Latest update: Review and Sample Photos @ CNET
Sony A500 announced on August 27, 2009 is a 12.3 megapixel image stabilized DSLR that features a 3 inch tiltable LCD, 5 fps continuous shooting, live view, auto HDR, high ISO of 12,800, 9 point autofocus, and smile shutter technology.
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Review Index – (updated 19 July’10)
CNET has posted their review of the Sony A500 where they write – ‘The camera stands out from its line mates as the best overall value, but the Sony DSLR-A500′s quirky design and interface leave the otherwise nice mid-to-entry-level dSLR lagging just a little behind the rest of the pack.’
ePhotozine has posted their review of the Sony A500 where they write – ‘It may not have some of the latest video features that many cameras at this level have included, but it makes up for that with a very useful Live View feature, articulating screen, image stabiliser and excellent performance at high sensitivities. Overall it is a solid performer that is more than capable of yielding excellent results.’
TrustedReviews
“The Sony Alpha A500 is a well-designed mid-range camera ideal for anyone upgrading from an entry-level model. It is rather bulky compared to its main rivals, but it is solidly made and handles well. It has a good range of features, excellent performance and reliably good image quality. If the lack of a video mode is no handicap then it’s certainly worth looking at.”
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PhotographyBlog
“There’s no denying that the Sony A500 is a user-friendly DSLR camera that delivers excellent results for both beginners and shutterbugs alike, and is easily worthy of our Highly Recommended award.”
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SteveDigicams
“We only had a handful of minor complaints, and found that the A500 was fun to use with it’s nice ergonomics, easy to use control layout, and performance oriented features, making it a great choice in it’s market niche for virtually any type of still photography. With a current MSRP of only $749, we can easily recommend this camera to dSLR owners looking for a unique product in this already crowded dSLR segment.”
AlphaMountWorld
“While I do have my frustrations with the menu system in terms of hitches in the work flow and ease of use department at times (just as I did with the A550), I have grown used to them by now and find that overall the A500 isn’t that difficult to use. After all, no camera is going to keep me from getting a shot, but the path to that shot could certainly be easier to walk at times.”
Photocrati
“The A500 or the A550 would be a fine choice for DSLR novices thanks to the many digicam-style features, but the great versatility and advanced functions make it just as suitable for photo enthusiasts.”
User Reviews
Most Recent User Reviews for the Sony A500 at Amazon.com.
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Sample Photos
[ISO Performance Samples @ CNET]
[ISO Performance Samples @ TrustedReviews]
[Image Quality Samples @ PhotographyBlog]
[Sample Photos @ StevesDigicams]
[Sample Photos @ AlphaMountWorld]
Press Release
August 27, 2009: Two powerful, feature-packed DSLR cameras from Sony make it easier than ever to capture beautiful pictures, carefree family portraits, stunning holiday memories and action-packed scenes.
The DSLR-A500 (12.3 megapixels) and DSLR-A550 (14.2 megapixels) are packed with advanced Sony technology that combine the spontaneity and freedom of Live View shooting with generous possibilities to realise your creative vision.
At the heart of both cameras is a new Exmor™ CMOS sensor that ensures crisp low-noise images, packed with fine detail and vibrant colours. Sharing powerful on-chip noise reduction techniques with the full-frame DSLR-A900, this advanced sensor works with processing algorithms handled by the high-speed BIONZ™ engine to deliver premium images plus razor-sharp shooting responses. Dramatically reduced picture noise now allows super-sensitive shooting at up to ISO12800, allowing attractive results when shooting handheld in challenging situations like candlelit interiors.
Thanks to the powerful BIONZ image processing engine, Quick AF Live View now supports even speedier shooting responses with rapid, precise autofocus. This makes it easier than ever to capture beautifully relaxed portraits, dynamic action shots and more.
Powered by the BIONZ image processing engine, fast-moving action can now be captured effortlessly with faster continuous shooting speeds. Sustained shooting speeds of up to 4 fps can be achieved in Live View Mode, rising to 5 fps with the optical viewfinder. New Speed Priority mode on the DSLR-A550 raises the bar further still, shooting at an incredible 7 fps (with AF and AE setting maintained from the first frame ). It’s a powerful creative tool for capturing the nuances of a portrait subject’s changing expression or dynamic action sequences.
In a DSLR debut, Quick AF Live View now features Face Detection, prioritising AF on people’s faces and fine-tuning exposure/white balance settings for crisp, beautiful portraits with natural skin tones. Another DSLR first by Sony that’s already featured on many Cyber-shot™ models, Smile Shutter detects faces in Live View mode, automatically firing the shutter at just the right moment to capture happy, relaxed smiles.
A special new Manual Focus Check Live View mode assists with fine-tuning your composition. Low-noise images can be previewed directly from the CMOS sensor, allowing critical assessment of focus and fine detail, even in low light. The live image offers 100% field coverage, assisted by framing grid lines for precise composition. There’s also a selectable 7x/14x zoom function for a close-up confirmation of focus.
The A500 offers a crisp, high-contrast 3-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus screen with the same tilt range for clear, comfortable composition and reviewing shots.
The A550 features a superb (921k dot) 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD screen for critical focusing and photo-quality viewing with class-leading colour, contrast and detailing. The screen tilts up or down over a full 180 degree range, allowing uncompromised ‘free-angle’ live view shooting in any position. An ambient light sensor automatically boosts LCD brightness for extra screen clarity when surrounding light levels are high while both cameras also feature a clear, bright optical viewfinder with wide 95% field coverage for framing and focusing as an alternative to live view shooting.
Operation of both cameras is brilliantly simple, thanks to a redesigned on-screen interface that provides easy access to functions and settings during live view operation. A unique Graphic Display gives a clear, intuitive indication of how shutter speed and aperture adjustments will affect the final image.
Creative options are broadened by new Auto HDR mode that captures a huge range of shadow and highlight detail in landscapes, interiors and other scenes. Previously accessible only to enthusiasts equipped with a tripod and image processing software, HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a specialist technique that combines two frames shot at different exposure settings. The A500 and A550 use powerful algorithms to combine and optimise two successive frames in less than 10 seconds, correcting any misalignment between frames when shooting handheld. The result is a single HDR image emulating the huge natural tonal range of human vision – with no PC or tripod needed.
SteadyShot Inside Image Stabilization
The D-Range Optimiser featured in previous DSLR models has been enhanced for even better results with backlit portraits and other tricky high-contrast scenes. The powerful BIONZ engine now optimises image data in real time, processing brightness and contrast in individual areas of each exposure for balanced, natural looking results. Optimisation can also be selected manually from 5 processing levels.
A Smart Teleconvertor button instantly boosts image size by 1.4x or 2x to etend your camera’s zoom lens range further for frame-filling close-ups.
Like all DSLR cameras by Sony, both new models feature SteadyShot™ INSIDE, the powerful optical image stabiliser that cuts the effects of camera shake by up to 4 stops while shooting handheld with any lens.
After shooting, it’s easy to to connect both cameras to your BRAVIA™ television via HDMI (requires optional cable) for a stunning big-screen view of your shots. Compatible BRAVIA™ models automatically switch to PhotoTV HD mode for optimised still image playback with incredible detail, colour and clarity. BRAVIA Sync lets you control image slideshows in comfort via your TV’s remote.
Both cameras let you capture even more incredible moments without the worry of running out of power. The rechargeable battery pack of the A500 allows up to 1000 shots (CIPA test, approx. figure) – the highest capacity of any ? series digital SLR camera battery to date. The battery of the A550 delivers up to 950 shots from a single charge.
If you’re hungry for even more shooting stamina, the new VG-B50AM Vertical Control Grip holds up to two NP-FM500H batteries. This premium grip gives A500 users an incredible 2,000 shot maximum capacity (A550: 1,900 shots), with automatic switchover between batteries and accurate display of power remaining in % increments on the camera’s LCD. An additional shutter release and dual controls support comfortable, accurate shooting in either portrait or landscape positions.
Also, with Memory Stick™ at the heart of the Sony alpha, you have every advantage. The advanced Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX (4GB, 8GB, 16GB or 32GB) is the perfect tool for continuous shooting mode, with the ideal combination of massive storage capacity and blisteringly fast operation. Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 32GB will never miss the key shot because the number of pictures taken in 1 min is approx 270* photos (in RAW+JPEG/L (12M).Delivered with USB Adaptor, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 32GB is ideal for users who want to transfer data in high speed: approx. 1700* pictures in L (12M) size at RAW+JPEG mode in 26 minutes.
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