Let’s compare the Sony A6500 vs Olympus E-M1 II. Both cameras are fast and offer 4K video recording, but the A6500 is quite cheaper which can make this buying decision harder for you.
Our comparison table below covers all the important specifications of each camera. Below that, we specifically talk about the new improvements and which model is better suited for your needs.
Sony A6500 E-M1 II
Megapixels 24.2 20.4
Sensor Type CMOS Live MOS
Sensor Format APS-C Micro Four Thirds
Crop Factor 1.5x 2.0x
AA Filter Yes None
Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 5184 X 3888
Body Image Stabilization Yes - 5-Axis Yes
Lens Mount Sony E Micro Four Thirds
ISO 100 - 25,600 200 - 25,600
Expanded ISO 51,200 None
AF Points 425 121 Hybrid
Cross-type AF Points 425 phase 121 phase
Continuous Mode 11fps 18fps
LCD 3.0" - Articulating 3.0" - Fully Articulated
LCD Resolution 921,600 dots 1,037,000 dots
Touchscreen Yes Yes
Focus Peaking Yes Yes
Top LCD Display No No
Viewfinder Type EVF EVF (2.36M)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 1.07x 1.48x
Video Resolution 3840x2160 (30/25/24p) 4096x2160 (24p)
1920x1080 (120/100/60/50p) 3840x2160 (30/25/24p)
Microphone Jack Yes Yes
Headphone Jack No Yes
Memory Card Type SD or MS Pro SD + SD
Dual Card Slots No Yes
SD UHS Support UHS-I UHS-II
Fastest Shutter Speed 1/4000 1/32000
Slowest Shutter Speed 30" 60"
Bulb Mode Yes Yes
JPEG Buffer Size 231 118
RAW Buffer Size 110 102
Time Lapse Yes Yes
Built-in Flash Yes No
Max Flash Sync Speed 1/160 1/250
Startup Time 1.3s 0.8s
Built-in Wi-Fi Yes Yes
Built-in GPS No No
Built- in NFC Yes No
Bluetooth No No
USB Type USB 2.0 USB 3.0
Environmentally Sealed Yes Yes
Battery Life (CIPA) 350 shots 440 shots
Battery Included Yes (NP-FW50) Yes (BLH-1)
Weight 16.0 oz (453g) 20.2 oz (574g)
Size 4.7 x 2.6 x 2.1" 5.3 x 3.6 x 2.7"
Price Amazon Amazon
Release Date 2016 2016
Sony A6500 Advantages:
- Megapixels – 3.8 more megapixels. It’s a small difference and you won’t notice it unless printing really big.
- Sensor Format – APS-C is bigger than MFT, which results in slightly less noise at higher ISO levels.
- ISO – 51,200 vs 25,600. Higher maximum ISO sensitivity.
- AF Points – 425 vs 121.
- JPEG Buffer Size – 231 vs 118. Useful for long bursts.
- RAW Buffer Size – 110 vs 102.
- Built-in Flash
- Built-in NFC
- Weight – The Sony A6500 weighs 121g less.
- Size – The Sony A6500 is noticeably smaller.
- Less Expensive – The A6500 costs around $600 less
The A6500 has a few more megapixels but that won’t make a difference in 99% cases, it has a bigger sensor with 1 stop higher ISO, better AF system and twice as long RAW/JPEG buffer.
You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.
Olympus E-M1 II Advantages:
- AA Filter – The Olympus E-M1 II has no AA filter.
- Continuous mode – 18fps vs 11fps. More is better for sports and wildlife since you have more chances of getting a tack sharp shot.
- LCD – It’s fully articulated.
- LCD Resolution – Higher resolution.
- Viewfinder Magnification – Higher magnification.
- Headphone Jack – Useful for previewing your audio quality straight out the camera.
- Dual Card Slots – More room for extra photos, or simply for backup.
- UHS-II – Faster writing speeds than UHS-I, but you need a memory card that can handle such speeds.
- Faster Max Shutter Speed – 1/32000 vs 1/4000.
- USB 3.0 – Faster file transferring out the camera.
- Max Flash Sync Speed – 1/250 vs /160.
- Battery Life – 440 shots vs 350 shots.
The E-M1 II has no AA filter, is faster in burst mode and has an articulated LCD screen with a higher resolution. You’ll also appreciate the 2 memory card slots with UHS-II support if you need one extra memory card for backup, video or just long traveling. Battery life is noticeably longer, it’s got USB 3.0 for fast file transferring and is noticeably bigger than the A6500.
You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.
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