Sony a6500 vs Nikon Z9: Specifications Comparison

Sony a6500 vs Nikon Z9 Specifications Comparison

Sonya6500_vs_NikonZ9_comparison_front

Camera FeatureSony a6500Nikon Z9
AnnouncedOctober 2016October 2021
Camera TypeMirrorlessMirrorless
Sensor TypeCMOSStacked CMOS
Image ProcessorBIONZ XEXPEED 7
Resolution24.2 MP45.4 MP
Pixel Dimensions6000×40008256×5504
Sensor Dimensions23.5 x 15.6 mm (APS-C)35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame)
Sensor Pixel Size3.92µ4.35µ
Low Pass FilterYesNo
IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization)YesYes
Base ISOISO 100ISO 64
Max Native ISOISO 25,600ISO 25,600
Extended ISOsISO 100-51,200ISO 32-102,400
High-Resolution Sensor ShiftNoNo
Focus Stack BracketingNoYes
Pre-Shoot Burst ModeNoYes (JPEG only)
Fastest Shutter Speed1/40001/32000
Longest Shutter Speed30 seconds900 seconds
Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter)11 FPSNo mechanical shutter
Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter)3 FPS20 FPS
Notes for High FPS ShootingNone20 FPS figure is for .NEF files (full-res JPEG at 30 FPS; DX JPEG at 60 FPS; 11 megapixel JPEG at 120 FPS)
Buffer Size (Raw)107 frames (11 FPS)Over 1000 frames (20 FPS)
Autofocus SystemHybrid PDAFHybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition
Autofocus Points425 493
Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100)-1 EV-7 EV
Standard Flash Sync Speed1/1601/200
Curtain to Protect Sensor at ShutdownNoYes
Video Features
Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal)8 bits12 bits
Maximum Video Bit Depth (External)8 bits12 bits
Raw VideoNoYes
8K Maximum FramerateN/A60 FPS
4K Maximum Framerate30 FPS120 FPS
1080P Maximum Framerate120 FPS120 FPS
Additional Video Crop FactorExtra 1.23x crop in 4K 30p; extra 1.14x crop at 1080p 100 / 120 FPSNo
Chroma Subsampling4:2:0, 4:2:2 (External)4:2:2
Video Recording Limit30 min125 min
Physical and Other Features
Card Slots1 2
Slot 1 TypeSD (UHS-I)CFExpress Type B
Slot 2 TypeN/ACFExpress Type B
Rear LCD Size (Diagonal)3.0 in3.2 in
Rear LCD Resolution0.92 million dots2.1 million dots
Articulating LCDSingle AxisDual Axis
TouchscreenYesYes
ViewfinderEVFEVF
Viewfinder Magnification1.07x (0.70x FF equiv.)0.8x
Viewfinder Resolution2.36 million dots3.69 million dots
Viewfinder Coverage100%100%
Voice MemoNoYes
Headphone JackNoYes
Microphone JackYesYes
Built-in FlashYesNo
GPSNoYes
BluetoothYesYes
WiFiYesYes
USB TypeType B 2.0Type C 3.2 Gen 2
Battery TypeNP-FW50EN-EL18d
Battery Life (Viewfinder)310 frames700 frames
Battery Life (Rear LCD)350 frames740 frames
Battery Life (Eco Mode)N/A770 frames
Weather SealedYesYes
Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card)453 g (1.00 lbs.)1340 g (2.95 lbs.)
Dimensions (LxHxD)120 x 67 x 53 mm (4.7 x 2.6 x 2.1″)1149 x 150 x 106 mm (5.9 x 5.9 x 4.2″)2
Price Comparison
MSRP, Body Only$1400 (Discontinued)$5500 (Check Current Price)
Used Prices (Affiliate)Sony a6500 Used PricesNikon Z9 Used Prices
1The Sony a6500’s depth measurement in this table excludes the optional rubber cap for the viewfinder
2The Nikon Z9’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 15mm were added to the Z9’s depth measurement in this table.



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