Sony DSLR-A500 Specification Guide
DSLR-A500
Step up to the Sony α500. Enjoy the spectacular imagery of 12.3 megapixels with ISO 12800 sensitivity. Experience the versatility of
Quick Auto Focus Live View or MF Check Live View on the tiltable 3.0" LCD screen . Discover the superb response of up to 5 fps of
continuous shooting.
Quick Auto Focus Live View or MF Check Live View on the tiltable 3.0" LCD screen . Discover the superb response of up to 5 fps of
continuous shooting.
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12.3 megapixels; amazing pictures
This camera's 12.3 megapixel resolution
This camera's 12.3 megapixel resolution
makes for incredible detail and
gorgeous enlargements. The all-new
Sony® Exmor™ CMOS image sensor
ensures state-of-the-art response. The
large, APS-C format means high
sensitivity, powerful depth-of-focus
control.
gorgeous enlargements. The all-new
Sony® Exmor™ CMOS image sensor
ensures state-of-the-art response. The
large, APS-C format means high
sensitivity, powerful depth-of-focus
control.
Superb in low light (ISO 12800)
An all-new Sony's Exmor™ CMOS
image sensor employs new low-noise
processing, for uncommonly clear
pictures. The BIONZ™ image processor
An all-new Sony's Exmor™ CMOS
image sensor employs new low-noise
processing, for uncommonly clear
pictures. The BIONZ™ image processor
with chroma noise reduction helps
achieve low noise all the way up to ISO
12800, without sacrificing resolution.
achieve low noise all the way up to ISO
12800, without sacrificing resolution.
More responsive Live View
All DSLR Live View systems enable you
to compose shots in the LCD monitor,
just as you would with a point-and-
shoot camera. But not all Live View
systems are created equal. Some take
a painfully long time to focus. Some
even black out the LCD before focus.
Either can cause you to miss shots.
All DSLR Live View systems enable you
to compose shots in the LCD monitor,
just as you would with a point-and-
shoot camera. But not all Live View
systems are created equal. Some take
a painfully long time to focus. Some
even black out the LCD before focus.
Either can cause you to miss shots.
Sony's Quick Auto Focus Live View
solves these problems, making it easier
to get the best shot.
solves these problems, making it easier
to get the best shot.
Quick Auto Focus Live View
Unlike competing cameras, the DSLR-
A500 is just as responsive in Quick Auto
Focus Live View mode as in optical
viewfinder mode. That's because, unlike
the others, the α500 uses the same
"phase detection" auto focus for Live
View as for the optical viewfinder. While
Unlike competing cameras, the DSLR-
A500 is just as responsive in Quick Auto
Focus Live View mode as in optical
viewfinder mode. That's because, unlike
the others, the α500 uses the same
"phase detection" auto focus for Live
View as for the optical viewfinder. While
other Live View systems are severely
restricted, Sony's performs superbly any
time— even if you're shooting handheld
restricted, Sony's performs superbly any
time— even if you're shooting handheld
or chasing after moving subjects like
kids or pets.
kids or pets.
Manual Focus Check Live View
For critical focus in macro and tripod
shooting, the α500 also offers Manual
Focus Check Live View. Temporary 7x
and 14x zoom views enable you to
shooting, the α500 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.
1x view shows 100% framing in the LCD.
Face Detection technology
The α500 enhances Quick AF Live View
The α500 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. World's first Face
Detection system to work with fast, high-
precision "phase detection" Auto Focus.
technology, which helps you get the
best shot by recognizing faces and
applying the proper focus, exposure
and white balance. World's first Face
Detection system to work with fast, high-
precision "phase detection" Auto Focus.
Smile Shutter™ technology
Another Quick AF Live View
enhancement, Smile Shutter™
technology automatically takes the
shot when your subject smiles. Works
Another Quick AF Live View
enhancement, Smile Shutter™
technology automatically takes the
shot when your subject smiles. Works
with Quick Auto Focus Live View to
capture spontaneous moments,
making the difference between a
missed shot and a cherished memory.
capture spontaneous moments,
making the difference between a
missed shot and a cherished memory.
Tiltable 3.0" LCD
Even if you're completely comfortable
with the optical viewfinder, Sony's
tiltable LCD empowers your
photography with a different point of
view. Helps you frame high and low-
Even if you're completely comfortable
with the optical viewfinder, Sony's
tiltable LCD empowers your
photography with a different point of
view. Helps you frame high and low-
angle shots that would otherwise be hit
or miss. The LCD tilts up or down 90
degrees to capture a child's first steps or
shoot over a crowd. The 3.0"LCD
or miss. The LCD tilts up or down 90
degrees to capture a child's first steps or
shoot over a crowd. The 3.0"LCD
features 230,000 pixels and Sony's
Clear Photo LCD™ display technology.
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Up to 5 fps of continuous shooting
Up to 5 frames per second (with optical
viewfinder) can capture the decisive
moment in sports or get the ideal baby
Up to 5 frames per second (with optical
viewfinder) can capture the decisive
moment in sports or get the ideal baby
photo. You can also shoot at up to 4
fps with Quick Auto Focus Live View.
fps with Quick Auto Focus Live View.
Auto HDR built into camera
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
photography captures more scene
contrast than a single exposure can
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
photography captures more scene
contrast than a single exposure can
handle by combining two exposures
into one incredible shot. Until recently,
you needed a computer and editing
software to enjoy HDR. Now the α500
into one incredible shot. Until recently,
you needed a computer and editing
software to enjoy HDR. Now the α500
has Auto HDR built in. Handles severe
backlighting and other high-contrast
scenes. Captures in a split second.
(Recommended for still subjects.)
backlighting and other high-contrast
scenes. Captures in a split second.
(Recommended for still subjects.)
Dynamic Range Optimizer
Dynamic Range Optimizer improves
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.
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. Typical DSLR systems build
image stabilization into selected lenses
Image stabilization helps you take blur-
free shots by compensating for camera
shake. Typical DSLR systems build
image stabilization into selected lenses
only. SteadyShot INSIDE™ image
stabilization is built into the camera
body itself. You'll reduce blur with every
a-mount lens, including macro and
wide-aperture standard zoom lenses.
stabilization is built into the camera
body itself. You'll reduce blur with every
a-mount lens, including macro and
wide-aperture standard zoom lenses.
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
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 in picture
quality.
quality.
Powerful Supplied Software
To help you refine and manage your
images, the α500 is equipped with
comprehensive computer software,
including Image Data Converter SR,
Image Data Lightbox SR and Picture
Motion Browser (PMB).(Compatible
computer required, not included)
To help you refine and manage your
images, the α500 is equipped with
comprehensive computer software,
including Image Data Converter SR,
Image Data Lightbox SR and Picture
Motion Browser (PMB).(Compatible
computer required, not included)
BIONZ™ image processor
A newest version of Sony's BIONZ image
A newest version of Sony's BIONZ image
processor uses chroma noise reduction
to deliver high-resolution, low-noise
photos even at ISO 12800 sensitivity.
This powerful Sony Large Scale
Integrated circuit (LSI) also delivers fast
to deliver high-resolution, low-noise
photos even at ISO 12800 sensitivity.
This powerful Sony Large Scale
Integrated circuit (LSI) also delivers fast
processing for quick response on data-
intensive 12.3 megapixel images.
intensive 12.3 megapixel images.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Help Guide and Graphic Display
HDMI™ output for HD viewing
Eye-Start Autofocus
9-Point AF Sensor
Six Creative Style settings
Built-in Auto Pop-Up Flash
Anti-Dust Technology
Up to a 1000 Shots of battery life
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PhotoTV HD compatibility
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Six Scene Selection Modes
Index and Slide Show Display
Dual Media Slots
Supplied zoom lens (DSLR-A500L kit)