I suppose it depends on what you are prepared to compromise on when you travel. If you are after really brilliant photography results you are probably correct. When I travel your opening statement is much more important to me: "Weight and Size: This is by far the most important factor in purchasing a travel camera." You posted a pic of a backpack full of lenses, tripod etc. I wander the world packing light and cannot accept all that added weight and size for the small improvement in picture quality. My present travel camera is a Canon SX620HS (which replaced my brilliant but aged Fuji F770EXR) and provides everything I need without all those extra items to carry around.

Hey Alan,

Yes, I agree. I used to use the Sony RX100 for almost 4 years into my travel before I wanted something more. It captures absolutely amazing photos despite it being point and shoot. The reason why I decided to switch to a mirrorless cropped sensor is that my trusty RX100 broke and I just want to try something that gives me more control over the functionalities and get the soft look you often get with cameras with bigger sensors and proper glass. But yes, it depends on the kinda of content you create. I create a lot of films and photos that sometimes requires manual features like taking photos of stars etc. but if all you need is to shoot in daylight, point and shoot will do just fine.

The Sony a6500,, in my opinion, is the ultimate travel camera for those who need the functionality and quality but not the bigger size that comes with cameras like DSLR etc.

I emailed Sony and asked which cameras are weather-sealed and they said they don't have any. Their cameras are sealed just for dust and moisture, not for use in rain, water spray, or splashes.

Hey,

Thank you for the comments. I'm quite certain that the reason Sony said that is that they didn't get their cameras certified by any of the organizations that rate a product weather proof but when it comes to real world use, Sony really did a great job at sealing their cameras from more than just moisture and dust.

I have 2 cameras from them and it had gone through the desert of Mongolia, a spray from waterfalls in NZ, and constant mountain dust from the Himalayas, and it came out unscratched.

That said, you are right about water. Light rain and spray are fine as long as you don't put it directly under it. I wouldn't risk it with heavy rain though. They are not waterproof after all.

My Sony a6500 is still in tip top shape after 3 years of extreme usage. 😁 So I would say, they did a great job sealing their cameras.

Thanks for a great article. Your take on the A6X00 series enforce me that I should stay with the APS-C world. I am thinking of getting the A6600, but many people including the sales guys keep telling me to get A7iii instead because it is a better camera for almost the same price. 3 years on since you got the A6500, will you now consider going to the A7iii? Or will you think of switching to A6600 for the bigger battery? One thing put me off switching to A6600 right now is the lack of flash light. I don't use flash light often.. but it is always good to know it is there if I need it. Will you miss the flash light if you switch to A6600? Good to hear your comment.

Hey Dickson,

Thank you for the comment! For me, I won't be upgrading any time soon. The camera is still kicking asses all over the world with me and with the type of travel style I have, hiking, and hauling all these stuff together with a tripod and other accessories, I am really appreciating the the light-weight body and the smaller lenses of the APS-C camera. :)

It has its downsides, like the smaller battery and it is not as good in low-light as the full-frame equivalent, but it is something to be expected for a smaller body sensor camera like the APS-C. Plus, it is not the same price if you think about it. With the price of just the body of the A73, you can get an APS-C camera WITH another lenses.

I was also looking at the a6600 but the upgrade is not worth the cost IMO. I will be sticking to a6500 until a better upgrade comes around. For now, I am loving the a6500, even after 3 years. :D

I hope this helps!