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Comparison Sony A7 III body vs Sony A6500 body

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Sony A7 III  body
Sony A6500  body
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Main
5-axis matrix stabilization. Advanced autofocus system. Great performance at high ISOs. Tilt touch display. Compact dimensions. Shooting 4K with a maximum bitrate of 100 Mbps.
Camera type"mirrorless" (MILC)"mirrorless" (MILC)
DxOMark rating9685
Sensor
Sensor
CMOS BSI /bionz X processor/
CMOS (CMOS) /bionz-X processor/
Sensor size
full frame /35.9х24 mm/
APS-C (23x15.5 mm)
Total MP24.725
Effective MP number24.324
Maximum image size6000x4000 px6000x4000 px
Light sensitivity (ISO)100-204800
100-25600 /in some modes it is possible to raise ISO up to 51200/
Sensor cleaning
RAW format recording
Lens
Mount (bayonet)Sony ESony E
Manual focus
Image stabilization
with matrix shift /can work with optical stabilization of the lens (5 axes will be involved)/
with matrix shift /5 axis/
Photo shooting
Frames per series (JPEG)177 шт
Frames per series (RAW)89 шт
HDR
2 control dials
White balance measuring
Exposure compensation± 5 EV, in 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps± 5 EV, in 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps
Auto bracketing
 /± 5 (3.5 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps)/
 /± 5 (3.5 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps)/
Exposure modes
auto
shutter priority
aperture priority
manual mode
auto
shutter priority
aperture priority
manual mode
Metering system
point
centre-weighted
sensor (estimated)
point
centre-weighted
sensor (estimated)
Video recording
Full HD (1080)1920x1080 px 120 fps1920x1080 px 120 fps
Ultra HD (4K)3840x2160 px 30 fps3840x2160 px 30 fps
File recording formatsMPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S
MP4, AVCHD, XAVC S /H.264/
Manual video focus
Connection ports
USB C
micro HDMI v 1.4
headphone Jack
microphone Jack
 
HDMI v 1.4
 
microphone Jack
Focus
Autofocus modes
one shot
tracking
in face
by smile
one shot
tracking
in face
by smile
Focus points693 шт425 шт
Touch focus
Contour enhancement
Viewfinder and shutter
Viewfinderelectronic
electronic /2359K points/
Viewfinder crop0.78 x0.7 x
Frame coverage100 %100 %
Shutter speed30 -1/8000 с
30 - 1/4000 с /movie shooting from 1/4000 to 1/4 (1/3 steps), up to 1/60 in AUTO mode (up to 1/30 in auto slow shutter mode)/
Continuous shooting10 fps11 fps
Shutter typemechanicalelectronic/mechanical
Screen
Screen size3 ''3 ''
Screen resolution921 thousand pixels921 thousand pixels
Touch screen
Rotary display
Memory and communications
2 card slots
Memory cards types
SD, SDHC, SDXC, MemoryStick /UHS-II/
SD, SDHC, SDXC /MS Pro Duo, MS Pro-HG Duo, MS Pro-HG HX Duo/
Communications
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
NFC
smartphone control
Wi-Fi
 
NFC
smartphone control
Flash
Built-in flash
Application range6 m
External flash connect
Power source
Power source
battery
battery
Battery modelNP-FZ100NP-FW50
Battery capacity1080 mAh
Shots per charge610 шт350 шт
General
Charger modelBC-QM1
Console/synchronizer modelRM-VPR1, RMT-DSLR2RM-VPR1, RMT-DSLR2
Materialaluminium / plasticaluminium / plastic
Protectiondustproof, waterproof
Dimensions (WxHxD)127х96х74 mm120х67х53 mm
Weight650 g404 g
Color
Added to E-Catalogfebruary 2018october 2016

DxOMark rating

The result shown by the camera in the DxOMark ranking.

DxOMark is one of the most popular and respected resources for expert camera testing. According to the test results, the camera receives a certain number of points; The more points, the higher the final score.

Sensor

— CCD (CCD). Abbreviation for Charge-Coupled Device. In such sensors, information is read from the photosensitive element according to the “line at a time” principle — an electronic signal is output to the image processor in the form of separate lines (there is also a “frame at a time” variant). In general, such matrices have good characteristics, but they are more expensive than CMOS. In addition, they are poorly suited for some specific conditions — for example, shooting with point light sources in the frame — which is why you have to use various additional technologies in the camera, which also affect the cost.

— CMOS (CMOS). The main advantages of CMOS matrices are ease of manufacture, low cost and power consumption, more compact dimensions than those of CCDs, and the ability to transfer a number of functions (focus, exposure metering, etc.) directly to the sensor, thus reducing the dimensions of the camera. In addition, the camera processor can read the entire image from such a matrix at once (rather than line by line, as in CCD); this avoids distortion when shooting fast-moving objects. The main disadvantage of CMOS is the increased possibility of noise, especially at high ISO values.

— CMOS (CMOS) BSI. BSI is an abbreviation for the English phrase "Backside Illumination". This is the name of "inverted" CMOS sensors, the light on which does not penetrate from the side of the photodiodes, but from the back of the matrix (from the side of the subst...rate). With this implementation, the photodiodes receive more light, since it is not blocked by other elements of the image sensor. As a result, back-illuminated sensors boast high light sensitivity, which allows you to create images of better quality with less noise when shooting in low light conditions. BSI CMOS sensors require less light to properly expose a photo. In production, back-illuminated sensors are more expensive than traditional CMOS sensors.

— LiveMOS. A variety of matrices made using the technology of metal oxide semiconductors (MOS, MOS — Metal-Oxide Semiconductor). Compared to CMOS sensors, it has a simplified design, which provides less tendency to overheat and, as a result, a lower noise level. It is well suited for the "live" viewing mode (viewing in real time) of the image from the matrix on the screen or in the camera's viewfinder, which is why it received the word "Live" in the title. They also feature high data transfer rates.

Sensor size

The physical size of the photosensitive element of a camera. Measured diagonally, often indicated in fractions of an inch — for example, 1/2.3" or 1/1.8" (accordingly, the second matrix will be larger than the first). Note that in such designations it is not the “ordinary” inch (2.54 cm) that is used, but the so-called "Vidiconovsky", which is less than a third and is about 17 mm. This is partly a tribute to the tradition that comes from television tubes — “vidicons” (the forerunners of modern matrices), partly a marketing ploy that gives buyers the impression that the matrices are larger than they actually are.

Anyway, at equal resolution (see Number of megapixels), a larger sensor size means a larger size of each individual pixel; accordingly, on large sensors, more light enters each pixel, which means that such sensors have a higher photosensitivity (see Light sensitivity) and a lower noise level, especially when shooting in low light conditions.

Most often in modern cameras there are such options:

1/2.3" and 1/1.7". Small matrices, typical for models without interchangeable lenses — compacts and digital ultrazooms(see "Camera type").

4/3. A kind of "transitional option" between small sensors of compact devices and large, but at the same time expensive "SLR" APS-C. The size of such a matri...x is 18x13.5 mm, which gives a diagonal of 22.5 mm (approximately 4/3 of the "Vidicon" inch described above, hence the name). It is used in SLR and "mirrorless" cameras (see "Camera type"), mainly entry-level, with Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds mounts, respectively.

— APS-C. The size of matrices of this type can vary from 20.7x13.8 mm to 25.1x16.7 mm, depending on the manufacturer. They are widely used in entry-level and mid-level SLRs, as well as "mirrorless" models.

— APS-H. Somewhat larger than the APS-C described above (the size is 28.1x18.7 mm), otherwise it is almost completely the same.

— Full frame (or APS). The size of such a matrix is equal to the frame size of a classic photographic film — 36x24 mm. It is usually equipped with professional-grade SLR cameras.

— Big frame. This category includes all types of matrices, the size of which exceeds 36x24 mm (full frame). Cameras with similar sensors belong to the so-called medium format class and are, usually, professional models of the premium level. Large matrices allow you to use a resolution of tens of megapixels, while maintaining high clarity and colour quality, however, such devices cost accordingly.

Total MP

The total number of individual light sensitive dots (pixels) provided in the camera's sensor. Denoted in megapixels - millions of pixels.

The total number of MPs, as a rule, is greater than the number of megapixels from which the frame is directly built (for more details, see "Effective number of MPs"). This is due to the presence of service areas on the matrix. In general, this parameter is more of a reference than practically significant: a larger total number of MPs with the same size and effective resolution means a slightly smaller size of each pixel, and, accordingly, an increased likelihood of noise (especially at high ISO values).

Effective MP number

The number of pixels (megapixels) of the matrix directly involved in the construction of the image, in fact — the number of points from which the captured image is built. Some manufacturers, in addition to this parameter, also indicate the total number of MPs, taking into account the service areas of the matrix. However, it is the effective number of MPs that is considered the main indicator — it is this that directly affects the maximum resolution of the resulting image (see “Maximum image size”).

A megapixel is 1 million pixels. Numerous megapixels ensures high resolution of the captured photos, but is not a guarantee of high-quality images — much also depends on the size of the sensor, its light sensitivity (see the relevant glossary items), as well as hardware and software image processing tools used in the camera. Note that for small matrices, high resolution can sometimes be more of an evil than a blessing — such sensors are very prone to the appearance of noise in the image.

Light sensitivity (ISO)

The sensitivity range of a digital camera matrix. In digital photography, light sensitivity is expressed in the same ISO units as in film photography; however, unlike film, the light sensitivity of the sensor in a digital camera can be changed, which gives you more options for adjusting shooting parameters. High maximum light sensitivity is important if you have to use a lens with a low aperture (see Aperture), as well as when shooting dimly lit scenes and fast-moving objects; in the latter case, high ISO allows you to use low shutter speeds, which minimizes image blur. However, note that with an increase in the value of the applied ISO, the level of noise in the resulting images also increases.

Sensor cleaning

The presence in the camera of a special mechanism for cleaning the matrix from dust and other contaminants.

This function is found only in models with interchangeable lenses — "reflex cameras" and MILC (see "Camera type"). When replacing the lens in such cameras, the sensor turns out to be open, and the probability of its contamination is quite high; and extraneous particles on the matrix, at best, lead to the appearance of extraneous artifacts, at worst, to damage to the sensor. To avoid this, cleaning systems are provided. They usually work on the principle of ultrasound: high-frequency vibration "resets" debris from the surface of the sensor.

Note that no cleaning system is perfect — in particular, such systems are “too tough” for condensate, salt deposits and other similar contaminants. So the matrix may still need manual cleaning (ideally, in a service centre). Nevertheless, this function allows you to effectively deal with at least dust, which greatly simplifies the life of the user.

Frames per series (JPEG)

The highest number of shots a camera can capture “in one go” in JPEG continuous shooting.

The technical features of modern digital cameras are such that during continuous shooting, photos have to be recorded in a special buffer, and only then, after the end of the series, they can be copied to a memory card. This buffer has a limited size, so the number of frames in one series is also limited. At the same time, we note that this indicator is usually indicated for shooting at the highest possible resolution (see "Maximum image size"); at lower resolutions, the volume of each image is reduced, and the number of frames in the series may turn out to be more than stated in the specifications.

JPEG, the most popular digital photography format today, is smaller and requires less processing power than RAW (see "Recording in RAW Format"). Therefore, in a JPEG series, as a rule, more frames are available to the photographer. However, in some models that have two separate buffers (for RAW and JPEG), it may be the other way around.

Frames per series (RAW)

The highest number of shots the camera can capture “in one shot” when shooting in RAW format continuously (see “Recording in RAW Format”).

The technical features of modern digital cameras are such that during continuous shooting, photos have to be recorded in a special buffer, and only then, after the end of the series, they can be transferred to a memory card. This buffer has a limited size, so the number of frames in one series is also limited. At the same time, we note that this indicator is usually indicated for shooting at the highest possible resolution (see "Maximum image size"); at lower resolutions, the volume of each image is reduced, and the number of frames in the series may be more than stated in the specifications.

RAW images take up more space and require more processing power than "finished" JPEGs. Therefore, the number of frames in a series of this format is usually lower than that of JPEG. However, there are exceptions — usually these are cameras that have two separate buffers (for RAW and JPEG).
Sony A7 III often compared
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