A model not to be overtaken
The Sony A6500 – the third version of this camera – is one to last, writes Blayne Slabbert.
Sony charged into the camera market several years ago, constantly releasing new models featuring market-leading features.
It seemed to take the approach of unveiling a new camera as soon as it was ready, which was a lot more often than traditional rivals.
In 2015, it released the A6000, a petite mirrorless camera that packed all the features of a larger DSLR. It claimed the world’s fastest autofocus and the ability to take 11 photos a second. It impressed reviewers and the camera helped usher in the surge in mirrorless camera sales.
Sony is now up to the third version of that camera. The A6500 is now on sale in New Zealand, having quickly replaced the A6300 which lacked a touchscreen.
But while the A6500 is the best version of the model, it’s not necessarily the best one for you to buy (more on that later).
However, the newest model has 4K video recording, a touchscreen, a better viewfinder, and image stabilisation built into the body.
It’s the camera to buy if you want it to last and not be overtaken by tech advances.
I enjoyed using it. It focuses quickly in a range of conditions and the electronic viewfinder was bright without any noticeable lag when panning or blackout after taking a photo.
The size is appealing too. It’s light, and with a small lens it could fit into a jacket pocket if needed. Paired with a couple of lenses it would be a lightweight package for hiking or travelling.
While it felt solid to hold and the grip was great for a small camera, some of the buttons were a bit fiddly. However, it’s significantly smaller than a DSLR camera with similar specifications.
The A6500 also has tech that makes it equal to DSLRs when it comes to tracking fast-moving objects. This makes it a great option for anyone photographing sport or wildlife.
It also has a deep buffer, which means it can take hundreds of photos before slowing down.
The interface is a bit intimidating. Anyone familiar with this type of camera will be OK but if you’re new to them, then you’re going to need to read the manual and do your homework.
Don’t be put off though – all serious cameras are like this. Once you know a few key settings, it’s easy to take photographs that easily outdo what you can achieve with your smartphone.
The on-screen menu is clear and easy to navigate. However, you can’t use the touchscreen, only the dials.
The image and video quality were excellent. If you’re used to using a smartphone, you’ll notice a huge leap in detail in both photos and video. Sony’s sensors are considered among the best and they are used by many camera and smartphone makers.
Another bonus of Sony cameras is the large online communities dedicated to them. There are lots of forums and YouTube channels based on all Sony models and they’re a great way to learn.
The A6500 costs $2400 for just the body. You can pair it with lenses ranging from $500 to several thousand.
If you are interested in a mirrorless camera, take a look at earlier versions of this model. The A6000 is only $1100 with many available on Trade Me. It’s still well regarded and good enough if you’re just starting out.
The other option is the A6300 which is $1700. It falls between the two models, with 4K video recording the key improvement over the earlier model.
Sony makes powerful cameras that come in small packages. Its aggressive approach to releasing cameras means there’s plenty of options to choose from. All three of these cameras are capable of taking great images so let your budget and photographic needs dictate which model suits you best.
It's light, and with a small lens it could fit into a jacket pocket.