Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
In this review, we are going to make a detailed comparison of two cameras that fall into different categories. While the first model we are looking at, Sony Alpha a6500 belongs to a Semi-Pro Mirrorless category, the other model, Sony Alpha a6500 is a Pro Mirrorless camera. Sony Alpha a6500 is equipped with a 24.0 MP CMOS sensor, while Nikon Z 6 comes with a 25.0 MP CMOS sensor.
To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Sony Alpha a6500 and Nikon Z 6 and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.
Sony Alpha a6500 Key Features:
Nikon Z 6 Key Features:
Sony Alpha a6500 substituted Sony A6300.
NFC | Yes vs No | Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices |
Built-In Flash | Yes vs No | All the lenses are stabilized |
Flash Range | 6 vs No | 6 better flash range |
Number Of Focus Points | 425 vs 273 | 152 more focus points |
Battery Life | 350 shots vs 330 shots | 20 more frames with a single charge |
Weight | 453 g vs 675 g | 222 g lighter |
Bluetooth | Yes vs No | Connect your camera to other devices via Bluetooth |
Sensor Resolution | 25.0 MP vs 24.0 MP | 4% more pixels |
Sensor Area | 858.01 mm2 vs 366.6 mm2 | 57.3% larger pixel area |
Continuous Shooting | 12 fps vs 11 fps | 1 fps faster |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 vs 1/4000 | Faster shutter speed |
Screen Size | 3.2″ vs 3″ | 0.2" larger screen |
Screen Resolution | 2,100k dots vs 922k dots | 56.1% higher resolution screen |
Headphone Port | Yes vs No | Has headphone port |
Viewfinder Resolution | 3,690k dots vs 2,359k dots | 36.1% higher resolution |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8 vs 0.7 | 0.1 better magnification |
Touch Screen | Yes | Yes | Easy control of camera functions |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3.2″ | Large display |
Screen Type | Tilting | Tilting | Help viewing and changing settings easily |
Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic | Better framing and control |
Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP | 25.0 MP | Bigger prints and more details |
AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
Microphone Port | Yes | Yes | High quality audio recording option |
Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
Continuous Shooting | 11.0 fps | 12.0 fps | Nice continuous shooting |
Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Built-in stabilization |
Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
Environmental Sealing | Yes | Yes | Shoot at tough conditions |
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Sony Alpha a6500 and Nikon Z 6 from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Sony Alpha a6500 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 222g less than the Nikon Z 6. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Sony Alpha a6500 and Nikon Z 6 any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Sony Alpha a6500 features a 24.0 MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor and boasts of a Bionz X processor . Nikon Z 6, in its turn, comes with a 25.0 MP Full frame sized CMOS sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Sony Alpha a6500 and Nikon Z 6 by the size of their sensors.
One more distinctive feature of compared models is the sensor size. Nikon Z 6 is equipped with a sensor that is 0.4x larger than the one featured in Sony Alpha a6500. Compared to the cameras with smaller sensor area, the ones with larger sensors ensure more control on the blurry background and depth of field if you shoot in the same aperture and focal length. Thus, the first model has a significant advantage here.
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Sony Alpha a6500 and Nikon Z 6 in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
Photography Type | Sony Alpha a6500 | Nikon Z 6 |
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Portrait Photography |
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Street Photography |
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Sports Photography |
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Daily Photography |
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Landscape Photography |
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No Significant DisadvantagesAdvantages:
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No Significant DisadvantagesAdvantages:
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No Significant DisadvantagesHopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Sony Alpha a6500 or Nikon Z 6, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Sony Alpha a6500 and Nikon Z 6 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Sony Alpha a6500 deserves a higher Total Score than the Nikon Z 6. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
Sony Alpha a6500 | Nikon Z 6 | |
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand | Sony | Nikon |
Model | Alpha a6500 | Z 6 |
Announced | Oct 06, 2016 | Aug 23, 2018 |
Body Type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Size | APS-C | Full frame |
Sensor Dimensions | 23.5 x 15.6 mm | 35.9 x 23.9 mm |
Sensor Area | 366.60 mm2 | 858.01 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP | 25.0 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 6000 x 4000 | 6048 x 4024 |
Max Native ISO | 25,600 | 51,200 |
Max Boosted ISO | 51,200 | 204,800 |
Min Native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Sony E | Nikon Z |
Number of Lenses | 83 | 3 |
Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x | 1x |
Macro Focus Range | ||
AutoFocus | ||
AF Touch | ||
AF Continuous | ||
AF Single | ||
AF Tracking | ||
AF Selective | ||
AF Center | ||
AF Multi Area | ||
AF Live View | ||
AF Face Detection | ||
AF Contrast Detection | ||
AF Phase Detection | ||
Number of Focus Points | 425 | 273 |
Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | n/a |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Tilting | Tilting |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3.2″ |
Screen Resolution | 922k dots | 2,100k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | Electronic | Electronic |
ViewFinder Resolution | 2,359k dots | 3,690k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
ViewFinder Magnification | 0.7 | 0.8 |
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 s | 1/8000 s |
Continuous Shooting | 11.0 fps | 12.0 fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 6 | 0 |
Flash Modes | Flash off, Autoflash, Fill-flash, Rear Sync., Slow Sync., Red-eye reduction (On/Off selectable), Hi-speed sync, Wireless | Front-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 144 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM |
Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
Video Formats | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone Port | ||
Headphone Port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless Connectivity | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 | USB 1 |
Physical | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
Water Proof | ||
Dust Proof | ||
Shock Proof | ||
Crush Proof | ||
Freeze Proof | ||
Weight | 453 g | 675 g |
Physical Dimensions | 120 x 67 x 53 mm | 134 x 101 x 68 mm |
Battery Life | 350 shots | 330 shots |
Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Model | n/a | n/a |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | ||
Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC + Memory Stick Pro Duo | XQD card |
Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
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