Sony NEX-5R vs Sony A6500

Here is a extensive analysis of the Sony NEX-5R versus Sony A6500, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless and both of them are built by Sony. There is a substantial difference among the resolutions of the NEX-5R (16MP) and A6500 (24MP) but they feature the same exact sensor size (APS-C).

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The NEX-5R was launched 5 years before the A6500 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving through a in depth comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the NEX-5R scores versus the A6500 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha NEX-5R & Sony Alpha a6500. The complete galleries are available at Sony NEX-5R Gallery & Sony A6500 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Sony NEX-5R offers exterior measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs) while the Sony A6500 has proportions of 120mm x 67mm x 53mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 2.1") along with a weight of 453 grams (1.00 lbs).

Contrast the Sony NEX-5R versus Sony A6500 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the NEX-5R and the A6500.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-5R and A6500 is 89 and 81 respectively.

Generally, its hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing just by researching technical specs. The photograph below will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the NEX-5R and A6500.

As you can tell, each of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You can expect the Sony A6500 to render more detail utilizing its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The older NEX-5R will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.