Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

Overview

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 13 expert reviews

Excellent:

3
Good:

6
Average:

4
Bad:

0

Pros:

Good value for money, In-body image stabilisation, Articulating screen, AF performance during live view, Support for SDHC cards and Sony's own Memory Stick Duo format, Noise performance
Long battery life, tilt LCD, AF live view, allblack finish
Mid range DSLR comparison

Cons:

Proprietary hot shoe fitting, Limited exposure compensation and bracketing range, Low flash sync speed
Value vs a550, noisy AF with kit lens, dual card access, no video

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Last revision on November 11, 2011

Reviewers Liked

Good value for money, In-body image stabilisation, Articulating screen, AF performance during live view, Support for SDHC cards and Sony's own Memory Stick Duo format, Noise performance
Long battery life, tilt LCD, AF live view, allblack finish
Mid range DSLR comparison
Strong all-round performance. Serious design approach. Fast live view autofocus

Reviewers Didn't Like

Proprietary hot shoe fitting, Limited exposure compensation and bracketing range, Low flash sync speed
Value vs a550, noisy AF with kit lens, dual card access, no video
The Canon EOS 50D & 17-85mm IS lens costs around £984 and is available from Warehouse Express here:
No HD video

Expert reviews and ratings

Cheaper and with better photo quality than its sibling, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A500's quirky design is the only real flaw in an otherwise solid entry-level model with fast Live View shooting and a useful tilting...

By CNET Australia on August 18, 2010

During testing this camera has proven itself to be a very capable piece of equipment, easily holding its own in many areas against the competition. It may not have some of the latest video features that many cameras at this level have included, but it...

By ePHOTOzine on June 03, 2010

In theory the consumer digital SLR market is split between five manufacturers, but in practice it's always been a two horse race. Canon and Nikon control nearly 80 percent of the market between them, with Canon firmly in the lead taking...

By Trusted Reviews on February 19, 2010

The street price between the A500 and A550 kit options only differs by up to about £100. They’re very similar pieces of kit, and the small amount of extra money needed for the A550 from many retailers seems to render the...

By What Digital Camera on January 29, 2010

If you're an advanced amateur, or maybe you're buying your second digital SLR, the Sony A500 makes a very good choice. It has a host of features, some unique, and is a cut above the entry level class of digital SLRs. So if you're ready for a...

By Electronicsme on December 29, 2009

Good features and great images but lacking some features of similarly priced...

By Digital Camera Buyer on December 22, 2009

The lack of HD video is a shame, but otherwise the A500 is a feature-packed performer that delivers seriously sharp results...

By Stuff on November 18, 2009

A superb all-rounder packed with features and...

By ElectricPig.co.uk on October 30, 2009

Sony recently got five consumer cameras for its dSLR line up and amongst them; the Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 is the best one. All five cameras are within the $500 and $750 price range and I really liked the Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 because it gives great value...

By eTech Reviews on September 28, 2010

The Sony A500 is new Sony dSLR model offering a new 12.3MP CMOS Sensor with an array of nice features, including a Live View system with class leading Autofocus speed (which now includes the option to use Face Recognition with Live View), Anti-Dust...

By Steves Digicams on February 08, 2010

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