24.2MP Exmor™ CMOS image sensor

The α6500 features an APS-C image sensor with approx. 24.2 effective megapixels plus thin wiring layer and large photodiode substrate for light collection efficiency. Combined with BIONZ X™ image processing engine, the image sensor achieves a wide sensitivity range of ISO 100-51200 with low noise. The sensor’s quick-transmission copper wiring layer helps the camera to shoot movies in 4K and Full HD at 120fps (100fps).

425 phase-detection AF points with High-density Tracking AF Technology

With 425 focal plane phase-detection AF points helping to provide distinctively wide and dense AF point coverage, the α6500 focuses accurately, efficiently and reliably on subjects throughout the frame. Also, High-density Tracking AF Technology seamlessly activates AF points to cover and track subjects moving within frame with unerring precision. (1) Phase-detection AF coverage (425 points)  (2) Contrast-detection AF coverage (169 points)

Fast Hybrid AF for stills and movies

The α6500 features the world's fastest (0.05 sec.) AF speed. Such speed is achieved by integrating the Fast Hybrid AF’s autofocusing performance plus the BIONZ X image processing engine’s highly efficient, accurate handling of information. This makes for extraordinarily fast, accurate AF and tracking performance when shooting movies or stills. (1) Point of focus (2) Contrast-detection AF (3) Phase-detection AF

11fps (Hi+) continuous shooting and 8fps (Hi) live-view continuous shooting

Clearly capture moving subjects with high-speed continuous shooting at up to 11fps (Hi+). Or choose among three speeds up to 8fps (Hi), for live-view continuous shooting with very little lag on the EVF or LCD screen ― it’s practically as immediate as shooting with an optical viewfinder. 

Huge buffer for up to 307 images (around 36 seconds) in continuous shooting

Faster internal processing and a higher-capacity buffer memory now allow up to 307 images (around 36 seconds) of high-speed continuous shooting. 

In-body 5-axis image stabilisation

The α6500 compensates for five types of camera shake, extending opportunities to shoot steadier still images and movies. The new high-accuracy gyro sensor provides an image stabilisation effect equivalent to a 5-steps-faster shutter speed. The camera enables you to zoom in on faraway subjects, snap detailed close-ups, capture night scenes and more ― all with minimal camera shake blur. (1) Yaw (2) Pitch (3) Roll

Intuitive Touch Focus even with your eye to the viewfinder

Touch Focus makes focus point selection more intuitive ― simply use a finger to touch the LCD touchscreen at the point of the image that you want to focus on. The Touch Pad function lets you shift the focus point smoothly by swiping a finger on the touchscreen, even while viewing the viewfinder.

4K movie recording

4K movie recording in the Super 35mm format with full pixel readout and no pixel binning allows approx. 2.4 times as much information as is basically required for 4K (QFHD: 3840 x 2160). Data this rich is, in fact, equivalent to 6K data, so it clearly conveys exceptionally high resolution in 4K images.

XGA OLED Tru-Finder™

The α6500 introduces a high-contrast, high-resolution, high-visibility XGA OLED Tru-Finder. It reproduces darkness and colour in very fine detail, for clear, smooth views of scenes and tracking of subjects.  You can select either 120 (100fps) or 60fps (50fps) frame rate for use of this viewfinder. 

Always keep the eye in focus

Significantly accurate Eye AF (available with AF-C) provides consistently useful autofocusing on the eye of a subject, even if the subject is in motion. This reliable tool is extremely effective in assuring more successful focused portraiture with fewer photo fails.

Lock-on AF

This function maintains focus on a moving subject automatically. Simply align the target frame and the subject to be tracked. If you lose track of the subject, the camera can detect that subject and resume the Lock-on AF function when the subject reappears on the screen.

High-durability shutter tested to approx. 200,000 release cycles with low vibration

Enjoy less blur from vibration and a very quiet, durable shutter tested to about 200,000 shutter releases. Added braking mechanisms near the end of the rear shutter path plus elastic material as shock absorber produce these benefits. The reduced vibration also helps optimise image sensor resolution performance.

Further advanced image processing system

The BIONZ X image processing engine is supported by newly developed front-end LSI. The image processing algorithm optimised for the image sensor enhances texture reproduction and image clarity while minimising noise, particularly in the mid-to-high sensitivity range.

Slow and Quick Motion

Up to 5x Slow Motion and up to 60x Quick Motion can be recorded at up to 50Mbps in high-quality Full HD in camera. You can choose among eight shooting frame rates ranging from 1 fps to 120 fps　(100fps) , as well as 24p, 30p (25p), or 60p (50p) recording format. Slow Motion and Quick Motion footage can be played back after it is shot, without PC-based post-production processing.

Focal plane phase-detection AF for A-mount lenses 

The α6500 offers focal plane phase-detection AF even when an A-mount lens is mounted using a mount adaptor (LA-EA3) from Sony. So you can take advantage of the autofocus system’s uniquely wide coverage provided by 425 focal plane phase-detection AF points, as well as fast, fluid tracking performance when shooting with other lenses as well as E-mount lenses. (1) A-mount lenses

AF in Focus Magnifier

You can use autofocus even while enlarging a selected image area on the viewfinder or LCD screen, for finer adjustment of focus, for example. This is excellent for macro shooting, when accurate focusing is crucial.

Gamma Display Assist and Zebra function

With Gamma Display Assist, you can view images with natural contrast while recording in S-Log gamma setting, converting S-Log2 and S-Log3 into ITU709 (800%) gamma for monitoring images, or checking focus while enlarging an image on the LCD screen or viewfinder. Moreover, Zebra function simplifies exposure monitoring, especially when shooting in S-Log gamma setting. Target a video signal brightness level from 0-109%, set a range between +10% and -10% of that value, and zebra pattern indicates areas with that level of exposure within that range.

S-Gamut/S-Log shooting

S-Gamut and S-Log shooting give you flexibility to perform colour grading in post-production. The S-Log3 and S-Log2 gamma curves feature wide dynamic range (up to 1300%) to minimise whiteout and blackout. The α6500 even offers impressive 14-stop latitude in S-Log3 gamma setting. The camera also supports S-Gamut, S-Gamut3, and S-Gamut3. Cine colour space from Sony. NOTE: S-Log2 and S-Log3 are premised on processing pictures.

Terminals expand connectivity

The camera supports line input from professional-standard audio devices with XLR terminal, with use of a separately sold XLR adaptor kit (XLR-K2M/XLR-K1M) that enables connection with various high-end microphones. This camera also supports clean HDMI output that allows uncompressed 4K and Full HD movies to be output to an external recorder or monitor. 

Dust and moisture resistance 

Comprehensive dust and moisture resistance measures that help prevent water and dust from entering the body include sealing around the buttons and dials, as well as a protective double-layered structure that tightly interlocks panels and components.

Tough magnesium alloy body and robust lens mount

With internal frames, rear cover, top cover and front cover constructed of magnesium alloy, α6500 is designed for solid reliability and steady handling, as its compact form readily withstands the rigours of shooting in the field. Also, the strength and rigidity of the lens mount provide an especially solid foundation for mounting and withstanding rugged use with even large, heavy lenses such as telephoto lenses.

Silent Shooting

Silent Shooting mode releases the shutter without a sound, even in continuous shooting up to approx. 3fps with AF/AE tracking, so it's very convenient for shooting indoor performances, outdoor wildlife, and in other situations where silence is essential. To turn this mode on/off more intuitively and less intrusively, assign it to a customisable button.

New menu interface makes search easier 

The redesigned menu has a new categorisation scheme. Now, the group name being selected can be found at the screen top, and each tab is coloured differently. This allows quick access to desired menu items, which enables you to change settings smoothly even during shooting. 

File Name Setting

Each file name starts with "DSC" by default, but you can use the camera to change, register, and thereby customise the file name to include the first three characters of your choice. This facilitates management of files, especially when working on assignments with multiple cameras.

PlayMemories Camera Apps™

Express photographs more creatively with PlayMemories Camera Apps, the application download service that lets you add new functions to your camera’s feature set. Choose among Time-lapse for recording images at intervals and combining them, Smart Remote Control for control of settings from a smartphone or tablet, Sky HDR (high-dynamic-range-imaging), Star Trail, Liveview Grading, Smooth Reflection and other apps. Note: Services availability depends on region.

Location Information Link

After the camera has been paired via Bluetooth® to the Imaging Edge Mobile app installed on a compatible mobile phone or tablet device, it can acquire and record location data from the mobile device. The acquired location data can also be used to correct the camera’s date/time and location settings.

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One-touch remote/One-touch sharing

One-touch remote makes your smartphone or tablet a viewfinder/remote control. One-touch sharing transfers photos/videos to your device for SNS sharing. Just install an Imaging Edge Mobile app via Wi-Fi to your NFC-enabled Android device, then touch the device to the camera to connect them. No NFC? No problem, as new QR code compatibility can also pair the devices.

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Capture One (for Sony)

Capture One Express (for Sony) is a free award-winning image editing software that provides high-end image quality RAW development, easy management of your image files, and powerful editing tools. Capture One Pro (for Sony) can be bought for even more editing tools and tethered shooting capability.

Free Download (Go to Phase One Website)

Enhanced auto exposure functions

Along with Multi, Center, and Spot metering modes, the camera features new ones including Highlight, which automatically detects the brightest area in the frame and concentrates exposure metering on that area to avoid blown highlights; and Average, which determines average metering for the entire image in order to maintain stable AE tracking performance as shooting angles change as well as predictable AE behaviour. Also, when [Focus Area] parameter is set to [Flexible Spot] or [Expand Flexible Spot] the metering spot location can be linked to the focus area (selectable from Center/Focus Point Link). Moreover, standard exposure value can be adjusted from -1 to +1 stop in 1/6-stop increments, and set separately for each metering mode.

Priority Set in AWB

When white balance is set to Auto and incandescent lamps or similar illumination are the light sources, the colour tone priority can be set to [Standard], [Ambience], or [White]. [Ambience] produces a warm tone; [White] reproduces white tones faithfully.

Enhanced Remote Camera Control function

When the camera is connected to a computer, you can use Remote Camera Control to take pictures or change camera settings from the computer. This computer-to-camera connection now makes it possible for you to store still images in camera as well as on the computer, so you can visually check images without leaving the camera position. It is now also possible to transfer only JPEG (rather than both JPEG and RAW) files to the computer, reducing the file data volume and allowing transferred images to be checked almost immediately.

Works with iMovie and Final Cut Pro X

This product is compatible with Final Cut Pro X and iMovie.

Imaging Edge™ Remote, Viewer, and Edit

Elevate your photography with Imaging Edge desktop applications. Use "Remote" to remotely control shooting; "Viewer" to quickly preview, rate, and select photos from large image libraries; and "Edit" to develop RAW data into high-quality photos for delivery. Get the best from Sony RAW files, and manage your productions more efficiently.

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