• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Sony NEX-5R advantages over Sony A6500

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.78 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    38 mm vs 53 mm
    Thinner

Sony A6500 advantages over Sony NEX-5R

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,405 vs 910 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    8 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.1 fps vs 10.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Comfortable, premium body with good controls; Touch-screen for subject selection; Hybrid image stabilization system; Excellent image quality; Better high ISO JPEGs than the A6300; Extremely fast 11.1 fps burst capture; Very deep buffers for raw and JPEG alike; 4K video capture with no pixel binning

  • Pricey for an APS-C camera; JPEG colors aren't the most accurate; Very slow buffer clearing; Laggy touch-pad AF function; Poorly-placed movie button; No headphone jack; Mediocre battery life

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-C3

Sony NEX-5R
Sony NEX-C3
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
Sony A6500
Sony NEX-C3
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner

Compared to Sony NEX-5N

Sony NEX-5R
Sony NEX-5N
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
Sony A6500
Sony NEX-5N
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Canon EOS M

Sony NEX-5R
Canon EOS M
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack
Sony A6500
Canon EOS M
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Thinner

Compared to Fujifilm X-Pro2

Sony NEX-5R
Fujifilm X-Pro2
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video
Sony A6500
Fujifilm X-Pro2
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Higher max flash sync
  • More dots on screen

Compared to Sony A6300

Sony NEX-5R
Sony A6300
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen
  • $748
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video
Sony A6500
Sony A6300
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen
  • $748
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
Compare Other Cameras?