Sony Alpha a6500 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 18-135mm Lens
UPC's:
a6500: excellent, except occasional SteadyShot issues
2/8/2019 Started using the a6500 with Tamron 18-200 zoom a couple of months ago. Good picture quality, enough customization for my purposes, good grip and balance. One negative: toward the long end of the zoom, occasionally SteadyShot _vibrates_ the sensor instead of stabilizing it; B&H let me swap bodies, and the problem remained. Infrequent, so I just turn off SS if the problem comes up.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Lovely Camera/IBIS Issue***
This is a beauty of a camera. It has S-Log2 and 3 and if you're not good with these profiles it offers other camera profiles as well. It's an APS-C sensor camera, but it's more than enough to get the job done. Had one issue with the IBIS with this camera, sent it back to B&H for an exchange so I'm hoping the issues are worked out with this model. Other than that it's a beauty of a camera!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Simply the BEST Hybrid Camera
For anybody who shoots both stills and videos, this is the perfect camera! With the AF much improved from the original a6000 and much more reliable than even the FF a7R II, the a6500 keeps up well with any fast-paced situation. The include In-Body Stabilization might be the best thing included in this tiny body as we can now shoot videos with prime lenses that does not have OSS built-in.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Evolution of the Sony 6000 series
I love my 6300, but I decided to add (not trade) up to the 6500 because the in-body stabilization adds considerable value since I can use my legacy Canon glass more effectively. I'm undecided about the touch-screen capabilities (never had that before, so it's never been a part of my workflow. Other than that, just a very solid, well made and extremely capable little camera.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great lightweight option.
I use Sony Fs7s as my regular work cameras so I am sort or locked in to Sony mount lenses. The A6500 gives me a great option of a lightweight camera for use on a gimbal or a slider. It is great it shoots in Ultra-HD, of course I would prefer that it also shot in full 4K. For its price it offers a great set of features- especially in auto, which is super helpful on a Ronin.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Best All- Around Camera for the Money
If you are looking to purchase a camera for video and for photos this is the best camera to purchase. This camera is one of the best video cameras on the market with crisp 4K, and smooth cinematic slow motion with 1080p 120fps. On top of all of this it also shoots very good stills with very good and low noise ISO. Auto focus is also one of the best on the market today.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
The Best Camera I've Ever Used
For the price this is the best camera I've ever used. I 've use black magics, nikon's, canon, gh4, arri alexas, other sony's such as the a7s and For the price nothing comes close to this for me. Only down sides to this camera are battery life (which duh you can buy more batteries) and the grip is a little short but I fixed both those issues with a $60 battery grip.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great camera!
Great mirrorless camera. Great quality. Feels good in your hands. Still learning all the functions and features it has to offer but so far it has been excellent to shoot with. I've seen a couple of YouTube videos on how Sony resolved the overheating issue they had with the previous versions but more testing probably needs to be done. Definitely would recommend it.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
CAMERA IS NICE BUT THE SONY BATTERY (NP-FW50) IS DEFECTIVE
CAMERA WORKS VERY WELL. I CAPTURED FANTASTIC IMAGES WITH A6500. I CAN GET 80/85 SHOTS WITH NP-FW50 CAME WITH THE NEW CAMERA BODY. BATTERY WAS INSIDE A OPEN PLASTIC BAG, I DONT KNOW IT IS OLD OR DEFECTIVE. I USED THE GENERIC ONE WHICH WAS IN A SMALL BOX ( CAME THE WITH THE PACKAGE FROM B&H) TODAY. I TOOK 138 PICTURES TODAY AND THE BATTERY IS STILL GOING STRONG.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Super
After having used DLSRs I'm really enjoying my A6500. It's not light or tiny. It seems to be just the right size and weight. I have the 18-135 lens and it seems to be a good combination. I don't have to change lenses and it covers the range I shoot most often. Pictures are sharp. I'm using Program setting now, but will start using other settings soon.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great camera if you work with its flaws
I really like the camera and it produces a beautiful image. I kind of wished I would have only got the body and just bought better lenses but the kit lenses are great for the price. The camera has some major pain points (LCD, battery life, rolling shutter, etc) but if you are willing to work with or around them than it is a great camera for the price.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Excellent camera and lenses!!!!
Just recently purchased, but the A6500 is proving to be an outstanding camera! I coupled it with the Sony 18-105mm f4 and the Sigma 16mm f1.4, and feel like I am prepared for most anything I desire to shoot. I will be purchasing an adaptor to make use of my vintage Minolta 50mm and Tamron 90mm SLR lenses. B&H Photo service was exceptional and fast!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Outstanding 4K Image
Wow, after shooting some 4K with the A6500 I don't want to go back to HD. Yes you have to work around the pronounced rolling shutter but the 4K is tack sharp. Auto focus is superb, can easily create some nice rack focuses with the touchscreen. Unfortunately I got a unit with the jerky IBIS issue so sending it back and hoping to get a good one.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Worth picking up
Really great grab and go camera. For me this camera was great to learn on as well as produce professional quality images and film. I have already got some gigs out of it. My only complaint is the LCD screen, it's nearly impossible to see in the daylight. Thankfully most of my work is low or controlled light so it doesn't affect me too much.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Upgraded from A6000
Have been using the A6000 since 2016 for traveling and have LOVED it. Wanted to upgrade to the in-body stabilization offered in the A6500 and have been keeping an eye out for deals. I expect the same (or better) quality from the A6500 that I've come to known from the A6000. First real workout will come in March when I visit Portugal.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Best mirrorless camera.
This camera is amazing I didn't think it was going to be this good. I come from being an all time canon user for years and doing the switch to Sony was a big move for me. I really enjoy the switch I made. This camera is perfect for video and photos and slow motion too. It really feels like a high end camera. I highly recommend it.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
OMG! What a camera
Sold back my entire Canon system to be able to travel lighter. Just got back from Europe and river cruise. I am so happy with the results. My suggestions: - Buy the ZEISS lens, very sharp, smooth. - Buy 2 extra batteries. - Buy the body case. I bought the premium package and added the 10-18 wide angle. I LOVE IT!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
A6500 Sony mirrorless camera
This is a great light weight camera. B&h has lots of great deals and promotions. I was able to purchase this item during a special and I was satisfied with the purchase. I compared with other stores online and I was not comfortable with purchasing from them but B&h has good service for the items they sell. I am very satisfied.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Perfect combination for everyday photography.
My main camera is Sony a7iii and purpose of this unit is to get a camera to use when A7 with their lenses is not convenient because of bag siza. 16-50 lens is collapsing then power off and make entire set relatively small. Leans sharp enough. Camera sold with free accessory kit - nice bag, extra battery and brand SD card.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
The best APS-C Camera in the world
This is the best camera choice I have ever made. Incredible 4k, great images, great inbuilt stabilizer, good low light performance, solid body, super shutter cycle and.....well...yes...... there are always things to criticise about but I think I have decided to declare Sony a6500 'The best super 35mm camera in the world'
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Softer Than a6000
Its been a while since Ive ordered this camera, but tonight I thought Id share my annoyances with this camera. Its a lot softer than my a6000. I realized this much too late, and its a shame. It still has okay image quality, its just not as sharp. I now use it only for video and use my a6000 for photo. Maybe I got dud?
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
A great upgrade from the A6000.
Very happy with this little beast. I don't do video so can't comment on the video qualities. It seems sturdier and yet just as compact as the A6000. Love the IBIS and the image quality is wonderful. Not really concerned with the reduced battery live over the A6000 as I always carry spares anyway. I'm a happy camper.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Quick focus and sharper Images.
As I get older I need as much help as I can get and In camera image stabilization is why I purchased this camera, along with the fact it is a crop sensor. I previously own the A6000. It was either the 6300 or the 6500, the image stabilization was deciding factor. It focus quickly and I get sharper images, I love it.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Best camera for the money
This is the best camera for the money in the marker. In Body Image Stabilization, a super deep buffer, 11 frames per second, and insanely fast autofocus all for less than $1,400. Canon and Nikon want at least $6,000 for less features. Check out our review at the AlphaMirrorless podcast at http://alphamirrorless.com
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video