Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20 – Which Option Is Better For You?

If you landed on this page, it means that you’re trying to find the right camera that satisfies your needs. The camera industry is a rapidly expanding one. Because of that, it’s difficult to find the perfect camera, as there are so many different options to choose from. Today, we’ll be looking at two of those options. It’s Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20.

Get the Sony a6500 now! Get the Fuji XT20 now!

In this article, we’ll be looking at “what exactly are mirrorless cameras?” because both of the cameras we’re looking at today are mirrorless cameras. From there, we would then begin the comparison of Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20, beginning with their similarities, then their unique strengths and weaknesses.

From the short preamble given above, you can tell that this is a very detailed article, and as such, would be quite lengthy. If you do not have the time to read through the whole article, there’s no problem. Check out the comparison overview below in order for you to easily grasp the points explained throughout the article.

Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20 – Comparison Overview

The aim of this Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20 article is to find out which of these two semi-pro cameras is the better option for you. The first thing we looked at were the similarities between the two cameras.

Yes, the main point is Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20. However, looking first at the similarities helped us understand the cameras and the gave us a basis to judge their uniqueness by.

When we looked at the two features of these cameras, both the similar and different features, we have to say they are really good. They might not be the best out there, but like we said earlier, these are semi-pro cameras. If you do events, personal, vlogs, or anything that’s not too major, either of these cameras would work well.

Looking at the price to performance ratio, we’re going to have to say that Fujifilm did it better with their camera. The camera is significantly more affordable than the Sony a6500, and only lacks very few features that the a6500 has.

Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20 – Brand Comparative Advantage

One thing people don’t really like to admit, but definitely exists, is that sometimes we buy certain things because we trust the brand. Because of that, this comparison isn’t about Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20, but Sony Vs Fujifilm.

On the surface, we’re sure everyone would pick Sony. They won’t be wrong, because Sony is the bigger brand. However, Fujifilm has better customer relations. They often send their products out to known influencers so they can test them out and give their fair criticisms. This brand is also trying to break into the marketplace that has been dominated by the big boys for a long time. Their mirrorless cameras are becoming better and better with every new camera and the XT20 is no exception.

Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20 – Comparison Table

 

Sony a6500

Fuji XT20

Body Type Range-finder Mirrorless DSLR-style Mirrorless
Image Stabilization 5-axis Sensor-shift No
FPS for continuous shooting 11 FPS 14 FPS
ISO Sensitivity 100 – 25600 (expandable to 51200) 200 – 12800 (expandable to 100 or 51200)
Magnification 0.7x 0.62x
Autofocus 425 points 325 points
Flash X-sync Speed 1/160 sec 1/180 sec
Weight (grams) 383g 453g
Weather sealed Yes No
  Get the Sony a6500 now! Get the Fuji XT20 now!
Get the Sony a6500 now! Get the Fuji XT20 now!

If you learn better through video, then we’ve also got you covered. Check out the video below that does a pretty good Sony A6500 Vs Fuji XT20 comparison. In a very short span of time, this video shows you all the main features of the Sony A6500 and the Fuji XT20. It also shows you which of the features are equal for both of these cameras, and if they’re not, which is better. The video really gives context to the
Sony A6500 Vs Fuji XT20 argument.

Check out the video here:

Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20 – Which Is Better Under What Circumstance?

Sony a6500

Fuji XT20

If the type of photography you do requires you to hold your camera for a really long time, then the Sony a6500 is the camera that you want.  

When shooting for events, you can’t keep your camera on a tripod for a long period of time. You would need to move it about to capture moments.  

This camera comes with image stabilization that reduces the effects of shaking and moving the camera.  

Without this image stabilization, image stabilization, images may appear scratchy and blurry if you’re moving while taking them.
This camera does not have image stabilization. Because of that, it is difficult to use it to shoot when you’ll be holding the camera for a long time.  

Even for a professional, holding the camera for a long time can cause shaky hands. With this camera, pictures taken with shaky hands would come out shaky and blurry, themselves.  

However, if you need a really affordable semi-pro camera, this is something to consider. At under $1000, there are not many options that come with the same quality that this camera comes with.  

This is significantly more affordable than the Sony a6500.
Another thing that affects the way pictures come out is the grip. If the camera has a firm grip, it’s less likely that you would have shaky hands. This also means that your pictures would come out looking better.  

The Sony a6500 has a firmer grip than the Fuji XT20. This means that it’ll be more comfortable to hold this camera for long periods of time.
Although the Fuji XT20 does not come with firmer grip, it does sacrifice that grip for something better, cooler buttons.  

If you’re one that doesn’t like to go into the menu screens to look for certain settings, then you’ll be in love with this camera.  

Most of the settings, buttons, controls, you’ll need to tweak while shooting, are around the body of the camera.
Get the Sony a6500 now! Get the Fuji XT20 now!
Get the Sony a6500 now! Get the Fuji XT20 now!

Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20 – What Features Do They Have In Common?

Although these two cameras are from different brands, because they’re both semi-pro cameras, they share a lot of features. In this section, we would be discussing those features that these two cameras come with.

However, in the light of the Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20, we know that there would be slight differences, even in the similar features. Therefore, what we’re going to do is, we’ll explain the features that both of these cameras share, and then we’ll explain how one might differ from another.

So, if you’re here strictly for the Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20 argument, don’t consider this unimportant. Some of these slight differences in implementations of similar features, might be make or break for these cameras.

Let’s go!


Mirrorless Cameras

With the emergence of new technology, a lot of people are doing away with their DSLR cameras and opting for mirrorless cameras. However, while many professionals are already towing that line, there are many others who still don’t yet understand the difference.

If you’re one of these people who do not understand the difference between these two types of cameras, then you’re in luck. Because we’re about to tell you the difference between DSLR cameras, and Mirrorless cameras.

Just incase you were wondering, DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex. The major difference between DSLR cameras and mirrorless cameras is, well, one has mirrors, the other doesn’t.

Don’t get confused. With DSLR cameras, you have a mirror mechanism inside the camera. The light coming from outside hits the camera lens and is sent to the mirror. The light hits the mirror and then bounces of a prism which sends part of the light to the optical view finder. The optical view finder is what helps the photographer see the frame before a shot.

The other part of the light is sent from the mirror to an autofocus sensor. When you hit the shutter button on the DSLR, the whole mirror completely flips up, allowing the light to hit the film sensor in the camera directly. In this brief moment, the optical view finder blacks out. This mechanism of the mirror flipping up is what causes the popular distinctive sound that DSLR cameras make.

On the other hand, with mirrorless cameras, you don’t have any mirrors, neither do they have optical viewfinders. The light from outside the camera goes through the camera’s lens straight to the senor which handles autofocus. This sensor then passes the digital image to the electronic viewfinder and the LCD screen.

Differences Between DSLR Cameras And Mirrorless Cameras

 

DSLR Cameras

Mirrorless Cameras

Size The biggest difference between DSLR and mirrorless cameras, is the size.  

Because of the mirror mechanism, DSLR cameras are significantly bigger than mirrorless cameras.
Because mirrorless cameras do not need to fit mirrors and prism inside the camera, they are a lot smaller and more compact.  

They offer the same image quality in a more portable package.
Battery Life Well, this is one where the DSLR is actually better.  

Because of the bigger body frame of these cameras, they most times come with up to double the amount of battery life present in Mirrorless cameras.
The aim for mirrorless cameras is to make them as portable as possible. To achieve this, the size of the battery had to be cut down, significantly reducing its capacity.  

However, with some mirrorless cameras, the manufacturers provide you an extra battery.
Autofocus A widely debated topic amongst many photographers since the emergence of mirrorless cameras is whether they have good autofocus.  

The argument is that DSLR cameras have a dedicated auto-focus sensor that the mirror sends light to.
While that may be true to an extent, technology and innovation have been put into the electronic sensors that come with the mirrorless cameras.  

Companies like Sony and Fujifilm are doing amazing with the autofocus and some of their professional cameras have better autofocus than many DSLR cameras.
Viewfinder DSLR cameras come with an optical view finder. Mirrorless cameras come with an electronic view finder.

Get the Sony a6500 now! Get the Fuji XT20 now!

Wireless Connection

Both of these cameras come with a wireless connectivity feature. In the present age, having a wireless connection in your camera has moved from a want to a need. There are a lot of benefits associated with wireless connections.

The world is going wireless, everybody is cutting away the wires. The first reason for this is portability. If you’re able to connect your camera to the needed outlet using a wireless connection, it saves you the space of packing wires.

With a wireless connection, uploading files to the internet, or transferring them to your other devices, is made a lot easier. So, if you just took a nice photograph that you never want to get lost, you can immediately send it to the cloud for safe keeping.

Another huge benefit of wireless connection that these two cameras are capable of doing, is the use of smartphone remote control.

If you’re a wildlife photographer, and you have to keep your camera close to the animals and then stay far away for safety, you don’t have to keep your camera running all the time. From your safe distance, once you see something interesting you want to shoot, you can easily do it with your smartphone.

This feature takes ease of use to a whole new level. It can also be used to take selfies and personal videos. If you’re a youtuber or a vlogger, this is really helpful. You can simply set up the camera the way you want, and then control it with your smartphone, without having to get up to operate it, all the time.


Electronic Viewfinder

Because both of these cameras are mirrorless cameras, they do not have optical viewfinders. However, both of them come with electronic viewfinders. Not all mirrorless cameras have electronic viewfinders. Some of them only transfer the image from the sensor to the LCD screen.

With optical viewfinders, what you’re seeing is the light just as your camera sees it. Most times, this is clearer than the electronic viewfinder. However, in low-lighting conditions, this changes. Because the electronic viewfinder shows you the digital image, your camera sensor is able to process the dark image and show you what the picture would come out like.

With optical viewfinders there are limitations to what you can see and what you can tweak when looking in. On the other hand, with electronic viewfinders, you can see a whole lot. You can see the exposure of your picture, the noise levels, and so on.

Basically, with optical viewfinders, all you’re seeing is light as it is, regardless of the settings you’ve put into the camera. Changes to things like focus, exposure, and so on, cannot be seen on the optical viewfinder.

Whereas, with the electronic viewfinder, you get a preview of the digital image, exactly as it would be captured by the camera. Changes in exposure and focus will also affect the image you see in the electronic viewfinder. What you see in the electronic viewfinder, is exactly what you get when the picture is taken.


Articulating Screens

To get flexible shooting positions, you need the LCD screen to be able to tilt in certain directions. Articulating screens are also tilting screens. These screens are flexible, and can be rotated to different angles.

With these screens, you can easily get shots from different angles, including selfies. However, we’re not sure these tilting screens are able to go 360 degrees. This means that it might not be so great for selfies. However, depending on the angle, they are pretty decent.

This is also especially useful when the camera is bent in such a way that your eyes cannot get to the viewfinder. In that scenario, you have to rely on your LCD screen. Also, because this is a mirrorless camera, the LCD screen shows you the same image that the viewfinder does.

These screens have a touchscreen function. This makes it super easy for you to access the menu screens and controls in the camera. The LCD screens have a resolution of over 900k dots, which is really good.

The Sony a6500 LCD screen has a resolution of 922k dots, while the Fuji XT20 LCD screen has a resolution of 920k dots.


Microphone Port

If you do any recordings with your camera, or perhaps you don’t do any yet and would want to do some in the future, this is a feature to look out for. With a microphone port, you would be able to connect an external microphone to your camera, for recording purposes.

For vloggers who record while moving on the road, or in other noisy areas, this is especially important. Yes, cameras come with inbuilt audio recording devices. However, if you’ve ever used on before, you’ll realize that they simply aren’t good enough.

With an external microphone, you’re more likely to get high quality sound for your videos.


Get the Sony a6500 now! Get the Fuji XT20 now!

Face Recognition Focus

This technology helps the camera lens to determine what is a human face in its frame, and focus on it. This feature helps you take really amazing portrait photos.

In-Built Flash And External Flash Shoe

Shooting at night or in limited lighting conditions can be very frustrating. For DSLRs, the problem starts with the optical viewfinder because you can also see as much as the light in the area presently is. However, because these cameras are mirrorless, the electronic viewfinder helps you to see clearly.

But there is another problem, not enough light. No matter how much you tweak exposure settings, some things just won’t be captured without proper lighting. This is where the importance of the camera’s in-built flash is felt.

Both of these cameras have in-built camera flash features. If you like to take photos and videos of the nightlife, you would really love this feature.

There is a slight difference between the in-built flash functions of the two cameras we’re looking at today. In the light of the Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20 argument, this is something we have to point out.

 

Sony a6500

Fuji XT20

Flash Coverage (meters) 6.0 5.0

However, if the in-built flash that comes with the camera doesn’t provide enough light for your image, there’s an option to add an external flash. These two cameras come with an external flash shoe that enable attach an external flash, to provide you with better lighting.

Even if you don’t do nightlife photography, if you’re paparazzi or any other kind of flash photographer, this should be good news.

Auto Exposure Bracketing

When you’re shooting in low lighting conditions, exposure settings have to be constantly tweaked, in order to get the perfect shot with good lighting.

What auto exposure bracketing does is that it lets you take one picture with different exposure settings, on one shutter click. That way, you can click the shutter button once and then pick the picture with the exposure settings that works best for you.

Without this feature, you would have to take multiple pictures, adjusting the exposure settings each time, to find the picture with the right exposure setting. That’s quite stressful, if you ask us.

Different cameras have different amount of exposure settings that one shutter can capture in one click. This is a highlight in the Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20 argument, as the two cameras have different numbers.

For the Sony a6500, you have 5 different images with different exposure settings per shutter click, and for the Fuji XT20, you have just 3.


RAW Support

One of the first advises that professional photographers give to up and coming photographers is to always shoot in RAW. However, that leaves a lot of beginners confused because most people do not know what RAW is.

Well, RAW is simply a file format, much like JPEG. When a camera takes a picture, it applies quick edits to it, things like white balancing and contrast. After applying these edits, it then compresses the image, before sending the final image to your SD card.

However, with RAW, your image is left, raw. The camera does not add any edits to the image and sends it directly to your storage. RAW images are usually a lot larger than JPEG images because they retain a lot more information in the images.

With RAW images, you have a lot more information in the pictures to work with. That way, with external editing, you can make the picture look exactly how you want, not how the camera wants. After editing the image, you would then need to convert it to a JPEG format readable by other applications.

Now that you know what RAW is, these two cameras support capturing photos in RAW format.

HDMI Output

The final similarity in this Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20 argument is that both of these cameras allow you to connect the camera to a larger screen, using HDMI.

You can view pictures and videos taken by your camera on a larger screen, before transferring them to your other devices.

Get the Sony a6500 now! Get the Fuji XT20 now!

Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20 – Features Unique To Each Camera

Features Unique To The Sony a6500

Built-In Image Stabilization

The first unique feature we’ll be looking at in this
Sony A6500 Vs Fuji XT20 article is in-built image stabi

When taking photos and videos, it gets to a point when it becomes difficult to keep your hands completely still. This is why a lot of people use tripods when shooting videos. It keeps the camera still and prevents shaky videos. Tripods work well with videos.

However, if you’re an event photographer who takes pictures and short clips, it becomes difficult to use a tripod. In this scenario, you are required to move around to capture different moments, and a tripod won’t work well with mobility.

This is why the Sony a6500 comes with image stabilization. Basically, what this image stabilization does is that it keeps the frame still even while your hands might be shaking a little. It comes with a sensor-shift that ensures that all the lenses are properly stabilized. This in turn produces stable images and videos.

The video below is a comparison of the Sony a6300 and a6500. Although we are not reviewing the a6300, just like the Fuji XT20, it does not have image stabilization. So, we want you to simply take is as a comparison between videos shot on an image stabilization enabled camera, and a camera that doesn’t support image stabilization.


Maximum ISO

The Sony a6500 has a 100% increase in the maximum ISO it can achieve when compared to the Fujifilm. Being that ISO is a huge pillar of photography, this is a huge factor that may eventually be the decider in the Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20 debate.

ISO refers to the amount of light sensitivity of your camera. In low lighting conditions, the ISO is what determines just how much light your camera is able to get. This in turn determines whether or not you get clear pictures in those lighting conditions.

The lower the ISO, the lower the amount of light your camera gets, the darker your picture is. So, with a higher ISO, you can get clearer pictures in dark places, even without flash. If you photograph wildlife at night, you don’t want to scare them away with bright camera flashes. This is when a higher ISO is really appreciated.


Environmental Sealing

Have you ever been out shooting something beautiful and then the weather just turns on you? Like a bright and sunny day out with your camera and the rains just start pouring down? How frustrating was it to have to pack up your camera at that point, eventually not getting the shot you wanted? Very right? We thought so too.

The Sony a6500 comes with environmental sealing features, that allows you to keep filming even when the weather is not the fairest. That rain on a leaf shot, that couple kissing under the rain shot, you cannot take those with a camera that doesn’t have this feature.

Below is a video that shows the long-term durability test of the Sony a6500. Want to find out how the camera coped over a period of 1 year? Check the video below:

Features Unique To The Fuji XT20

Get the Sony a6500 now! Get the Fuji XT20 now!

Time-lapse Recording

If you’re a photographer, you definitely know what a time lapse is. It is a technique where series of photos are taken at set intervals in order to show the passage of time. When these series of photos are played together at normal speed, it appears as if time is moving faster, otherwise known as, lapsing.

The Fuji XT20 comes with a time-lapse feature, straight out of the box. This is not to say that the Sony a6500 cannot record time-lapses. However, with that camera, you need an external app and honestly, it’s not just flexible as the Fuji XT20. The time-lapse on this camera is a lot more effective and way easier to make use of.


UHS Memory Card Support

There are different types of memory cards. The most popular, and the most widely used, is the SD card. However, there are UHS memory cards which read and write data faster than SD cards.

UHS memory cards can be used for devices that don’t have UHS memory card support. However, on these devices, the memory card will read and write data at normal speeds. Whereas, with UHS memory card supported devices, these memory cards read and write in Ultra High Speeds. Get it? UHS – Ultra High Speeds.

The Fuji XT20 comes with support for UHS memory cards, UHS-II.

Below is a cool unboxing video that gives you an overview on the Fuji XT20. It also features tests using the camera, including shooting in 4k:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slrtYg4X6ig

Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20 – Unique Pros

Sony a6500

  • The Sony a6500 comes with built-in image stabilization. This makes sure that your pictures remain balanced even if you have shaky hands.
  • This camera comes with double the maximum ISO available for the Fuji XT20. This increases the camera’s light sensitivity, which allows you to take bright pictures in the dark, without flash.
  • This camera comes with an environmental sealing feature that allows you to keep shooting even in tough weather conditions.

Fuji XT20

  • The Fuji XT20 has a continuous shooting of 14 frames per second. This is 3 more than the Sony a6500 that only has 11 frames per second.
  • It is lighter than the Sony a6500.
  • Affordability. This camera is more affordable than the Sony a6500.
  • The Fuji XT20 supports UHS memory cards, which means that your images will be read in Ultra High Speeds.

Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20 – Unique Cons

Sony a6500

  • Cost. For a semi-pro camera, this is quite expensive.
  • Weight. Compared to the Fuji XT20, this is pretty heavy.
  • It does not support UHS memory cards.

Fuji XT20

  • No in-built image stabilization which means that you’ll need to stay completely still while taking pictures and videos.
  • It does not have an environmental sealing feature. This means that you can’t use this camera while it’s raining.
  • The ISO capacity is not as high as that of the Sony a6500.

Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20 – Common Pros

 

Sony a6500

Fuji XT20

Wireless Connection This camera is Wi-Fi enabled. With this level of connectivity, you can send files from your camera, to multiple devices.  

Also, because of wireless connectivity, you can use your smartphone as a remote control for your camera.  

The other benefits of wireless connectivity have been discussed in prior parts of this Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20 article.
The level of wireless connectivity on this camera is the same as that on the Sony a6500.  

This also means that they come with the exact same level of benefits.
Good for Selfies Both of these cameras come with articulating/tilting screens.  

This enables you to take great selfies. It also helps you to take good videos when your camera is turned in a way where your eye can’t fit into the viewfinder.
The articulating screen on this camera is the same as that on the Sony a6500, bearing the same benefits.
Good for flash photography Both of these cameras are good for flash photography. This is because they come with in-built flash that helps create brighter pictures in low-lighting conditions.    

This camera is slightly better flash coverage than the Fuji XT20.
The flash coverage of this camera is 5.0meters.  

This is one meter less than the flash coverage of the Sony a6500.
Electronic Viewfinder Electronic viewfinders help you to see exactly how the image would come out, before taking the picture.   Same as the Sony a6500
Continuous shooting Both of these cameras are really good for continuous shooting at high FPS.  

This camera shoots at 11 Frames Per Second.
This camera shoots at 14 Frames Per Second.
High quality Images Because these two cameras support the use of RAW format for its images, you can rest assured of high-quality images. This camera also supports RAW format to produce high-quality images.
  Get the Sony a6500 now! Get the Fuji XT20 now!
Get the Sony a6500 now! Get the Fuji XT20 now!

Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20 – Common Cons

 

Sony a6500

Fuji XT20

No Headphone Port When you’re recording video with your camera, it’s nice if you can listen to the quality of the audio in real-time. This will help you adjust where necessary, and create the best quality audio for what you’re looking for.  

To do this, you need a headphone connected to your camera. Well, sadly, these cameras do not come with a headphone port.  

Therefore, you cannot connect your headphones to your camera, and you cannot monitor the sound.
Same as the Sony a6500.
Low battery life This one doesn’t come as a shocker to us, at all. The idea of mirrorless cameras is to make the camera as portable as possible.

Well, that also means sacrificing the battery size, and capacity. It has a battery life of 350 shots per full charge.  
Same as the Sony a6500

Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20 – What Do People Think About These Cameras?

Sony a6500

Fuji XT20

People really like this camera. The general consensus is that the camera is really easy to operate and use. This camera is one that a lot of people like. Fujifilm is an emerging brand in the industry and people like the fact that they’re able to compete against the bigger boys.
One thing that people really like about this camera is its grip. The Sony a6500 has a very firm and dipping grip. It’s something that wouldn’t easily fall out of your hand even after adding an external lens. The grip on this camera is really small, which is one part of the camera that many people didn’t really like. Holding the camera, there was always a fear that it might easily drop.
Another reason why people like this camera is because of ease of use. Although the camera didn’t have easy-to-get-to buttons and functions all over, the menu in the camera is pretty easy to get to, and navigate.  

Also, the LCD screen is touchscreen, which makes it even easier to navigate.
People also liked this camera because of it’s ease of use. In fact, for most people, this was the selling point of the camera.  

With this camera, almost all the settings and functions you need, are placed somewhere around the body of the camera. For some people, there was no need to get into the menu to change settings and controls.  

While it might take some time to get used to all the buttons and functions, once you do, it becomes super easy to get to stuff and change stuff.
Get the Sony a6500 now! Get the Fuji XT20 now!
Get the Sony a6500 now! Get the Fuji XT20 now!

Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20 – What Do We Think?

This is the part of the article that is the most difficult for us to do, choosing a winner for the Sony a6500 Vs Fuji XT20 debate.

Well, we’ve seen all the features, strengths, and weaknesses of both of these cameras. We think that the Sony a6500 just has more strengths than the Fuji XT20.

Also, the places where the Sony a6500 doesn’t do as well as the Fuji XT20 straight from the pack, it does with other things. For example, the Sony a6500 does not do time lapse on its own, but it does time-lapse through an external application. Sony really did something with the a6500.

However, the Fuji XT20 is significantly more affordable than the Sony a6500, significantly. Therefore, here is our advice for you:

If you have the budget for it, go for the Sony a6500. If you don’t have that much to spend on a camera, go for the Fuji XT20, it’s an excellent alternative.

Sony a6500

Fuji XT20

Get the Sony a6500 now! Get the Fuji XT20 now!