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Sony Alpha 500 DSLR Camera

The Sony a500 is a 12MP APS-C DSLR camera — known for its 12MP APS-C CMOS Sensor and Sensor-Shift Stabilization. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Sony Alpha 500 DSLR Camera

Sony Alpha 500 DSLR Camera

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Overview — Sony a500

The Sony Alpha 500 is an APS-C DSLR built around a 12MP sensor paired with Sony's BIONZ image processor. It covers an ISO range of 200 to 12800, giving shooters meaningful flexibility across a range of lighting situations. One of its standout features is sensor-shift in-body image stabilization, which works with any compatible lens mounted to the camera — a practical advantage for photographers using a variety of glass.

The autofocus system uses phase detection with a 9-point layout including a center cross sensor, offering solid subject acquisition for everyday shooting. Burst shooting is supported at up to 5 frames per second, making it capable for action and moving subjects. The 3.0-inch tilting LCD with 230,000-dot resolution provides flexible framing from various angles, while the optical pentamirror viewfinder gives a traditional shooting experience.

Storage is handled via SD, SDHC, or Memory Stick PRO Duo. The body is constructed from a plastic/metal composite, weighs 618g, and measures 137 x 104 x 81mm. A built-in pop-up flash is included.

The battery is rated for approximately 510 shots per charge. Note that the camera has no weather sealing, no Wi-Fi, and no Bluetooth connectivity.

Key Features — Sony a500

12MP APS-C CMOS Sensor: Captures images at up to 4272x2848 resolution with a 1.5x crop factor, using Sony's BIONZ processor for image rendering.

Sensor-Shift Stabilization: In-body image stabilization works with any compatible lens mounted to the camera, not just optically stabilized glass.

ISO 200–12800 Range: Covers a broad sensitivity range for shooting in varied lighting conditions, from bright daylight to dimmer indoor environments.

9-Point Phase Detection AF: Phase detection autofocus with a center cross sensor provides reliable subject acquisition for everyday and action shooting.

5fps Burst Shooting: Continuous shooting at up to 5 frames per second allows capture of fast-moving subjects and decisive moments.

Tilting 3.0-Inch LCD: The tilting rear display makes it easier to compose shots from low, high, or off-angle positions without awkward posture.

Specifications — Sony a500

Sony a500 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel
TypeDSLR
SensorAPS-C
Resolution12MP
ProcessorBIONZ
ISO Range200 – 12800
AF SystemPhase Detection
AF Points9-point with center cross sensor
Max Photo Resolution4272x2848
Burst Rate5 fps
Max Frame Rate30fps
Bit Depth8-bit

Description — Sony a500

The Sony Alpha 500 is a DSLR camera featuring a 12MP APS-C sensor processed by Sony's BIONZ image processor. The ISO range runs from 200 to 12800, providing usable sensitivity across a broad range of shooting conditions. A key feature is the sensor-shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system, which compensates for camera shake at the sensor level regardless of which compatible lens is attached.

The autofocus system employs phase detection with a 9-point layout, anchored by a center cross-type sensor. Continuous shooting reaches 5fps, making the camera capable with moving subjects. The 3.0-inch tilting LCD at 230,000 dots allows for flexible off-axis framing, complemented by an optical pentamirror viewfinder.

Storage is handled through SD, SDHC, and Memory Stick PRO Duo slots. The body is made from a plastic/metal composite, measures 137 x 104 x 81mm, and weighs 618g. A built-in pop-up flash is integrated, and the rechargeable lithium-ion battery supports approximately 510 shots per charge.

The camera has no weather sealing and lacks Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Pros — Sony a500

  • ✓Sensor-shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS) works system-wide with compatible lenses
  • ✓ISO range extends to 12800, providing flexibility in lower light conditions
  • ✓Burst shooting at up to 5fps suits action and fast-moving subjects

Cons — Sony a500

  • ✗No weather sealing, limiting use in wet or dusty environments
  • ✗230,000-dot LCD resolution is low by modern standards
  • ✗9-point AF system is modest, with only the center point being a cross-type sensor

Reviews — Sony a500

Videos — Sony a500

Sony’s $500 budget full-frame is incredible — snappiness

Frequently Asked Questions — Sony a500

Does the Sony Alpha 500 have image stabilization?+
Yes. The Alpha 500 uses sensor-shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS), meaning stabilization is handled by the camera body itself rather than the lens. The digital IS system is not active on this body.
What memory cards does the Sony Alpha 500 accept?+
The camera accepts SD, SDHC, and Memory Stick PRO Duo cards, giving users a choice between standard SD-format media and Sony's proprietary Memory Stick format.
What is the autofocus system like on the Alpha 500?+
The Alpha 500 uses a phase detection autofocus system with 9 focus points. The center point is a cross-type sensor, which is generally more precise, while the surrounding points are single-line sensors. Eye tracking and subject tracking are not supported.
Can I connect the Sony Alpha 500 to a smartphone or computer wirelessly?+
No. The Alpha 500 does not include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. Data transfer to a computer is handled via a wired USB connection.
Is the Sony Alpha 500 weather sealed?+
No. The body design is listed as having no weather sealing, so the camera should be kept away from rain, dust, and moisture during use.
What color profiles are available for still photography on the Alpha 500?+
For still images, the camera offers Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, and Sunset color profile options, allowing some control over the look of JPEG output in-camera.

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