Sony A6500 vs Panasonic GH4 – Comparison

Let’s compare the Sony A6500 vs Panasonic GH4. The GH4 is older but still an attractive option for budget 4K video recording.

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	GH4
Megapixels	24.2	16.1
Sensor Type	CMOS	Live MOS
Sensor Format	APS-C	Micro Four Thirds
Crop Factor	1.5x	2.0x
AA Filter	Yes	Yes
Image Resolution	6000 x 4000	4608 x 3456
Body Image Stabilization	Yes - 5-Axis	No
Lens Mount	Sony E	Micro Four Thirds
ISO	100 - 25,600	200 - 25,600
Expanded ISO	51,200	100
AF Points	425	49 Contrast
Cross-type AF Points	425 phase	0 phase
Continuous Mode	11fps	12fps
LCD	3.0" - Articulating	3.0" - Fully Articulated
LCD Resolution	921,600 dots	1,036,800 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	1.34x
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
Dual Card Slots	No	No
SD UHS Support	UHS-I	UHS-I
Fastest Shutter Speed	1/4000	1/8000
Slowest Shutter Speed	30"	60"
Bulb Mode	Yes	Yes
JPEG Buffer Size	231	Unlimited
RAW Buffer Size	110	21
Time Lapse	Yes	Yes
Built-in Flash	Yes	Yes
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 2.0
Environmentally Sealed	Yes	Yes
Battery Life (CIPA)	350 shots	530 shots
Battery Included	Yes (NP-FW50)	Yes
Weight	16.0 oz (453g)	20.1 oz (569g)
Size	4.7 x 2.6 x 2.1"	5.2 x 3.7 x 3.3"
Price	Amazon	Amazon
Release Date	2016	2014

Sony A6500 Advantages:

• Megapixels –  4.8 more megapixels. For printing big and cropping, the Sony A6500 is a much better choice.

• Sensor Format – APS-C is bigger than MFT. When shooting above ISO 3,200, you’ll notice a big difference in image quality.

• Body Image Stabilization – The Sony A6500 has built-in body stabilization for photos and videos, which is an excellent feature for traveling and shooting in low light.

• ISO – 51,200 vs 25,600 – Higher maximum ISO sensitivity.

• AF Points – 425 vs 49. The Sony also has all points phase detection, which is better than contrast, especially in low light.

• RAW Buffer Size – 110 vs 21.

• Built-in NFC

• Weight – The Sony A6500 weighs 116g less.

• Size – The Sony A6500 is noticeably smaller.

The A6500 gets you a bigger sensor with 5 more megapixels, built-in stabilization, way better AF system, 5x bigger RAW buffer in a smaller and lighter body.

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.

Panasonic GH4 Advantages:

• Continuous mode – 12fps vs 11fps. It’s an advantage, but not something you will really notice that often.

• LCD – It’s fully articulated.

• LCD Resolution – Higher resolution.

• Viewfinder Magnification – Higher magnification.

• Video Resolution – 4K Video as well as 4096×2160

• Headphone Jack – Useful for previewing your audio quality straight out the camera.

• Faster Max Shutter Speed – 1/8000 vs 1/4000.

• JPEG Buffer Size – Unlimited vs 231. Useful for long bursts.

• Max Flash Sync Speed – 1/250 vs /160.

• Battery Life – 530 shots vs 350 shots.

The GH4 is older, but still an affordable choice for 4K videographers. The LCD is much better, it’s got a headphone jack, longer battery life and 1 stop faster max. shutter speed (helps if shooting with big apertures on a sunny day).

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.