Sony a6300 vs a6500 Camera Comparison
At first glance, both the Sony a6300 and a6500 look identical but don’t be fooled: each camera has some important distinctions. We will let you know what these differences are so that you know exactly what you’re getting for your money.
Each cameras’ major features and specifications will be compared, and we will award points whenever one model outdoes the other. At the end, we will tally up the points and let you know which camera is best and whether it is worth its price tag.
Sensor
Both cameras have the same APS-C sensor. It is 366.6mm2 and 24.2 megapixels. This sensor gives users of either camera the exact same control over an image’s quality and depth of field.
The sensor also has the same ISO range of 100 – 25600. For those unaware ISO is a measurement of light sensitivity. Low settings are best for shooting in the sun while higher settings are best for indoor or night photography.
Autofocus
Both cameras have 425 autofocus points, which make it easy to hone in on a subject. Users can also easily track subjects as they move from point to point. Face-detection focus is included, which makes the camera ideal for taking portrait shots.
Burst Mode
When undertaking action photography, users will want to utilize burst mode. This feature allows each camera to shoot up to 11 shots per second. Users can then sort through a range of images to select the best ones.
Shutter
The a6500 has an improved shutter mechanism over the a6300. It is quieter and produces less camera shake due to additional braking mechanisms and an elastic shock absorber.
+1 for the a6500
Lens Mount
Each camera incorporates the Sony E lens mount, with approximately 73 lens options available. These include standard, wide angle, SuperZoom, and macro prime lenses. There are more than enough options for whatever type of photography you plan on doing.
The most affordable way to acquire lenses is to get them included in an Amazon bundle deal. We will discuss these options in the price section.
Video Quality
Both cameras are beasts when it comes to shooting video footage. Both can record high definition (720p and 1080p) footage at 120fps. What’s even better is that they can record ultra-high (4K) video at 30fps. While 4K requires a lot of computer power to play and edit, it is a great option for those seeking near professional-level video quality.
Both cameras also allow users to record slow-motion videos.
Screen
Both cameras have 3” 922k dot resolution screens. Both screens are articulating (tilt and swivel), which means users have more flexibility when choosing shooting positions.
The main difference is that the a6500 has a touchscreen. This feature makes it much easier to operate the camera and navigate through the menus (just like a smartphone). The a6500 also has a revamped interface with offers additional improvements to menu navigation.
+1 for the a6500
Portability
The a6300 weighs slightly less at 404 grams, compared to the a6500 weight of 453 grams. The a6300 is also fractionally thinner at 120 x 67 x 49mm compared to 120 x 67 x 53mm. Therefore, the a6300 is slightly more portable than its predecessor.
+1 for the a6300
Battery Life
The a6300 can take 400 shots on a single charge while the a6500 can only 350 shots. There is a noticeable difference of 50 shots.
+1 for the a6300
Image Stabilization
Low shutter speeds can cause camera shake, which is why image stabilization is a handy feature for a camera to possess. Now, only the a6500 incorporates a 5-axis image-stabilization gyro, which helps reduce any distortion caused by motion. Users can safely take photos at low shutter speeds with similar camera shake.
The a6500’s image stabilization technology is compatible with most Sony E mount lenses.
The a6300 does not incorporate any form of image stabilization technology.
+1 for the a6500
Bluetooth
The a6500 has built-in Bluetooth for on-the-go connectivity. Unfortunately, the a6300 misses out on this feature.
+1 for the a6500
Further Common Strengths
Both cameras have many more strengths in common.
- Both cameras have a focus peaking function that highlights objects in focus.
- Both cameras can take panoramic shots.
- Both cameras have built-in WIFI.
- Both cameras have an internal flash.
- Both cameras have an external microphone jack for improved sound quality when shooting
- Both cameras incorporate HDMI-out so that users can view images on an external screen.
- Both cameras incorporate bulb shutter for extra-long exposures.
Further Common Weakness
Both cameras also have a few common weaknesses
- Neither camera has a headphone jack.
- Neither camera has built-in GPS.
- Each camera only has a single SD card slot.
Price
The a6300 costs around $1,000 on Amazon. This price is for a new camera with a single lens. A bundle deal with multiple lenses, a tripod, an SD card, and other accessories costs around $1,250.
A new a6500 costs approximately $1,400 on Amazon. To get a bundle deal with multiple lenses, an SD card, and other accessories, you should expect to pay around $1,870 on Amazon.
It’s clear that the a6300 is the more affordable option.
+1 for the a6300
Total Scores
We have tallied up the scores below, and you can see that it’s pretty close. Both cameras have far more in common than they do apart.
Sony a6300: 3
- Battery Life
- Portability
- Price
Sony a6500: 4
- Image Stabilization
- Screen
- Bluetooth
- Shutter
You can use the chart below to compare each device easily.
| Sony a6300 | Sony a6500 | |
| Photography: | ||
| Megapixels | 24.2 | 24.2 |
| ISO Range | 100 – 25600 | 100 – 25600 |
| Sensor Size | 366.6mm2 | 366.6mm2 |
| AF Points | 425 | 425 |
| Burst Mode | 11fps | 11fps |
| Focus Peaking | Yes | Yes |
| Panoramic Shots | Yes | Yes |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
| Video: | ||
| Max Frame Rate | 30fps in 4K mode 120fps in 720p and 1080p mode | 30fps in 4K mode 120fps in 720p and 1080p mode |
| Slow Motion Video | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
| Build: | ||
| Weight | 404 grams | 453 grams |
| Dimensions | 120 x 67 x 49mm | 120 x 67 x 53mm |
| Screen: | ||
| Size | 3” | 3” |
| Articulating | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
| Resolution | 922k dots | 922k dots |
| Other Features: | ||
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Out | Yes | Yes |
| Blub Shutter | Yes | Yes |
| Image Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| GPS | No | No |
| Dual SD Card Slots | No | No |
| Approximate Amazon Price: | ||
| Standalone | $1,000 | $1,400 |
| Bundle Deal | $1,250 | $1,870 |
What are the Main Differences and which Camera Should You Get?
The main differences between the two models are that the a6500 incorporates Bluetooth, a touchscreen, an improved shutter mechanism, and image stabilization while the a6300 misses out on these features. However, the a6300 does have longer battery life and is fractionally smaller and lighter.
The a6500 is the better camera but is it worth the greater price tag? For photographers that must have image stabilization, for shooting at low shutter speeds, then it may just be worth it. However, the typical photographer is probably better off saving some cash and getting the a6300. It is still an exceptionally powerful camera for taking both still-shots and recording ultra-high definition video. You will miss out on Bluetooth and a touchscreen, but neither of these features are crucial anyway.
If you like, simply spend the savings on extra lenses for the a6300 (or just leave the money in your bank account).
Thanks for posting the simple to understand review, as I’m currently considering the A6300 vs A6500 vs Panasonic’s new GX9 and your words have swayed me towards the A6300, (twinned with the 18-135mm), as my new camera of choice, with me not justifying the extra spend of the A6500.