Sony DSLR-A500 12.3 MP Digital SLR Camera
-
Discontinued
Remember the Essentials
A lens and memory card are not included with the camera.
Get the type of lens for the shot you need, and a high-capacity memory card so you don't get caught without memory.
The Sony DSLR-A500 Digital SLR is a camera with 12.3 MP for images with great detail. The APS-C sensor yields high-sensitivity and depth-of-field control. The Sony Exmor CMOS image sensor combined with the BIONZ processor enables a high ISO of 12,800 that yields low-light pictures with lower noise and reduced loss of picture detail.
The DSLR-A500 has a number of built-in features to guarantee sharp and perfectly exposed images. Smile Shutter technology enables the camera to automatically take a shot when in Live View mode, and a Face Detection system recognizes and adjusts the camera for faces in a given scene. The camera boasts 6 creative style settings and 6 scene modes which adjust the camera for optimized exposures.
It can save images as RAW or JPEG formats (separately or in tandem), and with dual media slots files can be stored on Memory Stick PRO Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC media cards (all sold separately).
The 3.0" Extra Fine LCD display tilts up or down 90° to frame high- and low-angle shots. Eye-Start Autofocus begins focusing as soon as the camera is raised to the eye, and the 9-Point AF Sensor with Center Cross enables accurate focusing.
- 12.3 MP Resolution
- This camera's 12.3 MP resolution makes for incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements. The Sony Exmor CMOS image sensor ensures state-of-the-art response. The large APS-C format means high sensitivity and powerful depth-of-focus control.
- Superb In Low Light
- Sony's Exmor CMOS image sensor employs low-noise processing for clear pictures. The BIONZ image processor achieves low noise all the way up to ISO 12,800 without sacrificing resolution.
- More Responsive Live View
- Sony's Quick Auto Focus Live View enables users to compose shots in the LCD monitor and aids in quick focusing.
- Quick Auto Focus Live View
- The DSLR-A500 uses the same "phase detection" auto focus for Live View as for the optical viewfinder.
- Manual Focus Check Live View
- For critical focus in macro and tripod shooting, the DSLR-A500 also offers Manual Focus Check Live View. Temporary 7x and 14x zoom views enable you to focus on extremely fine detail while the 1x view shows 100% framing in the LCD.
- Face Detection Technology
- The DSLR-A500 enhances Quick AF Live View shooting with Face Detection technology which helps you get the best shot by recognizing faces and applying the proper focus, exposure, and white balance.
- Smile Shutter Technology
- A Quick AF Live View enhancement, Smile Shutter enables the camera to automatically take the shot when your subject smiles. It works with Quick Auto Focus Live View to capture spontaneous moments.
- Tiltable 3.0" LCD
- The 3.0" LCD features 230,400 pixels and Sony's Clear Photo LCD display technology. It helps to frame high- and low-angle shots and the LCD tilts up or down 90 degrees. 1
- Up To 5 FPS of Continuous Shooting
- The camera will shoot up to 5 frames per second (with optical viewfinder) and at up to 4 frames per second with Quick Auto Focus Live View.
- Auto HDR Built Into Camera
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography captures more scene contrast by combining two exposures into one shot. The DSLR-A500 has Auto HDR built in to handle severe backlighting and other high-contrast scenes. 2
- Dynamic Range Optimizer
- Dynamic Range Optimizer improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Normal DRO improves detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time, while Advanced DRO adjusts dynamic range area-by-area for greater accuracy.
- SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization
- Image stabilization helps you take blur-free shots by compensating for camera shake. SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization is built into the camera body itself.
- Smart Teleconverter 2x Digital Zoom
- In Quick Auto Focus Live View mode you can extend the optical zoom of your lens with digital zoom. One touch zooms in at 1.4x while a second touch advances to 2x zoom. The system reproduces pixels on a 1:1 basis so there's no degradation of picture quality.
- Powerful Supplied Software
- The DSLR-A500 is equipped with comprehensive computer software which includes Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR, and Picture Motion Browser (PMB). 3
- BIONZ Image Processor
- Sony's BIONZ image processor uses chroma noise reduction to deliver high-resolution and low-noise photos at up to ISO 12800 sensitivity. Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry also delivers fast processing for quick response on data-intensive images.
- Help Guide and Graphic Display
- An informative on-screen Help Guide and Graphic Display provide ready reference to advanced camera functions. The Help Guide explains the camera's modes and settings while the Graphic Display clarifies the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, as well as the effect each has on photographic results.
- HDMI Output for HD viewing
- Connect your camera to a compatible HDTV and play back images in high definition. The DSLR-A500 includes an HDMI output. The BRAVIA Sync system works with compatible Sony BRAVIA HDTVs to let you control camera playback using the television's remote. 4
- Eye-Start Autofocus
- For maximum speed, Eye-Start Autofocus begins focusing as soon as the camera is raised to your eye.
- 9-Point AF Sensor
- To get the best shot under a wide range of situations, the DSLR-A500 uses a 9-Point AF Sensor with Center Cross. In addition, predictive focus control automatically calculates the position of fast-moving subjects.
- Built-in Auto Pop-Up Flash
- To help you shoot more effectively, the built-in flash automatically pops up and fires as needed when the camera is set to certain scene selection modes. The flash also triggers a wireless accessory flash (sold separately). An integrated hot shoe enables the expansion of lighting options with a range of accessory flashes (sold separately).
- Anti-Dust Technology
- Anti-Dust Technology helps keep the CMOS imager clean, resulting in consistently better pictures. First a static-free coating on the CMOS filter helps repel dust. Then vibration automatically dislodges dust from the CMOS each time the camera is shut off.
- Up To 1000 Shots of Battery Life
- Take up to 1000 shots on a single charge (optical viewfinder mode) when fully charged and take up to 520 shots (Live View mode) with Sony Stamina battery power. Sony's InfoLITHIUM battery system enables you to see the percent of power remaining, so you can keep shooting in confidence. 5
- PhotoTV HD Compatibility
- PhotoTV HD compatibility enables you to automatically create high-resolution thumbnails optimized for viewing on a compatible Sony® BRAVIA® HDTV. 6
- Six Scene Selection Modes
- To help you get the shot, Scene Selection Modes optimize the camera settings for common shooting situations. Just turn the Mode Dial to select from Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, and Night View modes.
- Index and Slide Show Display
- Quickly review your photos using 4- or 9-frame index views, or as an automatic slide show with fade-in/fade-out effect.
- Dual Media Slots
- Memory Stick PRO-HG and SD/SDHC media (sold separately).
- Warranty
- Limited Warranty Term: 1-Year Parts & Labor.
Go To
| Camera Type | Sony Alpha Digital SLR camera with built-in flash and inter-changeable lenses |
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 12.3MP |
| Sensor | APS-C size Exmor CMOS sensor (23.5 X 15.6mm) |
| Processor | BIONZ image processor |
| Bit Depth | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| File Formats |
RAW RAW+JPEG JPEG Fine JPEG Standard |
| File Size |
Still Actual 16:9 : L (10M): 4272 X 2400 M (5.4M): 3104 X 1744 S (2.5M): 2128 X 1192 Still Actual 3:2 : L (12M): 4272 X 2848 M (6.4M): 3104 X 2072 S (3.0M): 2128 X 1416 |
| Color Filter | RGB primary color filters |
| Image Stabilization | SteadyShot INSIDE stabilization |
| Focusing Area | Wide (Up to 9 active focus points), Spot, Local (9 local areas selectable) |
| Focus Type | TTL phase detection system |
| Number of Focusing Points | 9 points |
| ISO | Auto, 200 to 12800 |
| Focusing Sensitivity Range | EV0 - 18 (ISO100) |
| Focusing Modes | Manual Focus, Check Live View, Predictive Control, Focus Lock, Eye-Start AF, AF Illuminator |
| Modes |
AF modes : Single-Shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, (AF/MF selectable) Drive Mode : Single-Shot, Continuous, Speed Priority, Self-Timer, Bracketing; Cont./ WB, Remote Commander |
| Tripod Mount | Yes, 1/4"-20 |
| Conveniences |
Anti-dust function : Charge protection coating on low pass filter and image-sensor shift mechanism BRAVIA Sync: Via HDMI with compatible BRAVIA HDTV Creative Style: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W Setting Adjustment for: Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness Dynamic Range Optimizer: DRO; off, Auto/Level (Lv1-5) Auto HDR, Off, Auto Exposure (up to 3EV between 1.0-3.0EV in 0.5EV steps) Live View : Quick Auto Focus, Live View Manual, Focus Check Live View Scene Mode(s): Flash Off, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night portrait User Interface: Easy-to-understand Graphic Display and on-screen Help Guide, user-friendly function menu |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens | N/A |
| Filter Size | 55mm |
| Zoom | 18-55mm |
| Minimum Focus Distance | N/A |
| Groups/Elements | N/A |
| Length | N/A |
| Diameter | N/A |
| Lens Mount | Sony Alpha lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens |
| Weight | N/A |
| Shooting Controls | |
|---|---|
| Shooting Modes | Auto, Program Auto (P), Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), Manual (M) |
| Metering | TTL metering w/ 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC |
| Exposure Modes | Flash Off, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait |
| Scene Modes | Flash Off, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait |
| White Balance | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Color Temperature, Color Filter, Custom |
| Mirror Lock-Up | No |
| Burst Capability | Up to 5 fps; 4 fps using Live View |
| Self Timer | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Remote Control | No |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Effective Flash Range | 18mm in focal-length of lens attached |
| External Flash Connection |
Optional: HVL-F58AM External Flash HVL-F42AM External Flash HVL-F20AM External Flash |
| Dedicated Flash System | ADI flash (automatic change for Pre-flash TTL) |
| Max Sync Speed | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Flash Exposure Compensation | ±2EV (in 1/3 EV-stop increments) |
| Guide Number | 12 (in meters at ISO100) |
| Recycling Time | Approx. 4 sec |
| Built-in Memory | No |
| Memory Card Type |
Memory Stick PRO Duo media SD and SDHC memory card |
| Viewfinder Type | Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror |
| Viewfinder Display | Spherical Acute Matte Screen |
| Viewfinder Coverage | Field of View : 95% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.80x (with 50mm lens at infinity) |
| Viewfinder Info |
Diopter Adjustment : -2.5 - +1.0m-1 Eye relief : Approx. 19 mm from the eyepiece Approx. 15 mm from the eyepiece frame at -1 diopter |
| Display |
3" TFT Clear Photo Plus™ LCD (230,400 pixels)
1
Please Note:Viewable area measured diagonally close |
| Display Area | Coverage : 100% (Playback), 90% (Live View) |
| LCD Information |
Angle Adjustment : Yes (upward by up to 90°, downward by up to 90°) Brightness Control : Auto Brightness Control (Auto setting in 2 steps Manual setting in 5 steps) |
| OS Compatibility |
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Windows XP SP2 Windows Vista Mac OS X (v10.1.3) or later |
| Software |
Included: PMB (Picture Motion Browser) 4.3.01 Image Data Converter SR 3.1 Image Data Lightbox SR |
| Ports | USB2.0 Hi-Speed (mass-storage, PTP) |
| Operating/Storage Temperature | Operating Temperature : 32 - 104° F (0 - 40 ° C) |
| Battery Type |
Battery Type : NP-FM500H InfoLITHIUM Rechargeable Approx. 1000 images with viewfinder, 520 images in live view mode |
| Base Dimensions (WxHxD) | 5.39 x 4.09 x 3.31" (137 X 104 X 84mm) (excluding protrusions) |
| Weight | Approx. 20.42 oz (597g) (without battery, memory card, accessories ) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 12 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Good image quality (10)
- Image stabilization (10)
- Easy to use (9)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (8)
- Fast shutter speed (8)
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (8)
- Sports/action (6)
- Travel (6)
- Wildlife (6)
- Low light (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual photographer (4), Semi-pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (4)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 12 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-12
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
Comments about Sony DSLR-A500 12.3 MP Digital SLR Camera:
bird pictures
- Ease of Operation:
- 7
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Sony DSLR-A500 12.3 MP Digital SLR Camera:
This is best buy! Cost not expensive, Image quality - very good! Interface very easy to use!
Сorrelation about price/quality much better than canon or nikon.
- Ease of Operation:
- 10
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
- Quiet
- Tilt /Swivel LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Sony DSLR-A500 12.3 MP Digital SLR Camera:
I have shot everything from humming birds; to landscape; to moonlit stormy skies and people's portraits. Everything has come out very fine indeed. Great to have 5 frames a second! Very good auto functions from ISO to D-range, etc.
Images sometimes need a little adjusting. Usually, not so much.
The noise on ISO 12,800 is not that bad. It is something one expects if they ever shot film.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Quiet
- Tilt /Swivel LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Sony DSLR-A500 12.3 MP Digital SLR Camera:
I have been using an Sony A330 and gave it to my granddaughter so I had to get me a new camera. I am really pleased with the camera.[...]
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
Cons
- Short Battery Life
Best Uses
Comments about Sony DSLR-A500 12.3 MP Digital SLR Camera:
It has worked great so far....great clarity and resolution
Pros
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Birding
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Sony DSLR-A500 12.3 MP Digital SLR Camera:
The menus are great but you get lost to control them
I'll get used to it soon
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Large Clear LCD
- Tilt /Swivel LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Sony DSLR-A500 12.3 MP Digital SLR Camera:
I have only had this camera for a couple of weeks, but so far so good. I sold my Canon XSi and purchased the a500 in order to share lenses with my husband who owns the a300. I love the ability to use Minolta lenses. I find the menu much easier to navigate than the Canon. I love the tilt lcd screen and the built in image stabilization. The shutter is a little noisy, but I don't mind.
Pros
- Battery Life
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
- Tilt /Swivel LCD
Cons
- Layout
- Menus could be better
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Travel
Comments about Sony DSLR-A500 12.3 MP Digital SLR Camera:
I bought this camera as a backup of my A700. I didn't want to expend to much, so I found that this camera had almost everything that I wanted and a little more. Of course it doesn't have all the controls and specs of the A700 but takes wonderfull photos even in low light (i think that jpgs from iso 1600 and above are better than the A700). There are a few glitches on how Sony implemented the menus and other functions, but anyways this camera is very fun to use and has better specs (5fps, in Camera HDR & Live View that really works, Manual focus Live View, Image Stabilization in the Body) than other similary price DSLR (for taking photos - not for video).
So if you own a Minolta or Sony, or simply want and you want a fun, but serious Photographic Camera, this is one that you should consider, since there are photos that you could take with this than you couldn't in other similary price DSLR.
Having no video was not a deciding factor in my personal choice, but for others this could be a cons of this camera.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
- Nice Live View
Cons
- Small Optical Viewfinder
Best Uses
Comments about Sony DSLR-A500 12.3 MP Digital SLR Camera:
It's my first DSLR, and I it's make me very happy. It's very easy to use and the results are excellent. Natural colours. ISO 3200 usable. Nice Auto WB, and great Live view. Works great for every need I have.
If it your first DSLR you did right choice. And again, main virtue of cameras is the picture quality, and it have it drop-dead.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Sony DSLR-A500 12.3 MP Digital SLR Camera:
I daily use my camera since I bought it and I am ecstatic to see the results. It has the ability to capture 5-frames per second and is very good even in low light conditions too. The photograph quality is AWESOME.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Art
- Landscape
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
Comments about Sony DSLR-A500 12.3 MP Digital SLR Camera:
The Camera Performs well its fast and accurate. Menu Options are very easy to use and the results are wonderful. It captures very natural and soft portraits
Comments about Sony DSLR-A500 12.3 MP Digital SLR Camera:
I use my Sony DSLR-A500 in sports photgraphy. So far it has lived up to expectations. Quick focusing and shoots 5fps. Also I use to use a Minolta 7xi 35mm camera, so I had several great autofocus Minolta lens. They work great with the new Sony. Large display is nice too.
The smile indicator is awesome. You can't miss a great smile by your subject with this feature.
Displaying reviews 1-12
Lenses
Required item: A lens is not included. Get the type of lens for the shot you need.
- Price: $199.99
- Instant Savings: -$25.00 Offer ends MAR 3 '12
- You Pay: $174.99
Not compatible with 35mm or "full-frame" digital SLR cameras
Batteries & Power
Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.
- Price: $44.71
- Price: $24.95
Flash & Accessories
Get a flash to add light to your picture.
- Price: $11.95
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
- Price: $68.95
Battery Grips
Get a better grip for vertical shots and add battery life.
- Price: $181.89
What's in the Box
- DSLR-A500 Body
- NP-FM500H InfoLithium Battery (7.2V, 1650mAh)
- BC-VM10 Battery Charger
- Power Cord
- Shoulder Strap
- USB Cable
- Body Cap
- Software CD-ROM
- 1-Year Parts & Labor Manufacturer's Limited Warranty
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