sensor cameras. But they’re also larger and more expensive.
The Sony a6500 has an APS-C-sized CMOS sensor that produces 24.2 megapixels. The data from the sensor is then run through a BIONZ X image processor. It has a native ISO range from 100 through 25600, with an extended range running up to 51200. (I’ve also put together a separate post focusing on high-ISO photos from the Sony a6500.)
It’s a compact design and takes Sony E-mount lenses. Overall, it’s an extremely attractive package as a take-anywhere camera that can produce high-quality photos even under challenging lighting conditions.
Here are some example photos to give a practical sense of the photos that come out of it. I shot these mostly in RAW and have processed them in Lightroom Classic.
There are several variations when referring to the Sony a6500. You can also see it referred to as the Sony α6600, Sony Alpha 6500, and Sony ILCE-6500. All refer to the same camera.
Sample Photos Taken with a Sony a6500
I’ve included the shooting details under each photo. And you can click on each image to open a full-size version for a closer look.
Price & Availability of the Sony a6500 Mirrorless Camera
Since I originally wrote this, the Sony a6500 has been replaced by the a6600.
Buy New
The a6500 was sold in a range of different bundles, from just the body to kits with lenses and other accessories. With the newer model out now, the a6500 is harder to find new in stores.
Sony Alpha a6500 Mirrorless Camera
- 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ X Image Processor
- XGA Tru-Finder 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF
- 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization
- 3.0″ 921.6k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Buy Used
Stocks of used copies of the a6500 fluctuate, but some good places worth checking are:
Popular Accessories for the Sony a6500
Here are some popular accessories for the a6500.
SMALLRIG Camera A6400 A6100 Cage for Sony A6400 A6100 Camera - CCS2310
- 【HIGH CUSTOMIZATION】The cage is exclusively designed to provide protection and mounting options for...
- 【PERFECT PROTECTION】Secured tightly via a 1/4’’ screw on the bottom and a M2.5 screw on the side...
UURig Vlog Selfie Flip Screen for Mirrorless Camera for Sony A7R3 A7III...
- ✔Exclusively Customized for Mirror-less Camera Flip Screen --- For better and accurate vlog video...
- ✔Camera Applicable --- For Sony A72 A73 Series A7II A7RIII A7M3 A6000 A6300 A6500; for Fujifilm XT2 XT3...
Camera Remote Control Tripod Rplac VCT-VPR1 for Sony A7R V A7RV A7 IV III...
- 2 in 1 compact lightweight tripod with detachable remote control pan bar replaces Sony VCT-VPR1 for Sony...
- The detachable pan bar controller is a multi-function remote commander with basic functions: power on /...
Soft Silicon Camera Viewfinder Eyecup Eyepiece Eyeshade for Sony A6600...
- Ideal viewfinder eyecup eyepiece for Sony Alpha A6600 A6500 A6400 Mirrorless Camera
- Replaces Sony FDA-EP17 eyecup
Aenllosi Hard Carrying Case Compatible with Sony Alpha a6000 / a6100 /...
- Designed for SONY Alpha A6000, this case is sturdy, shockproof, and waterproof to protect your beloved...
- This portable SONY A6000 Case protects your A6000 camera in all kinds of harsh conditions. You can travel...
I’ve also put together a separate post on Sony a6500 memory card recommendations.
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Images and product information from Amazon PA-API were last updated on 2023-09-21 at 04:27. 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.
