Sony Alpha a6500 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-70mm Lens Kit
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Why did I wait so long?
The camera is a dream! Light and small but comfortable in the hand. The lens looks heavy but isn't and balances very nicely with the body, and the combination turns out very high-quality images. A minor annoyance is that when I carry the camera by the handgrip, my knuckles keep bumping into the lens. My major complaint is the atrocious menu system, but that can be greatly overcome by judicious use of the assignable keys. Not a joy to set up, but a joy to use!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
No complaints here.
I've only used this product a couple times so far but the quality is great. I haven't used a Sony camera before so I may be a bit biased, but from my brief experience, Sony has definitely hit the mark on quality, battery life and overall efficiency and ease of use. The lightweight design and the easy to navigate controls made this camera extremely comfortable to master in only a few hours. I feel I won't need a replacement or upgrade for a very long time.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Solid upgrade from the A6300
I actually had the A6000 prior to this camera, and the upgrade from that model is significant. It was the IBIS that sold me on the A6500 vs the A6300. Both are excellent cameras with the same APS-C sensor. I purchased this with the 16-70 f/4 lens as a compliment to my existing A7RIII system / lenses. I use this as a second camera for video, and I also use it as a compact option when space / bulk is a premium. You can't go wrong with this camera.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Small, but powerful.
So stoked on this little fella! I have the Sony a6000 since it came out and did not upgrade to the a6300. So glad I waited it out as this camera is a beast! I love the way it feels in your hands, the new buffering system is incredible and still has all of the bells and whistles you would expect from the alpha series. It even has some features from the higher end A7 line that I really enjoy like the internal level and silent shooting. Can't go wrong.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
This camera rocks my photos!! Over time?
The reasons why I upgraded to Sony a6500 are the following: - 24 mega pixels - Size of the sensor (APS-C) and first and foremost the portability, size of this camera is so perfect to what I need without compromising the quality of a DSLR CAMERA. My Sony a6500 ? takes an awesome pictures with my zeiss 1.8 55mm lense. Every shoot I took comes out insanely and incrediblely beautiful. So far I don't have any regrets buying this master piece of camera.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Amazing Camera!
Although this camera gets some bashing for overheating issues, it's never overheated for me and I did an entire wedding with it. You can capture 2 sets of 30 mins at 4K (that's the longest stretch I used it for on a consistent basis). Sure it gets warm, but I had no issues. It did just find in 1080p too. The focus is amazingly fast and ISO is top notch as well. If you need quick focusing and good low light, this little camera might do the trick.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great Camera, Exceptional Customer Service!
Love this camera and lens! Takes great pictures, even for a novice like me. Easy to use, intuitive, and high quality. Highly recommend to others. I bought this camera for a trip to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The package delivery service got their wires crossed, and couldnt deliver on time for the trip. I asked for help, and B&H Photos Reggie G. immediately sent me another to insure I had it on time. Outstanding! Thank you B&H Photo!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great upgrade, super autofocus, very good auto-mode.
Wow! Upgraded from an A6000. What a difference! Super quick and reliable autofocus, auto-mode for quick point-and-shoot is really good, as is sports mode, which I use when I'm lazy. Still have to get the lay of the land on all the other functions, and make the camera my own with shortcuts and more but so far so good. I'm really impressed by the improvements Sony made. Very happy camper, it's almost like my lenses got a new lease on life :)
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Amazing performance from a small package!
I never thought that I would like "auto" anything, but auto ISO opens up a new realm of how to look at a scene. I have no complaints about the sensor or the processor. My only issue so far is where the buttons are and how sensitive they are. I like to use the view finder and if I'm not mindful I end up changing the ISO or something. It's not enough of an issue to diminish the quality and capability of this camera. Well done Sony!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Packs a lot of punch
Packs a lot of punch and bang for the buck! I also have a FS5. Still much prefer the picture off the FS5, I REALLY wish they would have allowed 10 bit 1080 from this camera instead of just 8 bit. Since it can record 4k 100mbps, I think this would be possible with the processor. Does not have as much dynamic range, mostly seen in the highlight handling, as the FS5. The autofocus is nice. Have not taken photos with this camera yet.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great small camera with a great amount of power
The first few days with this have been wonderful. I've been winding down my freelance business gear to consolidate and was looking for an option that can shoot as good or better than my a7s (which this does with 4K and 1080 at 120fps!) and can also be used for photos so hopefully I may not need my Canon 6d anymore. So far I've loved it! I'm using it with the Zhiyun Crane which has also been a wonderful upgrade from a Glidecam.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
MUCH IMPROVED
Reviewers seem to think this isn't a big jump....they are wrong. Not only does it fit and feel better in the hand, the deeper grip adds a bit of security as well. Some options in the view finer that are new, as well as the internal stabilization. The lens mount seems new as well and more solid. This camera ROCKS, it will be my everyday shooter, and will become a first camera for documentary work as well. Well done SONY.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
New high-end aps/c Sony mirrorless is a winner.
Excellent camera. It has a high quality jpeg engine with some of the better sharpening algorithms (in the camera) I've seen. The camera's IQ is back to the NEX-7 level and it retains quick AF (of the 6300) and a high frame rate. 4-K video specs are nicely upgraded. The shutter sound in EFCS mode is very quiet and this was a pleasant surprise. I've paired it with the new FE 50mm macro and am getting very nice results.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Good Camera BUT...
First one I got had a oil spot on the sensor, B&H replaced with new one..the second one I got has 5 spot on the sensor... it was dust spot on the photos. After I have use self cleaning twice from the camera menu , everything was fine. The ideea it is : if I was a women or un know person who does not what to do ...probable got scared with the second camera too. But it is happens ..thank you B&H for fast response.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Excellent Value
I am running a Metabones speed booster on this camera. In the Green mode on the Metabones the camera performs well on stills. The updated firmware mode on the Metabones unlocks more of the video capabilities, but is poor on stills. I like the image quality of both video and stills on this camera. For the money it is a great value and takes a color grade well. As has been stated the menu layout is poor, so 4 stars.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
love this little camera. battery life very short.
image quality and video quality is really good. battery life very short. it's a great intermediate camera that produces really beautiful files. very detailed. love that with some adapters it can fit easily old lenses too. shoots very fast if needed. video quality is really really good. all attached shots are RAW files with hardly any adjustments for most. Seen in capture one, shot on eclipse day with 18-105 G f4
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
A half step forward.
If your interested in this camera for video it's a great purchase. + The image stabilization works very well and is worth the step up from the a6300. + The heat efficiency of the camera when recording video is improved. + sLog 3 another worthwhile improvement. - Menu system while a little nicer looking, and slightly more organized is still crazy. - The touch screen is a start, but a long way from being good.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
If upgrading or moving to Sony this is a superb option
Upgraded from the 6300 and very happy thus far. The 6500 has all of the features of the previous model and the menu layout is more comprehensive. Image quality is as expected and the 5 axis stabilization is great for gimbal work on the Ronin M. Haven't done a ton of direct comparisons to my 6300 but definitely happy with this model. My only complaint is that time lapse should be an already included feature.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Incredibly flexible camera
I bought this to use professionally as a B-camera, as well as being a small light weight camera for street photography. It performs excellent in all ways. My only criticism, coming from a DSLR/Film background, is that the entire interface from top to bottom, is more like a computer than a camera. I'm warming up to the interface, as it's worth the relearn once you see the images this camera captures.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Fast, efficient, small, inconspicuous and power packed.
I really like this camera for street, everyday and travel. I like fast shutters and this is in a here with my Nikon D5. The setting changes are quick without having to go to a lot of menus. I wanted small so I surprised myself by settling for a non-full size sensor. Glad I made the choice. This camera is going to get lots of use when I don't want to drag the big gear. That may be increasingly often.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Image Stabilization & touch screen provides no advangtage
I am not at all impressed. The camera does not provide any image stabilization with 400mm manual lens. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't spend extra $400 for this camera. Alpha a6300 is equally good camera. Touch screen is useless. It is used only for focusing and I don't see any difference. When you look through the view finder it is pain to operate touch screen. Take my free advice and please buy A6300.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
The A6500 doesn't fit into the ONYX 25
The kit is a good deal except the camera doesn't fit into the bag. If you remove the bottom padding it will barley fit, but that doesn't leave any protection for the camera. The Ruggard Hunter 25 is a better option. After being burned by B&H kits in the past, I should have done a better job double-checking. I probably would have still bought the kit, I would have just purchased a case separately.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
First mirrorless camera and an incredible tool
This camera replaces my Nikon D7000 that I've been using primarily for travel photography. The 6500 is a terrific replacement as it is much smaller and lighter and the quality of the pictures is phenomenal! The attached HDR photo was 5frames at .7 exposure variation and processed with Photomatix Pro HDR software (the top was photoshopped to provide adequate spacing for a large canvas wrap print).
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I love this Camera!
I had the a6000 with the simple kit lens, and i loved it. Decided to upgrade and this camera and lens combo is the best thing I have ever owned. The depth and clarity of the photos at very low light is amazing. And shooting 4K is beyond. I was filming my son jumping on the couch and the camera picked up every dust particle in the air. (Hey this review is about the camera not our dirty house...)
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
