• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Sony A65 advantages over Canon SL2

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • More cross-type AF points
    3 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.73x vs 0.54x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More AF points
    15 vs 9
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Canon SL2 advantages over Sony A65

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Fast startup
    ~0.60 vs 2.8 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,041 vs 717 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 650 vs 510 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    7 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Both provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony A65

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SL2

Review Excerpt

  • Higher resolution and better image quality than SL1; Much improved dynamic range; Excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF; Compact body with improved ergonomics; Articulating touchscreen; Full HD movies up to 60p; Better battery life.

  • Shallow buffer depth with RAW files; Dynamic range and high ISO performance still not as good as leading competitors; No 4K video option; OVF only offers 9 AF points.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3200

Sony A65
Nikon D3200
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $477
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Canon SL2
Nikon D3200
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $477
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compared to Nikon D5200

Sony A65
Nikon D5200
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Canon SL2
Nikon D5200
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO

Compared to Sony A58

Sony A65
Sony A58
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in GPS
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Canon SL2
Sony A58
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon D3500

Sony A65
Nikon D3500
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Canon SL2
Nikon D3500
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup

Compared to Canon SL3

Sony A65
Canon SL3
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $624
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video
Canon SL2
Canon SL3
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC
  • $624
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Longer stills battery life
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