• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 25.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Sony A6500 advantages over Panasonic GH6

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 3.00 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    53 mm vs 99 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    453g vs 823g
    Lighter weight
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic GH6 advantages over Sony A6500

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Slower slow-motion
    240 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Newer
    3 years vs 8 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    1840k vs 922k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    75.0 fps vs 11.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony A6500
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-135mm lens
All A6500 Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic GH6

Review Excerpt

  • Comfortable, premium body with good controls; Touch-screen for subject selection; Hybrid image stabilization system; Excellent image quality; Better high ISO JPEGs than the A6300; Extremely fast 11.1 fps burst capture; Very deep buffers for raw and JPEG alike; 4K video capture with no pixel binning

  • Pricey for an APS-C camera; JPEG colors aren't the most accurate; Very slow buffer clearing; Laggy touch-pad AF function; Poorly-placed movie button; No headphone jack; Mediocre battery life

  • Read our Sony A6500 Review

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm X-Pro2

Sony A6500
Fujifilm X-Pro2
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Higher max flash sync
  • More dots on screen

Compare Sony A6500 vs Fujifilm X-Pro2

Panasonic GH6
Fujifilm X-Pro2
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GH6 vs Fujifilm X-Pro2

Compared to Sony A6300

Sony A6500
Sony A6300
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen
  • $748
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony A6500 vs Sony A6300

Panasonic GH6
Sony A6300
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $748
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GH6 vs Sony A6300

Compared to Sony A6400

Sony A6500
Sony A6400
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Sony A6500 vs Sony A6400

Panasonic GH6
Sony A6400
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GH6 vs Sony A6400

Compared to Olympus E-M1X

Sony A6500
Olympus E-M1X
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2240
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Sony A6500 vs Olympus E-M1X

Panasonic GH6
Olympus E-M1X
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Newer
  • $2240
  • 4/3
  • Built-in GPS
  • Longer video battery life

Compare Panasonic GH6 vs Olympus E-M1X

Compared to Panasonic G95

Sony A6500
Panasonic G95
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony A6500 vs Panasonic G95

Panasonic GH6
Panasonic G95
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • High resolution composite
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Internal flash

Compare Panasonic GH6 vs Panasonic G95

Compare Other Cameras?