Sony has released details of its new flagship APS-C sensor camera, the α6500 (model ILCE-6500), which is scheduled for global release in December.
The new Sony ?6500 camera, shown with the Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 16-70mm f/4 stabilised lens. (Source: Sony.)
The new camera has the same 24-megapixel resolution as its predecessor and features the same 4D FOCUS system as the ?6300, with 425 phase detection AF points covering almost the entire image area. However, it comes with a faster processor that enables it to shoot continuously at up to 11 frames/second with continuous autofocus and exposure tracking and up to 8 fps in a live-view shooting mode. The buffer memory has been expanded and can now accommodate at least 300 JPEGs or 100 RAW+JPEG pairs. Five-axis in-body image stabilisation has been implemented for the first time in a Sony APS-C sensor camera, offering five stops of shake compensation.
The ?6500 comes equipped with touch screen functionality, allowing users to lock focus on a subject simply by touching it on the screen. The touchscreen can also be used with the viewfinder to shift the focus point by dragging a finger across the screen. The new camera can also record 4K (3840x2160p) video in the popular Super 35mm format on the full width of the image sensor. The Fast Hybrid AF system supports touch focusing for professionally smooth focus shifts, whilst also offering adjustable AF transition speed and AF tracking sensitivity. The camera supports the XAVC S codec during video shooting, which records at a high bit rate of up to 100 Mbps during 4K recording and 50 Mbps during Full HD shooting.
New hardware features on the ?6500 include a magnesium alloy body and a high-durability shutter with a tested life span of approximately 200,000 release cycles. Features shared with the ?7 II series of full-frame cameras include a robust lens mount, a recessed grip to improve handling, a larger release button and ten total custom buttons including ‘C1’, ‘C2’ and ‘C3’. It also has an improved operation feel for its mode and control dials and rear face buttons, as well as a softer eyepiece cup for more comfortable usage. The camera is Wi-Fi, QR and NFC compatible and fully compatible with Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile applications available for Android and iOS platforms, as well as Sony’s growing range of PlayMemories Camera Apps. Location data acquisition via supported via a Bluetooth connection to a compatible mobile device.
The ?6500 will be available in Australia from early December. For details visit https://store.sony.com.au/cameras-interchangeablelenscamera for more information. The listed MSRP in the USA is US$1400.
