Sony a3500 vs Canon EOS 6D Mark II

This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony a3500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Sony a3500
Sony a3500

Released: 2014
Camera Type: Mirrorless

Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Released: 2017
Camera Type: DSLR

Sony a3500 is made by Sony, while Canon EOS 6D Mark II is made by Canon. Both brands have unique strengths and specializations, catering to different photography needs.

Release Date and Price

Release Year

Canon EOS 6D Mark II was released in 2017, which is more recent than Sony a3500, released in 2014.

Release Date

Canon EOS 6D Mark II was released on 2017-06-29, making it a more recent release compared to Sony a3500, which was released on 2014-03-21.

MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price)

The MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) helps compare the original cost of the camera, offering insight into its market position.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II is priced higher at $1999, compared to Sony a3500 which has an MSRP of $399. This indicates Canon EOS 6D Mark II might offer better features or performance.

Camera and Sensor Type

Camera Type

The camera type (DSLR, mirrorless, etc.) affects size, handling, and features, impacting its usability for different photography styles.

Sony a3500 is a mirrorless camera, while Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a dslr camera. These differences could affect their performance and suitability for different types of photography.

Sensor Size

Sensor size influences image quality, depth of field, and low-light performance, with larger sensors generally producing better results.

Sony a3500 has a APS-C (approx 22.3 x 14.9 mm) sensor, while Canon EOS 6D Mark II uses a Full Frame (approx 36 x 24 mm) sensor. These differences can impact image quality, low-light performance, and depth of field.

Sensor Type

The sensor type (e.g., CMOS, CCD) determines how light is captured, affecting image quality, speed, and power consumption.

Both Sony a3500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II feature the same sensor type: CMOS. This similarity could indicate comparable image processing and performance characteristics.

Resolution and Megapixels

Higher megapixels allow for larger prints and more detailed images but may result in larger file sizes.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II has a superior resolution with 25,958,400 pixels and 26 megapixels, while Sony a3500 features 19,816,192 pixels and 20 megapixels.

Processor

The image processor affects camera speed, image processing quality, and power efficiency.

Sony a3500 uses the Bionz processor, while Canon EOS 6D Mark II is powered by the DIGIC 7 processor. These differences could impact overall speed, performance, and image processing quality.

ISO Range

The ISO range measures the camera’s sensitivity to light, impacting performance in low-light environments and image noise levels.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II offers a wider ISO range (100 - 40000), while Sony a3500 has a more limited ISO range (100 - 16000). This makes Canon EOS 6D Mark II more capable in challenging lighting conditions.

Image Properties

White Balance Presets

White balance ensures colors are accurately represented by adjusting the camera for the lighting conditions.

Sony a3500 provides more white balance presets (9) compared to Canon EOS 6D Mark II, which offers 6 presets. This gives Sony a3500 greater flexibility in achieving accurate color balance.

Custom White Balance

Custom white balance allows users to manually adjust color tones, ideal for achieving precise color in challenging lighting conditions.

Both Sony a3500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II offer custom white balance, allowing for precise color adjustments in challenging lighting conditions.

Uncompressed Format Support

Uncompressed formats retain more data for higher image quality, useful for professional editing.

Both Sony a3500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II support the same uncompressed format: RAW. This means they provide similar flexibility in post-processing and image quality.

Optics and Focus

Image Stabilization

Image stabilization reduces camera shake, allowing for sharper images, especially in low light or handheld shooting.

Sony a3500 offers image stabilization, while Canon EOS 6D Mark II lacks this feature, giving Sony a3500 an advantage in low-light or handheld shooting.

Image Stabilization Details

Sony a3500 features image stabilization technology: Optical.

CIPA Image Stabilization Performance
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating N/A N/A
Autofocus Motor

An autofocus motor allows lenses to focus automatically, improving the speed and accuracy of focusing.

Both Sony a3500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II are equipped with an autofocus motor, allowing for fast and accurate focusing with a wide range of lenses.

Autofocus Modes

Autofocus modes determine how the camera focuses, with options like continuous, single, and tracking autofocus for different scenarios.

Autofocus Modes for Sony a3500
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Multi Area
  • Center
  • Selective Single Point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Face Detection
  • LiveView
Autofocus Modes for Canon EOS 6D Mark II
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Phase Detect
  • Multi Area
  • Center
  • Selective Single Point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Touch
  • Face Detection
  • LiveView
Autofocus Points

Focus points define how much of the scene can be focused automatically, impacting flexibility in composition.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II has more autofocus points (45) than Sony a3500, which only has 25 points. This provides Canon EOS 6D Mark II with better control over focus precision.

Lens Mount Compatibility

The lens mount determines compatibility with different lenses, affecting the versatility of the camera.

Lens Mounts for Sony a3500
  • Sony E
Lens Mounts for Canon EOS 6D Mark II
  • Canon EF
Focal Length Multiplier (Crop Factor)

Focal length multipliers (crop factor) impact the effective field of view, especially for non-full-frame cameras.

Focal Length Multiplier for Sony a3500

APS-C Sensor
1.6x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 38 mm
50 mm becomes 80 mm
100 mm becomes 160 mm
200 mm becomes 320 mm

Focal Length Multiplier for Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Full frame
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm

Screen and Viewfinder

Screen Dots (LCD Resolution)

The number of dots on the camera screen affects display clarity, useful for reviewing images and navigating menus.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II offers better screen resolution with 1040000 dots, while Sony a3500 has only 230400 dots.

Touchscreen

A touchscreen allows for easier navigation, focusing, and menu selection, providing a more intuitive user interface.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II includes a touchscreen, making it more user-friendly than Sony a3500, which does not have a touchscreen.

Live View

Live view allows users to see a real-time preview of their shot on the camera’s display, making it easier to compose and focus.

Both Sony a3500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II support live view, making it easier to preview shots in real time on the LCD screen.

Photography Features

Frames Per Second (FPS)

FPS, or Frames Per Second, measures how many photos a camera can take in one second during continuous shooting. A higher FPS is particularly beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as in sports, wildlife, or action photography, where timing is critical to get the perfect shot.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II provides a higher burst rate of 6,5 fps, giving it an edge in action or sports photography over Sony a3500, which shoots at a slower rate of 3,5 fps.
Shutter Speed

Shutter speed determines how long your camera's sensor is exposed to light. A slower shutter speed is ideal for low-light photography and capturing motion blur, while a faster shutter speed is better for freezing fast-moving subjects like in sports or wildlife photography.

Minimum Shutter Speed

Both Sony a3500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II offer the same minimum shutter speed of 30 seconds, allowing for long-exposure shots like light trails or astrophotography.

Maximum Shutter Speed

Both Sony a3500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II offer the same maximum shutter speed of 1/4000, making them equally capable of freezing fast motion.

Built-in Flash

A built-in flash can be handy for quick shots in low-light environments, especially when an external flash isn't available. However, built-in flashes are typically less powerful than external ones and are best for shorter ranges.

Sony a3500 features a built-in flash, giving it an advantage over Canon EOS 6D Mark II, which lacks this feature.

Built-in Flash Range
Sony a3500 has a longer built-in flash range of 6 m, which is more powerful than Canon EOS 6D Mark II's range of N/A.
External Flash Compatibility

An external flash provides more power and flexibility compared to a built-in flash. External flashes can be mounted on the camera’s hot shoe and offer greater lighting control, making them ideal for professional and low-light photography.

Both Sony a3500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II support external flashes, providing more control over lighting for professional-grade photography.

Self-Timer Functionality

A self-timer allows you to delay the shutter release, giving you time to get into the frame for group shots, self-portraits, or to avoid camera shake when shooting on a tripod.

Both Sony a3500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II have a self-timer feature, making them convenient for group shots or self-portraits.

Time-Lapse Photography

The time-lapse feature allows you to capture a sequence of photos at intervals and combine them into a video, creating stunning visual effects like speeding up slow-moving subjects such as clouds, sunsets, or cityscapes.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II supports time-lapse photography, giving it an edge over Sony a3500, which does not offer this feature.

Metering Modes

Metering modes help your camera measure the light in a scene to determine the proper exposure. Different metering modes are useful in different situations, such as multi-pattern for general use, center-weighted for portraits, spot metering for precise areas, and more.

Metering Modes for Sony a3500
  • Multi
  • Center Weighted
  • Spot
Metering Modes for Canon EOS 6D Mark II
  • Multi
  • Center Weighted
  • Spot
  • Partial

Videography Features

Video Recording Capability

Video recording is an essential feature for users who want to capture high-quality videos alongside still photography. Cameras with video recording capabilities allow for versatility, whether you're creating cinematic content, vlogging, or capturing everyday moments.

Video Recording

Both Sony a3500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II support video recording, making them versatile options for users who want to shoot both photos and videos.

Built-in Microphone and Speakers Comparison

Having a built-in microphone and speakers can help you quickly capture and review audio when recording video. While they may not replace professional equipment, they are useful for casual video recording and on-the-go playback.

Both Sony a3500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II are equipped with built-in microphones, allowing you to record audio directly with the camera.

Both Sony a3500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II have built-in speakers, allowing you to play back recorded audio without needing headphones.

Connectivity

HDMI Output, Microphone, and Headphone Ports Comparison

These ports are important for video professionals who need external monitoring and audio control. HDMI allows external display connections, while microphone and headphone ports offer superior audio recording and monitoring options.

Both Sony a3500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II have HDMI output, making them ideal for real-time monitoring and external recording.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II includes a microphone port for external audio capture, while Sony a3500 lacks this feature.

Neither Sony a3500 nor Canon EOS 6D Mark II have a headphone port, making audio monitoring during recording difficult.

Wireless Connectivity Comparison

Wireless connectivity allows for convenient sharing of photos and remote camera control. Some cameras offer advanced wireless options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC for easy file transfer and remote shooting.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II offers wireless connectivity (Sony a3500), giving it an advantage over Built-In 802.11b/g/n + NFC + Bluetooth, which does not support wireless features.

Remote Control Feature Comparison

Remote control functionality allows photographers to control the camera without physically touching it, which is useful for reducing camera shake during long exposures or self-portraits. Some cameras offer compatibility with dedicated remotes, while others support wireless or app-based control.

Both Sony a3500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II support remote control functionality. Sony a3500 offers Yes (via optional RM-VPR1), while Canon EOS 6D Mark II provides Yes (wired, wireless or smartphone), allowing for hands-free control during shooting.

Camera Body and Dimensions

Environmentally Sealed Comparison

An environmentally sealed camera is protected against dust, moisture, and sometimes freezing temperatures. This feature is important for photographers who often shoot in challenging environments like rain, snow, or desert landscapes.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II offers environmental sealing, giving it better protection against dust and moisture than Sony a3500, which is not sealed.

Battery Life Comparison

Battery life is an important consideration, especially for photographers who shoot for long periods. The number of shots per charge is measured according to CIPA standards, giving a reliable estimate of real-world performance.

The battery life of Canon EOS 6D Mark II is rated at 1200 shots, outperforming Sony a3500's 480 shots, making it ideal for extended shooting.

Camera Dimensions Comparison

Camera dimensions affect portability and comfort when using the camera. Here's how the two cameras compare in size.

The Sony a3500 has dimensions of 128 mm in width, 91 mm in height, and 85 mm in depth.

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II measures 144 mm in width, 111 mm in height, and 75 mm in depth.

The Sony a3500 is more compact with a total volume of 990080 mm³ compared to the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, which has a larger volume of 1198800 mm³.

Camera Weight Comparison

The weight of a camera can affect portability and handling, especially for long shooting sessions. Here’s how the two cameras compare in terms of weight, including the battery.

The Sony a3500 weighs 411 grams including the battery.

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II weighs 765 grams including the battery.

The Sony a3500 is lighter, weighing 411 grams, compared to the Canon EOS 6D Mark II which weighs 765 grams.

View and Compare Specifications for Sony a3500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Product
Sony a3500

Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Name
This is the official name of the camera as listed by the manufacturer.
Sony a3500 Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Manufacturer
The company that designs, manufactures, and markets this camera model.
Sony Canon
SKU
The Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) is a unique identifier used by retailers to track inventory. Some cameras might have multiple SKUs depending on the bundle or specific features.
ILCE-3500 / CX77100
Release Date and Price
Release Year
The year when this camera model was officially released to the public.
2014 2017
Release Date
The exact date when this camera model was launched.
2014-03-21 2017-06-29
MSRP
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is the price at which the manufacturer recommends that the retailer sells the product. This can vary by region and retailer. Here the price is listed in US Dollars.
$ 399 $ 1999
Camera Type
Camera Type
The camera type defines the fundamental design of the camera, whether it uses a mirror for its viewfinder (DSLR), a translucent mirror (SLT), or no mirror at all (Mirrorless).
Mirrorless DSLR
Sensor
Sensor Size
The sensor size determines the amount of light that can be captured, impacting image quality, depth of field, and low-light performance. Different sensor sizes are used for various camera types and applications.
APS-C (approx 22.3 x 14.9 mm) Full Frame (approx 36 x 24 mm)
Sensor Type
The type of sensor used in the camera, which could be CCD, CMOS, or others, affecting how the image data is captured and processed.
CMOS CMOS
Resolution
Resolution is the number of pixels used to create an image. Higher resolution allows for larger prints and more detailed images.
5456 x 3632 pixels 6240 x 4160 pixels
Megapixels
Megapixels refer to the number of millions of pixels the sensor can capture, impacting the detail and print size of the images.
20 MP (19,816,192 pixels) 26 MP (25,958,400 pixels)
Image Processor
The image processor is responsible for converting the data captured by the sensor into a viewable image, impacting speed, quality, and performance.
Bionz DIGIC 7
Image
ISO Range
The ISO range indicates the sensitivity of the camera's sensor to light. A lower ISO is ideal for bright conditions, while a higher ISO allows for shooting in low light but may introduce noise.
100 - 16000 100 - 40000
White Balance Presets
White balance presets allow the camera to adjust colors to match different lighting conditions, ensuring that your photos have accurate and natural colors.
9 6
Custom White Balance
Custom white balance allows you to manually set the white balance using a neutral reference, such as a gray card, ensuring accurate color reproduction in various lighting conditions.
Yes Yes
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization helps reduce blur caused by camera shake, allowing you to capture sharper images, especially in low-light situations or when using longer focal lengths.
Yes (Optical) No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating
The CIPA rating measures the effectiveness of image stabilization, indicating how many stops of exposure you can gain by using the stabilization feature.
N/A N/A
Uncompressed Format
An uncompressed format retains all the image data captured by the sensor, resulting in higher quality images with more detail, but also larger file sizes.
RAW RAW
Optics and Focus
Autofocus Motor
The autofocus motor allows the camera to automatically focus on subjects. If 'Yes', the camera has a built-in autofocus motor, enabling faster and quieter focusing with compatible lenses.
Yes Yes
Autofocus
Different autofocus modes allow the camera to focus in various ways, such as detecting contrast, tracking moving subjects, or focusing on specific points in the frame.
Contrast Detect (sensor)
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Contrast Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Touch
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points
Focus points refer to the number of areas in the frame where the camera can lock focus. More focus points allow for more accurate focusing, especially in complex scenes.
25 45
Lens Mount
The lens mount indicates the type of lenses that are compatible with the camera. Different mounts are used by different manufacturers and camera types.
Sony E


Sony Lens Mount Adapter LA-EA5
Canon EF

Focal Length Multiplier
The focal length multiplier, also known as the crop factor, affects the effective focal length of a lens when used with cameras that have sensors smaller than full frame. This value multiplies the lens's focal length, which can be beneficial for telephoto photography but limits the field of view for wide-angle lenses.
APS-C Sensor
1.6x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 38 mm
50 mm becomes 80 mm
100 mm becomes 160 mm
200 mm becomes 320 mm
Full frame
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
Screen and Viewfinder
Articulated LCD
An articulated LCD allows for flexible screen movement, making it easier to capture shots from difficult angles. It can be particularly useful for vlogging, low-angle, or high-angle photography.
Fixed Fully articulated
Screen Size
The screen size is measured diagonally in inches. A larger screen can be beneficial for reviewing images and navigating menus.
3” 3”
Screen Dots
Screen dots refer to the resolution of the camera's LCD screen, with more dots generally indicating a sharper display.
230400 1040000
Touchscreen
A touchscreen allows you to interact with the camera's menu and focus points directly by touching the screen.
No Yes
Screen Type
The screen type indicates the technology used in the camera's display, such as LCD, OLED, etc.
TFT LCD TFT LCD
Live View
Live View allows you to use the LCD screen as a viewfinder, showing a live preview of the image before you capture it.
Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type
The viewfinder type specifies whether the camera uses an optical viewfinder (OVF), electronic viewfinder (EVF), or has no viewfinder.
Electronic Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage
Viewfinder coverage indicates the percentage of the scene that is visible in the viewfinder compared to what the sensor captures. 100% coverage means you see exactly what the sensor will capture.
100% 98%
Viewfinder Magnification
Viewfinder magnification describes the size of the image seen in the viewfinder relative to the size of the actual scene.
0.7× (0.47× 35mm equiv.) 0.71×
Viewfinder Resolution
Viewfinder resolution refers to the number of pixels in the electronic viewfinder. A higher resolution provides a clearer and more detailed image.
N/A N/A
Photography Features
Frames per second
Frames per second (fps) measures how many frames the camera can capture in one second. Higher fps rates are useful for action photography.
3,5 fps 6,5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed
The minimum shutter speed is the longest exposure time the camera can achieve, allowing for more light to enter, which is useful in low-light situations.
30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed
The maximum shutter speed is the shortest exposure time the camera can achieve, helping to freeze motion in fast-moving subjects.
1/4000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash
A built-in flash provides additional light when shooting in low-light environments, improving image quality.
Yes No
Built-in Flash Range
The built-in flash range indicates how far the flash can effectively illuminate a subject. This is measured in meters.
6 m N/A
External Flash
An external flash option allows you to attach a separate flash unit, providing more powerful lighting options and flexibility.
Yes Yes
Self-Timer
The self-timer feature allows you to set a delay between pressing the shutter button and when the photo is actually taken. This is useful for including yourself in photos or reducing camera shake.
Yes Yes
Time-lapse
Time-lapse photography allows you to capture a series of frames at set intervals, which are then combined into a video that shows a process, like a sunset, happening much faster.
No Yes
Metering Modes
Metering modes determine how the camera measures the brightness of the scene to set the exposure. Different modes are suited to different lighting conditions.
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Partial
Exposure Compensation
Exposure compensation allows you to adjust the exposure set by the camera, making the image brighter or darker as needed.
+/- 3 (at 1/3 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography Features
Video Recording
Indicates whether the camera supports video recording functionality.
Yes Yes
Video Format
The camera supports various video formats, which determine the compression and quality of the recorded video.
H.264
AVCHD
MPEG4
H.264
Video Resolution
The resolutions supported by the camera determine the clarity and detail of the recorded video.
1920 x 1080
1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
Built-in Microphone
Indicates whether the camera has a built-in microphone for recording audio during video capture.
Yes Yes
Built-in Speakers
Indicates whether the camera has built-in speakers for audio playback.
Yes Yes
Storage
Memory Card
Indicates the types of memory cards that are compatible with the camera.
Memory Stick Pro Duo
SD/SDHC
SD/SDHC
Connectivity
HDMI Output
Indicates whether the camera has an HDMI output port for connecting to external displays.
Yes Yes
Microphone Port
Indicates whether the camera has a dedicated microphone input port.
No Yes
Headphone Port
Indicates whether the camera has a headphone port for monitoring audio during recording.
No No
Wireless
Indicates whether the camera has wireless capabilities for transferring files or remote control.
No Yes
Built-In 802.11b/g/n + NFC + Bluetooth
Remote Control
Indicates whether the camera supports remote control functionality.
Yes (via optional RM-VPR1) Yes (wired, wireless or smartphone)
Remote Control SKU
The specific SKU associated with the camera's remote control or accessory.
RM-VPR1
GPS
Indicates whether the camera has built-in GPS functionality for geotagging images.
No Yes
Built-in
Body and Dimensions
Environmentally Sealed
Indicates whether the camera is sealed against dust and moisture.
No Yes
Battery
The type of battery used by the camera.
Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details
Additional information about the battery, such as capacity or specific model details.
NP-FW50 lithium-ion battery and USB charger LP-E6N lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery SKU
The specific SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) associated with the camera's battery.
NP-FW50 LP-E6N
Battery Life
The estimated number of shots the camera can take on a full battery, based on CIPA standards. CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) sets the industry standard for measuring and comparing battery life across different camera models.
480 shots according to CIPA 1200 shots according to CIPA
Width
The width of the camera body, measured in millimeters.
128 mm 144 mm
Height
The height of the camera body, measured in millimeters.
91 mm 111 mm
Depth
The depth of the camera body, measured in millimeters.
85 mm 75 mm
Weight
The weight of the camera body, including the battery, measured in grams.
411 grams including battery 765 grams including battery
Henrik Törner

Written by Henrik Törner

Camera Expert and Founder of Cameraby


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