Sony A6500 vs Panasonic GH5 – Comparison

Let’s compare the Sony A6500 vs Panasonic GH5. They’re both mirrorless and can record 4K videos, but the Panasonic is better for video while the Sony is better for photography, which can make this a tough decision if you’re into both.

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	GH5
Megapixels	24.2	20.3
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	100
AF Points	425	225 Contrast
Cross-type AF Points	425 phase	0 phase
Continuous Mode	11fps	12fps
LCD	3.0" - Articulating	3.2" - Fully Articulated
LCD Resolution	921,600 dots	1,620,000 dots
Touchscreen	Yes	Yes
Focus Peaking	Yes	Yes
Top LCD Display	No	No
Viewfinder Type	EVF	EVF (3.68M)
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	1.07x	1.52x
Video Resolution	3840x2160 (30/25/24p)	4096x2160 (24p)
	1920x1080 (120/100/60/50p)	3840x2160 (60/50/30/25/24p)
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	1/16000
Slowest Shutter Speed	30"	60"
Bulb Mode	Yes	Yes
JPEG Buffer Size	231	600
RAW Buffer Size	110	60
Time Lapse	Yes	Yes
Built-in Flash	Yes	No
Max Flash Sync Speed	1/160	1/250
Startup Time	1.3s
Built-in Wi-Fi	Yes	Yes
Built-in GPS	No	No
Built- in NFC	Yes	No
Bluetooth	No	Yes
USB Type	USB 2.0	USB 3.0
Environmentally Sealed	Yes	Yes
Battery Life (CIPA)	350 shots	410 shots
Battery Included	Yes (NP-FW50)	Yes
Weight	16.0 oz (453g)	25.6 oz (725g)
Size	4.7 x 2.6 x 2.1"	5.5 x 3.9 x 3.4"
Price	Amazon	Amazon
Release Date	2016	2017

Sony A6500 Advantages:

• Megapixels –  3.9 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.

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

• AF Points – 425 vs 225 points. All 425 points are phase detect, while the GH5 has only contrast, which aren’t as fast for low light situations.

• RAW Buffer Size – 110 vs 60.

• Built-in Flash

• Built-in NFC

• Weight – The Sony A6500 weighs 272g less.

• Size – The Sony A6500 is noticeably smaller.

• Less Expensive – The A6500 body costs around $600 less

The A6500 is more photography oriented, hence the more megapixels and a better AF system. It’s got a bigger RAW buffer as well, and is a lot lighter so if you need something compact for 4K videos, this is better.

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.

Panasonic GH5 Advantages:

• AA Filter – The Panasonic GH5 has no AA filter.

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

• LCD – 3.2″ and it’s fully articulated.

• LCD Resolution – Higher resolution.

• Viewfinder Magnification – Higher magnification.

• Video Resolution – The GH5 can record 4096×2160 and Ultra HD.

• 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 – 1/16000 vs 1/4000.

• JPEG Buffer Size – 600 vs 231. Useful for long bursts.

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

• Bluetooth Support

• USB 3.0 – Faster file transferring out the camera.

• Battery Life – 410 shots vs 350 shots.

For video, the GH5 is simply amazing. It’s got a bigger LCD screen with a higher resolution, a headphone jack, 2 memory card slots with UHS-II support, 4K video with a ton of options we don’t even list here, a faster max. shutter speed, USB 3.0 and slightly longer battery life.

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.