Sony
Alpha 6500
APS-C flagship with 5-axis IBIS, weather sealing, and the same 24MP sensor as the a6300.
$1,399
Launch priceReleased Oct 2016
Sony
Alpha 6600
APS-C with IBIS and huge NP-FZ100 battery in a compact body.
$1,399
Launch priceReleased Oct 2019
Alpha 6600 is 3 years newer.
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Wins
Alpha 6500
Wins
Alpha 6600
7 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AAlpha 6500 has higher 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 30 fps)
- AAlpha 6500 has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- BAlpha 6600 has higher Burst (mechanical) (11 fps vs 6 fps)
- AAlpha 6500 has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 425)
- AAlpha 6500 has higher Burst (electronic) (15 fps vs 11 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareAlpha 6500
120 × 67 × 53 mm
453 g (1.00 lb / 15.98 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Alpha 6600
120 × 67 × 69 mm
503 g (1.11 lb / 17.74 oz)
Alpha 6500 is 16mm thinner than Alpha 6600.
Alpha 6500 is 50 g lighter than Alpha 6600.
Depth (front-to-back): 53mm Alpha 6500 · 69mm Alpha 6600
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 6500
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
Alpha 6600
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 6500
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Alpha 6600
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Alpha 6500
AF low-light limit
-4 EV vs -2 EV — lower is better
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II
AA filter
Only Alpha 6500 supports it
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Alpha 6500 supports it
4K max frame rate
60 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.265
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 6600
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
Codecs
Adds XAVC S, AVCHD
Burst (mechanical)
11 fps vs 6 fps — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 69.3
Battery life (CIPA)
810 shots vs 640 shots — higher is better
ISO max (native)
32,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Resolution — Both 24.2 MP
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 94 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓RAW buffer depth — Both 60 frames
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Alpha 6500
Pros
- ✓IBIS in APS-C
- ✓Weather sealed
- ✓Touchscreen
- ✓Strong AF for era
Cons
- –Superseded by a6600/a6700
- –Older 4K codec
- –Small body ergonomics
Alpha 6600
Pros
- ✓IBIS in APS-C
- ✓Excellent battery
- ✓Real-time tracking AF
Cons
- –Older than A6700
- –Single slot
- –No 4K 60p
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Alpha 6500 and Alpha 6600 at major authorized retailers.
Sony Alpha 6500
Sony Alpha 6600
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, Alpha 6500 or Alpha 6600?
Alpha 6500 scores 8.0/10 versus 4.0/10 for Alpha 6600 — 15fps burst — fast action ready.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 6500 and Alpha 6600?
Both cameras share the same 24.2 MP resolution.
Do the Alpha 6500 and Alpha 6600 have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 6500 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization, while Alpha 6600 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 6500 or the Alpha 6600?
Alpha 6500 reaches 15 fps electronic. Alpha 6600 reaches 11 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 6500 and Alpha 6600?
Alpha 6500 weighs 453 g and Alpha 6600 weighs 503 g, so the Alpha 6500 is 50 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 6500 and Alpha 6600 record 4K video?
Alpha 6500: 4K up to 60p. Alpha 6600: 4K up to 30p.
Are the Alpha 6500 and Alpha 6600 weather sealed?
Alpha 6500: Yes. Alpha 6600: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 6500 and 810 shots for the Alpha 6600, giving the Alpha 6600 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Both launched at $1,399.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Alpha 6500 vs Alpha 6600 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.