Sony's flagship APS-C mirrorless of 2016 — 24.2MP with 5-axis IBIS, touchscreen, and 4K video.
The Sony A6500 launched in 2016 as Sony's top APS-C mirrorless camera, adding in-body 5-axis image stabilisation and a touchscreen over the A6300. It represented the most complete APS-C mirrorless package available at the time of release.
The 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor delivers excellent image quality. 425-point phase-detect AF system with improved algorithms over the A6300. 11fps burst with AF tracking. 5-axis IBIS rated at 5 stops — the first Sony APS-C mirrorless with in-body stabilisation.
Magnesium alloy body at 453g. 2.36M-dot OLED EVF. 3-inch tilting touchscreen — finally touch-enabled. 4K 30p video with improved heat management over A6300. Single SD card slot. Micro-USB. WiFi, NFC, and Bluetooth. Front-end LSI for improved processing speed.
Available used at budget to mid-range prices. The A6600 succeeded it with better battery life and eye AF. The overheating issues from the A6300 were improved but not eliminated. Check for IBIS noise — some units develop a faint rattle. The first Sony APS-C to truly compete on all fronts.