Panasonic Lumix S S5 II Black 2023
Sony Alpha a6500 Black 2016
What Buyers Say
Panasonic Lumix S S5 II Black 2023
The Panasonic Lumix S5II is overwhelmingly praised as a fantastic hybrid camera that finally brings phase-detect autofocus to the L-mount lineup. Users highlight its excellent video features, including a fan for unlimited recording, great stabilization, and beautiful color science, all at a very competitive price. A few long-term users report a shutter button issue, and some note the limited lens selection compared to Sony, but the vast majority consider it the best value full-frame camera under $2,000.
Pros
- Excellent phase-detect autofocus
- Great video quality and codecs
- Internal fan prevents overheating
- Outstanding image stabilization
- Beautiful color science
Cons
- Shutter button issue after extended use
- Limited lens selection compared to Sony
- APS-C crop in 4K 60p
- Rolling shutter at fast pans
- External monitor disables internal display info
Sony Alpha a6500 Black 2016
The Sony a6500 draws strong praise for its compact design, 4K video quality, and fast autofocus, but a vocal minority of users report serious autofocus reliability issues that produce consistently blurry photos in auto mode. While many photographers love its low-light performance and IBIS, concerns about battery life, rolling shutter, missing accessories, and a stiffer lens mount appear in several reviews. Overall, the camera is well-regarded for its features, though quality control and the lack of GPS are notable frustrations.
Pros
- Excellent 4K video quality
- Compact and lightweight body
- Fast and snappy autofocus
- Great low-light performance
- In-body image stabilization (IBIS)
Cons
- Serious autofocus issues in auto mode
- Blurry photos reported by multiple users
- Short battery life
- Rolling shutter effect
- Stiff lens mount compared to NEX
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Lumix S S5 II | Sony Alpha a6500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | CMOS | Exmor CMOS |
| Size | full-frame | aps-c |
| Megapixels | 24.200000762939453 MP | 24.200000762939453 MP |
| ISO Range | 100 | 100 |
| Processor | L2 | BIONZ X |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Photo, VideoContrast Detection, Phase Detection: 779 | Phase Detection: 425Contrast Detection: 169 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 30 fps★ | 11 fps |
| Burst (Electronic) | 30 fps★ | — |
| Max Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/4000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 6K★ | 4K |
| 4K FPS | 60 fps★ | 30 fps |
| 1080p FPS | 100 fps | 120 fps★ |
| 10-bit | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | H.264/H.265/MOV/MP4/ProRes 4:2:2/4:2:0 8/10-Bit | XAVC S |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3" | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 3.7M dots★ | 2.4M dots |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.66 kg | 0.16 kg★ |
| Battery Life | 370 shots★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓★ | ✗ |
| USB | USB-C★ | Micro-USB |
| HDMI | HDMI Output | HDMI |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Lumix S S5 II Black 2023
- Strong display (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong build (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
Sony Alpha a6500 Black 2016
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong sensor (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong af (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (8th percentile)8th %ile
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 5 of 10 usage categories and 10 of 33 specs.