Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

Dynamic range performance for entry-level enthusiasts

Sony Alpha DSLR-A500
79/100
CAMERA SCORE
Features 16
Performance 16
Durability 16
Price 14
Usability 17
Brand Sony
Model DSLR-A500

Key Features

SENSOR APS-C CMOS sensor, 12.3 effective megapixels
PROCESSOR BIONZ image processor for fast processing and noise reduction
AUTOFOCUS 9-point TTL phase detection system with center cross-sensor
PHASE DETECTION Dedicated phase detection sensor, no on-sensor PDAF
VIDEO No video recording capability
STABILIZATION SteadyShot INSIDE sensor-shift stabilization, 2.5-4 stops
BURST RATE Up to 5 fps in viewfinder mode, 7 fps in speed priority
VIEWFINDER Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.74x magnification
DISPLAY 3.0-inch tilting Clear Photo LCD, 230,400 dots
CONNECTIVITY USB 2.0, HDMI Type C, Video Out
MEMORY CARD Dual slots: Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC
WEATHER SEALING Basic dust resistance, polycarbonate body construction
BATTERY LIFE Approx. 500 shots per charge (CIPA) using NP-FM500H

The Most Important Buttons & Dials — Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

Control / Button / Dial Status Note
Shutter-release Button ✓ Present
Mode Dial ✓ Present
+/- EV (Exposure Compensation) Button ✓ Present
Dedicated ISO Button ✓ Present
Dedicated Aperture Dial / Ring ~ Limited Via command dial
Dedicated Shutter Speed Dial ~ Limited Via command dial
AF-ON Button ✗ Not Present
Main Command Dial ✓ Present
Sub-Command Dial ✗ Not Present
Function (Fn) Buttons ✓ Present
Joystick / Multi-selector ✗ Not Present
AF-assist / Self-timer Lamp ✓ Present
Monitor Mode Button ✓ Present
Video Record Button ✗ Not Present
Drive Mode Control ✓ Present

How-to Use Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

Welcome to the How-to section of the camera. In this Light & Composition University website, each page for a camera has a how-to section and a section for learning. Simply because the buttons and the controls of each camera is located in different places that not only varies for brands but in each model. How-to section help you operate your camera, however, if you are interested to learn photography, not only you need to know how your camera works, but also you must know what you can change and why you do that to get better photo. Click the “Learn” or scroll down.

Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 Exposure Indicators

Optimal exposure Underexposed by 1/3 EV Overexposed by over 2 EV
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The key to the photography is light, and it’s the exposure indicators, where you see how much light your camera sensor sees. These indicators both in monitor and viewfinder show whether the photograph would be under or over-exposed at the current setting. The amount of under or overexposure is shown in increments of 1/3 EV.

Learn & Master Photography with Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

For over a decade, we have been teaching photography following a university standard. No one does it better than us. We have a selection of courses, diplomas, graduate and post-graduate programs, as well as some of our best-selling university press publications, to guide you in the best possible way for your camera. Enroll in the fundamentals and then move to the genres you want to master.

Technical Specification

Sensor APS-C CMOS
Resolution 12.3 MP
ISO Range 200-12800
Autofocus 9-point TTL
Shutter Speed 1/4000 to 30 sec
Burst Rate 5 fps
Video None
Stabilization Sensor-shift
Viewfinder Optical Pentamirror
LCD 3.0-inch Tilting
Memory Card SD/SDHC/MS Duo
Connectivity USB 2.0, HDMI
Battery Life 500 shots
Weight 597g
Dimensions 137 x 104 x 84 mm