Sony Alpha a6500

Lightning-quick AF system ; Respectable buffer capacity ; Expansive video options

Dim rear LCD ; Noticeable rolling shutter ; Still lacks a headphone port

In-body image stabilization finally comes to the Sony APS-C flagship. Add bucketloads of buffer and a touchscreen, and the A6500 arguably surpasses Sony’s A7 Mark II.

Compact body. 11.1fps burst shooting. Large buffer. Tilting touch-screen LCD. Crisp 120fps EVF. In-body image stabilization. Excellent image quality. Integrated flash. Wi-Fi with NFC. 4K video and 120fps 1080p.

Dense menu system. Some add-on apps must be purchased. No external charger included. Battery life lags behind competing models. Only one memory card slot. No grip available. Requires FE lens to complete weather sealing.

The Sony Alpha 6500 maintains the excellent image quality and autofocus system delivered by less expensive models in the family—the Alpha 6000 and 6300. It adds in-body image stabilization and a touch screen, not included in either model, and maintains...

by Dan Bracaglia

A tough and tiny powerhouse of a camera ; 5-axis in-body image stabilisation means you don’t rely on Sony’s OSS lenses ; Autofocus is very fast in all shooting scenarios ; Video performance and image quality is second to none

Poor battery life ; Battery charger not included ; Touchscreen operation could be improved ; Relatively limited Sony E lens line up

The Sony A6500 might cost a fair whack more than its A6300 cousin, but it's a powerhouse of a camera that, for the right user, will be worth the cash.

Excellent image quality ; Great for capturing fast-moving objects ; Touchscreen for fast operation

Expensive ; Poor battery life

A cracking system cam for action photography, but stick with the A6300 if your budget is tight

The Sony Alpha 6500 will be available before the Holiday season starts. The camera with E-mount is available in black for a recommended retail price of € 1.700 EUR / £ 1,500 GBP / $ 1.400 USD. In addition, the A6500 will be on sale in combination with...

Also, with a simple half press of the shutter button, the effect of the image stabilisation can be monitored in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen, allowing framing and focus to be accurately checked and continually monitored. This is available even...