The A6000 from Sony was a huge step forward in mirrorless cameras for Sony. It bridged a gap between simple handheld mirrorless, and those wanting to step into the photography game a bit more.
Sony did not stop there though, adding both the A6300 and more recently, the A6500 to this range of powerful cameras.
If you are trying to decide between the three (or even just two) models, this article will give you the quick rundown on why you would want one over the other.
Starting with a comparison chart, and then a breakdown of important features, you can quickly and easily see which model is for you.
Sony A6000 | Sony A6300 | Sony A6500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sensor | APS-C CMOS Sensor 24.3 Megapixel | APS-C Exmor® CMOS Sensor (updated compared to A6000) 24.2 Megapixel | APS-C Exmor® CMOS Sensor (updated compared to A6000) |
Processor | BIONZ X | BIONZ X | BIONZ X |
Dimensions | 4.72 x 2.63 x 1.77″ 120 x 67 x 45mm | 4.72 x 2.63 x 1.92″ 120 x 67 x 48.8mm | 4.72 x 2.64 x 2.09" 120 x 67 x 53 mm |
Weight | 12.1oz / 344g | 14.3oz / 404g | 16oz / 453g |
Autofocus | 179 point phase detection 25 point contrast detection | 425 point phase detection 169 point contrast detection | 425 point phase detection 169 point contrast detection |
ISO Range | 100 - 25600 (extendable to 51200) | 100 - 25600 (extendable to 51200) | 100 - 25600 (extendable to 51200) |
Shutter Speed | 1/4000 - 30sec | 1/4000 - 30sec | 1/4000 - 30sec |
Continuous Shooting (max) | 11 fps | 11 fps | 11 fps * increased buffer - approx 300 images |
Video | 1080p @ 60 or 24p | 4K @ 30p, 24p 1080p @ 120, 60 or 24p | 4K @ 30p. 24p 1080p @ 120, 60 or 24p |
Image Stablisation | None | None | In-body 5-axis image stabilisation |
Audio Input | None | XLR audio jack input | XLR audio jack input |
Flash | Built-in (6m / 18ft) Hotshoe | Built-in (6m / 18ft) Hotshoe | Built-in (6m / 18ft) |
LCD | 3 inch - 90/45 degree tilt up/down | 3 inch - 90/45 degree tilt up/down | 3 inch touch screen - 90/45 degree tilt up/down |
Viewfinder | 1.4 Million Dots, 100% coverage | 2.4 Million Dots, 100% coverage (XGA OLED) | 2.4 Million Dots, 100% coverage (XGA OLED) |
Battery Life | 360 shots | 350 shots (viewfinder) 400 shots (LCD screen) | 310 shots (viewfinder) 350 shots (LCD screen) |
Wireless Technology | Wifi, NFC, connect to Apps | Wifi, NFC, connect to Apps | Wifi, NFC, connect to Apps |
Major Differences
Size & Weight
As you step up the models in this range, the size and weight increase slightly. But, not a huge amount.
Each model is about 2oz heavier, and slightly thicker (front to back) which when you think about adding a lens is mostly irrelevant, as the lens sticks out even further.
So, all in all, if you want or need the extra features of the 6300 or 6500, this should not stop you buying it.
Winner: A6000 if you want a more compact and smaller camera (the A5100 is even smaller)
If a larger grip is something you are after, the A6500 is the best overall.
Sensor
Sony redesigned the sensor on the A6300 (and A6500) to reduce noise at higher ISOs. Most reviewers I have seen have not found a huge difference in this area, but obviously less noise in low light is something we all want. So, if this is importand for you, either the A6300 or A6500 might be a better bet.
All of them have 24 megapixels though and can use all the lenses from the A6000 (and any with an E mount actually).
Winner: A6300 or A6500 for reduced noise at higher ISO
Video, Audio & Stabilisation
I lumped these in together because they all mostly go hand in hand.
The video was upgraded on the A6300 to 4K (at 30fps max) and the 1080p received the addition of a 120 fps slo-mo mode.
On top of that, the A6500 now has in-body 5 axis stabilisation, which is great if you are not using an lenses with built in stabilisation. This is a great plus for people doing video, and can also come in handy for low shutter speeds and zoom with stills.
Both the A6300 and A6500 also got an audio input, which is again a huge plus for people making videos. You can now add any pro level (XLR) audio to the camera, and even mount it on the hotshoe, as most vloggers are known to do.
Winner: A6500 with image stabilisation (and A6300 or A6500 for 4K)
Autofocus
The A6300 got a huge boost in autofocus capabilities with 425 points, compared to 179 in the A6000. This means that both the A6300 and A6500 are faster and more accurate with autofocusing.
This is great if you do video, or shoot moving objects. Other photographers will enjoy it too, but the benefits are more often with moving objects.
Winner: A6300 or A6500
LCD Screen
The LCD screen on all three models has mostly stayed unchanged, however the A6500 has added touch screen capabilities and an upgraded (easier to use) menu. So, some people may find this a benefit, while others will find the touch capabilities annoying (if you happen to use the viewfinder especially, as it can accidentally be used/focus where you don't want).
Winner: A6500 for those wanting touchscreen capabilities
Sony A6000, A6300 & A6500 Tilts Up & Down
Viewfinder
The A6300 (and of course 6500) got a newer and almost double the resolution (XGA OLED) viewfinder that many people will find a huge plus, especially if you shoot through the viewfinder compared to the LCD.
Winner: A6300 or A6500
Continuous Shooting (fps)
All three of these cameras have maximum 11fps, however the A6500 got an increased buffer (around 300 shots) so not only can you shoot at 11fps, but you can keep your finger pressed down for around 25-30 seconds and not have to worry about that old buffering screen of death (just as the car got into the right position!).
Ravpower Sony battery charger (A6000, A6300, A6500)
Battery Life
More features means a slight decrease in battery life with each model. Although I don't have the full (LCD/Viewfinder) specs for the A6000, I think it is fair to say that the batteries (which are the same across all models) last a little longer. Same again with the A6300 vs A6500.
So, in reality, you should always carry a few spares and have a way to charge them, often 2 at a time!
Which Should You Choose?
There are some clear and simple choices here in my opinion:
Video: if video is important to you, then the A6500 is the clear winner adding both 4K, 120fps on 1080p, audio in and image stabilisation. If you don't need the image stabilisation, then the A6300 will be enough.
Fast Moving Subjects: All three do 11fps, but the A6500 has the increased buffer (300+ images) which might be a big selling point if you shoot fast moving subjects.
For the rest, it is a balance of money, size/weight and potentially the autofocus improvements on the A6300/A6500. Check the specs above again and see which you really need, now or in the future.
