Samsung SL620 vs Sony A6500: A Thorough Comparison for Every Photographer

When stepping into the world of digital cameras, the diversity in options can be overwhelming. Today, we dive into a detailed comparison between two strikingly different models from two renowned manufacturers: the Samsung SL620, an ultracompact point-and-shoot released in 2009, and the Sony Alpha A6500, a cutting-edge advanced mirrorless camera launched in 2016. These cameras sit at opposite ends of the technology and price spectrum, so the question isn’t simply “which is better,” but “which suits your photography needs and budget?”

Drawing on years of hands-on testing and image quality assessment under controlled and real-world scenarios, I’ll guide you through their core attributes, performance nuances, and how each excels or falls short across various photographic disciplines. Let’s dig in.

First Impressions: Design, Handling, and Build

The Samsung SL620 hails from an era when ultracompact cameras prioritized pocketability above all. At just 92mm wide, 61mm tall, and 23mm thick, and weighing a mere 168 grams, it truly fits in your palm or coat pocket. The body is simple, lightweight plastic, with a fixed lens cleverly tucked behind a sliding cover - a classic design from the point-and-shoot heyday.

Contrast this with the Sony A6500’s much more substantial dimensions: 120mm width, 67mm height, and a chunky 53mm depth, weighing in at 453 grams. It sports a robust magnesium alloy chassis with weather sealing - a serious build for serious shooters. The ergonomic grip, physical control dials, and configurable buttons clearly show the camera was designed with professional workflows in mind.

From firsthand experience, the SL620 feels like a casual travel companion, the type of camera to pull out for quick snapshots on vacation. The A6500 demands a more deliberate setup, yet rewards with superb handling during extended sessions. Both have their place - your choice depends on whether you value portability over manual control.

On top, the SL620 offers a barebones control layout focused on simplicity: zoom rocker, shutter, and mode dial. The A6500 reveals a sophisticated top panel with customizable dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and more, giving instant tactile feedback - a boon for photographers shooting in changing conditions.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Sensor design is where these two cameras diverge fundamentally.

The Samsung SL620 uses a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with a resolution of 12 megapixels. CCD sensors were once standard in compact cameras, prized for decent color reproduction but limited by smaller sensor size and older technology. The sensor area here is approximately 27.72mm².

On the other hand, the Sony A6500 boasts a large APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.6 mm), measuring over 366mm² - over 13 times the SL620’s sensor area - delivering 24 megapixels. This sensor uses the advanced Bionz X processor for noise reduction and fine detail retention.

What this means in practical terms: The larger Sony sensor can gather more light, handle higher ISOs with less noise, and produce images with greater dynamic range and resolution. The SL620’s sensor, while adequate for snapshots in good light, struggles in low light and lacks RAW support, restricting post-processing flexibility.

In quantitative DxOMark-style color depth and dynamic range comparisons (unavailable for SL620, but inferred from class), expect the Sony A6500 to outperform handily, enabling professional-grade image quality.

LCD Screens and Viewfinder Experience

The SL620’s 2.7-inch fixed LCD comes with a modest resolution of 230k dots. It is adequate for framing in bright sunlight but lacks touch capability or articulation. Its fixed nature limits flexibility for shooting angles or self-portraits.

Sony counters with a 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen LCD boasting a sharp 922k-dot resolution. The inclusion of touch focus, intuitive menu navigation, and tilt mechanism greatly enhances compositional options and usability.

Neither camera has a rear screen optimized for selfies as per modern “selfie-friendly” designs, although the A6500’s tilting screen facilitates low- or high-angle shooting more comfortably.

A core advantage for the A6500 is its electronic viewfinder (EVF), boasting 2.36 million dots and 100% coverage, delivering real-time exposure preview and focusing aids. The SL620 lacks a viewfinder altogether, requiring reliance solely on the LCD, which can be limiting in bright outdoor conditions.

Autofocus and Focusing Systems: Precision vs Pocket Pointers

Autofocus (AF) systems represent one of the largest gaps between these two models.

The SL620 carries a simple contrast-detection autofocus with face detection, center-weighted AF point, and no manual focus. It has no continuous AF or tracking capabilities, limiting its effectiveness for moving subjects.

The A6500 is equipped with Sony’s hybrid autofocus combining 425 phase-detection AF points with contrast detection, yielding subject acquisition and tracking that is class-leading for mirrorless cameras. Features include eye detection (although animal eye AF is absent), AF-C (continuous AF), and touch focus. The result is razor-sharp focus in demanding scenarios such as wildlife, sports, or street photography.

In practical tests, the A6500 nailed fast-moving targets with burst shooting (11 fps), while the SL620’s AF lag and continuous shooting limitations make it unsuitable for anything requiring speed.

Exposure Control, Manual Operation, and Creative Flexibility

Samsung packed the SL620 with an automatic exposure system lacking PASM (program, aperture, shutter, manual) modes - creative exposure controls are basically nonexistent. The maximum shutter speed tops out at 1/2000s, and apertures range narrowly from f/2.8 to f/5.7 dependent on zoom.

The Sony soared ahead with fully manual exposure controls, supporting shutter priority, aperture priority, full manual, and exposure compensation. The shutter speed ranges from 30s to 1/4000s mechanically, and electronically it can reach 1/32000s. The lens system (Sony E-mount) supports fast aperture primes and zoom lenses for versatile depth of field control.

This wide operational envelope makes the A6500 highly adaptable - landscape shooters can use long exposures; sports photographers can freeze action with ultra-fast speeds; portraits can capitalize on fast apertures for shallow depth of field.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

The SL620’s fixed lens offers a limited 35-175mm (35mm-equivalent) zoom range at moderate maximum aperture (f/2.8-5.7). While perfectly fine for casual snapshots, it severely restricts optical versatility and image quality relative to interchangeable lens systems.

Sony’s A6500 benefits from the extensive E-mount lens lineup comprising over 120 native lenses - from ultra-wide zooms, fast primes, super-telephotos for wildlife, to specialized macro optics. Third-party lens makers such as Sigma and Tamron further extend options. This breadth means any genre or style can be catered to with optimal glass.

Interchangeable lenses inherently improve image quality, bokeh aesthetics, and specialized utility, underpinning the A6500’s status as a professional hybrid.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

As an ultracompact camera, the SL620 lacks environmental protections such as weather sealing or shock resistance. It is lightweight and likely to survive gentle travel use, but caution is essential against dust, moisture, or impact.

Sony’s A6500, built for robust use, proudly includes weather sealing to resist dust and moisture - a crucial feature for rugged outdoor or travel photographers who shoot in unpredictable conditions.

Both cameras are non-waterproof and should not be submerged.

Performance in Photography Genres: Where Does Each Excel?

Now let's dissect these cameras across major photographic disciplines, factoring in their hardware and real-world usability.

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand smooth skin tone reproduction, sharp eyes, and attractive bokeh.

• Samsung SL620: The small sensor and fixed moderate aperture lens limit background blur; bokeh is weak and sometimes harsh. Face detection autofocus helps with focus on eyes, but lack of focus speed and absence of manual focus limit creative depth control.

• Sony A6500: The APS-C sensor delivers superior skin tones and dynamic range. With fast prime lenses, the A6500 produces creamy bokeh and accurate eye detection autofocus ensures tack-sharp eyes - critical for compelling portraits.

Verdict: The Sony is far superior for portraits, especially for discerning enthusiasts and pros.

Landscape Photography

Key factors: high resolution, dynamic range, weather resistance.

The 12 MP on the SL620 and smaller sensor area restrict resolution and highlight retrieval from shadows. No weather sealing discourages field use in challenging conditions.

By contrast, the A6500’s 24 MP sensor captures intricate detail and an extensive dynamic range to preserve highlight and shadow gradations. Weather sealing extends reliability in rugged environments. Interchangeable wide-angle lenses further empower landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Speed, autofocus tracking, and burst rates are paramount.

SL620 has no continuous AF or tracking and lacks high frame-rate shooting, making it unsuitable for fast-action photography.

Sony’s A6500 delivers 11 fps burst shooting with seamless AF tracking. Its phase-detection AF system quickly locks onto moving subjects, ideal for wildlife and sports enthusiasts.

Street Photography

Portability, discretion, and low-light performance matter.

The SL620’s compact size is an advantage for street shooters desiring stealth. However, poor low-light performance and slow AF make some shots challenging.

The A6500 is larger and more conspicuous but offers superior sensitivity (ISO up to 25600), allowing shooting after sunset with less noise. Its quick joystick AF and silent electronic shutter (up to 1/32000s) enable discrete photo capture in many situations.

Macro Photography

The SL620’s macro mode focuses down to 5 cm but lacks optical stabilization.

With the right macro lens, the A6500 yields superior magnification, focusing precision, and benefits from 5-axis in-body image stabilization, crucial for handheld macro shots.

Night and Astrophotography

High ISO noise handling and exposure flexibility define performance here.

The SL620’s maximum native ISO 1600 and sensor noise limit night shooting. Its limited shutter speed range and no RAW support hinder long exposure creativity.

A6500’s APS-C CMOS sensor shines at high ISO (up to 25600 native), and 30-second exposures are possible. RAW capture enables deep post-processing to reveal sky detail and stars.

Video Capabilities

Samsung SL620 records low-res VGA and sub-VGA video in Motion JPEG format, which is outdated with low frame rates (up to 30 fps) and no audio input ports.

Sony A6500 supports 4K UHD (3840x2160) at 30p with high bit rates and quality codecs like XAVC S. It offers a microphone input, tilting screen, and excellent image stabilization for smooth footage. While lacking headphone monitoring, it remains a practical tool for hybrid shooters.

Travel Photography

Size, weight, versatility, and battery life are key.

SL620’s ultra-light, pocketable design and quick startup make it a no-brainer for casual travelers. The A6500 is heavier, bulkier, and demands lenses, but the superior image and build quality reward serious tourists.

Battery life also favors Sony, rated around 350 shots per charge versus minimal SL620 lifespan data but generally shorter.

Professional Work and Workflow

The SL620’s JPEG-only output, limited controls, and simplistic features disqualify it from professional use.

The Sony A6500 supports RAW files, offers customizable controls, and integrates well into professional workflows. Though not a flagship body, it handles demanding assignments reliably.

Connectivity and Storage

SL620 offers only USB 2.0 and SD/SDHC card storage, lacking wireless features entirely.

Sony’s A6500 includes Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth for remote control and instant sharing. It supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with UHS-I speeds, plus Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick formats - comprehensive options for modern photographers.

Battery and Power

SL620 specs are sparse, but typical ultracompacts from that era have limited battery life, sufficient for casual use but not intense sessions.

The A6500’s NP-FW50 battery lasts 350 shots per charge, extendable with spare batteries for all-day shoots. USB charging is unavailable.

Price and Value: What Does Your Investment Buy?

At MSRP, the SL620 sits at approximately $200 - a budget-friendly casual camera for snapshots and travel ease.

The A6500 commands a professional-oriented $1,300 price point (body only) reflecting its advanced technology, build quality, and versatility.

For someone seeking a camera to quickly grab snapshots with minimal fuss, the SL620 offers straightforward value.

In contrast, the A6500’s investment is justified by its professional features, extensive lens ecosystem, and superior image quality suitable for demanding applications.

Summarizing Strengths and Weaknesses

Visual Showcase: Sample Images and Genre Scores

For a clearer picture, here are sample images shot under controlled conditions with both cameras:

Samsung SL620 front Samsung SL620 screen back Sony A6500 front Sony A6500 screen back

And here’s how each camera scores across distinct photography types, based on hands-on testing and consensus benchmarks:

Who Should Consider the Samsung SL620?

• Casual photographers needing a simple, affordable travel camera
• Users wanting grab-and-go convenience without fuss over settings
• Beginners or families wanting straightforward snapshots
• Those with very tight budgets and no ambitions for advanced control or editing

Its limitations in image quality and functionality mean it is best suited as a second camera or for non-critical captures.

Who Should Invest in the Sony A6500?

• Enthusiast and professional photographers seeking a high-performance mirrorless body
• Travelers requiring durable gear with great image quality
• Videographers needing 4K video with decent stabilization
• Wildlife, sports, and street photographers desiring fast AF and portability
• Users who plan to grow with interchangeable lenses and manual control

While pricey, the A6500 presents excellent value considering its capabilities and durability, especially as second-hand models have become more accessible.

Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Cameras from Two Eras

The Samsung SL620 is a snapshot machine: small, simple, and designed for casual photography in good lighting. Its point-and-shoot nature and limited features reveal the state of compact digital cameras in 2009. It still has nostalgic charm and might serve a beginner or a casual user well.

The Sony A6500 epitomizes the leap to advanced mirrorless systems, delivering professional-quality images, extensive manual control, and a remarkable autofocus engine. It represents a generational shift where compactness meets performance, suitable for serious photography and demanding environments.

Neither camera is strictly “better” overall - they serve fundamentally different roles. Understanding your photographic ambitions, workflow, and budget will drive the right choice. If in doubt, testing both hands-on remains invaluable.

This juxtaposition shows the technological progress and diversification in the camera market, reminding us that camera choice is as much about the style of shooting as about raw specs.

Thank you for reading this in-depth comparison. I encourage readers to share their experiences or questions below - after all, real-world use is where the story truly unfolds.