Sony A5100 vs A6000 vs A6300 vs A6500: A Buying Guide

[@YuriMichelato]

I literally just wanted to say thank you. You don't understand how important you've been with your unbiased and super informative content.I've purchased lenses following your recommendations and oh wow, they were all spot on :) I do a lot of nightclub photography and am still impressed with the results my a6000 delivers. Thanks a lot for everything. I wish you all the success in the future, you deserve it!!

[@ArthurR]

Thank you for watching and subscribing! Making these videos is not only fun, but rewarding knowing that they are helping people.

[@carpermanluke876]

@@ArthurR hi, I have a Sony a5000 primarily for my photography when fishing. I want a 35mm 1.8 lens to get the blurry background, but I won't be able to manually focus it when I'm holding a fish for instance so what would I need to do this the most cheap way? Would it be getting say a Nikon lens and s cheap adapter?

[@Cirearyk]

Wow finally found someone that explains everything in depth to the point and addresses the pros and cons marvelous.

[@Dadsden]

Thanks guys! Great video. I have the Sony a5100 and couldn't be more happy with it. I know there is no mic port etc, but for the mony, this camera can't be beat.

[@johnray3796]

I had my A6000 for 2 years now. Was thinking of upgrading to an A6300 but after seeing this and realizing my camera use, I think I would be sticking to the A6000 for a while. Great review! :)

[@mrgian1407]

John Ray hows the battery life sir?

[@johnray3796]

grant ian minion more than 250 shots or 1.5hrs video on the original battery. I have 2 spare wasabi batteries. Moderate use on fieldwork and interviews.

[@_greylatte]

does it overheat often?

[@naughtyskweet6]

@@mrgian1407 I just shot a wedding. 3 batteries. 3000 pictures. Writing raw+jpeg. The battery is drained much quicker with power zoom lenses. It's significant

[@mosinpathan2072]

@@_greylatte use a6000 in wedding

[@ruben247]

i wish the a6000 had the flip up screen... that would be perfect

[@takumi1153]

Ikr

[@mereld6944]

Same!

[@bosenngantor9160]

boom... A6100 for ya

[@hazonku]

Right? I'm in a weird situation, I want something that does it all but at an affordable price. I want something I can stream on Twitch with, blog with, do KZbin videos with, but still use as a decent photography camera.

[@JonathanGomez-kx6xh]

Hi, I recently bought a5100 im a rookie on taking pics and video but I’m very satisfied on the pics and video quality the images and noise sound is great and thank you for making vid about every Sony camera features have always nice days.

[@gelisob]

Good overview, but you missed an important feature. From A6300 on. THE SILENT SHUTTER!! Super important for some people. Taking pictures without annoying anyone at the event or animals/birds with your shutter sound.

[@alexsiul1142]

Funny you brought that up. The loud shutter of the 6000 ended up working for me as my dogs now always look into the camera when I take picture of them

[@ColinKirkley]

This times 1000. I have shot a few group events with my 6500 where my clients literally believed I hadnt shot anything until I pulled up the catalog in Playmemories. The notion that a camera this small could take such crisp photos and do it silently to boot... Needless to say they were impressed, and have gotten several referrals as a result. I started with a Nex-3, then went to Nex-6, and then a used Nex-7, and now on the 6500. Loved every one of them, and now I have a nice stable of native glass to choose from. The one that gets most use the the 18-105 f4, but the 30mm macro and Z55 1.8 are close behind. Next I need that 24 1.4GM and Ill be in heaven

[@MommaFromScratch]

Can you do a gimble comparison possibly?

[@skulltrailRFL]

Wow excellent comparison video Arthur. My a6000 is still going strong since 2014, and I love using it with vintage lenses. Cheers.

[@RickMentore]

Rafael Santos_7 what vintage lenses do you use with the 6000?

[@amanisaking]

What lenses you got mate?

[@SurajBoddu]

what vintages do you use/recommend?

[@TedThomasTT]

come on dude we need to know :)

[@skulltrailRFL]

Sorry for not saying anything till now. I don't know why youtube never notified about these comments. Well I use mainly Canon FD lens, since my uncle gave me a bunch of lenses of that canon mount. But there are more great lenses lens like the 50mm f/1.4 Super-Takumar, etc. The lens I use the most is the Canon FD 50mm F1.4 S.S.C. , which is a superb lens for the money.

[@chileheadcraig]

For those that do a lot of photography, Sony added the option to select a minimum shutter speed on the a6300. That was a huge perk since the a6000 (and lower) would determine the shutter speed based on the lens (only taking camera shake into consideration), which was often 1/50. Now I can set it to 1/125 to keep motion blur to a minimum.

[@ANIMOKINGDOM]

Recap (quick comparison) @12:24 Great video with lots of details & comparison. I've always wondered what the difference were between these particular Sony cameras (series).

[@MommaFromScratch]

I bought that wasbi based off your recommendation and like it! I really liked the review of all of hem, much appreciated as always! congrats on 50k

[@ryanredmond9195]

Some other things to note. The 5100,as far as I can tell, is basically the NEX-3 body with the A-6X00 sensor. On top of the hot shoe and viewfinder it also lacks the user programmable buttons that the 6000 has, as well as the "exposure" wheel on the top next to the mode wheel. The 6500 adds another user programmable button over the 6000 and the 6300 if I'm not mistaken.

[@CharlesLi1]

Continuous Eye Auto Focus is one of the Sony game changers and a big part of why I switched. That feature starts at the a6300. As others have said you also get the silent shutter. Everyone's needs are different and I didn't buy it for the 4k despite it being one of its biggest selling points.

[@jaysonesguerra]

I really wish the A6xxx series had the flippable screen like the A5100. Like I am considering buying a field monitor just for better self-video capability.

Good job, at last comprehensive compration, 3.09 burst shooting going from high noise A5100 and A6000 lesser A6300 to reletivly quite A6500

[@anonimanonymus8567]

Why 5100 has flip out screen and the rest have not is beyond me....

[@thesloable]

Because of the viewfinder bump

[@normandong4479]

Well done. This is clearly one of the better comparative and informative videos about a a camera line. Most other videos just read the factory specs and you don’t get a user-based impression. Sony has always made outstanding cameras where the color and details are amazing.

[@AdebayoOkeowo]

Really excellent comparison. I recently got the a6000 and I am loving the results

[@yungshen9588]

Still learning the A6000 love it so much 👍👍

[@fantasticfavour]

Does the a5100 have a stabilizer, if yes how do I set it? Thanks

[@pgikiru]

Excellent video as always. Just a quick note, the a5100 was released after the a6000 even though it does have fewer features. I have the white a6000 which I got with the kit lens at less than 350 USD here in Kenya and it was pretty much brand new....I couldn't believe my luck. Thanks for the recommendation and keep up the good work.

[@JessDemant]

Good video that explains it simple but good! I can also see that you and your wife were on holiday in Copenhagen, Denmark, where both of you visited lovely Nyhavn! Many greetings Jess from Denmark

[@jos.4276]

Thanks, I just bought the A6000. Glad to know it's what the camera salesman said it is.

[@tezburkey8901]

As always great honest review on Sony cameras definitely helped me make my purchase decision for the A6300.

[@michaelcross2199]

Actually sold my A7R and sticking to my A6000. Love this little work horse. On a recent trip to New Zealand i used the A6000 most of the time and shot some amazing photos. I absolutely hated the shutter sound of the A7R. My next purchase is the Sigma 16mm after watching your review. Youe th ebest go to guy on KZbin for Sony APSC . Keep up great work

[@KreyolRoots]

I'm going to buy a A6400 and I have some old lenses: SAL 16/105 and SAL 50/14 - Do you have a video about those lenses and do they fit on the Alpha 6400?

[@stephenwabaxter]

This is an excellent comparison of the four cameras. I have the Rav Power battery charger and agree its very good.

[@khaitv1633]

So far, this is the best review video I've seen. You sold me to sony cameras.

[@yttean98]

I used the A6000 in snowing conditions travelling at 20-30km/hr on a sledge, taking images, after that event, I wiped down the body of water and moisture and it worked like a charm and still working. No need for weather sealing.

[@b__cube]

Best video I could find so far for these DSLRs!

[@JcSkyline]

This is the most useful video I've ever come across; I know it's cliched, but I mean it -- I'm an amateur with an NEX-5N who's dying for an upgrade and this really helped. Thank you!

[@timothysearles9060]

I appreciate your videos. I have the Sony A6000 and have been using it several years. I live and work in Thailand and overheating is a BIG problem. I have maybe 4 minutes of record time, open the flip-out screen, and open the battery compartment. No improvement. I bought an external fan - never used it in opting to get a Canon HF R800 where heat is not a problem and also has the external mike jack. For stills, the A6000 is jam up. From Thailand

[@mustafadarrar5880]

Excellent video for beginners! I have never purchased an expensive camera nor am I a professional photographer or have any knowledge of camera technology other than my iPhone camera but I have a few projects coming up and I'll need a decent camera for my projects. Thanks to KZbin for suggesting this video. Exceptional informative contents for beginners. I know exactly which camera to purchase now - will buy one in a few minutes. Thank you so much for making it so easy for me and saving me a lot of time.

[@tonypower9315]

Brilliant vid thanks. Sony has always been confusing with lots of models. I take photos not video, it was nice to see you talk about the screen, Eva and focus types. The things that matter to photographers not video guys.

[@sebastianharrysson1842]

Just yesterday i started to follow your channel and it's really, really good. It has already helped me a lot when trying to decide on which camera i should go for and what lens would be great for what i want to use my camera for. Keep it up!

[@SUPERSTUDIO17]

THANK YOU. this was an amazing comparison video. I've been research which Sony alpha camera i should get for myself for a graduation gift, and your video really helps. Very well put together!

[@Seyyahun]

Sony must bring back exact design of sony a5100 with new features!!!!!

[@PeacefullyMi]

yeah getting rid of the flip screen was a no no

[@happylifmindfully]

Very very informative.... Great video...

[@andrelousada]

Hell yeah!!!!! We need a A6500 in a A5xxx format!

[@Jxian]

now u have A6400

[@nils8485]

@@Jxian A6400 isnt the same pricerange as the 5100 was, even when it was new, i dont think those casual dudes will pay that much on their camera.

[@naught_.]

What about the A5000? How does it compare video and photo quality-wise to the A5100 or A6000? Can you use A6300+ lenses on the A5000?

I sold my camera lumix gh4 and currently I have a6300 vs a6000 and I am happy with my 2 Sony cameras

[@JRMoritz]

Thanks I have been trying to decide what to get. The a6000 would probably suit my needs for now but the a6300 would give me more options down the road and may be worth the extra money.

[@lumbelstatus2854]

I love your review of these cameras. I always wanted to know the differences among those models. Thank you! Great Video!

[@j.r.regenold9094]

Am using an a5100 for gimbal cam with kit lens, have an a6300 on a cage rig. Great cameras, not upgrading until something compelling comes out. Good comparison, enjoy your vids a lot.

[@ThisIsWheelLife]

Can you control the Sony a5000 with an iPhone?? I am disabled and want to document myself and need a (small) good quality camera for vlogging to share helpful KZbin videos.

[@Drew-do9wx]

I have the same issue on the touch screen of my Fujifilm X-E3. It seems weird to me that there is no option to disable the touch screen when the EVF detects that your eye is close to it.

[@edwardskipka5044]

I have the a6000 and even with opening it all up it overheats SUPER fast. Sony recently released a firmware update though for the 6300 and 6500 that lets you turn up the "shut off temp". So in addition to them getting better with overheating as you go up, make sure you're on at least the 6300 for longer videos as the a6000 DOESN'T have the firmware update for shut off temp. Also worth noting is you can't control video from the app on the a6000, only take pictures and the 6300-6500 also have a level meter on the viewfinder where the 6000 doesn't (not a huge deal, but it's a pain to fix shots later or have to look at a spirit level on the tripod/camera.

[@a-mudassir]

I am thinking if buying a6300 for night photography and day photography too.. Is it worth it?

[@paganmin1214]

Ahmed Mudassir really worth. A6300 is perfect on low light photography and also day photography because the image quality so sharp.

[@DaddyJamesFilms]

I got the a6000 I like it but the low light I'm not digging the low light, is the a63000 better in low-light.

[@OmiAzad]

At the first 6300 video sample, can you please tell me what picture profile you have used or you do have any video about picture profiles for videos?

[@sorryociffer]

I'm looking for a camera that is fast toshoot once turned on and has fast focus and minimal lag from the time the button is pressed....how does the a6500 do with this?

[@amermeleitor]

What do you think about older Sony cameras? Like nex5, nex5t, nex6, etc. Are the lenses E-mount and compatibles with new Sony cameras like the 6300?

[@thomathome]

Never had the issue with the touch screen getting touched by face on the 6500 the screen has always automatically turned off when I bring my eye up to the view finder. The overheating during video and lower battery life is about it. Grate review though!!

[@Zwalter]

Does the a6000 and a5100 have the same autofocus system?

[@mirrorlessny]

looks like it yea, you can compare them on cameradecision site

[@alokdash6037]

Too much helpful for choosing a sony camera

[@airsofter2247]

Thanks for the video; Im thinking of swapping my Canon 600d for a A6000 and this video helped a lot. ps. your wife is stunning!

[@ArthurR]

I havent looked back to Canon! Except sometimes I miss their lenses.

[@airsofter2247]

My A6000 arrived today; thanks for helping me pick such an awesome camera :)

[@earlfenwick]

Came sooo close to pulling the trigger on a nice used RX 10 mk2 today. After seeing your video (and probably 15 or 50 others!) I think I will go with the 6300. I can work around the headphone jack lack and toss on my old nikon glass as a bonus. Great Great comparison video.

[@andreysamochkov9917]

Hi, I have a question about 5100. Just buy this camera for my wife and I have Infrared remote control with the package but I can't find how to connect this RC to the camera. The a6000 have a remote option in the menu but not for a5100. Please help if you know how. Thanks

[@ShenTan]

Great comparison video. I went for the A6300 in the end 😀

[@Carre4beta]

One of the most helpfull video when it comes to choosing of what model should I get. Thank you sincirly

[@davidng6309]

Nice to watch a guy with a passion for photography and sharing it.Good insights and knowledgeable video.Bang for bucks.God Bless.

[@HenryEtsitty]

Thank you for your reviews/insight into the Sony line. I did it! Purchased the a6000 today!

[@4evrbatman]

A5100 for me is going great for 3 years , the selfie screen and easy of usability with smaller size and apsc sensor is big things in small package. Got great pictures with it. Just saw, 6:38 San Antonio Riverwalk Christmas lights

[@arjunkrishna1]

PRO Tip : If you are recording indoors, then you shouldn't be worried about overheating and record limit. Just get a cheap dummy battery that connects to wall power. With this, a5100 could record 2 hours straight without overheating. The battery is the culprit here. This method works with all above cameras.

[@tankahsmom]

I got the a5100. I tried to raise the volume in the settings. Its stuck at 15. When I try to turn it up it says its unavailable. Do you know why it's not letting me turn the volume up higher than 15 in the settings?

[@ozzigames8042]

Does the a5100 have heating problems?

[@LooseEnds]

If I were stills only, I think the a6000 would suit me perfectly. As more of a hybrid user, I'm very happy to have the a6300. I think it's size, quality, lowlight performance, and versatility make it just about the ideal "family camera," which is what I mostly use it for. Nice overview video. Cheers!

[@diyowl5496]

I am shooting with a5000. I shoot a lot of video and photos very often in low light. I have had it for less than a year and yesterday i hit 20 000 shots. I really want to upgrade. I am 14 and my parents don't allow me to upgrade. They say that they see no benefits. Any suggestions for what I should do?

[@chryseass.5143]

Hi Arthur, good job comparing all four. I own the a6000 and the a6500 and there definitely is an obvious difference in their build quality and handling. You did not mention that there is an extra programmable function button button ( C2) located on the top of the a6500. My first impression when I got the a6500 was the noticeable increase in weight of the camera body ( still lightweight) but I do appreciate that it does feel, and is, more durable ( esp. the lens mount) than the a6000. When I use the older camera now, I am very conscious of what is lacking from it, but I agree with you, it is a fine and very capable camera and now represents an excellent value within the Sony lineup. Lenses will all work exactly the same on both bodies.

[@djgalomusic8022]

What camera/lens would you recommend for a DJ who just needs to record and take pics in low light situations and is on a limited budget?

[@suchiboy]

Hey there! Thanks alot for the side by side comparison! As an amateur photographer, I was wondering which camera to go for and your video greatly helped me make up my mind to buy the A6000, considering the features against cost factor. Love your videos! Keep up the good work, Cheers Suchi

[@jbx907]

I love my new a5100 with zhiyun crane m. Ive used an a6000 and a5100 can do all the setting and shoot of the a6000 plus touch pull focus. It just lacks evf and hot shoe, dials and bittons but all fuctions done in a6000 can still be done with a5100 additional it has touch focis or touch shutter and a zoom control. I dont think you ever explored the a5100. What settings does it lack from the a6000.?

[@sndtae]

I'm torn between these two. Which one should I get if I mainly want to shoot product photos? Thanks in advance.

[@slr7075]

Great video Tech! I enjoy using my a6300 and keep on rolling the informative videos.

[@ripley4726]

Hi, what is the main difference between the A5100 and the A6000. I need to be able to record a self made music video indoors. can I use a smart phone to focus and start recording video as I only see the options for photos. Thanks

[@PhotoGearFun]

Thanks so much for the tip on the Rav Power charger. I used your link to buy mine! Great video.

[@ArthurR]

Awesome! Thank you for the support!

[@PhotoGearFun]

It's my pleasure it's not much but I wanted to help out.

[@abawi7674]

03:25 Copenhagen, Denmark? Watched some of your vids to decide my first camera - waiting for my a6000 to arrive now. Keep up the good work, very informative.

[@jonathancarter9648]

Such a helpful video, I have been shooting with the a5200 over a year and am looking to upgrade some features.

[@tomford1080]

I know this is an old video and I’m late to the party but thank you your an awesome Reviewer!!!

[@GallaghersGrub]

Great stuff. Very helpful. Love my a5100 with flip-up selfie screen.

[@ColinBloodworth]

My Wasabipower batteries came with a dual charger and I love it. I find myself not using those batteries, though. My a6300 doesn't like them. There's a weird issue with the digital readout on those from a full charge, the readout on the screen says 1%-5%. It almost never gets above that. So I pack these as last-ditch effort. I have 2 of them and 2 native Sony ones, which work like a dream. Great video, my man. All stuff I knew, but super concise and easy to watch. This is searchable and will get you some views. But you knew that lol.

[@ArthurR]

That's super weird - My wasabi batteries are fine, but these Vivitar ones I got in my A6500 deal are horrible. They die in 30 minutes. Thanks for the comment!

[@merarilvp1799]

hi, is me again, i think i try the a6300 body only, because i think buy the 35mm 1.8 (pics for my dog, baby, family), what you think, i need buy the lens kit 16-50? or only the 35mm

[@gemlenz]

Very good explanation of the Sony bodies. I have an A6000 and want to do more video. I live in Arizona so was concerned about the overheating. I like that the 6300 and 6500 have audio inputs. I use strictly Sony lenses now so don't need to worry about adapting lenses. Budget is the biggest consideration. I do have one question. Why would you need 4K unless you were doing wedding videos?

[@charruaporelmundo]

What about image quality only? Puting for example the a6500 with a samyang 12 and the a6000 with same lens and shooting to a lake from a tripod . The images will be the same? Or you will get better images quality on a6500?

[@BenjaminMutuku]

I'm glad that your video was recommended since I'm searching and reviewing which Sony A-series mirrorless camera to get for my fairly new KZbin channel. I thought I'd say that and get back to watching to determine which is the best camera for 4k videos. And I've subscribed. Cheers.

[@edc5338]

Great comparison! I have the NEX7 and the 6000 and the 6300 and plenty of extra batteries!😀 Nice job as usual!.

[@gnayak9]

An Excellent Review. You helped me to select the camera as per my requirements by sorting the features. I feel Sony A6000 will fulfill all my requirements.

[@PatrickGuerrisi]

Hi does the a6500 do 60fps what's the max resolution at 60fps ?

[@thaporkhaiso2800]

hey i have question if i charge it with powerbank ,,is there any problem issue

[@carltercak4742]

Don't forget about milestones cameras . NEX-5R/N NEX-6 and NEX-7 .

[@andywolan]

What lens do you recommend so casual shooting? Is the power zoom 15-50mm lens that typically comes with the 6000's good enough or do you feel that people should go with another lens?

[@jtech8714]

Their are slight difference to each one. Your right if depend on what feature someone is going for. And their budget.

[@devandavis6342]

Thank you! I just made my decision based off of this review. I just bought the A6000 yesterday!

[@ArthurR]

Congrats and welcome!

[@rooney4172]

Does it worth my money to buy a6000 in 2018 I only use for street and landscape photography

[@devandavis6342]

If you are just using it for photography I would not upgrade past a6000. The video is not great on the a6000. I only use it for photography as well.

[@PeterPing]

A6000 is the best camera to buy if you don't care about 4k video.

[@sathwiks8045]

White Rabbit

[@grlt23]

I have a6000 and it is great but i am missing a lot optical stabilization in body :( I would love to use some cheap lens without OSS, but it is kinda shaky without it... well maybe I just need more steady hands ;)

[@untalentedclod]

I was explaining to a friend recently, who thought IBIS was a MUST have. Just keep one factor in mind. Image stabilization is fairly new and there are quite a few pretty good pictures taken in the past 200 years without it. Personally, I'm not going to upgrade from my a6000 because two years later, I am still learning every time I pick it up, and I have no interest in video, 4k or otherwise.

[@michaelpbuttigieg]

I bought the 5100 then sold it and got the a6000. Best value for money, incredible photos, and if you don’t give a damn about video (like me, I still use a camera for photos shock horror!), there is barely any difference in image quality between the 6000 and the upper two models.

[@Mrprodigy7801]

X

[@sharifsalem]

I noticed you don’t have the eyecup on any of the cameras. I found mine falls off easily and in fact I just lost the one from a6000 and ordered and couple of spares including one with a bigger silicone cup. Would love to hear your reasoning for this. Cheers, keep up the great work on the channel.

[@ArthurR]

Haha I always lose them! That is why. They just fall off when you are storing the camera in bags and pockets!

[@sharifsalem]

TechnologyMafia pretty serious design flaw in that case I would say considering it has affected several years of versions of this camera series.

[@JeffintheD]

Sharif Salem mine fell off my a6000 in the first week. I never found it. Given this is my first camera ever, I don’t know what I’m missing, LOL. Does the eyecup help?

[@rajpancholi1836]

I have the Sony A5100, so without a hotshoe, am I not able to use an off camera / wireless flash for HSS ? As I thinking of buying a Godox.

[@guitarmixvids]

Really glad I found this video!! The a5100 is almost perfect for me! I have two questions: 1) How is the video in low light? 2) Does it accept an external shotgun mic? Thanks again!

[@ArthurR]

Low light depends more on the lens you use. Get something F1.8. As for external mic, not an option until you step up to the A6300.

[@guitarmixvids]

great info, thanks!!!

[@ronaldparker8263]

Excellent comparison video, keep up the good work!

[@pikooworld]

Hi! I'm a a6300 user and was wondering if I must buy a UV Filter to protect my lens from scratch. Do you think uv filter is a must?

[@JohnnyFuturePast]

Thank you Arthur! Very helpful in deciding my next camera!

[@jtkyber]

Dang you literally have videos about every single thing I'm thinking about getting! A6300, sigma 16mm 1.4 and even the exact Hamilton watch lol!

[@tylermcbride2807]

Will the pictures look better on the pricey one compared to the lower priced one