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Sony Alpha A500 DSLR Camera
12 Megapixels
Single Lens Reflex
High ISO: ISO 6400 or more is available at full-resolution.
Stabilization: Compensates for tiny involuntary movements of the camera.
Continuous Drive
Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).
Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.
Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.
Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.
Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.
Spot Metering
Accepts Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) and SD memory.
Accepts Memory Stick Duo memory.
Discontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.Digital Camera Description
The Sony Alpha A500 is a Entry-Level DSLR with an APS-C sensor and a Sony A lens mount. Its 12 Megapixels CMOS sensor offers an ISO 200-12800 sensitivity range which is expandable to ISO 200-12800. This makes it possible to shoot hand-held in relatively low-light. With 12 MP of resolution, sharp prints are possible up to 18" x 12" at 240 DPI.
A builtin 2-Axis Image Stabilization mechanism allows the Sony Alpha A500 to compensate for camera shake with any mounted lens.
This camera features a mechanic shutter that can expose for 1/4000 to 30s. Bulb exposures of an unspecified duration are possible with this camera. With a fastest shutter-speed of 1/4000, fast action can easily be frozen. Night photography is possible using this digital camera due to its long exposure capability. This camera model offers Full Manual Controls.
The Sony Alpha A500 features a 9-point Phase-Detect AF system. Autofocus can continuously adjust according to subject distance. Manual Focus is also available.
A single control-dial on this camera makes it easy to use semi-automatic modes by adjusting the current exposure parameter directly This camera does not feature any seals to protect it against adverse weather, dust and moisture. Care must be taken, just like with most electronics. Framing on the Sony Alpha A500 is performed via a medium reflex optical viewfinder with 0.80X magnification and 95% coverage. This magnification is equivalent to 0.51X on a Full-Frame camera.
Model Specifications
| Brand | Sony | Model | Alpha A500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 12 Megapixels CMOS | Sensor Size | 24 x 16mm |
| Anti-Alias Filter | Yes | Sensor Aspect | 3:2 Aspect-Ratio |
| Stabilization | 2-Axis | Dust-Reduction | Yes |
| Sensitivity | ISO 200 - 12800 | Shutter-Speed | 1/4000 - 30s |
| Lens Mount | Sony A Mount | Crop Factor | 1.5X |
| Filter Diameter | N / A | Focus System | 9-point Phase-Detect, Assist-lamp *Eye-Start AF. |
| Viewfinder Type | Reflex OVF | Viewfinder Size | 0.80X - 95% Coverage |
| Display Attachment | Display Size | 230K Pixels 3" LCD 90% Coverage *MF-Check mode gives 100% coverage, no autofocus. | |
| Exposure Modes | P, A, T, M, B | Scene Modes | 7 Flash Off, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait |
| Metering | Multi-Segment, Center-Weighed, Spot | Bracketing | 3 Shots ±2/3 EV |
| Exposure Compensation | ±2 EV, 1/3 EV | Flash Compensation | ±2 EV, 1/3 EV |
| White Balance | Auto, Presets, Custom | White Balance Tuning | 1 Axis, 6 steps |
| Continuous Drive | 5 FPS, 12 JPEG, 6 RAW | Self Timer | Yes *2s, 10s |
| Command Dials | 1 | DOF Preview | No |
| Protection | Dust Reduction | Yes | |
| Digital Level | Tripod Mount | Yes | |
| Remote Trigger | Eye-Start Sensor | Yes | |
| HDR | Yes | Orientation Sensor | Yes |
| Interval Timer | No | Multiple Exposure | No |
| Image Formats | JPEG RAW | Flash Ports | Hot-Shoe |
| Built-In Flash | YesFlash bracketing, 3 frames, 1/3 or 2/3 EV steps. (GN 12) | Flash Sync | 1/160s |
| Video Capture | Sound Input | ||
| Video Format | WiFi | No | |
| Memory | Secure Digital High Capacity, Memory Stick Duo | GPS | No |
| Battery | Lithium-Ion | Battery Life | 1000 *CIPA Standard, 50% flash use. |
| Introduced | 2009-08-27, DiscontinuedYES | Construction | Standard |
| Size | 137 x 104 x 84mm (W x H x D) | Weight | 597g |
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Sony A500 Highlights
SLR digital cameraSensor-Size: 24 x 16mm
Actual size when viewed at 100 DPI
| 12 Megapixels DSLR | ISO 200-12800 |
| Sony A Mount 1.5X FLM | Shutter 1/4000-30s |
| 2-Axis Built-in Stabilization | Full manual controls, including Manual Focus |
| 95% Coverage Medium Viewfinder | Custom white-balance with 1 axis fine-tuning |
| Automatic Eye-Start sensor | Spot-Metering |
| Built-in Dust Reduction | Hot-Shoe |
| 5 FPS Drive, 12 Images | Lithium-Ion Battery |
| 3" LCD 230K Pixels | Secure Digital High Capacity, Memory Stick Duo |
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