Sony has announced the a6500, the successor to the well-received Alpha a6300 mirrorless camera.
In similar vein as the compact RX100 V also announced on Thursday, the a6500 builds on the success rather than offering too great an overhaul.
The 24.2-megapixel APS-C EXMOR CMOS sensor remains the same. However, it now has the world’s fastest AF lock at 0.05 seconds.
It also has 425 phase detection AF points, ‘densely positioned over nearly the entire image area’, which Sony claims is the world’s highest for an interchangeable lens camera.
Related: Best Cameras 2016
Sony says the camera can shoot at speeds of 11 frames per second with continuous autofocus for a total of 307 frames thanks to the enhanced image buffer.
There’s also in-body 5-axis optical image stabilisation that’ll do the job even if the lens in use doesn’t boast OIS tech, Sony says.
“One of the most exciting developments in the new α6500 is the implementation of 5-axis image stabilisation for the first time in a Sony APS-C sensor camera,” the company writes.
“Also, with a simple half press of the shutter button, the effect of the image stabilisation can be monitored in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen, allowing framing and focus to be accurately checked and continually monitored. This is available even when a lens is attached that does not have built-in shake compensation.”
Speaking of the LCD, it also enables users to touch to focus.
As you can see in the video below, the a6500 is also a dab hand at shooting 4K video. It’ll record in the Super 35mm format at a bitrate of up to 100mbps during Ultra HD shooting.
The Sony a6500 will be available in December from 1,700 Euros, which is approximately £1,500 for the body only. It’ll be €2,800 (about £2,475) with the SEL1670Z lens.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
