Fujifilm X-A5 vs Sony A6500

The Fujifilm X-A5 and the Sony Alpha A6500 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2018 and October 2016. Both the X-A5 and the A6500 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 24 megapixels.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

	VS
Fujifilm X-A5		Sony A6500
Mirrorless system camera		Mirrorless system camera
Fujifilm X mount lenses		Sony E mount lenses
24 MP, APS-C Sensor		24 MP, APS-C Sensor
4K/15p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 200-12800 (200-51200)		ISO 100-25600 (100-51200)
No viewfinder, LCD framing		Electronic viewfinder (2359k dots)
3.0" LCD, 1040k dots		3.0" LCD, 922k dots
Tilting touchscreen		Tilting touchscreen
6 shutter flaps per second		11 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization only		In-body stabilization
Not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
450 shots per battery charge		350 shots per battery charge
117 x 68 x 40 mm, 361 g		120 x 67 x 53 mm, 453 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-A5 and the Sony Alpha A6500? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-A5 and the Sony A6500 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X-A5 can be obtained in three different colors (silver, brown, pink), while the A6500 is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A6500 is somewhat larger (1 percent) than the Fujifilm X-A5. Moreover, the A6500 is markedly heavier (25 percent) than the X-A5. It is noteworthy in this context that the A6500 is splash and dust-proof, while the X-A5 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Yet, since both cameras are based around an APS-C sensor, their respective lenses will tend to have similar dimensions and heft. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog (X-A5) and the Sony E-Mount Lens Catalog (A6500). Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.

Concerning battery life, the X-A5 gets 450 shots out of its NP-W126S battery, while the A6500 can take 350 images on a single charge of its NP-FW50 power pack. The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Fujifilm X-A5»	4.6 in	2.7 in	1.6 in	12.7 oz	450	n	Jan 2018	399		Fujifilm X-A5
	Sony A6500«	4.7 in	2.6 in	2.1 in	16.0 oz	350	Y	Oct 2016	1,399		Sony A6500
	Fujifilm X-T200« »	4.8 in	3.3 in	2.2 in	13.1 oz	270	n	Jan 2020	699		Fujifilm X-T200
	Fujifilm X-T30« »	4.6 in	3.3 in	1.9 in	13.5 oz	380	n	Feb 2019	899		Fujifilm X-T30
	Fujifilm X-A7« »	4.7 in	2.7 in	1.6 in	11.3 oz	440	n	Sep 2019	499		Fujifilm X-A7
	Fujifilm X-T100« »	4.8 in	3.3 in	1.9 in	15.8 oz	430	n	May 2018	599		Fujifilm X-T100
	Fujifilm X-E3« »	4.8 in	2.9 in	1.7 in	11.9 oz	350	n	Sep 2017	899		Fujifilm X-E3
	Fujifilm X-T20« »	4.6 in	3.3 in	1.6 in	13.5 oz	350	n	Jan 2017	899		Fujifilm X-T20
	Fujifilm X-A3« »	4.6 in	2.6 in	1.6 in	12.0 oz	410	n	Aug 2016	399		Fujifilm X-A3
	Fujifilm X-A10« »	4.6 in	2.6 in	1.6 in	11.7 oz	410	n	Dec 2016	399		Fujifilm X-A10
	Fujifilm X-A2« »	4.6 in	2.6 in	1.6 in	12.3 oz	410	n	Jan 2015	399		Fujifilm X-A2
	Nikon D3500« »	4.9 in	3.8 in	2.8 in	12.9 oz	1550	n	Aug 2018	429		Nikon D3500
	Panasonic GX8« »	5.2 in	3.1 in	2.5 in	17.2 oz	330	Y	Jul 2015	1,199		Panasonic GX8
	Sony A6600« »	4.7 in	2.6 in	2.7 in	17.7 oz	810	Y	Aug 2019	1,399		Sony A6600
	Sony A6300« »	4.7 in	2.6 in	1.9 in	14.3 oz	400	Y	Feb 2016	999		Sony A6300
	Sony A77« »	5.6 in	4.1 in	3.2 in	25.8 oz	470	Y	Aug 2011	1,399		Sony A77
	Sony NEX-7« »	4.7 in	2.6 in	1.7 in	14.1 oz	430	n	Aug 2011	1,349		Sony NEX-7
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The X-A5 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 71 percent) than the A6500, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the A6500 is 1 percent smaller. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors.

Even though the X-A5 has a slightly larger sensor, both cameras offer the same resolution of 24 megapixels. This implies that the X-A5 has a lower pixel density and larger individual pixels (with a pixel pitch of 3.92μm versus 3.91μm for the A6500), which gives it a potential advantage in terms of light gathering capacity. In addition, the X-A5 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 3 months) than the A6500, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time.

The A6500 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Fujifilm X-A5 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 200-51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A6500 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-51200.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the A6500 provides a faster frame rate than the X-A5. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Fujifilm is limited to 4K/15p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the A6500 has an electronic viewfinder (2359k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X-A5 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Fujifilm X-A5, the Sony A6500, and comparable cameras.

One feature that differentiates the A6500 and the X-A5 is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The A6500 reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the X-A5 has to rely on optical image stabilization in OIS-equipped lenses to achieve the same effect.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Fujifilm X-A5 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The X-A5 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A6500 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm X-A5 and Sony Alpha A6500 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Both the X-A5 and the A6500 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The A6500 was replaced by the Sony A6600, while the X-A5 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Fujifilm and Sony websites.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Fujifilm X-A5 or the Sony A6500 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X-A5:

• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 922k dots).
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 92g or 20 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (450 versus 350) on a single battery charge.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (71 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 3 months after the A6500).

Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A6500:

• Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (4K/30p versus 4K/15p).
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in October 2016).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the match-up finishes in a tie (8 points each). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X-A5 and the Sony A6500 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the X-A5 or the A6500 perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model	cam era   labs	dp re   view	e photo   zine	ima ging resource	photo graphy   blog	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Fujifilm X-A5	+	..	4/5	4/5	3.5/5	Jan 2018	399		Fujifilm X-A5
	Sony A6500	+ +	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2016	1,399		Sony A6500
	Fujifilm X-T200	..	82/100	..	..	4.5/5	Jan 2020	699		Fujifilm X-T200
	Fujifilm X-T30	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2019	899		Fujifilm X-T30
	Fujifilm X-A7	..	81/100	4/5	..	3.5/5	Sep 2019	499		Fujifilm X-A7
	Fujifilm X-T100	+	79/100	4/5	..	4.5/5	May 2018	599		Fujifilm X-T100
	Fujifilm X-E3	+	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2017	899		Fujifilm X-E3
	Fujifilm X-T20	+ +	82/100	5/5	..	4.5/5	Jan 2017	899		Fujifilm X-T20
	Fujifilm X-A3	..	74/100	4.5/5	..	4/5	Aug 2016	399		Fujifilm X-A3
	Fujifilm X-A10	..	..	4/5	..	4/5	Dec 2016	399		Fujifilm X-A10
	Fujifilm X-A2	..	..	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2015	399		Fujifilm X-A2
	Nikon D3500	..	75/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2018	429		Nikon D3500
	Panasonic GX8	+	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2015	1,199		Panasonic GX8
	Sony A6600	+	83/100	4.5/5	..	4/5	Aug 2019	1,399		Sony A6600
	Sony A6300	+	85/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2016	999		Sony A6300
	Sony A77	91/100	81/100	..	4.5/5	5/5	Aug 2011	1,399		Sony A77
	Sony NEX-7	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Aug 2011	1,349		Sony NEX-7
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

Specifications: Fujifilm X-A5 vs Sony A6500

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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