Sony a6500 vs Sony zv-e10 Comparison

Last Updated on October 26, 2022 by Sharon Advik

Sony a6500 vs Sony zv-e10 Comparison:

Overview:

Two digital cameras, the Sony Alpha A6500 and the Sony ZV-E10 were unveiled in October 2016 and July 2021, respectively.

The Sony Alpha A6500 is a decent option at a reasonable price among the many mirrorless digital cameras available today.

There is a lot to enjoy about the high-quality photos and films this APS C camera can capture; even if it falls short of our top recommendation for the most outstanding digital camera and the best digital camera for filmmaking, it is still a good choice.

Including in-body image stabilization, which was previously limited to the Sony Alpha 7 series, including the Sony Alpha A7 III Mirrorless digital camera, is particularly noteworthy.

On the other hand, the ZV-E10 is a new model that Sony has added to their line of vlogging cameras this year.

It’s not a replacement for the Sony ZV-1, which debuted last year, but rather an improved model with a bigger sensor and interchangeable lens capability.

The cost of this camera is much more intriguing.

The APS-C sensor is found in the A6500 and the ZV-E10, two mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras.

A 24-megapixel resolution is available on both cameras.

Here, I’ll contrast Sony’s ZV-E10 and A6500 mirrorless cameras.

The Sony ZV-E10 is a camera in the entry-level mirrorless category, whereas the Sony Alpha a6500 is a camera in the advanced mirrorless category.

Specifications:

Body comparison:

The side-by-side comparison of these two cameras shows how big and heavy the Sony A6500 and the Sony ZV-E10 are.

The two cameras are portrayed according to how big they are in comparison.

There are three alternate perspectives—from the front, the top, and the back.

The nearest millimeter is used to round all width, height, and depth measurements.

While the A6500 is only offered in black, the ZV-E10 is available in two colors: black and white.

Front View: The Sony ZV-E10 is noticeably smaller (8%) than the Sony A6500 if the cameras’ front view area (width x height) is considered an overall measure of their size. Additionally, the ZV-E10 is significantly lighter (24%) than the A6500.

In this regard, it’s important to note that the ZV-E10 lacks a weather-sealing equivalent to the A6500’s splash and dust resistance.

The above size and weight comparisons are lacking because they do not account for the interchangeable lenses necessary for each camera.

Since both cameras in this instance have the same lens mount, you can use the same lenses on both.

The Sony E-Mount Lens Catalog allows you to compare the lenses offered.

The two mirrorless cameras under consideration also have the benefit of having a close flange to focal plane distance, which enables the use of adapters to install a variety of lenses from various systems on the camera.

Imaging Sensor:

At the heart of digital cameras is the imaging sensor, whose size is one of the critical determinants of image quality.

Larger individual pixels on a sensor with the same technical generation will typically have richer color depth, more fantastic dynamic range, and better low-light sensitivity than smaller pixels on a smaller sensor.

The photographer will also have more creative freedom with a big sensor camera when utilizing the shallow depth of focus to separate a subject from its background.

The drawback of larger sensors is that they are more expensive to produce and frequently result in more extensive and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras have an APS-C sensor and a format factor of 1.5 (also known as a “crop factor” sometimes).

The review cameras fall into medium-sized sensor cameras, which strive to balance portability and image quality within the range of camera sensors.

The sensor width to sensor height for both cameras is natively 3:2.

Resolution and Sensitivity ranger:

The two cameras under examination have the same sensor size and the exact 24-megapixel resolution.

Due to their comparable sensor specifications, the A6500 and the ZV-E10 are assumed to have the same pixel density and size.

The ZV-E10 is, however, 4 years and 9 months newer than the A6500, and as a result, its sensor will have benefited from advancements in technology over this time.

The basic sensitivity range of the Sony Alpha A6500 is ISO 100 to ISO 25600, and it may be increased to ISO 100-51200.

The Sony ZV-comparable E10’s ISO settings range from ISO 100 to ISO 32000, with the option of extending the range to ISO 100-51200.

CMOS:

Both cameras include CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) sensors.

Hence, they are both technologically advanced.

The RGB colors are recorded by both cameras using a Bayer filter on a square grid of photosensors.

The majority of digital cameras have this configuration.

DxO Mark provides reliable data on actual sensor performance for various cameras.

This service assesses and rates the color depth (“DXO Portrait”), dynamic range (“DXO Landscape”), and low-light sensitivity (“DXO Sports”) of camera sensors in addition to publishing an overall camera score.

Many contemporary cameras now have video recording capabilities and still image capture.

Both cameras under consideration offer the exact movie requirements (4K/30p) and have sensors with quick enough read-out speeds for moving photos.

Viewfinder:

Cameras can and do differ across various aspects besides body and sensor.

For instance, the A6500 includes a 2359k-dot electronic viewfinder, which helps take photos in direct sunlight.

Because the A6500 includes an integrated electronic viewfinder, shooting in bright sunshine and other conditions where it would be challenging to see, the LCD monitor is made simpler.

The viewfinder offers a 2,359k-dot resolution and 100% coverage.

One hundred percent coverage guarantees that what you see in the viewfinder when taking the picture corresponds to what you will see later in your image, reducing the need for post-processing cropping and helping you frame your photos more precisely.

The viewfinder’s magnification ratio is 0.7x (35mm equivalent). ZV-E10 lacks an external viewfinder option and a viewfinder altogether.

It can be challenging to see LCD panels in intense light, which makes the absence of a viewfinder troublesome.

On-board Flash:

The inclusion of an onboard flash is one area where the cameras diverge.

The ZV-E10 lacks one, although the A6500 does.

The A6500’s built-in flash is not very powerful, although it occasionally serves as a good fill-in light.

The flash is a piece of equipment that briefly emits light.

When photographing dimly lit environments, such as interiors or night scenes, use the flash’s light to compensate for the lack of brightness.

Light can help prevent camera motion and subject blur by providing brief exposure.

The internal flash of the Sony A6500 has a Guide Number of 6 meters or 19.7 feet at ISO 100.

At f/2.8, that translates to around 7 feet.

The A6500’s flash in the test image above generated an adequate flash exposure at those settings but a little dull at roughly 1/6 EV below optimal.

Articulated Screen/ Flip Screen:

Fixed screens do not allow you to capture or preview your images in awkward situations such as above your head or waist level.

Articulated screens do.

After using a camera with an articulated screen for a while, switching back to one without is quite tricky.

An articulated screen has been made on the front-facing of the ZV-E10.

Vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies will value this quality.

The A6500, in comparison, lacks a selfie screen.

The A6500 has a touchscreen but cannot rotate its screen 180 degrees.

It may be a significant drawback for many vloggers.

The flip screen ensures that everything is in order as recorded.

Frame per rate:

The number of frames captured each second is referred to as the “frame rate” (fps).

The finished movie plays more smoothly the higher the frame rate.

The supported frame rates are 60, 50, 30, 25, and 24 fps; at 60 fps, 60 frames are captured every second.

The Sony a6500 can record slow-motion video at 60 and 120 frames per second in 1080p resolution.

The Sony zv-e10 can shoot up to 11 frames per second at 24.2 MP for up to 116 (JPEG) or 46 frames (Raw).

The A6500 can capture UHD 4K footage at 24, 25, and 30 frames per square second.

And for a tiny, mirrorless camera, this is exceptionally outstanding.

However, the ZV-E10 cannot record 4K at 60 frames per second.

Shutter Speed:

The information about the reported shutter speed applies to the mechanical shutter.

However, some cameras have an electronic shutter, while others also include a mechanical shutter.

The electronic shutter included in both cameras under discussion allows for silent photography.

Electronic shutters can shoot with silence since they don’t produce drive noise like mirrors or mechanical shutters.

This benefit increases the camera’s capability to capture pivotal sporting moments and other images you may have previously been hesitant to capture due to shutter noise.

However, this mode is less convenient for photography under artificial light sources or while capturing moving objects (risk of the rolling shutter) (risk of flickering).

Bitrate:

The bitrate decides whether the processor in your camera can maintain the image quality during video playback.

Similar to how a still image’s resolution is used to gauge its quality, bitrate is used to gauge video quality.

The Sony ZV-E10 allows you to record videos in MPEG-4, XAVC S, and H.264 formats at a maximum resolution of 3840 x 1920 at 30p, 25p, and 24p frames per second.

While the Sony ZV-4K E10’s resolution is the industry standard for consumer video, the Sony a6500 can record 4K video at a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels at either 30 or 24 frames per second with a maximum bit rate of 100 Mbps.

Only quick, UHS-I certified memory cards are capable of this bit rate; slower cards are limited to 60 Mbps video.

Focusing:

The ZV-E10 and Sony A6500 have autofocus (AF) systems that use both contrast detection and phase detection, ensuring quick and accurate focusing in most circumstances.

There are 425 points available in the AF system.

Another function of the Sony A6500 and ZV-E10 is facial recognition AF, which automatically locks the focus and intelligently recognizes faces in the frame.

A6500 and ZV-E10 cameras also offer an advanced feature called Eye Tracking AF, which precisely detects and focuses on the subject’s chosen eye while tracking them as they move.

This feature is, in addition, to face detection AF.

Memory Card:

The A6500 and the ZV-E10 write their imaging data files for storage to SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards.

Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which offer up to 104 MB/s of Ultra High-Speed data transfer.

The V30 Video Speed Class certification on this card ensures minimum write speeds of at least 30 MB/s and allows it to be optimized for 4K and Full HD 1080p video capture as well as raw, JPEG, rapid-fire burst photography in DSLRs and camcorders.

Although UHS-I cards offer slower speeds, they are far more affordable.

These are primarily made for still photographers.

Connectivity Comparison:

The degree to which a camera can communicate with its surroundings might be crucial when choosing a camera for particular imaging applications.

The connectivity of the Sony Alpha A6500 and Sony ZV-E10 are summarised in the table below, focusing on the interfaces that the cameras (and a few selected competitors) offer for accessory control and data transfer.

The ZV-E10 is remarkable for having a headphone jack, which enables users to connect external headphones and assess the sound quality while recording. There is no such headphone port on the A6500.

A more contemporary model in Sony’s current product lineup is the ZV-E10.

The A6500, however, has been phased out (but can be found pre-owned on eBay).

The Sony A6600 replaced the A6500 as a successor in the same range of cameras.

The Sony A6500 Manual (free pdf) or the Sony ZV-E10 Manual online provide further details on the functions and features of the A6500 and ZV-E10.

Battery:

The digital camera battery life is one of the critical aspects that will determine how much you like taking pictures.

You run the danger of missing that crucial shot if you ignore it.

According to CIPA standards, the Sony A6500’s NP-FW50 battery has 350-shot battery life.

Even though the battery life of mirrorless type cameras, which averages 377 photos, is about average for its class, it is advised to purchase extra batteries for prolonged photo excursions.

Sony’s NP-FW50 battery, which is frequently criticized, also powers the ZV-E10.

It is rated for roughly 80 minutes of recording time or 440 photos, but your mileage may vary depending on how you use the camera.

The two cameras’ battery life comparison shows no significant differences.

Weather Sealing Ability:

A photographer can venture outside inclement weather like rain, snow, or wind with flying dirt and debris.

Aside from protecting your camera from rain and snow, weather sealing will keep it safe from humidity and extreme cold.

In addition to condensation, your camera’s lenses may experience water damage—especially if you’re out in a downpour of biblical proportions.

Weather-sealed cameras may be more durable and allow you to spend more time outside in the rain than a camera that isn’t weather-sealed would.

Compared to the ZV-E10, the A6500’s weather-sealed body allows you to use the camera with greater assurance in environments with a chance of exposure to dust and water.

Lenses:

The number of available lenses is a crucial deciding factor when selecting an interchangeable lens camera.

The Sony ZV-E10 and Sony A6500 share the Sony E lens mount, and there are presently 182 native lenses available for these cameras.

The presence of image stabilization is another crucial factor.

You can stabilize Every lens in the Sony ZV-E10 and Sony A6500 can be stabilized because these cameras have sensor-based image stabilization.

Photography Types:

In this section, we rank and contrast the Sony ZV-E10 and Sony A6500 for five distinct genres of photography to help you decide if you have a particular interest in one or more of these categories:

Portrait Photography:

When selecting the best camera for portraiture, there are several factors to consider.

Choosing whether to use a crop sensor or a full frame is one of the most crucial decisions you must make.

The Sony ZV-E10 gets a Portrait Photography score of 56, making it an AVERAGE candidate for this genre of photography.

With a score of 67 for portrait photography, the Sony A6500 qualifies as a GOOD option for this kind of photography.

The Sony A6500 will meet the majority of your needs.

Sports Photography:

There are a few particular criteria for the ideal sports camera.

A decent sports camera needs to be quick and precise to keep up with things that move quickly and unpredictably.

It’s not just about having the most megapixels.

The Sony ZV-E10 scored 62 for sports photography, making it a GOOD candidate for this sort of photography, while the Sony A6500 scored 71 for sports photography, making it the best candidate.

The Sony A6500 will meet the majority of your needs.

Daily Photography:

Even for experienced photographers, picking the most attractive camera can be challenging because there are many different models and price ranges to consider.

The best camera for everyday photography isn’t always the most costly or powerful model; somewhat, the best camera for you will differ depending on what you plan to accomplish with it.

Sony ZV-E10 scores 77 for Daily Photography compared to Sony A6500’s 76, making it a GOOD contender for this sort of photography.

The Sony ZV-E10 will generally satisfy your demands.

Why should you pick the Sony Alpha A6500?

Simpler framing has an electronic viewfinder for setting and image composition.

• Better sealing: Can be used to shoot in humid or dusty settings because it is weather sealed.
• Sharper images: Built-in picture stabilization reduces handshake.
• Simpler fill-in: Has a tiny inbuilt flash to illuminate dark shadows.
• Has a more significant discount: it has been around for much longer (launched in October 2016).

Why should you pick the Sony ZV-E10?

• Has a headphone jack that permits audio monitoring while recording for better sound control.
• With a swivel screen allowing unusual angles in either portrait or landscape configuration, the LCD is more adaptable.
• More conducive to selfies: has a screen that can be turned to face the front and is articulated.
• Less hefty: It weighs less (by 110g or 24%) and is simpler to transport.
• Longer lasting: Uses a single battery charge for 440 rounds instead of 350.
• Supports a faster USB protocol for data transfer (3.2 v/s 2.0).
• Effortless wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for cordless image sharing.
• More reasonable: It was added to a less expensive category (50 percent cheaper at launch).
• Modernized: Reflects 4 years, 9 months’ worth of technological advancement since the launch of the A6500.

Price:

Of course, the cost plays a significant role in any camera purchase.

The model is positioned in the market about other models in the producer’s lineup and the competition based on the retail prices when they released this camera.

The ZV-E10 was introduced at a significantly lower price than the A6500 (by 50%), which places it in a different market niche.

Retail pricing typically remains initially close to the debut price before discounts become accessible after a few months.

Further discounts and stock clearing sales frequently drive the camera price even lower later in the product cycle, especially when the successor model is due to debut.

After the new model’s release, desirable discounts are frequently discovered on the used car market.

Is ZV-E10 a good camera?

If the total number of unique benefits, the ZV-E10 is the contest’s undisputed champion in my review. A professional wedding photographer like me will follow camera distinctions differently from a travel photographer, and a cityscape photographer will have different requirements from a macro photographer. As a result, choosing the best and most worthwhile camera is frequently a subjective process. Its APS-C sensor presents a substantial amount of dynamic range to bring out gloom and highlight detail in high-contrast scenes. It naturally has a less functional dynamic range than full-frame options. Due to such features, I find it more convenient with this camera.

Sony a6500 pros & cons:

Sony zv-e10 pros & cons:

Conclusion:

If the total number of individual benefits (bullet points above) is used as a benchmark, the ZV-E10 is the contest’s undisputed champion (9: 5 points).

However, different photographers will find different camera strengths helpful, so before choosing a camera, you might want to consider each camera feature in light of how important it is for your particular photographic requirements.

A professional wedding photographer will regard camera differences differently from a travel photographer, and a cityscape photographer will have different needs from a macro photographer.

As a result, choosing the best and most worthwhile camera is frequently a subjective process.

Sony ZV-E10:

• Ranked 8 out of 130 in rangefinder-style mirrorless cameras.
• Ranked 98th overall out of 1244 cameras.

Sony a6500:

• Ranked 6 out of 130 rangefinder-style mirrorless cameras
• Ranked 79 out of 1244 across all Cameras

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