Olympus E-M5 vs Sony A6500

Following is a extended overview of the Olympus E-M5 and Sony A6500, both Advanced Mirrorless cameras by brands Olympus and Sony. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the E-M5 (16MP) and A6500 (24MP) and the E-M5 (Four Thirds) and A6500 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The E-M5 was released 5 years prior to the A6500 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A6500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a short view of how the E-M5 scores vs the A6500 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Sony Alpha a6500. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M5 Gallery and Sony A6500 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M5 comes with physical dimensions of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs) whilst the Sony A6500 has proportions of 120mm x 67mm x 53mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 2.1") and a weight of 453 grams (1.00 lbs).

See the Olympus E-M5 and Sony A6500 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-M5 against the A6500.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-M5 and A6500 is 81 and 81 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizes simply by looking through specifications. The image here will give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-M5 and A6500.

To sum up, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-M5 due to its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony A6500 will provide you with greater detail as a result of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged E-M5 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.