Upgrade Guide

Sony A6500→Sony RX1R

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Sony

A6500

£345 used

2016

→

Upgrade to

Sony

RX1R

£427 used (+£82)

2013

❌

Skip it

The RX1R offers little measurable spec improvement over the A6500. Spend the money on glass instead.

Unchanged or similar

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	A6500	RX1R
Price	£345 used	£427 used
Released	2016	2013	↓
Sensor	24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS	24.3MP full-frame CMOS
Resolution	24MP	24MP	↑
Video	4K/30p (full pixel readout), 1080p/120p	Full HD 1080p/60
Autofocus	425 phase-detect + 169 contrast-detect AF points, face/eye detection	25-point contrast-detect AF with face detection
Stabilisation	IBIS — 5-axis, up to 5 stops (first Sony APS-C with IBIS)	Optical SteadyShot (in the lens), no IBIS
Burst Rate	11fps	5fps (2.5fps with AF-S per frame)	↓
Battery Life	~310 shots (CIPA)	~220 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	453g (with battery and card)	482g (with battery and card)	↓
Weather Sealed	Yes	Not weather sealed	↓
Viewfinder	EVF, OLED 2.36M dots, 0.70× magnification	Optional EVF (FDA-EV1MK) or optical finder
Screen	3.0" tilting touchscreen	3.0" fixed LCD, 1.23M dots
Mount	Sony E-mount	Fixed Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm f/2
Memory Cards	Single SD UHS-I slot	Single SD / Memory Stick slot

Compare side-by-side

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