Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I just sold my A6000 and lenses, not because I didn't like the camera--it was a fabulous camera that turned out great images--but because I discovered that after using it for a year, I just preferred the convenience of having all my lenses in one, and not having to change lenses. True, it's compact compared to a DSLR, but once one gets used to the size and feel, it just works. I have big hands and fingers and had no problem with the A6000. If I ever decided to go back to a camera with interchangeable lenses, it would be the A6000 or whatever iteration that would be out at that time.

But to answer your initial question, the two cameras are entirely different, so it's hard to quantify which is "better," quality-wise or image-wise. Both are good, but have different sensors and accessory availability. Both produce very good images. Neither is a "bad" camera. So it all boils down to which style of camera appeals to you the most. Try out both and see for yourself, firsthand, which one you like the most. While you're at it, don't eliminate a Nikon, say the D7100, to compare to the Canon and the Sony. I think you have to do a hands-on comparison to really decide which way to go.

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

The Sony only has one advantage. Light weight. It has many disadvantages in my experience (I bought one for a Europe trip this year) The autofocus starts hunting at the least disturbance. BBF is not like on Canon or Nikon. Just doesn't work well.

In fact my biggest reason for selling was that the Sony does not work like other cameras. I wanted to mount my Rode for video, but Sony's proprietary interface won't allow that. (I don't do a lot of video, but when I do, I want a shockmounted shotgun mic. Sony sells something they purport to be, but they are crappy at best.)

Canon, Pentax and Nikon have different but similar controls. If you do something on a Canon, you know that there is a similar function on a Nikon. This is not true of the Sony a6000. I don't know the Canon enough, but the Nikon D5500 is light-years ahead in focus and in photo quality.

bkellyusa Loc: Nashville, TN

Being able to take Panorama, Auto ISO in Manual Mode, Focus Peaking, Focus Magnification, Advanced Auto Focusing, HDR, 11fps and the Electronic Viewfinder on the SONY A6000 to me put it in a class by itself for me.

If popularity is a part of their scoring I can't see how that wouldn't favor the A6000. It's got a huge cult like following and is considered by most a groundbreaking camera.

My daughter has the 5300 and as I said earlier I like the camera. The smaller 5500 is even better. I almost bought a 5300 when I bought my Sony Nex 5T but the size of the camera makes a big difference to me since I travel with it on my motorcycle so I went with the A6000. WHen I got it and realized how capable it was I was thrilled I had bought it.

Probably my favorite feature of the Nikon is that the way it is laid out. I think (but I could e wrong) that is is faster to operate if you are shooting in manual and making lots of adjustments.

I just got a message a few minutes ago and the new A6100 comes out in just 2 days and the current A6000 has had it's price reduced.

Iceberg

Thanks.Sound advice.

bkellyusa Loc: Nashville, TN

I agree that the Sony A6000 is a different kind of camera and requires some additional effort to learn. If you are coming from another brand of technically sophisticated camera you will still be able to easily operate the A6000 in a matter of minutes but once you try to get beyond that level and truly use all of the features available on the Sony you are going to have to work at it a bit. If you have never owned a full feature camera it's not going to make any difference since everything will be new to you. Either way the differences aren't huge and mostly point to the fact that the Sony has a lot of features that simply aren't found on other cameras.

Ultimately, I don't want to be in the position of defending the A6000. I own one but I am sure that I would be very happy with the D5500 as well. I say buy whatever you want that suits you. However, if you are considering the A6000 get on the Facebook page for the A6000 Photography Group and look at what people are doing with this camera. It is truly mind-blowing.

You might also want to look on Youtube for all of the guys, including professionals, that have happily switched from Nikon and Cannon to the Sony cameras including the A6000.

Another camera you might want to consider is the Samsung Mirrorless cameras. The top of the line has a lot to offer. Like the Sony it has a lot of features not found on other cameras and it has its own way of going about getting it to operating. As it is now, Samsung is probably only one more upgrade way from becoming serious contender in the mirrorless camera market.

Anyhow, good luck with your camera selection.

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

Snapsort is notoriously inaccurate. It should never be used for serious comparisons.

bkellyusa Loc: Nashville, TN

Snapshot sure got my attention with this comparison. I'd never take them seriously again.

Incredibly they have the A6000 picked #1 for best mirrorless camera but they somehow found a way to significantly downgraded it compared to the Nikon D5500. If you look a the two cameras feature for feature I just don't know how you could come to a conclusion like that. As a result of this I am going to downgrade the value of their comparison charts in the future.

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

Some of the winners are a joke.

Take this comparison for example:

http://snapsort.com/compare/Sony-Alpha-A6000-vs-Sony_Alpha_DSLR-A900

The A900 is a full frame professional camera... yet the A6000 is the snapsort winner!?

Same thing here:

http://snapsort.com/compare/Sony-Alpha-A6000-vs-Sony-SLT-A99

Snapsort is a joke and an insult.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

They all have good quality. features are another matter. Best advice is to try to have a hands on with each and a discussion with someone who can explain the features of each. I either had or have used Canon Rebel series, and I also have a Sony a6000. For travel and sports, the Sony goes with me first. I still love using my APS-C and FF Canons for everything else. Have tried Nikon, but never owned one.
Want to add that comparing DSLR to MILC's can be harder than comparing same in their respective field(s).

Iceberg

Thanks for the suggestions.